Effectiveness of Radio Health Advocacy Program in Rural Communities: A Case of Agidigbo FM’s “Ilera Wa” in Onidundu Area, Akinyele, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study examined how radio helps in health advocacy in rural communities. A popular health programme, "Ilera Wa," on Agidigbo FM, a private radio station located in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, was adopted as the case study. The research is anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation and Development Theories, while the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), a subset of the qualitative method, was utilized in gathering data from twenty randomly selected respondents. The data for this research were gathered through the analysis of the audio and tape recordings, notes and participant observation derived from answers provided in the interview guide for the discussion. Findings reveal that the respondents were ardent listeners of the programme as it serves as a "broadcast hospital" for them by addressing their various health needs while also teaching and encouraging healthy behavioral lifestyle. The study recommends more of this kind of broadcast initiative globally, especially in rural communities.