UNILAG, DevReporting to screen documentary on local government accountability

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and DevReporting are partnering on a documentary focused on local government accountability and development journalism.

The event, scheduled for 29 October at UNILAG, Akoka, will feature the premiere of LG Billions in the Dark, an investigative documentary on local government administration in Osun State.

The three-in-one event will also include the launch of the Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF) and a fundraising drive.

DevReporting announced the event during a courtesy visit to UNILAG management on Monday, according to a press release issued by the organisation.

The documentary uses Osun State in South-west Nigeria as a case study to examine public finance management, service delivery, and civic accountability at the local government level.

Local governance

DevReporting Managing Editor, Christiana Alabi-Akande, said the documentary seeks to move the conversation beyond Osun State and encourage national discussion about 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 implemented in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) through its Local Media Sustainability Fund, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Academic community

DevReporting Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, said UNILAG was chosen as the venue because local governments receive less public scrutiny than the federal and state governments, despite being the tier of government closest to citizens.

He said bringing students and members of the academic community into the discussion would help improve understanding of local governance and encourage advocacy 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.”

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UNILAG backs initiative

In her remarks, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, a professor, commended DevReporting’s focus on development journalism, adding that the university looks forward to the documentary screening and 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 delegation. 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.