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Earlier this year, after a day of training producers at one of our partner radio stations in Gombe state, I was eating dinner in a nearby restaurant. In the background, a radio was playing, and, as I sat there, I realised that all the women – and some men as well – were listening intently to a novel being read aloud on air.

I knew listening to romance novels on the radio – especially those written by local authors - has been growing in popularity with women and girls in Northern Nigeria. They often go to the market to buy copies of their favourites to read again at home with family.

Gombe has one of the highest rates of maternal and neo-natal mortality in Nigeria. And I’d been working with the radio producers to help increase knowledge around maternal and child health as part of our Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project in partnership with Society for Family Health.

So I wondered – could a romance novel with a twist help save lives?

Local authors, local story

We brought together seven authors based in Gombe to collaborate on a romance novel that would captivate the audience – both on the radio and in print. The task was to craft a compelling story, but one that would encourage practices such as attending antenatal checkups, or could change perceptions about cultural practices that contribute to mother and child deaths.

Â鶹ԼÅÄ Media Action gave editorial guidance and a local mid-wife provided medical expertise, whilst the authors poured in their creativity. It was an exciting combination.

Azizah Idris, one of the writers said "It inspired a new wave of thought on how to shape my storyline without losing the romance. I never thought about educating the reader on a specific issue – such as attending antenatal care and giving birth in a health facility in the presence of a skilled birth attendant."

Another writer, Yakubu Modibbo, said "I never knew we men have a strong role to play in helping overcome some behaviours that contribute to maternal and neonatal deaths in our society."

Amina’s story

The finished novel, Ranar Bakin Ciki (A Day of Sadness) tells the story of a young woman named Amina. Amina’s life isn’t easy. Growing up, her stepmother stops her going to school and becoming a nurse. 

When Amina meets and marries Kabiru, the love of her life, the future looks brighter. But she clashes with her mother-in-law, who decides that pregnant Amina shouldn’t attend antenatal visits and insists she give birth at home instead of at a health facility. This almost costs
Amina her life, until the local village head intervenes.

Amina eventually gets the medical attention she needs and gives birth to a healthy baby boy named Muhammadu. And her relationship with her mother-in-law improves.

Amina’s story mirrors reality for many women in Northeast Nigeria, except that some aren’t always as lucky in the end.

Out loud

We sent the book to radio stations in Gombe and across states in Northern Nigeria for presenters to read on air. And we’ve recieved feedback from radio stations in 5 states so far.

A listener Shugaba Zala Mailemu, told Musa Jafaru, the presenter at Yobe Radio in Damaturu, "Ranar Bakin Ciki captures the problem our women face. I can’t stop thinking about it." Another listener, Fatima Mohammed said "the book educates us".

At Fombina FM in Yola, Adamawa state, presenter Jamila Adamu gave copies of the novel to listeners who called in and shared how the story touched their lives. People phoning in said they’d learned about the importance of attending antenatal checkups and that mothers-in-laws should treat their daughter-in-laws better.

At Taraba Radio in Jalingo, Taraba state, and other stations too, listeners are calling in asking where they can get their own copies for re-reading at home.

I’m happy that the novel continues to be so well received. It’s an exciting new chapter for us.

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Akile Gojo is a Producer Trainer for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Media Action.

Â鶹ԼÅÄ Media Action is the Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s international development charity, and is not funded by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ licence fee. Instead it depends on the generous support of donors. You can find out more about supporting our work .