Your Honour, sir. Otunba Seye Famojuro,
I write this open letter with a profound sense of responsibility and genuine concern for the future of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). This institution has served as the voice of Oyo State for decades and remains one of its most enduring public establishments.
This letter is not borne out of resentment or personal interest. Rather, it is the heartfelt appeal of someone who dedicated nearly two decades of service to BCOS and who remains passionate about its survival, growth and restoration.
Like many others, I understand that you share a close working relationship with His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and that your counsel is highly regarded within his administration. It is because of this understanding and the confidence many people have in your ability to influence positive change that I have chosen to write to you publicly. I believe your intervention at this critical time could help rescue an institution that is rapidly losing its pride and public confidence.
Over the years, BCOS has consistently prepared and defended annual budgets. At the same time, government subsidies to the corporation have reportedly increased significantly. Yet, despite these financial commitments, there are virtually no visible capital projects to justify the expenditure. This has continued to raise serious questions among workers and stakeholders regarding planning, execution, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the prolonged failure to remit statutory deductions, cooperative deductions, health insurance deductions, union check-off dues, and other statutory payments, which reportedly remain unremitted for an extended period despite being deducted from workers' salaries. The consequences have been devastating. Workers have suffered financial hardship, cooperative societies have faced avoidable crises, and many employees have been denied access to benefits they have already contributed to.
There are also persistent concerns regarding the management of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Many workers continue to ask legitimate questions about how generated revenue is being utilised, despite little evidence of corresponding investment in infrastructure, equipment, staff development, or service delivery. Transparency in the management of public funds remains essential for restoring confidence in any institution.
Industrial relations within BCOS have equally deteriorated. The treatment of recognised labour leaders has generated widespread concern, with disciplinary measures and redeployments involving union officials creating the impression that organised labour is being weakened rather than engaged through dialogue. Constructive engagement between management and workers is the foundation of every successful public institution, and BCOS should not be an exception.
Recent events have further dampened staff morale. Reports that official vehicles were deployed for activities unrelated to core broadcasting operations while reporters, camera operators and other operational staff were left without transportation to cover official assignments have become symbols of misplaced priorities. Such situations not only frustrate dedicated staff but also affect the quality of service delivered to the people of Oyo State.
The cumulative effect of these issues is steadily damaging BCOS's reputation. More importantly, it risks reflecting negatively on the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, whose government has earned widespread recognition for investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare and the welfare of public servants. It would be unfortunate if the challenges within BCOS continued to overshadow these broader achievements.
BCOS is far more than another government agency. It is one of the most respected broadcast institutions in Nigeria. It is widely acknowledged that over 95% of the most popular On-Air Personalities (OAPs) in Oyo State, and many renowned broadcasters across the country, either began their careers at BCOS or passed through its studios and training environment. The corporation has nurtured generations of professionals who have gone on to excel nationally. Seeing such a historic institution struggle under avoidable challenges is painful for everyone who values its legacy.
Sir, I respectfully appeal to you to use your good offices and the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency to encourage a sincere review of the affairs of BCOS. The workers are not asking for favours; they are asking for accountability, transparency, responsible utilisation of public funds, prompt remittance of statutory deductions, improved welfare, respect for labour rights and a management culture that places the institution above personal interests.
History remembers those who rise to defend institutions when they are most vulnerable. I sincerely hope you will lend your voice and influence towards restoring confidence, professionalism and excellence at BCOS. Such an intervention will not only preserve the legacy of one of Oyo State's greatest institutions but also ensure its continued relevance. Still, it will also strengthen the image of an administration committed to good governance, justice and the welfare of its people.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain hopeful that this sincere appeal will receive the attention it deserves for the benefit of BCOS, its dedicated workforce and the good people of Oyo State.
Yours faithfully,
Kayode Olagunju
Email: Phycaryur@gmail.com
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