The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has partnered with DevReporting, a media platform dedicated to data-driven reporting across Africa, for an upcoming 3-in-1 event. The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, aims to spotlight local governance accountability and drive development journalism. During a courtesy visit to the UNILAG management, DevReporting's management explained that the event will feature the premiere of an investigative documentary, the formal launch of the Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF), and a strategic fundraising drive.
The investigative documentary, titled 'LG Billions in the Dark', focuses on local government administration in Osun State, South-West Nigeria. It uses Osun State as a case study to highlight nationwide challenges in public finance management, service delivery, and civic accountability. According to DevReporting's Managing Editor, Christiana Alabi-Akande, the project aims to stimulate a broader national conversation about the state of local governance and the need for citizens and institutions to demand accountability.
The project is executed 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. UNILAG was chosen as the flagship venue for the event because local government receives significantly less public scrutiny than state or federal tiers. Student involvement is critical in bringing attention to these issues and promoting transparency.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola commended DevReporting's focus on constructive, development-driven reporting that addresses challenges while recognising progress. She emphasised the need for a positive narrative about Nigeria's development and welcomed the partnership with DevReporting. The vice-chancellor was joined by top members of UNILAG management, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors and other senior officials.
The event aims to engage students and academic communities in discussions about local governance and development journalism. DevReporting's Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, noted that empirical evidence suggests that local governments do not receive as much attention as federal and state governments. He emphasised the importance of bringing students together to understand these issues, contribute to the conversation, and advocate for transparency.
The Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF) is expected to play a significant role in promoting development journalism across Africa. The foundation's launch is part of DevReporting's efforts to enhance gown and town collaborations and promote accountability in local governance. The event is expected to attract high-level participation from the university and the media.
The partnership between UNILAG and DevReporting reflects a growing recognition of the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and media organisations in promoting development and accountability. The event is expected to contribute to a broader national conversation about the state of local governance and the need for citizens and institutions to demand accountability.
Key points
- - The event features a documentary screening, foundation launch, and fundraising drive to promote local governance accountability and development journalism. - The documentary focuses on local government administration in Osun State, highlighting nationwide challenges in public finance management, service delivery, and civic accountability. - The partnership aims to enhance gown and town collaborations and promote accountability in local governance.
