Search results

This study investigated media relations practices of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Rivers State. The objectives were: to evaluate media relations programmes of the agency in Rivers State, to assess types of media used by the agency in its media relations programmes and to ascertain the extent to which media relations practices of the agency impact on the agency's relationship with media practitioners in the state. The research design adopted was survey method. Findings showed that what constituted media relations practices of NAFDAC were luncheon programmes, sharing of gift items to reporters at year end events and visits to media houses in the state. Findings further showed that there is a disconnect in the implementation of the activities arising from lack of consistency and continuity. The study also found out that the media relations practices of the agency did not influence the relationship between the agency and the mass media in the state. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that NAFDAC should design and implement strategies that will guarantee regular interactions with the mass media in Rivers State and to explore on regular basis the use of all media platforms in the promotion of their programmes.

In 2010, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), a government agency in
Nigeria, launched a technological scheme called Mobile Authentication Service to equip drug users in Nigeria with
the knowledge of how to identify genuine drugs they have bought. This study examined public awareness and use of
the Mobile Authentication Service in identifying counterfeit drugs in Rivers State Nigeria. The study was anchored
on diffusion of innovation theory. It adopted the survey research method. A sample size of 384 was drawn from the
population. The study applied multi-stage sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques.
Questionnaire and interview served as instruments for data collection. Data generated were analyzed using
qualitative and quantitative methods. The percentage and Likert scale mean value methods were adopted using the
mean score benchmark of 2.5. Findings revealed among others that inspite of the Rivers State residents' awareness
of the Mobile Authentication Service, majority of them do not know how the scheme works and majority do not also
apply it before taking their drugs. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the agency should redouble its efforts in creating public awareness on how the Mobile Authentication. Service works using the Mass
Media. The agency should also initiate programme(s) in the media specially designed to inform and educate Rivers
State residents on the danger of not applying the MAS scheme before taking their drugs.