…asks Media and CSO to work together to hold Local government officials accountable
The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) under the Chairmanship of Jared Tiamiyu has called on local government workers in Osun State to remain loyal to the people they serve, stressing that public service must be anchored on accountability, transparency and the overall interest of citizens.
The organisation made the call during activities under its Open LG 2.0 project, an initiative designed to strengthen transparency, improve access to public information and encourage active citizen participation in local government administration across Osun State.
According to IICSD, the project gave birth to AMOYE, a WhatsApp-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot launched in October 2025 to provide residents with direct access to verified information on local government administration, including statutory allocations and other governance-related data.
The organisation explained that the chatbot was developed to bridge the information gap between citizens and local government authorities by making official information readily available through an easy-to-use digital platform.
As part of the initiative, IICSD said it organised capacity-building programmes for all APC-backed local government chairmen and their media aides, equipping them with the knowledge and digital skills needed to improve public communication, transparency and governance at the grassroots.
According to the communication officer Sofia Yusuf, the AMOYE AI Chatbot is available on WhatsApp via 09162673356, where users can access information on any of Osun State’s 30 local government areas by sending simple prompts.
He noted the initiative has upgraded the AMOYE CHATBOT to accommodate voice prompt and New electoral acts could be easily accessed via AMOYE
IICSD noted that information available on the chatbot indicates that the APC-backed local government chairmen currently have access to local government funds, underscoring the need for openness and accountability in the management of public resources.
The organisation maintained that the Open LG 2.0 project is aimed at empowering citizens with credible and verifiable information, encouraging public scrutiny of local government activities and fostering better engagement between residents and their elected officials.
It further urged local government workers to place the welfare of the people above partisan interests, insisting that transparency and accountability remain essential to effective grassroots governance and sustainable development.
IICSD also appealed to media organisations and civil society organisations (CSOs) to join the campaign for greater transparency and accountability in local government administration across Osun State.
While talking to the news men, Jare Tiamiyu called for collaboration among the media, civil society and citizens is critical to ensuring that those entrusted with managing local government affairs remain accountable to the people and uphold the principles of good governance at all levels.
It added that strengthening public oversight through accurate information and civic engagement would help improve service delivery, deepen democratic governance and promote responsible leadership across the state’s local government system.
