As Osun State prepares for its 2026 governorship election, DevReporting, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), through its Local Media Sustainability Fund (LMSF), and with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, invites journalists based in Osun State, South-West Nigeria, to apply for a training and story grant opportunity on governance, transparency, accountability, and public service delivery.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership crisis that has disrupted governance across the state’s 30 local government areas and Modakeke Area Council. As political actors prepare for another election cycle, the project seeks to deepen public understanding of how contested local government leadership, financial autonomy, and weak accountability have affected service delivery and the lives of ordinary citizens.

Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for story grants towards producing evidence-based, human-centred investigations that examine the implications of the local government leadership crisis, financial autonomy, the management of public resources, and the performance of governance institutions at the state and grassroots levels.

According to DevReporting’s Programme Manager and Associate Editor, Samson Ademola, the period leading to the governorship election presents an important opportunity for journalism to help citizens interrogate governance beyond campaign promises.

“For more than a year, many communities across Osun State have experienced uncertainty over who legitimately governs their local councils, while questions about public spending, service delivery, and accountability have remained largely unanswered. As the state prepares for another governorship election, journalists have a responsibility to help citizens understand how governance has worked or failed to work at the grassroots,” he said.

“Credible, evidence-based reporting can stimulate informed public debate, strengthen accountability, and encourage reforms that outlast the election,” he added.

Selected journalists will participate in a capacity-building workshop focused on investigative and accountability reporting at the subnational level. They will also receive mentorship from experienced editors and reporting grants to support fieldwork and story production.

What selected journalists will receive

• Reporting grants to support fieldwork and logistics.
• Capacity-building training on investigative and accountability reporting.
• Editorial mentorship throughout the reporting process.
• Opportunities for publication and wider dissemination through DevReporting’s platforms.

Who should apply

Journalists based in Osun State with demonstrable experience or a strong interest in investigative, governance, public finance, or accountability reporting are welcome to apply.

Application deadline: 12 July 2026

DevReporting and partners intend to publish commissioned stories within eight weeks of pitch approval. Interested journalists may click here to apply. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Inquiries: [email protected]

DevReporting is a niche media and cinematic platform dedicated to producing impactful journalism on development issues across Nigeria and Africa. Through investigations, multimedia storytelling, and media capacity development, the organisation promotes accountability, transparency, and inclusive development.

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development is a West African media innovation and development organisation that leverages journalism, technology, research, and open data to advance democratic accountability, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development.

Through its Local Media Sustainability Fund (LMSF), CJID strengthens independent journalism, promotes media innovation, and supports the long-term sustainability of news organisations.