This prolonged delay in salary payments has created an untenable situation for the employees, leading to extreme hardship for the workers and the thousands of dependents who rely on their income
A significant financial crisis has recently engulfed several parastatals under Makinde’s administration in Oyo State. Key organisations such as the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), the Oyo State Water Corporation, and the Polytechnic of Ibadan, among others, are grappling with severe financial distress, rendering them unable to fulfil their fundamental obligation to pay salaries to their employees.
The parastatals have been struggling to maintain operations amid this crisis, severely impacting their ability to uphold worker welfare and ensure timely salary disbursements. Despite the government’s initiative led by His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde to implement the minimum wage policy starting from January 2025, many employees remain in dire financial straits.
As of the time of this report, a significant number of workers across these parastatals have not received their salaries for the month of February. While some organisations, like BCOS, have managed to pay employees in salary levels 1-10, a large portion of the workforce remains in limbo.
The financial sustainability and revenue generation, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) was established not only as a platform for disseminating information and news but also to operate as a profitable enterprise. However, it has increasingly relied on government financial support for its survival, which has raised concerns about its viability.
Recently, the situation at BCOS has become particularly dire following a mass resignation of staff under the leadership of the current Executive Chairman. Many employees have voiced their frustrations as they have endured significant delays in paying salaries, allowances, and other benefits. Investigations have revealed that employees on grade levels 12 and above have not yet received their salaries for February, indicating a troubling trend in financial management.
Furthermore, there are growing rumours that the state government is not prioritising BCOS regarding media patronage, opting instead to support private broadcasting stations. This has led to a perception that BCOS is being sidelined in favour of competitors, which further undermines its financial health.
Similarly, real estate represents a crucial element of economic development and a significant source of potential revenue for the Oyo State Housing Corporation. The corporation was anticipated to generate substantial and impressive income for the state through various housing projects and land developments. However, growing concerns and rumours suggest that it is grappling with financial difficulties, which could undermine its effectiveness and long-term vision.
The state government has faced scrutiny over its land acquisition practices across different regions of Oyo State. Critics argue that these acquisitions may prioritise profit over the welfare of local communities. In defence of these actions, officials assert that these strategic land acquisitions are essential for the architectural and infrastructural development of Oyo State, aimed at enhancing urban planning, improving housing availability, and fostering a more modern and sustainable state landscape. The ongoing balance between development and community impact remains a critical topic of discussion among regional stakeholders.
This prolonged delay in salary payments has created an untenable situation for the employees, leading to extreme hardship for the workers and the thousands of dependents who rely on their income.
The case of Oyo State Water Corporation is pathetic.
Investigation reveals that many parts of the state is not connected to Oyo water corporation. No pipe borne portable drinkable water.
Many residents depends on borehole and privately sourced water. It appears the essence of the establishment has been defeated. It’s facilities moribund and highly dilapidated. In fact it is alleged that there is no water in Oyo water corporation.
The broader context for many government parastatals in Oyo State under the current administration is similarly concerning. Several institutions have reportedly become mere shadows of their former selves, struggling to maintain relevance and functionality. Many seem to be living off past glories, failing to adapt to the current demands of their respective sectors.
What ideally should serve as a valuable asset for the state has transformed into a liability due to a confluence of detrimental factors. Stakeholders, including government officials and management, cannot be absolved of responsibility for BCOS’s and other parastatals decline, and their inaction risks further exacerbating the challenges faced by the corporation and the state’s media landscape as a whole.
It is alleged that the parastatals, state-owned enterprises tasked with providing essential services, are not operating at full capacity due to years of systemic neglect, rampant maladministration, pervasive corruption, and inadequate leadership.
This deterioration in performance is reflected in their inability to meet service delivery standards, leading to inefficiencies that hinder economic growth and public trust. The lack of strategic oversight and accountability mechanisms has contributed to financial mismanagement and a decline in operational effectiveness, ultimately impacting the communities that rely on these institutions for essential services.
In light of these pressing circumstances, the affected workers have reached out to the welfare master of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, appealing for his intervention and compassion to alleviate their predicament.