Information and Communication Technologies Utilization in Management of Indigenous Communication among the Youth of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria:- Agbo Amaoge D

Abstract This study assessed information and communication technologies utilization in the management of indigenous communication among the youth of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four specific objectives which sought to find out the information and communication technologies utilized in the management indigenous communication, determine the extent of utilization of information and communication technologies in the management of indigenous communication, ascertain factors that hinder effective utilization of information and communication technologies in the management of indigenous communication and discover measures for enhancing effective utilization of information and communication technology in the management of indigenous communication. It adopted a descriptive survey design with a population of 17,981 youths from the three autonomous communities in Mbaitoli LGA. Sample of 150 youths were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data for the study was generated using interview and a self-structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency counts and mean scores in accordance with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The finding revealed that the information and communication technologies utilized for managing indigenous communication include; computer, social media platforms, radio, television, mobile phones among others. It also revealed the extent of utilization of information and communication technologies in the management of indigenous communication with mobile phones as extensively utilized, followed by films and videos, social media platforms, radio, computer, television, and internet. The study equally revealed that the factors hindering effective utilization of information and communication technologies in the management of indigenous communication include: shortage of teachers with IT skills; epileptic power supply; socio-economic disparity/financial implications; inadequate information technology tools like computers and associated facilities among others. Furthermore, the study identified measures for effective utilization of information and communication technologies in the management of indigenous communication to include: provision of electricity to aid the use of ICT in indigenous communication; promotion of community involvement and support for the use of ICT in indigenous communication; provision of information technology training programmes among others. Recommendations weremade based on the findings of the study.