Media Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign Initiative
Nigeria, our country is richly endowed with natural resources and it is the most populous black nation. Despite its huge natural and human resources the country has been rated as one of the poorest countries in the world with the lowest standard of living. The reasons are not far-fetched.
Nigeria is caught in the vicious cycle of depreciating moral standard, entrenched corruption, warped values,etc.The government official orientation drives have been viewed with sceptism and cynism. The government appears helpless in effecting any meaningful social transformation yet so many people generally blame the government since they believe that any meaningful change can only emanate from the President (often spelt as Government).
The main focus of the Media Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign Initiative is to utilize cartoon as a veritable tool for social mobilization. Sociologists know that the man and his family form the basic unit of any society and equate the family to the foundation of a building. We believe the government is just the roof! Issues must be addressed from the roots. It is our contention that any reorientation drive or mobilization that proceeds from the top will only be superficial.
At the thematic core of our Campaign are issues affecting the realization of our national goals. An abridged outline of these issues covers the X-ray of the impact of greed and self-centeredness; evils of the love of money, get-rich-quick syndrome; breakdown of family values as the harbinger of lying, deception, stealing, crimes and vices; expounding the fear of God as a factor in fighting crime; decrying the adulteration of goods/unethical business practices, reformation, etc.
Our intervention strategy is to effect behavioural change by the education of the man and his family who form the basic component, the bedrock and foundation of any society towards making an informed choice. The family is our target group while the ultimate beneficiary is the society.
About You
Location
Project Street Address
Project City
Project Province/State
Project Postal/Zip Code
Project Country
Your idea
Focus of activity
Education
Year the initative began (yyyy)
1997
Positioning of your initiative on the mosaic diagram,
Which of these barriers is the primary focus of your work?
Cynicism & Apathy
Which of the principles is the primary focus of your work?
Build Citizenship
If you believe some other barrier or principle should be included in the mosaic, please describe it and how it would affect the positioning of your initiative in the mosaic:
None
Name Your Project
Media Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign Initiative
Describe Your Idea
Nigeria, our country is richly endowed with natural resources and it is the most populous black nation. Despite its huge natural and human resources the country has been rated as one of the poorest countries in the world with the lowest standard of living. The reasons are not far-fetched.
Nigeria is caught in the vicious cycle of depreciating moral standard, entrenched corruption, warped values,etc.The government official orientation drives have been viewed with sceptism and cynism. The government appears helpless in effecting any meaningful social transformation yet so many people generally blame the government since they believe that any meaningful change can only emanate from the President (often spelt as Government).
The main focus of the Media Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign Initiative is to utilize cartoon as a veritable tool for social mobilization. Sociologists know that the man and his family form the basic unit of any society and equate the family to the foundation of a building. We believe the government is just the roof! Issues must be addressed from the roots. It is our contention that any reorientation drive or mobilization that proceeds from the top will only be superficial.
At the thematic core of our Campaign are issues affecting the realization of our national goals. An abridged outline of these issues covers the X-ray of the impact of greed and self-centeredness; evils of the love of money, get-rich-quick syndrome; breakdown of family values as the harbinger of lying, deception, stealing, crimes and vices; expounding the fear of God as a factor in fighting crime; decrying the adulteration of goods/unethical business practices, reformation, etc.
Our intervention strategy is to effect behavioural change by the education of the man and his family who form the basic component, the bedrock and foundation of any society towards making an informed choice. The family is our target group while the ultimate beneficiary is the society.
Innovation
Description of initiative
Nigeria, our country is richly endowed with natural resources and it is the most populous black nation. Despite its huge natural and human resources the country has been rated as one of the poorest countries in the world with the lowest standard of living. The reasons are not far-fetched.
Nigeria is caught in the vicious cycle of depreciating moral standard, entrenched corruption, warped values,etc.The government official orientation drives have been viewed with sceptism and cynism. The government appears helpless in effecting any meaningful social transformation yet so many people generally blame the government since they believe that any meaningful change can only emanate from the President (often spelt as Government).
The main focus of the Media Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign Initiative is to utilize cartoon as a veritable tool for social mobilization. Sociologists know that the man and his family form the basic unit of any society and equate the family to the foundation of a building. We believe the government is just the roof! Issues must be addressed from the roots. It is our contention that any reorientation drive or mobilization that proceeds from the top will only be superficial.
At the thematic core of our Campaign are issues affecting the realization of our national goals. An abridged outline of these issues covers the X-ray of the impact of greed and self-centeredness; evils of the love of money, get-rich-quick syndrome; breakdown of family values as the harbinger of lying, deception, stealing, crimes and vices; expounding the fear of God as a factor in fighting crime; decrying the adulteration of goods/unethical business practices, reformation, etc.
