Hope Dims For Sixty-Six OSBC Freelance Staff Two Years After Adeleke’s Pronouncement
The 66 freelance staff members of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) face uncertainty despite an earlier directive made by Governor Ademola Adeleke that they should be absorbed as full-time workers.
Recall that Governor Adeleke, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, publicly pronounced and approved full-time employment for the affected OSBC freelance staff who had for years worked under conditions described as casual engagement within the state-owned broadcasting establishment.
But nearly two years after the announcement, the directive is yet to be implemented, leaving the affected media workers in prolonged uncertainty despite their continued contributions to the broadcasting sector in the state.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council has however expressed concern over the situation.
The Council, in a statement issued by the Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin and Secretary, Comrade Lekan Akindoju, maintained that journalists and media workers deserve fair treatment and decent working conditions, especially considering the critical roles the media play in sustaining democracy, public accountability and civic engagement.
The NUJ therefore appealed to Governor Adeleke to urgently fulfil his promise by ensuring the immediate absorption of the 66 freelance workers of OSBC into the state civil service as full-time staff.
The Council stressed that implementing the promise would further reinforce the governor’s image as a worker-friendly administrator who is committed to fairness, equity, and the welfare of citizens serving the state in different capacities.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of journalists’ welfare and the advancement of professional standards within the media industry, while expressing optimism that Governor Adeleke would act swiftly on the matter in the interest of justice and fairness.
Meanwhile, Adeleke on Monday approved permanent employment for casual workers of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
