27 February, 2007 - Published 17:23 GMT

Wetin Dey: new Nigerian drama launch

The BBC World Service Trust has launched a ground-breaking television drama about the social realities facing people in Nigeria today.

Photo gallery: a taste of 'Wetin Dey'

'Wetin Dey' ('What's up?'), which launches in Nigeria in April 2007, is designed to raise HIV and AIDS awareness across all of Nigeria, reaching its diverse population.

Many of the international television/film makers and advertising directors working on 'Wetin Dey' ('What's Up?') are members of the African Diaspora.

They have a strong commitment to the issues, and to developing creative industries in Nigeria. The majority of the drama is being shot on location, close to the capital city, Abuja.

The Trust in Nigeria

The Trust has a large presence in Nigeria, which is home to two of its largest projects: 'Voices' and the HIV and AIDS Awareness project.

The 'Voices' project, established in 2003, aims to stimulate debate about rights and responsibilities and increase civic participation in governance and resource allocation.

'Voices' consists of a popular radio drama, 'Story Story'; a discussion programme, 'Talk Talk', and a comprehensive training initiative for local Nigerian broadcasters.

Award-winning programme

'Talk Talk' recently won the 'Best Producer Radio' category in the pan-African awards, organised by the Union of National Radio and Television Organisations of Africa (URTNA).

The programme was also nominated in the Best Radio Programme category. 'Gatanan Gatanan Ku', the Hausa-language version of 'Story Story', was also nominated for 'Best Producer Radio'.

Fighting HIV and AIDS

The HIV and AIDS project was launched in early 2005, and seeks to improve sexual and reproductive health by incorporating educational messages into a range of entertaining media formats, including radio spots, talk shows, TV spots and a TV drama.

Both projects are funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and are carried out in partnership with Nigerian broadcasters, NGOs and government partners.