About PIJAlance

PIJAlance Magazine Limited, originally known as Lance Magazine of the Patriot Institute of Journalism and Arts (PIJA), serves as the independent journalism arm of the PIJA Foundation. Our primary objective is to utilize investigative journalism to drive grassroots development and justice across Nigeria. We are dedicated to sharing impactful stories that promote civic rights, humanity, good governance, and community development through deep research and community-based investigations.

Mission

At PIJAlance Magazine, our mission is to drive positive change in communities through the power of investigative journalism. We aim to:

Bridge the gap between marginalised communities and policymakers, in essence, government, through fearless, fair, and objective reporting, driving transparency and inspiring action toward community development.

Vision

Being the pioneer of grassroots investigative journalism in Nigeria, PIJAlance aims to become Africa’s leading grassroots investigative journalism platform, influencing policy, inspiring action, and transforming communities.

Our Story

Established in January 2022 by Enoch Oyedibu, a seasoned investigative journalist, PIJAlance operates under the tagline “Bringing You Your Stories,” reflecting our commitment to serving the public’s best interests and delivering cutting-edge stories that matter for community development. We believe that the media plays a crucial role in campaigning against power abuses and injustice in Nigeria. By focusing on marginalized communities, we aim to deepen this advocacy, creating a sustainable platform that connects social, economic, political, and global development. We operate as a watchdog for the people, addressing Nigeria’s systemic challenges such as corruption, poor governance, and social inequality. At PIJAlance, we believe that our investigative journalism can catalyze positive change, eliminate threats to humanity, and build stronger communities across Nigeria and beyond.

Core Values

Fearlessness: Courageously reporting truths that challenge power.
Impactful Journalism: Stories that inspire policy change and development.
Objectivity and Fairness: Ethical reporting that prioritizes truth and justice.
Advocacy for Communities: Shaping policies to drive grassroots development.
Relentless Truth-Seeking: Delving deep into the issues that matter most.
Unstoppable Innovation: Setting new standards in journalism.

Approach

PIJAlance leverages a multifaceted approach to create sustainable impacts:
1. Investigative Journalism: Unveiling stories that amplify underrepresented voices and expose systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.
2. Community Engagement: Partnering with local groups to address their concerns through actionable solutions.
3. Digital Media Excellence: Utilising cutting-edge technology to disseminate stories widely and engage diverse audiences globally.
4. Capacity Building through the PIJA Foundation: Equipping emerging journalists with the tools and training to uphold the highest standards of investigative journalism, fostering a new generation of ethical storytellers.

Why PIJAlance?

A Unique Name with a Purpose:

PIJA: Derived from the Patriot Institute of Journalism and Arts, our foundation (since 2021) focuses on advocacy and training for community justice.
Lance: Symbolizing our sharp and decisive impact in combating injustices.

2. Patriotism at Heart:

We are deeply committed to serving society through fearless reporting that fosters accountability and community growth.

Our Impacts

Over the past three years, PIJAlance has:

Published numerous investigative reports leading to tangible community improvements.
Established a strong online presence with a growing readership across Nigeria and beyond.
Collaborated with local and international stakeholders to amplify the impact of our stories.
Trained and mentored emerging journalists committed to ethical reporting and community development.

Recognitions and Selections

Diaspora Africa, IOM Train PIJAlance Journalist, 19 Others on Climate Migration Reporting
PIJAlance’s commitment to impactful journalism was recognized when one of our journalists participated in a prestigious training program focused on climate migration reporting.
ICIR Announces PIJAlance Editor for OCRP Fellowship
Our Editor was selected for the Open Contract Reporting Project Fellowship, affirming PIJAlance’s position as a hub for investigative excellence.
ICIR Selects PIJAlance Editor Among OCRP Second Phase Fellows
Another milestone for PIJAlance as our Editor advanced to the second phase of the OCRP Fellowship, enhancing our capacity for impactful investigations.
Ibadan-Based Advocate Launches Information Literacy Project, Trains PIJAlance journalist alongside 50 Others
A collaboration that underscores our dedication to journalist training, as a PIJAlance journalist joined 50 others in a transformative information literacy project.

Collaborative Publications

Promises Unfulfilled: Kaduna Residents Still Without Clean Water Despite Multi-billion Naira Mega Projects
A detailed investigation into the unfulfilled promises of clean water projects in Kaduna.
Eyinwa: Where Hundred Years of Darkness, Broken Promises Linger
This compelling piece sheds light on a century-long struggle for basic infrastructure in Eyinwa.
Pocket Purchase: How Niger State Government Keeps N197m Meant For Maternal Health
An exposé on mismanagement of funds meant for maternal health in Niger State.
Intriguing Tale of Oyo’s N138bn Circular Road Contract Award to A Two-month Old Company
A deep dive into the questionable awarding of a major contract to an unproven firm.
INVESTIGATION: Cross-River Government Multi-Million-Naira Contracts Hang Incomplete
A revelation of abandoned projects in Cross-River State, highlighting governance lapses.
UNDERCOVER: Inside Lagos community where hard drugs reign supreme
An undercover investigation into the drug crisis plaguing a Lagos community.

PIJA Foundation Commissioned Reports

REPORTER’s DIARY: Despite ₦978m Budget, ₦4.26bn UBEC Funds, Students Learn Without Convenient Facilities in Ogun State
A critical report on the stark disparity between allocated funds and educational realities in Ogun State.
IMPACT: Ogun Traffic Lights Repaired After PIJAlance Push, Ending Accident Woes
A testament to our influence, as our reporting led to the repair of critical traffic infrastructure in Ogun State.
INVESTIGATION: Nigerian Immigration Officers Extort Applicants During Passport Registration
A bold exposé on corruption within Nigeria’s passport registration process.
Dreams for Chains: How Phony Entrepreneurial Fund by KESEM Plans to Scam Youth in Business
A crucial investigation exposing a fraudulent scheme targeting Nigerian youth.
SPECIAL REPORT: Three Years Without Commercial Banks, Nigerian Community Still Wait
A narrative highlighting the plight of a community left without banking facilities for years.
SPECIAL REPORT: Over 200 Years Without Commercial Banks In Osun Community, Residents’ Wants Linger
A historic look at a community’s enduring lack of access to financial services.
SPECIAL REPORT: Decade Without Banks In Nigeria’s Community, Residents Await Banking Messiah
An exploration of the socio-economic challenges faced by bank-deprived communities.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of our journey toward a more just and equitable society. Whether you’re a reader, a potential partner, or an aspiring journalist, your engagement with PIJAlance contributes to meaningful change.

For more information, visit our website at pija.com.ng or contact us at info@pija.com.ng, copy pijalance@gmail.com.

Together, we can amplify underrepresented voices, hold power to account, and drive community development through the power of investigative journalism.

Note: We retain the right to edit, modify, and change any parts of this piece at any time.