By Sayo Alagbe
Its location is not its albatross, nor its fate as unfortunate. Its future is what lies in the womb of time amidst uncertainty and unfortunate factors that have soaked its prospects in the bowl of doom and destruction. It is just a matter of time before its relevance and significances become points of reference to what was once obtainable. Sadly, as the saying goes, he that remembers the pleasure of the past, does not enjoy the present. While the clamour for the survival, relevance and efficient continuity of Ajilete FM cannot be over-emphasised, it is more than timely and timeless not to allow this radio station to fade into obscurity through the inordinate ambition of few elements. AJILETE FM. is more than a radio station: it has historical significance as Oyo State Broadcast asset.
WITHOUT mincing words, Ajilete FM, located in Gambari, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, remains one of the most strategic broadcast stations established under the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). As a sister station to the main BCOS headquarters at Orita Basorun, Ibadan, Ajilete FM once stood as a symbol of regional expansion, grassroots communication and effective public broadcasting. Today, however, the station is reportedly in a state of neglect, struggling for survival and faces the imminent risk of total collapse.
LIKE a cat with nine lives, the story of Ajilete FM cannot be separated from the broader history of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Oyo State itself. Because, BCOS has served as one of the foremost state-owned media institutions in southwestern Nigeria and a case study for South West Nigerian states. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in information dissemination, public enlightenment, cultural promotion, political engagement, and entertainment. From Ibadan to other zones within the state, BCOS helped bridge communication gaps between government and the people.
REMARKABLY, it was the administrative era of former Governor Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala that Ajilete FM experienced one of its brightest seasons. Under his leadership, the station was upgraded from a booster outlet into a fully-fledged FM radio station, that operated as a strong regional arm of BCOS. Within the same period, Oke Ogun FM was also strengthened to serve the northern axis of the state. These developments reflected a clear vision to decentralize information flow and ensure every major region in Oyo State had access to quality broadcasting services.
SIGNIFICANTLY, Ajilete FM soon became a household name across Ogbomoso and beyond. Its signal reportedly reached several towns and neighbouring states, including Osogbo, Modakeke, parts of Ekiti State, Ile Oluji, and even Lapai in Niger State. Such reach made the station not only a local medium, but a regional force in broadcasting.
Beyond popularity, Ajilete FM was also commercially viable. During its peak years, the station generated significant revenue through advertisements, sponsorships, announcements and programme partnerships. In fact, many insiders believed that the proceeds from Ajilete FM supported and aided the operational needs of the parent BCOS station during financial difficult periods. This was a remarkable achievement for a station situated outside the state capital.
HOWEVER, like twist of fate and vicissitude of life, after the exit of Governor Alao-Akala in 2011 and particularly in the years that followed, the fortunes of the station began to decline and nose dive. Like many public institutions in Nigeria, changes in administration often result in shifts in priorities and lost of focus. Ajilete FM gradually lost momentum, while maintenance culture weakened and investment slowed and inefficiently delivered.
DURING the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the station reportedly faced several operational challenges. While broadcasting continued intermittently, many of the infrastructure needs of the station were left unattended. Equipment became outdated, power supply unstable, unreliable and workers’morale reportedly declined.
One notable memory often recalled by observers concerns the courage shown by former Head of Centre, Mrs. Funke Adegbeye, who allegedly provided an opportunity for the current Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to address audience in Ogbomoso during a politically tense period. Such moments underscored the role of public media as a democratic platform that should remain open, fair, and people-centered.
LIKE an expectation with positive mindedness, many listeners of the station had hoped that the emergence of Governor Seyi Makinde would usher in a new era of revival for Ajilete FM. As an administration that has invested in infrastructure, education, and institutional reforms, expectations were high that strategic public assets like Ajilete FM would also receive urgent attention. Unfortunately, reports suggest that the station still grapples with obsolete facilities and outdated equipment. Among the concerns raised are malfunctioning transmitters, aged generating sets, outdated computer systems, poor studio furniture, deteriorated microphones, and a generally unconducive working environment. These conditions are far below the standard expected of a state-owned media organization with such historical relevance and potential economic power at its disposal.
MORE troubling is the recent report that the station has gone off air following heavy rainfall and a thunderstorm that allegedly damaged key equipment, which include the transmitter, generator, console and other essential devices. If the report is anything to go by, this development demands immediate emergency intervention.
Radio remains one of the most powerful means of communication in Nigeria, particularly in semi-urban and rural communities. While digital media continues to grow, radio still reaches farmers, traders, transport workers, artisans, and elderly citizens who may not have constant internet access. For many residents in Ogbomoso, Surulere, and surrounding communities, Ajilete FM is more than a station: it is a companion, an information source, and a cultural voice.
IT WILL be a great disservice to the community, the audience and the state of such a station is silenced through avoidable situation and stained history for Governor Seyi Makinde. As a matter of fact, the Oyo State Government should, therefore, consider the following noble urgent steps as proactive measures before things fall apart for Ajilete F.M:
1. Immediate Technical Rehabilitation which include:
Damaged transmitters, consoles, generators, studio systems, and electrical components should be replaced or repaired without delay. Broadcasting should resume as soon as possible.
2. Infrastructure Upgrade:
The station premises require renovation, beautification, and modern structural maintenance. A functional media environment boosts productivity and public confidence.
3. Alternative Power Solutions:
Solar energy installations and inverter systems should be introduced to reduce dependence on diesel generators and ensure uninterrupted service.
4. Modern Digital Transition:
Ajilete FM should be equipped with modern broadcasting software, digital editing suites, online streaming capacity, and social media integration.
5. Staff Welfare and Capacity Building: Employees deserve a conducive workspace, training opportunities, and motivation to perform at their best.
6. Revenue Revitalization Strategy:
With proper branding, audience engagement, and business development, Ajilete FM can once again become commercially sustainable.
THE station also faces competition from private broadcasters such as Parrot FM, Brave FM, and Oko-Irese FM. In today’s media environment, audiences move quickly to stations that offer consistent quality, better sound, and relevant programming. Prolonged silence or poor service may permanently erode the loyal listenership Ajilete FM built over the years.
INSIGHTFUL is the fact that all hope is not lost. Ajilete FM already has what many newer stations struggle to build: history, brand recognition, audience memory, geographic advantage, and emotional connection with the people. What it needs now is political-will, administrative urgency, and strategic investment.
Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly shown commitment to development across Oyo State, let Ajilete F.M. has a taste of such experience. To rescue Ajilete FM would fit naturally into the legacy of the present administration. It would preserve a valuable state institution, create employment opportunities, strengthen public communication, and reconnect government with citizens in the Ogbomoso axis.
THE story of BCOS is one of resilience. From its pioneering years in Ibadan to the creation of zonal stations like Ajilete FM, it has remained a vital part of Oyo State’s identity. Ajilete FM should not be remembered as a neglected chapter in the story. Instead, it should be restored as a shining example of what visionary governance can achieve. The people are waiting. The airwaves are silent. The time to act is now!
SAYO ALAGBE
former Member, Board of Directors of Broacasting Corporation of Oyo State, write from Ogbomoso.
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