The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development has launched the second phase of its flagship open governance project, Osun Open Local Government (OsunOpenLG 2.0), alongside the unveiling of a new civic technology tool, a WhatsApp based AI chatbot named “Amoye,” aimed at enhancing transparency and citizen engagement at the grassroots level.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the organisation Jare Tiamiyu, said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between citizens and local government authorities by simplifying access to public information and promoting accountability.
“Local governments are the first point of contact for citizens, yet they are often the least understood and least transparent,” the Executive Director stated. “Through OsunOpenLG, we aim to simplify governance, strengthen accountability, and make public information accessible to all.”
The OsunOpenLG Project, which began in 2023 with support from the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) implemented by LEAP Africa, has been lauded as a model for youth-led civic innovation in Nigeria. The initiative enables citizens to track local government funds, monitor projects, and engage public officers constructively.
During the first phase, the organisation trained and deployed 66 community advocates across the state, including six persons with disabilities, to promote transparency and inclusivity in local governance.
Through market visits, school outreaches, and town hall meetings, the advocates engaged directly with over 2,100 residents across 24 local government areas, gathered feedback from another 1,210, and reached an estimated 2 million people through its digital platforms.
The group also published regular updates on FAAC allocations and local government expenditures via its website, www.osunopenlg.com, and social media channels, helping citizens “follow the money” and better understand how public funds are utilised.
“We became the go-to platform for Osun people seeking credible information on local government administration,” the Executive Director added.
A key highlight of the new phase is Amoye, the organisation’s AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot designed to make civic data instantly accessible. The platform enables users to obtain verified information on local government allocations, budgets, and basic services such as healthcare and community facilities by simply sending a message.
Amoye also allows citizens to ask questions like “How much was my local government allocated this month?” or “Where is my council headquarters located?”, providing immediate responses. The tool equally serves as a feedback loop by collecting data on citizens’ inquiries to inform policy discussions.
“Amoye is more than a technology, it is a digital extension of citizen engagement,” the organisation noted. “It complements our network of human advocates and provides real time insights that can help shape government reforms.”
Under OsunOpenLG 2.0, the group plans to deepen its community outreach, expand training to include local government officials and media aides, and continue publishing budget tracking reports.
It will also measure the project’s impact through usage data, improved council communication, and public feedback.
The Executive Director expressed appreciation to the project’s funders, partners, and the media for their continued support, calling for collective action toward building a culture of openness.
“OsunOpenLG 2.0 is a collective mission to make governance work better for everyone,” he concluded. “Let us keep opening the doors of our local governments, one conversation, one chatbot, and one citizen at a time.”
0 Comments