In a significant move to strengthen grassroots journalism and promote public accountability, the Patriot Institute of Journalism and Arts (PIJA) Foundation, which is the developmental arm of PIJAlance Magazine, has announced its maiden Accountability and Community Investigation Workshop.

The one-day, on-site training, sponsored by WEBFALA Digital Skills for All Initiative, ALDA, People in Need, WYDE Civic Engagement, and the European Partnership for Democracy, aims to equip early-career journalists, campus reporters, activists, and community stakeholders in Nigeria with the skills necessary to track public spending and government projects critically.

Empowering the Next Generation of Watchdogs

The workshop is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Nigeria’s procurement policies, budgeting systems, and project tracking mechanisms. Through hands-on training and expert mentorship, the program will prepare selected individuals to hold local governments accountable — particularly at a time when increased autonomy at the local government level demands closer scrutiny of how public funds are managed and spent.

“In an era where local governments control significant resources through FAAC allocations, communities must have skilled reporters and stakeholders who can independently verify the promises and performance of elected officials,” the PIJA Foundation stated in its official announcement.

Who Should Apply

Applications are open to journalists, media professionals, researchers, and campus reporters based in Oyo State, specifically Ogbomoso. The program particularly encourages individuals who may have little or no prior experience but possess a strong interest in community development and investigative reporting.

Priority consideration will also be given to female journalists and persons with disabilities (PWDs), reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the media space.

Other eligible candidates include:

  • Journalists passionate about tracking government and corporate impacts on communities.
  • Activists dedicated to producing impactful stories on grassroots development.
  • Reporters interested in accountability, procurement monitoring, and developmental journalism.

Applicants are expected to fully commit to the workshop’s intensive training, mentorship, and networking activities.

Workshop Benefits

Participants will gain access to:

  • Specialised Training: Practical sessions on holding power accountable through advocacy journalism.
  • Budget Tracking Tools: Expert resources for monitoring local government projects and expenditures.
  • Networking Opportunities: Direct engagement with policymakers and top investigative journalists.
  • Career Visibility: Opportunities for recognition and growth within Nigeria’s developmental journalism ecosystem.

A Strategic Step for Local Development

With growing concerns over the misuse of public funds and poorly executed government projects across Nigeria’s communities, initiatives like the Accountability and Community Investigation Workshop come at a critical time.
By equipping a new generation of journalists and civic actors with investigative skills, PIJA Foundation aims not only to improve transparency but also to drive sustainable development from the grassroots level upward.

Applications for the workshop are now open. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of this unique opportunity to become part of a growing movement for accountability and social impact journalism in Nigeria.

Deadline: May 3.

Apply here.