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 a new civic technology tool — a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot named “Amoye.”
The new phase, unveiled at a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, aims to deepen grassroots transparency, strengthen accountability, and make governance more accessible to citizens across Osun State.
Executive Director of the organisation, Jare Tiamiyu, said the project seeks to bridge the information gap between citizens and local governments by simplifying access to public data and promoting open governance.
“Local governments are the first point of contact for citizens, yet they are often the least understood and least transparent,” Tiamiyu said. “Through OsunOpenLG, we aim to simplify governance, strengthen accountability, and make public information accessible to all.”
The OsunOpenLG Project, first launched in 2023 with support from the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) implemented by LEAP Africa, has become a model for youth-led civic innovation in Nigeria. It enables citizens to monitor local government funds, track public projects, and engage constructively with public officials.
During its first phase, the organisation trained and deployed 66 community advocates, including six persons with disabilities, across the state to promote inclusivity in governance. Through market visits, school outreaches, and town hall meetings, the advocates reached over 2,100 residents in 24 local government areas, gathered feedback from another 1,210 citizens, and reached an estimated 2 million people online.
The initiative also published regular updates on FAAC allocations and local government expenditures via its website — www.osunopenlg.com — and social media, helping citizens “follow the money” and understand how public funds are spent.
“We became the go-to platform for credible information on local government administration in Osun State,” Tiamiyu added.
A major feature of OsunOpenLG 2.0 is Amoye, an AI-powered chatbot designed to make civic data instantly accessible through WhatsApp. The tool allows users to obtain verified information on local government allocations, budgets, and public services such as healthcare and community projects simply by sending a message.
Citizens can ask questions like “How much was my local government allocated this month?” or “Where is my council headquarters located?” and receive instant, verified responses. Amoye also serves as a two-way feedback platform, gathering citizen inquiries to inform data-driven policy discussions.
“Amoye is more than a technology — it is a digital extension of citizen engagement,” the organisation stated. “It complements our network of human advocates and provides real-time insights that can shape government reforms.”
Under the new phase, the Insight Initiative plans to expand its outreach, train local government officials and media aides, and continue publishing budget-tracking reports. It will also measure progress through user data, improved council communication, and citizen feedback.
Tiamiyu expressed appreciation to project funders, partners, and the media for their continued support, urging collective action to strengthen participatory governance.
“OsunOpenLG 2.0 is a collective mission to make governance work better for everyone,” he concluded. “Let’s keep opening the doors of our local governments — one conversation, one chatbot, and one citizen at a time.”
