BCOS Veterans Raise Alarm Over Declining Fortunes, Demand Staff Quarters, Modern Equipment, Pension Reforms
Elders, veterans and members of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Chapter, on Wednesday, called on the Oyo State Government to address pressing welfare and operational challenges confronting the state-owned media organisation.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué signed by the Secretary of the NUP, Mr Biodun Ipadeola, capturing a 4-point agenda, which was issued at the end of a meeting held on Wednesday at the Pensioners’ Hall, Ile Akede, BCOS, Ibadan.
At the meeting, the stakeholders deliberated extensively on the current state of affairs of the corporation, launching an attack on the management, and accused it of presiding over the systematic destruction of one of the foremost broadcasting institutions.
The meeting, attended by retired broadcasters, former management staff, veterans and pensioners of the corporation, reviewed issues affecting both serving and retired workers as well as the future of BCOS as one of the oldest broadcast stations in Nigeria.
Among the major resolutions reached was a renewed appeal to the Oyo State Government “to transfer BCOS pensioners to the Oyo State Pensions Board Secretariat in Ibadan.”
According to the stakeholders, the move would ensure improved pension administration, prompt processing of retirees’ entitlements and better welfare for retired employees who dedicated years of service to the corporation.
The stakeholders also urged the government to “utilise the remaining portion of land within the BCOS premises for the construction of modern staff quarters.”
They noted that providing residential accommodation for workers would boost staff welfare, enhance productivity and strengthen the operational efficiency of the corporation.
On the issue of leadership, the meeting rejected the appointment of an Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer to pilot the affairs of the BCOS.
They however maintained that appointments into the corporation should strictly comply with the provisions of the BCOS Edict, which recognises the positions of General Manager.
According to them, adherence to the existing legal framework would preserve the institution’s administrative structure and ensure proper governance of the state-owned broadcasting outfit.
The elders and pensioners also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of broadcasting facilities at BCOS, calling on the state government to urgently replace obsolete and moribund studio equipment.
They stressed that modern broadcasting equipment is essential for quality programming, effective news gathering and the overall competitiveness of BCOS in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
The stakeholders observed that despite its rich history and significant contributions to broadcasting in Oyo State, BCOS requires sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital to reclaim its pride of place within Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
They expressed optimism that the Oyo State Government would give due consideration to their requests in the interest of workers, retirees and the continued growth of the corporation.