Our intervention strategy is to effect behavioural change by the education of the man and his family who form the basic component, the bedrock and foundation of any society towards making an informed choice. The family is our target group while the ultimate beneficiary is the society.
Innovation
Our project primarily utilizes cartoon beyond its entertainment value as a veritable tool of communication. Why cartoons? Most people love cartoon and they form a bulk of our newspaper readers who are the main opinion moulders.Our cartoons are original and designed as Word-picture with subtle humour, rhyme and other literary devices to drive home salient points.These are delivered with philosophical panache, satirical finesse, ironical or allegorical touch.
SAMPLE of our published work :We are a very religious breed...our religion makes one's heart to bleed...the main creed is greed ! SAMPLE: We have so much corruption and embezzlement.If we are swimming in misery in the midst of plenty, it is a pity. Many more will drown for simply refusing to frown! SAMPLE 2: No matter what we 're going through,it's said that the only permanent thing is change. We can turn our situation around...by turning ourselves around! SAMPLE 3:It is good to aim high.Look beyond the sky..but many people who aim high without hardwork will succeed...in seeing the ceiling of a prison!
Cartoon informs, moderates,educates and entertains. It could be read in seconds.e.g. Hard drugs like cocaine,marijuana,etc are dangerous...Say no to drugs,use rugs! Our cartoons are intrinsically a marriage of information and entertainment.SAMPLE on the issue of bribery:we need to watch our mouth...what we eat comes in different shapes and sizes...sometimes,what we eat can block our vision!
A cartoon helps to re-invent a drab subject matter, reinvigorates it and keep it in the public domain.SAMPLE:Many people point accusing fingers at others for all their problems...but it's no use turning back the hands of the clock in this modern era...the digital age has no room for pointing hands! SAMPLE on political naivety:People say politics is a dirty game...When sane people refuse to participate in politics..then they will be ruled by lunatics!
Our cartoons simply deplores creativity to the hilt.(Samples Attached)
Delivery Model
Our cartoons are published under the name of BARK & BITE in one of Nigerian newspaper with the widest circulation (THE PUNCH) on a daily basis from Monday to Friday.
The objectives and goals of our project are being attained judging from the feedbacks we have been receiving. A baseline study of the number, age group, gender, etc who read our cartoons can be ascertain or establish from questionnaires. Our cartoons are published under the name of BARK & BITE in one of Nigerian newspaper with the widest circulation (THE PUNCH) on a daily basis from Monday to Friday. (samples of already published cartoons are attached below)
The objectives and goals of our project are being attained judging from the feedbacks we have been receiving. A baseline study of the number, age group, gender, etc who read our cartoons can be ascertained or established from questionnaires with open ended questions.
Key Operational Partnerships
The Cartoon Media Outreach has been able to liaise with a number of organizations for purposes of synergy. The key organization is the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).This is a federal government organization whose sole mandate is to eliminate corruption. Cartoons of our members are routinely used in their bulletins and campaigns.
The Punch newspapers have been magnanimous to our organization even at the expense of their advertisement space since 1997. The International Press Centre has been a worthy partner. They provide facilities for some of our Cartoon Exhibitions for a token. Schools and youth organizations have contacted us for speaking engagements.
We have worked as stakeholders with The Lagos State government to enhance our emergent democratic culture. The Governor, Mr. Ahmed Tinubu sponsored one of the best exhibition we held in 2001. We are also working with other cartoonists to build a 'critical mass' in the area of nation-building.
Impact
Financial Model
Our campaigns have been on newspapers which are quite accessible to people in the cities and hinterlands. We have developed slogans and catchphrases with generational impact which are in current usage among the youths at no cost. Compilation and publication of our materials at a subsidized rate is envisaged.
What percentage, if any, of the total operating costs does earned income (from products, services, or other fees) represent?
15%
How is the initiative financed? Is it financially self-sustainable or profitable? How much do beneficiaries contribute?
The Cartoon Media Outreach is self- financed. Three of the cartoonists are employed. We have received some awards and token sums from philantropic organisations and Lagos state government. Our commitment to a better society has been a major driving force. Our project is a non-profit venture but it is self-sustainable. We are determined to leave the society better than we met it.
Effectiveness
The most memorable impact we recorded was when we drew attention with our cartoons to the criminal exploitation of casual workers in a local factory. Over the years, several workers hands were serially being amputated by the company's outmoded machines. Shortly after hospitalization they would be retrenched without any benefit or insurance because they are casual workers. Our cartoons served as a voice to the voiceless. The Nigeria Labour Congress which had preoccupied itself solely with the affairs of civil servants swung into action, picketed the company for days and forced a reversal of its employment policies. So many companies picked a cue and discarded their exploitative and dehumanizing casualisation policies.
