Looking Back to Spring Forth:
Who We are
In the annals of history, man has been a catalyst to the development of the world- a major activity that has only taken place through his quest for improvement. He has been able to do this by looking back in time, reflecting on his past, evaluating the progress recorded and through these blocks of progress, preparing for a better future. The French psychiatrist and political philosopher, Frantz Fanon, captures this state of development thus: “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.”
This sense of responsibility applies to every sphere of human life and discipline. For us, as journalists, it comes as a heirloom we must protect in the tradition of those before us and those who will come after.
In Africa, journalism was central to the quest for independence during the colonial era. Even, in the post-colonial era, following the gales of military incursions, journalists were up in arms; joining forces with other pro-democracy activists to send the soldiers back to the barracks. The recent military interventions in some African countries may have changed the narratives, but the reality of the challenges faced by these nations could be anchored on the dangerous level of underdevelopment.
It’s time we looked beyond the politics of governance and examine the well-being of our people in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which is less than six years.
From Nigeria to Ghana, Mali, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo, statistics have shown how many are sinking deeper into the abyss of poverty, hunger and diseases. The United Nations has identified “conflict polycrisis, climate change,” and the dangerous consequences of COVID-19 as major stumbling blocks.
What data says
In its 2023 situation report on the SDGs, the United Nations claims that as of May 2023, 110 million people, including 35 million refugees, have been displaced, ranking “the highest figures ever recorded.” It was noted that nearly 7,000 people died globally during migration in 2022, adding that the number of deaths in various regions has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is also slow childhood vaccinations, which is said to be the largest decline in 30 years while tuberculosis and malaria deaths are said to have increased compared with pre-pandemic levels.
Due to years of underinvestment, the UN believes that if the current trend continues, by 2030, about 84 million children will be out of school globally, with roughly 300 million others leaving schools unable to read or write.
The data provided by the UN also indicated that going by the current trends, “575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030,” as the world is back to a hunger level that had not been experienced since 2005.
In Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said one in every two Nigerian children live in poverty, and that 41 newborns out of 1,000 live births do not survive due to complications and teenage pregnancies.
Also, 40 per cent of children age five are said to be stunted due to malnutrition while 2.1 million other children are said to be unvaccinated, among other staggering statistics.
The reality of this may have been echoed by the recent pace of stampedes recorded in various cities in Nigeria, leading to more than 60 deaths in December 2024, including more than 30 children as people struggled to be fed by philanthropists. The grim situation is similar across other African nations and developing and underdeveloped countries.
DevReporting – taking up the gauntlet
Founded on the honorific values of humanity and inclusivity, in pursuit of transparency and accountability within the development sector in particular is DevReporting, which is published by Development Reporting Services Limited a media and cinematic production company.
DevReporting is an online newspaper focused on promoting informed discourse, balanced reporting, and driving comprehensive impact on development issues, especially as they relate to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our primary focus areas are: Agriculture, Health, Education & Research, Climate & Environment, Crisis & Migration, Children in Emergencies, Gender, and Economy.
The setting is Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Why DevReporting?
DevReporting aims to report and provide in-depth investigations, research, and analysis on issues affecting various people through local voices, balanced and objective reporting, data-driven storytelling, and stakeholders’ engagement via robust advocacy.
DevReporting is therefore crucial to raising awareness about these socio-economic and environmental issues towards informing policymakers and the public about development challenges, holding governments and public institutions accountable for development commitments, and encouraging transparency in the development sector.
We also aim to strengthen public debate and discourse on development issues through the emphasis on environmental sustainability, human rights, equality, and social just
Our Approach
At DevReporting, amplifying the voices of the underserved and shedding light on neglected issues to promote inclusive and equitable development is a mission well-defined. To do this are quality writers who understand the use of data-driven storytelling, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives and voices, to narrate human-interest stories, and utilise audience-engagement formats (podcasts, infographics, and videos) through collaboration with journalists and newsrooms.
Our Vision
To become a reputable source for insightful news reports, analyses, investigations, and multimedia content on development issues across Africa and beyond.
Our Objectives
Educate readers
Inspire actions
Influence policies
Empower communities
Our Projects
To achieve the mission, DevReporting has three major projects, DevCinema, DevCheck, and DevCast. While DevCinema aims to produce professional documentaries on development issues for public premieres and engagements, DevCheck is targeted at addressing misinformation, disinformation, and false narratives about development subjects. DevCast on its part is an audio/video show intended to engage critical stakeholders in conversations around development issues.
Our Team
DevReporting is being built as an ideal newsroom relying on the expertise of diverse professionals to produce materials and reports following ethical standards and appropriate legal provisions.
Management: This comprises individuals saddled with the responsibility of day-to-day running of the company. This team which is to be led by a Team Lead, who shall double as the editor-in-chief, will also comprise the Managing Editor, Finance and Administrative Control Manager, and heads of various units including standards and quality control, digital/creative,
DevReporting aims to report and provide in-depth investigations, research, and analysis on issues affecting various people through local voices, balanced and objective reporting, data-driven storytelling, and stakeholders’ engagement via robust advocacy.
DevReporting is therefore crucial to raising awareness about these socio-economic and environmental issues towards informing policymakers and the public about development challenges, holding governments and public institutions accountable for development commitments, and encouraging transparency in the development sector.
We also aim to strengthen public debate and discourse on development issues through the emphasis on environmental sustainability, human rights, equality, and social just marketing/business development, among others.
Board of Directors: This is a body of company directors and the brains behind the initiative.
Management Consultants: This is a management advisory body peopled by experts in finance, management, and law fields who are desirous of improved management of newsrooms and media outfits. Editorial Team: This team comprises the editor-in-chief, the managing editor, and all editorial staff including reporters, and programme anchors, among others.
Editorial Advisors: This comprises seasoned experts in journalism, cinematography and broadcast media who shall be consulted regularly especially when significant projects or editorial matters are concerned.
Editorial Board: The editorial board, is expected to be peopled by development-oriented experts who shall be responsible for responding to national and continental pertinent developmental issues to regular publication of well-developed editorials.
Ombudsman: Expectedly, the newspaper as a principled platform is expected to receive complaints from affected individuals, groups and institutions, and these complaints are expected to be reviewed by this team of professional volunteers aimed to be drawn from journalism, law and civil societies.