UNILAG and DevReporting to Show Documentary on Local Government Accountability

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and DevReporting are teaming up for a documentary about local government accountability and development journalism.

The event is set for 29 October at UNILAG in Akoka. It will feature the premiere of LG Billions in the Dark, an investigative documentary about local government management in Osun State.

This three-in-one event will also see the launch of the Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF) and a fundraising effort.

DevReporting shared details about the event during a visit to UNILAG management on Monday, according to a press release from the organization.

The documentary focuses on Osun State in South-west Nigeria. It will look at public finance management, service delivery, and civic accountability at the local government level.

DevReporting Managing Editor, Christiana Alabi-Akande, said the goal is to spark conversations beyond Osun State and promote national discussion on local governance.

“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,” Mrs Alabi-Akande said.

The project is being carried out with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) through its Local Media Sustainability Fund, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

DevReporting Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, explained that UNILAG was chosen as the venue because local governments get less attention than federal and state governments, even though they are closest to the people.

He believes involving students and academics in the discussion will boost understanding of local governance and push for transparency.

“Despite being closest to citizens, many remain unaware of local governance activities,” Mr Ademola said. “Bringing students together will allow them to understand these issues, contribute to the conversation, and advocate for transparency.”

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, a professor, praised DevReporting’s commitment to development journalism. She expressed excitement for the documentary screening and the launch of DRAF.

“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,” Mrs Ogunsola 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.”

Mrs Alabi-Akande and Mr Ademola led the DevReporting team. The vice-chancellor was joined by senior university officials, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors Muyiwa Falaiye, Afolabi Lesi, and Mathew Ilori, as well as Registrar Victoria Wickliffe, Bursar Oluwafunmilola Adekunle, and University Librarian Olatokunbo Okiki.