Osun Journalists Invited to Apply for Training and Grants Before Governorship Election

DevReporting, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), is inviting journalists in Osun State to apply for a training and story grant programme. This initiative is set to run ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The programme is backed by CJID’s Local Media Sustainability Fund (LMSF) with funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. It aims to improve accountability reporting on governance, transparency, public finance, and service delivery.

Organisers say this programme comes during a long leadership crisis that has affected governance in Osun’s 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Council.

The project aims to equip journalists with skills and resources to investigate how the ongoing leadership crisis, financial independence, and governance issues impact public service and the lives of residents as political campaigns heat up before the election.

Participants selected for the programme will join a workshop focused on investigative and accountability reporting. They will also get mentorship from experienced editors. Additionally, they can apply for reporting grants to support their fieldwork and create stories based on evidence and human experiences.

DevReporting’s Programme Manager and Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, spoke about the initiative. He said the time leading to the governorship election is a chance for journalists to guide public discussions beyond just political campaigns.

“For over a year, many communities in Osun State have faced confusion over who really governs their local councils. Questions about public spending, service delivery, and accountability have largely gone unanswered.

As the state gears up for another governorship election, journalists must help citizens understand how governance has worked or failed at the grassroots level,” he stated.

Mr Ademola also mentioned that credible, evidence-based reporting can spark informed public discussions, boost accountability, and promote reforms even after the election.

Applications are open to journalists based in Osun State who have relevant experience or a strong interest in investigative, governance, public finance, or accountability reporting.

Interested journalists should fill the application form before the deadline on 12 July. The organisers state that commissioned stories should be published within eight weeks after approval, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.