"For Youth, By Youth"

Voices of Urban Nigerian Youth

'Ready or not', a colourful and soulful radio drama series, was conceived out of a grant given by the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations for a campaign on development. CFC chose to focus on those who are at the forefront of much of the conflict in Nigeria today and who will be responsible for development tomorrow - the youth. In order to produce messages in "youth speak" and deal credibly with youth issues in the right scenarios, CFC embarked on a radical form of research led by Dr. Gretchen Barbatsis, a visiting Professor from the Department of Telecommunications, Michigan State University, USA. This research included a youth forum consisting of a series of exercises and focus group discussions. Research findings were compiled and assessed by an accredited research agency before they were used by the writers of the series.

The research brought to light several developmental issues youth were most concerned about such as the state of the education system, institutionalised corruption, crime and adolescent vice. It also made apparent some of their likes and dislikes; we discovered that young people prefer drama to other forms of entertainment. Another interesting finding came out in the research - their love for music, which CFC used as one of the most important production values in invigorating the series.

At a retreat in November 1999, the writers of the series sketched out the drama's scenarios and created a group of credible youth characters. The first 26 episodes produced were issue-led, and covered such topics as education under-funding/ malpractice, drug abuse, inter-tribal conflict, unemployment, and the environment. As the audience gets more familiar with the who's who in the next 26 episodes of Ready or Not, their personal trials and tribulations will become more pivotal in expressing the message, and the series will become more character led.

Jide Ogungbade, a veteran director of drama, was excited to work with young writers and actors and moulded their work into the vision CFC had for the radio production. It took weeks of sweat, toil and some all-night studio sessions, but we achieved our goal. 'Ready or Not' went on air 1st April 2000.

Building on the impressive reception of Ready or Not, CFC launched the Hausa version of the program in Abuja, Nigeria on August 16th 2000. The Hausa series, Ka Shiriya Ko A'a like its English version, creatively showcases Nigerian youth (14 - 29 year olds) and their unique perception of the nation's development needs. Ka Shiriya Ko A'A started airing on 9 radio stations in the north on September 1, 2000. Hausa speaking countries like Mali, Chad and Niger will receive the series via PANOS, a radio network based in Mali.

In addition to Ready or Not, the series' theme song and music video received two thumbs up for its creativity and high production quality from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and broadcasters across the nation. World Space's African Learning Channel is also airing the series via Africa's first digital radio technology. The series was featured at the African-American Arts Festival known as MOJA, in South Carolina, September 2000. Presently, Ready or Not and Ka Shiriya Ko A'A are being aired during prime time on 37 radio stations across the country.

We hope you tune in and enjoy the program.