Influence of Religious Leaders on the adoption of Media Cholera-Related Awareness Campaigns in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the roles of religious leaders on the adoption of media cholera-related awareness campaigns in Atiba Local Government area. The study adopted a mixed method. Survey and in-depth interview methods were adopted to guide the study. Findings showed that religious leaders are very influential in the adoption of media cholera-related awareness campaigns on radio because religious leaders are more trusted and have higher credibility. Findings also showed that community engagement and mobilisation have minimised the effects of cholera through water sanitation and hygienic practices. It was, therefore, recommended that unlike the media of communication that are urban-centric and disseminate health-related messages to the people in the urban centres, religious leaders must be used for health-related information such as cholera awareness programmes and knowledge in local communities. Women, men, young boys and girls must be made to participate in the initiation anti-cholera campaigns, prevention, management and control to fight against perennial cases of cholera disease in local communities in Atiba Local Government Area and even urban centres. Keywords: Religious Leaders, Media, Awareness, Campaigns, Cholera