NUJ and Rattawu OSBC Chapel Commend Governor Adeleke Over Absorption of 66 Freelance Staff

The Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, OSBC Chapel, have expressed deep appreciation to the Osun State Government for fulfilling its promise to absorb all 66 freelance staff of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation into the state civil service.

In a joint statement, the Chairmen and Secretaries of the two unions, Comrade Olawumi Olaniyi of NUJ, Comrade Kunle Makanjuola of RATTAWU, Comrade Kamil Raheem of NUJ, and Comrade Jelili Lawal of RATTAWU, described the development as a huge relief for the affected staff and for the entire corporation.

The statement said the fulfillment of the promise reflects the commitment of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as a talk-and-do Governor.

The unions recalled that during the official commissioning of the new digital transmitters and studios provided by his administration for OSBC, including OSBC 104.5FM Osogbo, Orisun FM 89.5FM, and Reality Radio Vision 96.5FM Iwo, the Governor assured the 66 freelance staff of automatic absorption into the civil service.

The statement further applauded the Governor for achieving this milestone despite the economic challenges caused by the non-release of Local Government funds by the opposition.

The unions also acknowledged the roles played by the Management of OSBC under Mrs. Jolaade Igbaroola, the Board of OSBC led by Engineer Mayowa Olosho, the Special Adviser to the Governor on OSBC, Dr. Femi Adefila, Senator Lere Oyewumi and other political stakeholders, and the NUJ Osun State Council led by Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin for making the absorption a reality.

Olaniyi and Makanjuola noted that the gesture would boost morale across the corporation, while Raheem and Lawal stressed that the absorption ends years of uncertainty for the affected freelancers.

The statement also quoted the union leaders as saying that the Governor has set a new standard for labour welfare in the state’s media sector.

While congratulating the 66 newly absorbed staff, the two unions charged them to reciprocate the Governor’s magnanimity by doubling their commitment, professionalism, and productivity in the discharge of their duties.

The union leaders reaffirmed their continued support for the Adeleke administration and urged the new staff to justify the confidence reposed in them.