‘VOICE2REP’ Project To Hold Politicians Accountable Through Music

Accountability Lab Nigeria, a civic technology organisation, has launched Voice to Represent (Voice2Rep), a musical project that seeks to hold Nigerian politicians accountable for their actions.

Friday Odeh, country director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, made the disclosure at the official unveiling of the project, in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the organisation is pushing for accountability and transparency in governance through creative engagement and mentorship of young people, which will in turn make Nigeria’s democracy thrive.

He said with the new project, young and talented newcomers in the music industry, renowned musicians and development experts would be given a voice to participate more fully in the political process.

“Voice to Represent (Voice2Rep) is a first of its kind music competition searching for top first-time WaZoBia-Pigin English music artists who support greater representation, participation and accountability across Nigeria,” he said in a statement.

“Voice2Rep project is run by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with the Dutch Embassy Chocolate City- one of the largest music platforms and entertainment companies on the African continent.

“The consolidation of democracy and good governance in Nigeria calls for creative engagement with young people, greater participation in the political process and a unified voice for an inclusive and fair society.

“Nigerians continue to suffer from entrenched challenges around accountability and lack of representation.

“Ordinary citizens in most cases remain political spectators quietly suffering the agony of poor governance and its consequences.

“Politicians come and promise you a lot during election. After four years they come back again. There is need to hold them accountable. Don’t wait for them to come back in the next four years before you hold them accountable.

“With Voice2Rep, through lyrics, our artists can hold politicians accountable.”

Odeh said as part of the project, mentees would be taught to make songs on elections, women’s rights and accountability.

He said the various forms of music crafted therefrom, would become the gateway for knowledge building, meaningful collaborations and behavioral changes, thereby shaping the future of Nigeria.