Osun Journalists Get Training, Grants for Election Coverage

Journalists in Osun State, Nigeria have a new opportunity to tell stories that matter to their communities while getting paid to do it.

DevReporting and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development have launched a program offering training, mentorship, and reporting grants to local journalists. The initiative, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, focuses on accountability reporting about governance and public services.

The timing couldn't be better. For over a year, residents across Osun's 30 local government areas have faced uncertainty about who actually governs their communities. A prolonged leadership crisis has left questions about public spending and basic services largely unanswered.

"Many communities across Osun State have experienced uncertainty over who legitimately governs their local councils," said Samson Ademola, DevReporting's Programme Manager. The program aims to help journalists investigate how this crisis has affected real people's lives.

Selected journalists will attend workshops on investigative reporting and receive guidance from experienced editors. They'll also get funding to support their fieldwork and story production.

Applications are open to Osun-based journalists with experience or strong interest in investigative, governance, or accountability reporting. The deadline is July 12, and approved stories must be published within eight weeks of pitch approval.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative does more than just support individual reporters. It's building capacity for communities to understand how their government works at the grassroots level.

As the 2026 governorship election approaches, Ademola believes journalists can shift conversations beyond campaign promises. "Journalists have a responsibility to help citizens understand how governance has worked or failed to work," he said.

Credible, evidence-based reporting could spark informed public debate and encourage lasting reforms beyond the election cycle. When communities understand where their tax money goes and who's accountable for services, they can demand better governance.

The program represents a growing movement across West Africa to strengthen independent journalism through sustainable funding and skills development. DevReporting specializes in investigative reports on development issues across Nigeria and Africa, while CJID uses journalism and technology to promote democratic accountability.

Interested journalists can apply through DevReporting's online form, with only shortlisted applicants being contacted.