FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST LABOUR RADIO STATION IN THE WORLD, PENSIONERS 106.7 FM IS THE FOCUS OF TODAY’S VIEWPOINT. IT IS WRITTEN BY YETUNDE OKE, HEAD OF EDITORIAL UNIT
On the 27th of September, 2019, Pensioners 106.7 FM, the First Labour Radio in the world hit the airwaves.
The Agbalode Radio was established by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council.
It began operations with staff strength of over twenty when there were only twenty five radio stations in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
The aim of the establishment of the Voice of Liberation Radio was founded on the experience of pensioners in Oyo state during the days when their entitlements were denied.
The governments, apart from shunning the cries of the pensioners, also used the media as a weapon to fight them.
According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pensioner’s FM, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, since government was using all means to shut the retirees, the Oyo NUP decided to find a way to have a voice which later led to the birth of Pensioners’ FM 106.7.
It was indeed a long journey that took a lot of commitment and finances which the union was able to summont.
The radio station’s slogan, “Voice of Liberation”, means the union has been liberated from the shackles of mis-governance, while another slogan “Agbalode” means founding fathers of the station though retired are still available to share from their wisdom if needed.
No doubt, Pensioners’ FM has been living up to expectations, as it has been meeting the yearnings of the masses.
When it comes to dissemination of credible information and educative programmes, the station has always been at the forefront.
This has been identified on many occasions by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC who adjudges it as a media establishment that complies with NBC codes and ethics.
Pensioners’ FM has also won many awards as a station.
Every department has at least an award winner, while members of management have brought home many laurels, including UNICEF recognition award.
All these have been possible due to the efforts of the board of the station in organising trainings, seminars and refresher courses for the workforce.
With about fifty radio stations in the pace setter state, the competition is high, despite this, pensioners fm has been soaring high like an eagle.
The station boasts of a functional website, www.pensioners1067fm.com, where members of the public can keep themselves abreast about happenings globally.
Also, the radio station has promised to keep working and improve its services, especially in setting agenda for national development.
The station has remained resilient, steadfast and unrelenting in its goals and has this desire of becoming a recognised labour radio worldwide.
Furthermore, Pensioners’ FM is expected to have other stations in other parts of Oyo state, in order to serve the people better.
A veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, equally delivered the fifth anniversary lecture entitled Radio Broadcasting: Numbers without Varieties, the Need for Specialised Contents.
Other activities showcased for the celebration of the station’s anniversary were cultural display and fashion parade.
Happy birthday to Pensioners’ FM, happy birthday to the First Radio Station in the world.
