A Study of Communication Channels in Ogba Tribe of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study sought to investigate the communication channels in Ogba tribe of Rivers state, Nigeria. Field-work research method through sociological and anthropological approach was adopted for this study. The main aim of this study is to explore the socio-cultural understanding of communication and development processes in Ogba tribe. 46 respondents were selected for interview through simple probability sampling technique. The sample size was determined using Snowball sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the study. This study is anchored on Symbolic Interaction theory of Sociology and Mass media. Interview-schedule format research tool was used in securing information from the respondents. The findings show that Ogba people in Rivers state are symbolic social beings. They decode meanings from each and everything around them and which is only understood by them alone. And which in turn affects their behaviours. Secondly, the study review that their social structure and social system is dominated by their kinship and kindred family relationships. The study review that message from their town-crier are more reliable than those of the mass media. And that their purpose of listening to this media is for festival proclamation, sanitations, cleansing of the land, clearing of their farm footpaths and news within and outside them. Finally, the founding kinship family and rigid belief system, juju-invocation spirits on one another to die over little or no differences are the major factors hindering the flow of information and ideas in this tribe. The paper among others have recommended for equal balance in their media exposure for innovative ideas among them. Secondly, the establishment of Ogba tribal cultural base mass media station for their modernization.