The program bridging homes and communities in Nigeria’s Adamawa State

Yola, Nigeria–One Thursday in 2023, Aishatu Babayo, a 34-year-old woman living in central Yola, sat quietly in her modest kitchen picking rice grains, her thoughts heavy with the argument she had with her husband earlier that morning. He had left for work in frustration, leaving her to wonder how their once-peaceful home had become a battleground for trivial misunderstandings. The constant tensions with her in-laws only added to her emotional strain, leaving her feeling helpless and drained.

By the window, a wooden stool held a small transistor radio—the source of Aishatu’s newfound inspiration. The familiar sound from the radio brought her back to reality. It was time for “Ngam Row’be,” a women-focused radio program in Fulfulde on Fumbina 101.5 FM that she had recently discovered. The host’s soothing voice filled the room, offering advice on managing family conflicts and fostering healthy relationships.

“The first time I listened to the program was in August 2022, and it was easy to connect with because it was in my dialect, so I never stopped listening,” Aishatu recalls.

Inspired by the tips on handling family conflicts she heard, Aishatu decided to give them a try. She began jotting down advice and reflecting on the guidance shared. “I started applying the advice in my daily life by choosing my words carefully, listening with patience, and finding ways to show empathy even in difficult situations,” she shares.

A study has shown that Nigerian couples often face challenges related to a lack of effective communication, leading to numerous issues within their marriages. Aishatu also began mending her relationship with her in-laws, and her newfound calmness inspired her neighbours.

“The program didn’t just save my home; it taught me how to build better relationships with those around me,” she says. “For the first time in months, my husband and I had a genuine conversation without it ending in an argument.”

Aishatu’s experience reflects the findings of a study showing that radio programs can influence change and increase awareness. “I realised that small changes in my behaviour could make a big difference in our relationship,” she concludes.

“For Women—Ngam Row’be”

In 2022, Sakina Ahmed launched “Ngam Row’be,” a radio program targeted at Fulani women and girls across Adamawa State. “Ngam Row’be, which means ‘For Women,’ is designed to educate and inform women, with a unique focus on women’s perspectives from women experts,” explains Ahmed.

Sakina was inspired by similar programs colleagues were running in other languages (English and Hausa), and her proposal was approved to use 15 minutes every Tuesday at 3.15 p.m.

“I saw the need to use the Fulfulde language to educate a wider audience, especially those at the grassroots. I begin with issues aligned with the female gender,” she recalls.

Initially, the recorded program focused on topics like children’s upbringing, managing family conflicts, beauty, body hygiene and recipes.

“After undergoing training, I realised the importance of teaching women that with determination, they can achieve anything,” she explains. “This led me to introduce discussions on topics such as women in politics, empowerment, early marriages, gender-based violence, how women can contribute to environmental conservation while earning an income, and mental health issues. This marked a turning point for the program,” she adds.

The program, later extended to 30 minutes, has become more than a source of guidance—it is a lifeline for creating peace and rebuilding the bonds that matter most.

Hauwa Isa, a devoted listener, shares how the program has transformed her approach to parenting. “This program has taught me so much about training and nurturing my children. It has truly been a guide for me,” she says.

For Dada Dahara, the program has been instrumental in improving her personal hygiene and self-care. “It has taught me how to take better care of myself and enhance my beauty. I feel more confident and healthy,” she says.

Dahara adds that the program opened up an opportunity for her in waste recycling. “I reached out to a waste management expert who was featured on the program, and now I’m earning a little money from it,” she explains.

Since Sakina primarily works as a reporter rather than in programming, she decided to step back and take on the role of producer due to her workload. In 2024, she entrusted Amina Muhammed Shalleng, who had been understudying the program, to take over as the anchor.

“We refer survivors of abuse and violence to a one-stop centre that the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency established for women and girls in distress,” Shalleng explains. “At that centre, once a case is reported, they provide all the support needed for the survivors.”

Fombina FM Yola, a subsidiary of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, reaches over two million listeners across Adamawa, parts of Gombe, Taraba, Borno, Bauchi, and even the Republic of Cameroon. To expand the program’s reach further, Sakina extended its content to a podcast, building a broader audience beyond the radio waves.

“I’m considering transitioning the program into a combination of Fulfulde and Hausa because some of my sources struggle to fully express their views in Fulfulde. It will make the program more flexible and accessible to a wider audience,” she says.