Change is a gradual process. Corruption is endemic in this clime and we are not under any illusion that an effective social transformation will be achieved overnight but the most fulfilling aspect of our project is the contribution of our own quota in our developmental process. We have succeeded in making many people to be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem. Our feedback mechanism which incorporates our address on the cartoons has been of immense benefit. The responses have been positively overwhelming. We have received words of encouragement and awards from notable individuals and organizations like the Rotary Club. In so many instances, it is difficult for us to solely take credit on a collective assault launched simultaneously with other organizations. Only a comprehensive survey which is presently beyond our scope can effectively be used to ascertain the total number of people that have benefited directly from our project or the multiplier effect.
Which element of the program proved itself most effective?
The effectiveness of our campaign could be attributed to the understanding of the average reader's psyche. Brevity is one element of our cartoons. Psychologically, the average reader is lazy or in a hurry (or both!) They only read headlines and cartoons in newspapers. Messages and humour embedded in few words is one of the hallmarks of our cartoons.
The language and style have been taken into consideration hence the use of simple vocabularies that appeal to our target groups.
Creativity is deplored to engender interesting a given subject matter by reinventing a drab situation and keeping it in the public domain. It facilitates suspense, breaks monotony and delivers witty punch line without sacrificing the message.
Number of clients in the last year?
Sixteen. This comprises organizations that requested for the utilization of our cartoons in their in-house journals and organizations that demanded a working relationship with the students clubs. Also we have assisted so many university students doing their final year Research/dissertation in Mass Communication and sociological studies.
What is the potential demand?
The demand is relatively high. So many readers/students have requested for a comprehensive compilation of our BARK & BITE cartoons published over the years.
Scaling up Strategy
Our target is to disseminate our information in all the 36 states of Nigeria and increase our reach in every possible way. Translation of our work into French and some local languages. Engage the services of more professionals to do research and personnel to enhance the quality of our output. Enhanced organisational structure for career growth and sustainability.
Increase the volume and circulation of our publications and brochures. Procure new computers and accessories for greater efficiency.
Stage of the initiative
1
Expansion plan
Compilation of our awareness campaign materials in books and pamphlets for greater and more effective reach. Documentation of our timeless materials. Replicating our campaigns in some regional newspapers to bridge our ethnic/religious divide.
Launching and Hosting of our own exclusive website to showcase our cartoons.
Compilation of our campaign materials on CD ROM for easy download.
Capacity-building to enhance our effectiveness. Hiring of administrative staff,etc.
Organizing seminars/workshops for other cartoonist to enable them to employ cartoon beyond its peculiar entertainment value thereby establishing a 'critical mass'. Cartoon Competition on corruption for students.
Origin of the Initiative
The Enlightenment and Empowerment Initiative started in 1997.It was the brainchild of Egbune Cheche. It was inspired by a TV documentary by UNESCO with the payoff line, “it is better for one to light a little candle than for one to curse the darkness".
Our nation, Nigeria is mired in a cesspool of moral decadence occasioned by inimical official policies, breakdown of family values, selfishness, greed, hopelessness.etc. Almost everybody is complaining but that's no solution.
Our primary goal is to contribute our own quota by creating awareness and eliciting attitudinal transformation towards eradicating our prevalent decadent system.
It is our desire to improve our wellbeing through education, information and entertainment by making the people to be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem. Any single soul affected positively is worth the effort.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
Main Obstacles to Scaling Up
The major obstacle is financial constraints. Almost every other problem emanates from it
Main Financial Challenges
The main challenge is our limited financial resources. Scaling up our project would involve a total of about $25,000 per annum.This comprises of administrative cost, accommodation, transport, printing,
hiring of venues, advertisement, contingency, etc.
We are interested in social investor because we share a mutual bond.
Main Partnership Challenges
There is no major challenge with our partnership except that associated with normal human relationship where one has to increase one tolerance threshold to accommodate others' individual differences.
How did you hear about this contest and what is your main incentive to participate?
We got to know about the contest through a communiqué from the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) last week. Our main incentive is to avail ourselves of the benefit of a life-line towards alleviating the situation around us.
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| 1 BARK 010905.jpg | 252.67 KB |
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| 2 BARK 020806.jpg | 97.48 KB |
| 14 BARK 190407.jpg | 253.91 KB |
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| 189 bark & bite copy.jpg | 77.18 KB |
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| 6 BARK 110305.jpg | 103.19 KB |
| 7 BARK 090905.jpg | 126.48 KB |
 | 1 BARK 010905.jpg | 253 KB |
 | 1 BARK 021006.jpg | 255 KB |
 | 2 BARK 020806.jpg | 97 KB |
 | 14 BARK 190407.jpg | 254 KB |
 | 185BAR~1.JPG | 118 KB |
 | 189 bark & bite copy.jpg | 77 KB |
 | 204BAR~1.JPG | 105 KB |
 | 6 BARK 110305.jpg | 103 KB |
 | 7 BARK 090905.jpg | 126 KB |
