Traditional Communication systems among the Tiv People of Benue State of Nigeria: Successes, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The paper gives an overview of the traditional systems of communication and different modes of information dissemination among the Tiv people of Benue State of Nigeria. Anchored on the Source-Message-Channel- Receiver (S-M-C-R) model, the paper underscores the usefulness of the systems as means of communication. This is predicated on the fact that the Tiv traditional society can better be informed if its traditions and customs are exploited properly and scientifically. The paper asserts that Tiv traditional systems of communication and mechanisms of information dissemination is still relevant and often play a vital role in mobilizing the people especially at the grass root level for social, economic and political empowerment. Contending that the traditional communicators, institutions and symbols are the only source of information in rural areas the paper also tries to impress that these can berevitalized and upgraded for enhanced information flow.