Environmental Disaster of the Niger-Delta: Rapprochement through Drama and the Media

Abstract

This paper examines the socio-political problems emanating from the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. The paper identifies the genesis of the problems, which are connected to oil prospecting and the attendant environmental degradation in the region. Various violent protests have been staged in the process of seeking for justice, and this study examines ways in which the theatre and the mass media can be used in diffusing violent tensions in the region. The theatre and mass media are being recommended as instruments of information and education to sensitize the populace to alternate modes of protest and lobbying of politicians to obtain redress for years of political and socio-economic injustice towards the Niger-Delta.

Humanities Review Journal Vol. 6 2006: pp. 15-31