We’re Working with ICPC, Stakeholders to Monitor Osun LG Funds

…Launches AI‑powered WhatsApp chatbot ‘Amoye’ to boost transparency in Osun

The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development has announced its collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor funds allocated to local governments in Osun State.

According to the Executive Director of Insight Initiative, the partnership is in line with a national policy framework developed by ICPC to oversee local government funds.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Executive Director of Insight Initiative, Mr Jare Tiamiyu said “the ICPC chairman made a statement, and it became a national policy that ICPC would develop a framework to monitor local government funds that was around last year.

“The ICPC has developed a framework, so we are working with them, along with the Auditor-General for Local Government, the Osun State House of Assembly – the arms of government that supervise local government operations – and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Also announced unveiling the second phase of the Osun Open Local Government Project (OsunOpenLG 2.0) and the launch of an AI‑powered WhatsApp chatbot named “Amoye”.

He said that the chatbot is designed to promote transparency and civic engagement by giving residents real‑time access to local‑government budgets, project updates, and service delivery information.

He stressed that, “The success of the first phase was made possible through strong partnerships with civil society organisations, development partners, the media and engaged citizens. These collaborations gave the project credibility, visibility and practical results. Together, we have shown that openness works best when it is a collective effort.

“Through our reports, publications, and community engagements, more citizens began to ask informed questions about local government revenue, expenditure and service delivery. People now demand clarity on how much their councils receive and how those funds are used. This, in itself, is a victory for civic consciousness.

“We have also improved citizens’ access to vital documents. Many residents now know how to request public records, access budgets and interact with local government officers respectfully and effectively. Awareness reduces rumours and replaces speculation with facts.

“However, we know our work is not yet complete. The second phase, OsunOpenLG 2.0, builds upon our earlier achievements but introduces new innovations. This phase deepens community participation, improves technology integration, active engagement, training and participation of the key decision makers – elected officials and as well widens our reach to cover every local government in Osun State more effectively.

“The major highlight of this launch is our digital innovation — Amoye, a WhatsApp AI Chatbot built to make civic information instantly available to everyone. With Amoye, citizens can simply send a message on WhatsApp and get verified answers about local government operations, public budgets and available services.
Amoye is designed to respond in real time to basic questions such as: “How much was my local government allocated this month?” or “Where can I find my council’s headquarters?” Other areas covered include basic role of local government, locations of focal primary health care centres and budgeting.

“It links users to relevant reports and helps them to constructively engage those they put in positions of authority. The platform works in two-way. It will incorporate local government authorities into the project as we want them to use the platform to inform and engage the public.

“But Amoye is more than technology. It is a digital extension of citizen engagement. It complements, not replaces our human network of advocates. Through this tool, we can collect data on citizens’ most common questions and use it to guide government reforms and policy conversations.

“In this new phase, we will expand our training to reach those who superintend governance at the grassroots as well as their media aides. We will also not waver in publishing regular reports, track budget performance, and sustain engagement with council chairmen and every other stakeholder.

“Our goal is to make transparency a culture
To ensure accountability to our partners and funders, we will measure impact — from the number of people who use Amoye to the number of councils that improve their communication.

“Data will help us refine our methods and document success stories.
In conclusion, I wish to thank every stakeholder — our advocates, partners, sponsors, media allies and the people of Osun State, for believing in this vision.

“OsunOpenLG 2.0 is a collective mission to make governance work better for everyone. Let us keep opening the doors of our local governments, one conversation, one chatbot and one citizen at a time.
Together, we can build a state where openness becomes our shared culture,” he said.