DevReporting, in partnership with the Pro-Poor Development Media (PDM) Network, has selected eight journalists for a story project that examines critical urban challenges affecting communities in Lagos State.

With support from the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), the selection followed a competitive review of pitches submitted by journalists across print, broadcast and digital media platforms.

The selected journalists are Head of Programmes, PUNCH Videos, Melony Ishola; Eric Dumo, freelance editor; Publisher, SecurityNewsAlert, Juliana Francis; Programme Manager/Associate Editor, DevReporting, Samson Ademola; Correspondent, News Central TV, Israel Eferobor; Investigative Reporter, Premium Times, Folashade Ogunrinde; Assistant News Editor, Weekend, The Guardian, Gbenga Salau and Nafiu Atanda, Contributor, Know Your City (KYC) TV.

According to DevReporting’s Team Lead/Editor-in-Chief, Mojeed Alabi, the journalists bring diverse experience across print, broadcast, digital, and investigative journalism, positioning them to deliver impactful and accountability-driven stories.

Over a one-month reporting period, the selected journalists will produce in-depth, evidence-based stories across key thematic areas, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), climate resilience, evictions, housing gaps, and other systemic urban pressures. The stories will centre on lived community experiences while integrating ACRC research, data, and analytical insights.

To support quality delivery, the journalists will participate in one-day capacity development workshop scheduled for March 5, 2026, in Lagos. The workshop will provide research briefings, editorial direction, and practical guidance on translating academic findings into compelling public-interest journalism.

Alabi noted that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between research production and public engagement.To him, “urban challenges in Lagos are complex and deeply rooted. By connecting researchers and journalists more intentionally, we aim to produce stories that inform public understanding and stimulate policy reflection.”