The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo state chapter, has described stories in some section of the media as being sponsored by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) noting that, continuous destructive criticism against Governor Seyi Makinde’s laudable move to further modernize Ibadan by creating more beautiful GRAs in the state especially the moribund Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Staff Quarters should readily be a welcome development by any individual, group or political party.
Oyo state PDP in a press statement made available to newsmen by its Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji on Wednesday 28th April, alleged Oyo APC of ‘deceitfuly and maliciously’ instigating BCOS workers against Government over a move that is targeted at improving the modernity of Ibadan city at no detriment to neither BCOS nor its staffs.
The ruling party noted that the state Commissioner for Lands Barrister Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Rahman, during his last press briefing maintained that state government will construct two modern Government Residential Areas (GRAs) which will meet the test of time out of the moribund expanse of lands behind BCOS for the purpose of providing beautiful and affordable housing for it’s growing population as well as shoring up its revenue base.
Oyo PDP explained that there was no parameter or basis of comparing the Almost two years Seyi Makinde led PDP government with APC entire eight years describing the last administration as the “greatest mistake” collectively made by the people of the state who realizing that dethroned APC government in 2019.
“For the sake of record, It was half salaries for 8 years under the immediate past APC government with less than 40m spent and generators were being borrowed to power the stations unlike the Seyi Makinde led PDP administration which has approved and spent over N100 million on the effective management of BCOS in less than 2 years. Furthermore, the entire investment of APC government in BCOS between 2011–2019 are minor upgrade of TV Broadcast Facility in 2011, relocation of BCOS staff clinic in 2014, relocation of Oluyole FM station to Bashorun from old Ife road in February 2019, and procurement of 400KVA and 80KVA power Generator at Bashorun and Ajilete FM, Ogbomoso.
“Despite this very poor attention to the corporation, the APC government illegally sack many of the staff while over 200 staff members including respectable veterans in the broadcast profession were redeployed to ministries and parastatals where their professional expertise are absolutely underutilized. All have been recalled by Prince Dotun Oyelade Management team put in place by the Governor Seyi Makinde led PDP government.
“The Seyi Makinde led PDP government in less than two years in office has installed world class Digital Audio Satellite System for Hi-Fidelity crystal clear and seamless broadcast across all BCOS stations in all the zones of Oyo state.
“Beautification of BCOS and its environment, upgrade of broadcast facilities to world class at the ICT Division of Engineering Department for audio and video conferencing from all over the world. Reabsorption of illegally sacked management staffs.
“Establishment of TV Microwave Links System between the corporation and Agodi Earth Station of Star FM for improved quality of TV signal on Star Times DTT bouquet. Live streaming of BCOS channels on website (www.bcos.tv/live) and mobile App (BCOS TV).
“Others are installation and commissioning of new 5KW Radio FM Transmitter at Ajilete FM Tx Station, Ogbomoso. Upgrading and transformation of BCOS staff canteen to a Club House.
“24hr extended TV transmission, renovation of Oke-Ogun FM Live studio, procurements of 250KVA power Generator at old Ife road, 135KVA power Generator at Bashorun Headquarters, 65KVA power Generator at Alaga FM station, Ogbomoso.
“Backup Spares for transmission equipment, prompt release of funds for contents production, installation of Earth Station for Satellite TV Uplink as well as prompt payment of staffs salaries and other benefits among other core investment in the station too many to itemize.
“We urge all citizens and residents of the state to completely ignore the Oyo APC for further attempting to insult our collective sensibility in such a shameless manner thinking the people have forgotten so quickly how they were subjected to modern day slavery for eight uninterrupted years under their draconian rule. For the sake of emphasis, APC which is sinonymous to Biblical hellfire, is dead and gone for good in Oyo state.”
