Two years ago, when we launched the PIJAlance News Impact Desk, Campus Desk, and Research and Investigations Desk, our goal was simple: to get closer to the people and tell their stories. We aimed to achieve this for impact and community development, our core areas.
Today, we are proud of the significant strides our stories have made through these desks. As we wrap up the year, we want to spotlight some of the stories that created headlines and drove change in 2024.
1. UBEC Confirms PIJAlance Report on ₦4.26bn Ogun State Unaccessed Matching Grants Pocketed
It took time, but through extensive research, we discovered that some of Nigeria’s 36 states were mismanaging funds provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for school development in their constituencies. Our report on Ogun State’s decimated schools revealed that ₦4.26 billion in UBEC funds had been unaccessed and pocketed. Weeks later, UBEC confirmed our findings, sparking public outrage and discussions on educational funding. Read reports here and others here.
2. After PIJAlance Story, Ogbomoso Rep Gives Scholarship to Daughter of Widow Crushed by Trailer
A tragic accident on the Ogbomoso-Ilorin road claimed the lives of a widow and her two daughters, aged 13 and 10. The dilapidated state of the road was the major cause of the accident. Our story highlighted the negligence of Federal lawmakers in the constituency, who prioritized mosque commissions over road construction. Within a day of our report, one of the lawmakers provided a scholarship to the lone surviving child of the widow. Read the story.
3. IMPACT: Ogun Traffic Lights Repaired After PIJAlance Push, Reducing Accidents
Malfunctioning traffic lights on major roads in Abeokuta, Ogun State, were causing frequent and fatal accidents. Following our report, the government repaired the traffic lights within a week, significantly improving road safety in the state. Read the report.
4. After PIJAlance Story, LAUTECH Professor Closes Malodorous Poultry Farm Near Residences
Azeem Ige, a professor of agriculture at LAUTECH, operated an unkept poultry farm close to residential areas, producing an unbearable odour that disrupted the community. Months after our report, the professor relocated his poultry farm, restoring comfort to the neighborhood. Read the impact and the report.
How Did We Feel?
As an independent organization driven by grassroots development, we feel immensely proud of these outcomes. These achievements are a testament to our collective efforts. It’s your stories and your trust in us to amplify them that made these impacts possible.
As we look ahead to 2025, we hope you’ll continue to share your stories with us. Remember, you can always tip us anonymously via our Contact Us page. Together, we can achieve even greater change. We remain committed to bringing you your stories…
