Retired broadcasters and members of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Chapter, have appealed to the Oyo State Government to urgently intervene in the affairs of the state-owned media organisation, citing concerns over staff welfare, pension administration, leadership structure and the deteriorating condition of broadcasting facilities.
The appeal formed the highlight of a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the Pensioners’ Hall, Ile Akede, BCOS, Ibadan, where retired employees, former management officials, broadcasting veterans and pensioners gathered to assess the present condition of the corporation and discuss measures that could restore its operational strength.
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders issued a four-point communiqué containing key recommendations for the state government.
The communiqué, signed by the Secretary of the BCOS Chapter of the National Union of Pensioners, Mr. Biodun Ipadeola, stressed that immediate government action was necessary to safeguard the future of the corporation while improving the welfare of both serving and retired employees.
The gathering reflected on the rich history of BCOS, describing the organisation as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected state-owned broadcasting institutions.
Participants noted that the corporation has played a significant role in informing, educating and entertaining residents of Oyo State over several decades, while also serving as a training ground for many accomplished journalists, broadcasters and media professionals.
Despite its impressive legacy, the stakeholders expressed concern that the corporation has gradually lost its competitive edge due to years of inadequate investment, ageing infrastructure and administrative challenges.
They argued that unless decisive steps are taken, the institution could continue to struggle in an increasingly competitive media environment driven by digital technology and modern broadcasting standards.
One of the major issues discussed during the meeting was the welfare of retired staff. The pensioners renewed their appeal to the Oyo State Government to transfer BCOS retirees to the Oyo State Pensions Board Secretariat in Ibadan.
According to them, such a move would streamline pension administration, reduce unnecessary delays in the processing of retirement benefits and improve access to welfare services for former workers.
The stakeholders explained that many retirees devoted the greater part of their careers to the corporation and deserve a pension system that guarantees timely payment of their entitlements and efficient handling of retirement-related matters.
They maintained that integrating BCOS pensioners into the state’s central pension administration would enhance transparency and eliminate some of the administrative bottlenecks currently affecting retirees.
The meeting also focused on improving the welfare of serving workers. Participants urged the state government to make effective use of the remaining undeveloped land within the BCOS premises by constructing modern staff quarters.
According to the pensioners and former officials, quality residential accommodation would not only improve the living conditions of employees but also enhance their commitment to duty.
They argued that workers who have access to decent housing are more likely to perform efficiently, remain motivated and contribute positively to the growth of the organisation.
The stakeholders further noted that providing staff quarters within the corporation’s premises could improve operational efficiency, particularly during emergency broadcasts, election coverage and other major events requiring the immediate presence of technical and editorial personnel.
Leadership and governance also featured prominently during the deliberations. The gathering rejected the appointment of an Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer to oversee the affairs of the corporation, insisting that such positions are inconsistent with the provisions governing the establishment of BCOS.
Information obtained by iReport247News indicates that the Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State currently performs executive responsibilities despite the presence of a substantive General Manager.
Sources familiar with the corporation’s operations said the arrangement has continued to generate concerns among some retired staff and stakeholders, who believe it departs from the administrative framework established by the BCOS Edict, which recognises the General Manager as the head of the corporation’s day-to-day operations.
The stakeholders therefore maintained that appointments into the corporation should strictly comply with the provisions of the BCOS Edict by preserving the office of the General Manager as the appropriate administrative head.
According to the stakeholders, respecting the existing legal framework would preserve the institutional structure of the corporation, prevent unnecessary administrative conflicts and promote accountability in the management of the state-owned broadcasting outfit.
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The participants equally raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of broadcasting equipment within the corporation.
They observed that several studio facilities and technical equipment have become outdated, making it increasingly difficult for staff to compete with modern broadcasting organisations operating with advanced digital technology.
They urged the Oyo State Government to prioritise the replacement of obsolete and non-functional equipment, stressing that quality broadcasting depends largely on modern production facilities, reliable transmission systems and efficient newsroom technology.
According to them, investment in digital broadcasting infrastructure would significantly improve programme quality, enhance news gathering operations and strengthen the corporation’s ability to meet the expectations of today’s media audience.
The stakeholders further emphasised that modern equipment would boost staff productivity, reduce operational challenges and position BCOS to compete effectively with private and public broadcasting organisations across the country.
Beyond physical infrastructure, participants also stressed the importance of investing in human capital development.
They encouraged the government to support regular training, capacity-building programmes and professional development opportunities for both editorial and technical personnel.
They argued that continuous training is essential for broadcasters to remain relevant in an industry experiencing rapid technological changes and evolving audience preferences.
Throughout the meeting, participants expressed concern over what they described as the gradual decline of a once-thriving broadcasting institution.
Some speakers criticised the current management, alleging that poor administrative decisions have contributed to the corporation’s present challenges.
However, the stakeholders maintained that their recommendations were not intended to create unnecessary controversy but rather to encourage constructive reforms capable of restoring BCOS to its former position as a leading broadcasting organisation in Nigeria.
They called on the Oyo State Government to consider the communiqué as a sincere contribution from individuals who dedicated many years of service to the corporation and remain committed to its progress.
The gathering concluded on a hopeful note, expressing confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration would give serious attention to their recommendations.
The stakeholders said timely government intervention would not only improve the welfare of workers and pensioners but also strengthen public broadcasting in Oyo State for the benefit of future generations.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting every genuine effort aimed at preserving the legacy of BCOS while ensuring that the corporation remains a vibrant and competitive public media institution capable of meeting modern broadcasting standards.