Lifestyle

World Radio Day: Experts Highlight AI, Credibility in Broadcasting

By Web News 211

By Olubunmi Agboola

Radio remains a unique and dependable medium that cuts across social classes and literacy levels, earning the trust of millions through its affordability and intimacy.

The Head of Service in Oyo State, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, made this assertion at the 2026 World Radio Day celebration organized by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Oyo State Chapter, at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Rattawu Hall, Basorun, Ibadan.

Represented by the Director of Career Management Service, Mrs. Adebukola Akinwale, Mrs. Oni emphasized that radio continues to inform, educate, and entertain the public. She noted that dedication and professionalism within the broadcast sector contribute significantly to governance and unity in Oyo State.

Delivering a lecture titled “Radio and Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, former Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Ibadan Zonal Station, Mrs. Bolatito Joseph, described radio as the enduring mouthpiece of the people.

Mrs Joseph highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on broadcasting, explaining that AI builds on radio’s longstanding tradition of creativity, in-depth research, quality content production, and talent discovery. She stressed that innovation must complement — not replace — the human element that defines radio.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of RATTAWU, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Kehinde Olayade, reminded participants that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marks World Radio Day every February 13.

Mr. Olayade described radio as an indispensable tool for development, social cohesion, and public enlightenment. He maintained that while AI can enhance broadcasting, radio’s relevance ultimately depends on the human touch that connects emotionally with audiences.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, urged journalists to prioritize factual reporting capable of sustaining audience engagement.

He cautioned against the spread of misinformation, stressing that fact-based journalism builds credibility, strengthens trust, and upholds the integrity of the profession.

Dignitaries present at the 2026 World Radio Day celebration included the Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr. Olufemi Fulani, and the Chairperson of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, alongside union leaders and media professionals.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities who have contributed significantly to the stability, growth, and development of radio broadcasting in their respective fields.

The celebration reinforced radio’s enduring relevance in the digital age and its evolving partnership with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Economy

Oyo Workers to Receive N80,000 Minimum Wage by January 2025

By Web News 719

By Iyabo Adebisi

Government workers in Oyo State will begin to enjoy the 80,000 naira as minimum wage from January 2025.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, says the Oyo State Government has reached an agreement with organized labour on the implementation of the minimum wage and consequential adjustments.

The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Olanike Adeyemo and the Head of Service, HoS, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, led others in signing the agreement on behalf of the government while Comrade Kayode Martins of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Comrade Bosun Olabiyi of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, alongside other labour leaders signed for the organised labour.

The negotiating council agreed that the new minimum wage salary structure shall be effective nominally from July 1st, 2024 but financially from January 1st, 2025.

According to the commissioner, those who retire between July 1st and December 31st 2024 will have their retirement benefits calculated based on the new minimum wage.

The statement implores all ministries and extra-ministerial departments to be more aggressive in their revenue generation drive to significantly improve the internally generated revenue, IGR of the state.

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Governance

Gov Makinde Promises Implementation of New Minimum Wage

By Web News 1128

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has assured workers in the state that despite challenges facing the nation, he is ready to negotiate a new minimum wage for the state workforce. 

He said this while addressing public and civil servants in the state during an interfaith service to usher in the New Year. 

Governor Makinde commended the workers for their support throughout his first term administration under Omitutun 1.0 while acknowledging their roles in his reelection.

The governor promised to continue to find means to improve the welfare of the state workforce, assuring them of plans to draw up a new minimum wage and build necessary infrastructures to make life meaningful for the people

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni who lauded Governor Makinde for his workers friendly policies, charges the workers to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities. 

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, in his speech disclosed that Governor Makinde has granted approval of 35 percent Basic Salary (Legislative Duty Allowance) for all the staff of the Oyo state house of Assembly and Oyo State House of Assembly commission.

Other approvals already granted by Governor Makinde according to the speaker were approval of 30 percent of other allowances under the Negotiated Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure for all legislative staff, 10 percent Annual Basic Salary to be reinstated as Leave Bonus.

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Health

Oyo Govt. Moves to Increase Accountability in Health Sector

By Web News 544

By Nafiu Busari

Oyo State Government is fostering a culture of transparency and accountability that will drive both the state and non-state actors in the health sector to improve the healthcare system.

The Oyo State Head of Service, HOS, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni revealed this in Ibadan at the dissemination of the State Ministry of Health Accountability Framework And Health Fact Sheet programme.

Mrs Oni called on people of the state to familiarize themselves with the accountability framework and health fact sheet to have an informed outlook about their health and efforts being made to improve it.

She reiterated the commitment of Oyo State government to continue to implement free health services for the under-five children and the elderly.

The Head of Service appreciate the efforts of the United States President’s Malaria Initiative for state project, PMI, for providing both financial and technical support for the realization of the initiative.

In an interview, the Oyo State Coordinator, US President Malaria Initiative for State Project, Dr. Oluwayemisi Ayandipo said implementation of framework document has commenced in Oyo State to achieve a perfect healthcare delivery.

She noted that it was essential to hold individuals responsible and accountable for actions taken, considering the massive investment of the government in the health sector.

Dr. Ayandipo, who attributed some challenges confronting the state’s health facilities to the negative behaviour and attitudes of some health personnel, revealed that her organization is partnering government in the implementation of the accountability framework document.

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