RATTAWU BCOS Chairman Adeniyi Faleti urges Governor Seyi Makinde to revive BCOS, improve staff welfare and restore the station’s broadcasting heritage.
The Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Chapter, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, has appealed to the Oyo State Government to take urgent steps to restore the broadcasting corporation’s relevance, preserve its heritage and improve its operational capacity.
In a statement titled “BCOS Must Not Be Allowed to Fade: A Call for the Oyo State Government to Restore Its Broadcasting Heritage,” Faleti expressed concern over what he described as the need to give the state-owned media organisation greater attention, support and recognition.
He urged Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to prioritise the station’s development, staff welfare, modern broadcasting facilities and continued contribution to public service broadcasting.
Below is the full statement:
BCOS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO FADE: A CALL FOR THE OYO STATE GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE ITS BROADCASTING HERITAGE
By Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, Chairman, RATTAWU BCOS Chapter
As a union leader and a stakeholder in the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), I consider it necessary to express my concerns about the direction of the state’s broadcasting heritage and the place of BCOS in the media landscape under the administration of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde
In my considered opinion, it is not in the best interest of Oyo State for its government owned broadcasting station to appear to be losing its relevance while private media organisations receive attention and recognition for programmes and activities that could also strengthen the capacity and visibility of BCOS.
This concern deserves serious consideration, not as a political attack, but as a genuine appeal for the protection of a public institution that belongs to the people of Oyo State.
Restoring the spirit of “Asiwaju Ni Wa”
For many people who grew up with BCOS, the slogan “Asiwaju Ni Wa” represents more than a collection of words.
It reflects the identity, heritage and pioneering spirit associated with the station. I believe the government should consider restoring that spirit by giving BCOS the necessary support, opportunities and recognition to fulfil its mandate.
My concern also extends to the state’s media identity, particularly the programme and expression associated with “State of the Nation,” “Pacesetter State” and “120 Mins.”
These names and platforms carry meaning within the state’s broadcasting history and public communication.
The government should ensure that BCOS is not left behind in the process of promoting Oyo State’s image and communicating its achievements to the public.
Our heritage deserves attention
It is my opinion that the government should take another look at the balance between supporting private media platforms and strengthening its own broadcasting institution.
Private media organisations have their place and deserve to thrive, but this should not come at the expense of BCOS, which is a state-owned broadcasting corporation with its own responsibilities, history and workforce.
The government of Oyo State should be able to preserve its heritage while embracing modern media practices.
This includes investing in modern equipment, improving the working environment, supporting staff welfare and ensuring that BCOS has a fair opportunity to cover government activities, produce quality programmes and compete effectively in today’s media environment.
Whether the management chooses to speak publicly about these concerns or not, the union cannot simply fold its hands and watch the institution and the legacy of its past practitioners decline.
As a labour union, our responsibility includes defending the welfare of our members and advocating for the survival, relevance and development of the organisation in which they work.
An appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde
I respectfully appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde and the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to strengthen BCOS before the challenges become more difficult to reverse.
We need meaningful intervention, a clear development plan, modern broadcasting facilities, improved staff welfare and deliberate efforts to restore public confidence in the station.
BCOS is a government owned institution, and its workforce serves the government and people of Oyo State, regardless of the administration in power. Its development should therefore remain a matter of public interest and institutional responsibility.
This is not a call for confrontation with government or private media organisations. It is a call for fairness, preservation of heritage and a renewed commitment to public service broadcasting.
Oyo State must not abandon its own heritage while celebrating the achievements of others. The government can support private enterprise and still build BCOS into a stronger, more competitive and more respected broadcasting institution.
The time to act is now. Let us restore the confidence, identity and pioneering spirit of BCOS for the benefit of its workers, the people of Oyo State and generations to come.
Long Live BCOS!
Long Live RATTAWU!
Long Live Oyo State!
Comrade Adeniyi Faleti
Chairman, RATTAWU BCOS Chapter