Behind the Bytes: September 2025 Recap

September was a month of voice and visibility, a reminder that data holds real value only when it reaches the people it represents.

Through conversations on policy, health, climate, and security, the work done this month reinforced a simple truth: informed citizens can demand better governance, strengthen institutions, and contribute to building a more inclusive Nigeria.

This edition of Behind the Bytes captures the projects, collaborations, and reflections that defined September.

Dataphyte Policy Point is Open for Submissions!

Stories can move systems, and data gives those stories power. That’s the idea behind Dataphyte Policy Point, a platform for writers who turn data into stories that shape conversations and influence change.

From governance and the economy to society and public policy, Policy Point is creating space for essays that are clear, evidence-based, and impactful.

This is an opportunity to share your insights, add your voice, and contribute to a growing community using data to drive accountability and development.

You can submit your pitch here: dataphyte.com/dataphyte-policy-point

Data Story Lab 8.0

On September 27, 2025, Dataphyte hosted the eighth edition of its Data Story Lab, themed “Climate Journalism: Breaking Down Complex Negotiations into People-Centred Stories.”

This session led by Kehinde Ogunyale, AbdulKareem Mojeed, and Vivian Chime explored how journalists can translate technical climate data into relatable stories that inspire local action.

For Dataphyte, this Lab was another step in our mission to make data-driven journalism a tool for climate resilience and accountability.

Link to the recording here

External Engagements

On September 12, the Dataphyte team visited the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) and the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre.

During the visit, the Dataphyte team met with the Director-General, Chris Ngwodo, to discuss areas of collaboration focused on enhancing Nigeria’s early prevention and safety mechanisms.

Both teams emphasised the importance of partnerships between government and civic actors in strengthening data-driven resilience and policy interventions.

Launch of the 2024 Country Resilience and Human Security Assessment (CRHSA) Report

Dataphyte’s CEO, Joshua Olufemi, and Head of Policy Research Communications, Khadija Kareem, joined the launch of the 2024 Country Resilience and Human Security Assessment Report by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE).

The report is designed to improve Nigeria’s early warning systems, foster community resilience, and promote inclusive governance.

For Dataphyte, the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to using data and evidence to shape conversations and policies that promote a more secure Nigeria.

Strengthening Health Systems Through Accountability

On September 16, Dataphyte joined Stop TB Partnership and Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) at a stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic financing for HIV, TB, and malaria, as well as the domestication of the HIV Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law. 

Representing Dataphyte, Khadija Kareem and Kehinde Ogunyale joined partners to discuss how transparency and accountability can strengthen Nigeria’s health systems. It was also a valuable moment to exchange ideas, learn from others, and reinforce Dataphyte’s commitment to using evidence to drive better outcomes in public health.

Twitter (X) Space- The Art of Storytelling for Local Climate Action

On September 17, Dataphyte’s Founder joined HEDA’s Monthly Advocacy Series for a conversation on “Turning Data into Impact: The Art of Storytelling for Local Climate Action.” 

The conversation spotlighted how storytelling, when backed by data, can influence public understanding, local responses, and policy direction in addressing climate challenges.

Data Storytelling for Climate Justice

Khadija Kareem facilitated a session at the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) Climate Creatives Bootcamp on how to use data for storytelling to drive climate action.

The training, which took place in Lagos on 24th September 2025, brought together creatives, journalists, and climate change advocates to explore how data-driven storytelling can inspire awareness, accountability, and meaningful climate solutions.

AI-powered Migration Monitoring

Dataphyte’s Academy Coordinator, Kehinde Ogunyale, joined other facilitators at Diaspora Africa to train journalists on the intersection of war, democracy, journalism, and trauma.

The session also introduced participants to the AI-powered Migration Monitor, a tool designed to help reporters cover migration issues with accuracy, empathy, and evidence.

Dataphyte at NESA: Bridging Data, Media, and Development.

Dataphyte joined students at the 14th NESA Conference to explore new pathways for Africa’s development. Through sessions led by Khadija Kareem, Lucy Okonkwo, and Paul Akinwumi, the team showcased how data, storytelling, and citizen engagement can drive economic and social transformation.

From introducing the Dataphyte Policy Point to demonstrating Goloka Analytics, the engagement inspired students to use data for accountability and inclusive growth, a reminder that Africa’s development story begins with its young people.

September Insights

The Insights team continued to unpack the stories behind the numbers tracking governance, economy, and society through Dataphyte weekly publications:

Marina & Maitama

• Marina & Maitama explored the shifts shaping Nigeria’s financial and industrial landscape. The editions examined the country’s rising foreign reserves, the brewing tensions between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery, and how labour and policy continue to influence Nigeria’s economic rhythm.

SenorRita

• SenorRita spotlighted gender, identity, and inequality in Nigeria. The editions explored the country’s gaps in gender data, reflected on the power of names and societal expectations, and highlighted the layered struggles faced by women and persons with disabilities living in poverty.

Data Dives

• Data Dives looked at how policy and perception meet public life. The editions explored fuel price adjustments and their effect on citizens, digital unrest abroad that mirrors Nigeria’s quiet frustrations, and how moments of excellence reveal the nation’s uneven recognition of talent.

Pocket Science

• Pocket Science examined how Nigeria’s fiscal choices shape everyday realities. The editions looked at the new fossil fuel surcharge, the impact of agricultural imports on food prices, what income and taxation reveal about citizens’ resilience, and why poverty metrics still miss the full picture.

Through these stories, our Insights team continued to connect data with decisions and citizens with context.

Special Reports

Dataphyte’s Special Reports in September explored how technology, language, and digital rights are shaping Africa’s future. The report examined efforts to develop artificial intelligence that preserves African languages, warning that a focus on only the major ones, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, risks excluding millions of Nigerians from digital and civic participation

Looking Ahead

September reminded us that accountability thrives when people have access to truth, tools, and data. As we move into October, our focus remains on amplifying citizen voices, strengthening civic tech, and using evidence to inspire a culture of transparency and development across Nigeria. 

Our Products

Our tools continue to turn raw data into insight and action:

• Goloka — a hyperlocal data collection and analytics platform leveraging AI and community-driven reporting for verified, real-time information.

• Nubia — an open-source AI assistant that helps researchers, journalists, and civic actors turn large datasets into story-ready insights.
  

Both innovations reflect Dataphyte’s ongoing mission to make data not just available, but actionable.

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Behind The Bytes – Bridging Data, Media, and Civic Engagement