DevReporting, a media platform focused on data-driven development reporting across Africa, has commenced activities ahead of its 3-in-1 event scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.
The event will feature the premiere of LG Billions in the Dark, an investigative documentary examining local government administration in Osun State, the formal launch of the Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF), and a strategic fundraising drive.
As part of preparations for the event, the management of DevReporting on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the management of UNILAG to formally introduce the initiative and strengthen collaboration ahead of the programme.
The delegation, led by DevReporting’s Managing Editor, Christiana Alabi-Akande, and Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, said the event was designed to deepen conversations around local governance, accountability and development journalism while connecting academic communities with civic issues.
“We are deeply grateful for the university’s support and partnership, aimed at enhancing gown and town collaborations,” Alabi-Akande said during the visit.
DevReporting targets local government accountability
At the centre of the event is LG Billions in the Dark, a documentary produced by DevReporting to examine the administration of local governments in Osun State and use the experience as a case study for broader challenges in public finance management, service delivery and civic accountability across Nigeria.
Alabi-Akande said the documentary was not intended to focus solely on Osun State but to stimulate a wider national conversation about the state of local governance and the responsibility of citizens and institutions to demand accountability.
“Our intention is not only to tell the story of Osun State, but also to stimulate a broader national conversation about the state of local governance and the need for citizens and institutions to demand accountability,” she said.
The documentary is being produced in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) through its Local Media Sustainability Fund (LMSF), with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Why DevReporting is engaging students
Explaining the decision to hold the event at UNILAG, Ademola said DevReporting was deliberately engaging students and the academic community because local governments often receive less public scrutiny than the federal and state governments.
He said the initiative would expose students to issues surrounding local governance and encourage them to participate in conversations about transparency and accountability.
“Empirical evidence suggests that local governments do not receive as much attention as federal and state governments,” Ademola said.
“Despite being closest to citizens, many remain unaware of local governance activities. Bringing students together will allow them to understand these issues, contribute to the conversation, and advocate for transparency.”
UNILAG backs DevReporting’s development journalism
Welcoming the DevReporting team, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, commended the organisation’s focus on constructive and development-driven journalism.
Ogunsola said journalism should confront the country’s challenges while also recognising efforts towards development and presenting a balanced narrative.
“As a country, we need to change the narrative and talk about a nation striving to survive and develop, keeping the perspective positive while confronting our challenges,” she said.
“This is the type of journalism we need as an institution to work with, and we look forward to DRAF and the documentary screening.”
The vice-chancellor was joined by members of the university’s management team, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye (Management Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi (Development Services), and Prof. Mathew Ilori (Academics and Research).
Also present were the Registrar, Victoria Wickliffe; Bursar, Oluwafunmilola Adekunle; University Librarian, Prof. Olatokunbo Okiki; Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Olufemi Saibu; Director of Works, Olaniyi Ayeye; and Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Olufunlayo Bammeke.
The October 29 programme is expected to bring together students, academics, journalists, development practitioners and other stakeholders to examine local governance, public accountability and the role of development journalism in Nigeria.