By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld
In the quiet corridors of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), the voices that deliver daily news to thousands of listeners now echo with silent frustration. Behind the microphones and cameras are dedicated men and women who have served the state for years—some for nearly two decades—yet remain invisible in the eyes of the government they serve.
They are called casual staff, but their commitment is anything but casual. They present the news, edit programs, maintain transmission equipment, and cover major state events, including the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly. Yet, unlike their confirmed colleagues, they have no appointment letters, no job security, and no benefits.
For these workers, OSBC has become both a workplace and a waiting room — a place where dreams of permanent employment have lingered for far too long.
Years of Service Without Recognition
Many of them were engaged during the administrations of former Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola to fill critical vacancies and keep the station running. They stepped in when the government needed them most, ensuring that Osun’s voice stayed on air.
In October 2022, a month before leaving office, Oyetola reportedly issued appointment letters to several of these long-serving casual workers. For a moment, joy filled the air — after years of uncertainty, the struggle seemed over.
But the relief was short-lived. The letters were never implemented, and when the government changed hands, the process was frozen once again.
A Promise Renewed, and Betrayed
When Governor Ademola Adeleke assumed office, he came with promises of reform, pledging to address unresolved employment issues, including the plight of OSBC staff. Verification lists were drawn up, and many dared to hope once more.
However, insiders say that the process was hijacked by political interests. Nearly half of the genuine long-serving workers were allegedly removed from the recruitment list and replaced by politically connected names.
“It was like being erased,” said one affected staff member. “We’ve been here for years, giving our best, and suddenly we are told we no longer exist.”
The alleged manipulation stalled the recruitment exercise, leaving the loyal staff in limbo again — still working daily, but without official recognition.
Living on ₦25,000 a Month
For those who remain, survival has become a daily test of endurance. Most casual staff earn around ₦25,000 monthly — barely enough to sustain a family. They receive no pensions, medical benefits, or access to financial loans.
“They work like permanent staff but are treated like volunteers,” an insider lamented. “Some have spent 10 years doing the same job as confirmed workers, yet they can’t even get promoted.”
Despite these hardships, they continue to show up. The newscaster takes her seat, the technician adjusts the transmitter, the cameraman focuses his lens — all hoping that someday, someone in power will finally see them.
Silence of Labour and the Weight of Politics
Adding to their frustration is what they describe as the failure of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun to stand up for them. The workers accuse the union of choosing political loyalty over justice.
“The NLC is supposed to fight for us, but they became political motivators,” said one worker. “They chose silence over justice.”
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, has reportedly intervened, urging the government to fulfill its promise — but results remain unseen.
A Test of Governance and Conscience
Observers now describe the OSBC recruitment crisis as a true test of governance and conscience — a measure of how much Osun values loyalty, fairness, and service.
Each administration seems to reset progress, pushing career workers back to square one. The result: a cycle of frustration that drains morale and erodes public trust in government institutions.
Experts call for a transparent, non-political resolution that verifies genuine workers, rewards years of service, and restores confidence in public employment.
The Voices That Refuse to Fade
As the sun sets behind the OSBC transmission mast in Oke Baale, Osogbo, the newsroom hums with activity. The bulletin must go on air; the reporters must file their stories.
For these men and women, their story isn’t just about unpaid labour. It’s about dignity, justice, and the human desire for recognition.
Governor Adeleke now faces a defining choice: continue the silence or write a new chapter — one where service is rewarded and loyalty finally finds justice.
Until then, the voices of OSBC will keep broadcasting — steady, resilient, and hopeful, waiting for the day their story changes.
