DevReporting, a cinematic media platform focused on data-driven reporting on development issues across Nigeria and Africa, has continued engagements with relevant stakeholders and leading media organisations, including Premium Times and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), ahead of the screening of its documentary titled: “LG Billions in the Dark”.

The 3-in-1 event, which is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 29 October at the Faculty of Arts Theatre, University of Lagos, will also feature the unveiling of the organisation’s non-profit arm, Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF), and fundraising for its activities.

In Lagos, the DevReporting team on Monday met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CJID, who doubles as the Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, not only to appreciate the support and partnership for the project, but to also intimate him of the ongoing plans for the public screening of the documentary, among other activities.

Also in Abuja, a courtesy call on the Premium Times Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed; the newspaper’s Managing Editor and Deputy Managing Editor, Idris Akinbajo and Ade Adesomoju, respectively, was to brief them on the initiative and seek their support for the event.

Earlier in September, the event’s awareness campaign was flagged off at UNILAG, where the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, a professor of medical microbiology, and other members of the university management expressed their willingness to host and attend the event.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the CJID through its Local Media Sustainability Fund (LMSF), with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

During Monday’s visit, the DevReporting delegation, led by its Team Lead and Editor-in-Chief, Mojeed Alabi, formally briefed Mr Olorunyomi on the initiative and the organisation’s broader work on development and accountability journalism.

“We are here to formally inform you about the work we are doing. October 29 is the date for our three-in-one event, which comprises the screening of LG Billions in the Dark, an investigative documentary; the unveiling of the Development Reporting Africa Foundation, the non-profit arm of DevReporting; and a fundraiser to support the foundation’s work,” Mr Alabi said.

Documentary examines local government failures

Mr Alabi explained that the documentary examines the crisis surrounding local government autonomy in Osun State, South-west Nigeria, using the state as a lens to examine wider challenges affecting local governments across the country.

He said the documentary explores issues including accountability, the management of public funds and the delivery of essential services at the local government level.

According to him, DevReporting’s work goes beyond the documentary, with journalists in Osun State already producing investigative stories on governance, transparency and public finance with support from the project.

Mr Alabi thanked Mr Olorunyomi for his leadership and support, saying DevReporting’s goal was not merely to attract support but to ensure that the impact of development journalism reaches communities at the grassroots.

“What we are trying to do is not just to get support but for it to cascade down to the grassroots,” he said.

Olorunyomi commends initiative

Responding, Mr Olorunyomi commended the DevReporting team for its work, describing the initiative as an important contribution to journalism and public accountability.

“I am proud of who you guys are. Congratulations, guys. This is so profound. I am excited about this, and you are taking all of us back to school,” he said.

Mr Olorunyomi said the initiative demonstrates the importance of returning to the fundamentals of journalism and using the profession to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

“This is getting the fundamentals of journalism, making life purposeful and worthy for the most vulnerable of our population. We will be there absolutely. This is really opening a big frontier of work,” he said.

Mojeed, Idris hail initiative

The Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Mr Mojeed, said he was proud of DevReporting’s initiative, and pledged the organisation’s support and collaboration.

“The sky is big enough for all birds to fly. We are happy that DevReporting’s journey started at Premium Times. You must have learnt one or two things from us, and you have also remained a member of the family. That is the beauty of what we do at Premium Times, and carrying this culture of quality journalism forward is a thing of pride to us,” Mr Mojeed said.

Both Messrs Akinbajo and Adesomoju also pledged their support and commended the DevReporting team for the efforts.

The 29 October event is expected to bring together journalists, development practitioners, civil society organisations, academics, policymakers, students and other stakeholders interested in strengthening accountability and development reporting in Nigeria.