NJOMACS

The study assessed NCDC communication strategies in creating awareness on covid-19 pandemic among residents of Benue State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was anchored on the agenda setting theory, theory of protective motivation theory (PMT), constituency theory and perception media theory respectively. The population of the study was 4,253,641people from three senatorial zones of Benue State. Four (4) research questions were generated. Stratified sampling was used to select eight hundred and seventy nine (879) respondents. Questionnaire was adopted for data collection. The data generated from the study were analyzed using frequency or descriptive statistics tables. It was found that: among the communication strategies of NCDC are radio, television, SMS/IVR, social media and NCDC call centres were used to create awareness about COVD-19 pandemic.; radio, television, SMS, social media/internet, call center and Presidential Task Force (PTF) were used for effective communication strategies by NCDC in combating COVID-19 pandemic. It was also found that the most effective and preferred channel of communication for creating awareness was radio/television, SMS/IVR messages, social media, NCDC call centres and daily briefing by Presidential Task Force (PTF). Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that there is a need to ensure that public communications go beyond generating awareness to engaging the public on topical issues.