Why Nigeria Needs More Development Communication Journals Like Olatunji Oke’s ‘Lagos Indicator’
Mary Nnah
July 14, 2019
In a media environment often overwhelmed by political drama, social media scandals, and celebrity culture, development communication journals offer a quiet but powerful counterforce. Among the most compelling examples is Lagos Indicator, the brainchild of journalist, consultant, and public policy chronicler, Olatunji Oke. As Editor-in-Chief since 2007, Oke has created a blueprint for how government performance and service delivery can be documented with clarity, neutrality, and depth.
“When citizens don’t see or understand what government is doing, cynicism thrives,” Oke remarks. “That’s where development journalism steps in — to close the information gap.”
Over the course of more than a decade, Lagos Indicator has demystified government work for millions. It uses verified data, impact narratives, photos from the field, and testimony from beneficiaries to show the human face of public policy. From free maternal health programs to affordable housing estates in Alimosho, the publication illustrates real stories with real impact.
As a discipline, development communication hinges on the strategic use of information to drive citizen participation, accountability, and behavior change. In a country as diverse and decentralized as Nigeria, it is essential to bridge the gap between policy formulation and citizen experience. Yet, few states invest in institutional platforms that prioritize this mission.
“Imagine if every Nigerian state had its version of Lagos Indicator,” says development consultant Yetunde Owolabi. “It would change how Nigerians interact with government. It could also improve inter-state benchmarking.”
Globally, the appetite for citizen-focused development information is growing. According to UNESCO, over 65% of people in sub-Saharan Africa have little or no access to consistent, contextualized information about government policies and programs. In Nigeria, this information vacuum contributes to misinformation, distrust, and political disengagement.
Oke’s success with Lagos Indicator demonstrates the power of institutionalized development journalism. His publication is used by policymakers for planning, by journalists for background research, and by development partners seeking on-ground evidence of project delivery.
More states need to follow suit. Government-funded journals should not become propaganda sheets but instead should emulate the editorial standards of the Lagos Indicator — rooted in fact, accessible language, and clear visual communication. With training and investment, other states can replicate the model.
“Nigeria doesn’t lack stories of progress. What we lack is a consistent and credible way to tell them,” says Oke.
In an era where disinformation is rampant and trust in institutions is low, development communication journals like Lagos Indicator offer a powerful path to reclaim the narrative — one well-researched, human-centered story at a time.
