By now, we are sure you know we are big fans of BudgIT and the work they do with citizenship engagement.

On Saturday, July 29th, it launched its latest project, Civic Hive, and we were there.

Located on the second floor of BudgIT’s new office in the Yaba area of Lagos, the Civic Hive is funded by the Omidyar Network and SaharaReporters Media Foundation. 

Weeks back we wrote a piece on the perceived conflict between SaharaReporters Civic Hub and BudgIT’s Civic Hive. It appears nothing of such exists as SaharaReporters are not only part of those funding the Hive, they also sent a representative.

Speaking at the event, Tunji Lardner, Executive Director WANGONET said Nigeria’s problem is not technology but psychology. He commended BudgIT for its effort in bringing to the fore issues citizens are bothered about.

Such an event could not go without guests being introduced to some of the innovative ideas.

First off the block was Gavel – an open justice initiative promoting accountability and faster justice delivery system in Nigeria. Project Lead, Nelson Olanipekun, who spoke at the event said the majority of those in Nigeria prisons are awaiting trial and many court cases spend years before justice is delivered.

Locate, is developed towards helping families find their missing relatives immediately.

Open Medic is yet another innovation geared towards helping sick persons find medical consumables within the area where they live.

Amplify is set to focus on unreported issues in remote communities in the country.

We will be watching to see how all these great innovations will work.