Radio O-Y-O has certainly come a long way in its thirty three years of existence.
The old WNTV/WNBS metamorphosed into three state radio stations namely; the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC). The identification adopted for the period the three Stations were networking was “this is the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State networking to Ondo and Ogun Radio”.

The WNTV/WNBS was transmitting from its studios in Agodi, Ibadan. It grew over the years and was doing very well especially as the first Commercial Station in competition only with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation NBC.

On the 1st of April 1976, however, following the creation of more states which saw the birth Oyo, Ondo and Ogun state from the old Western State, the Federal Government tooks over all Television stations. WNTV therefore became NTV – Nigerian Television and WNBS became the property of the three states, i.e Oyo, Ondo and Ogun States.

This situation created a very good opportunity for staff to either opt to work for Television with the Federal Government and Radio with the State Government.

Independent Transmission did not start immediately because as it were, there were no facilities. Only Oyo State with its capital in Ibadan could lay claim to a Radio Station of its own because the now defunct WNBS studios were available for use albeit as a tenant of the Federal Government.

After overcoming initial problem of commercial contract terms based on networking and reach of the WNBS, it was expedient for Ondo and Ogun States to set up their respective studios and purchase equipment.

At this time,Ogun State had decided on naming the State’s Radio Outfit, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, while Ondo’s was named Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation, while Ondo’s was named Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation. Col. Jemibewon then however wanted something different for Oyo State and voiced out his opinion. Instead of Oyo State Corporation, why not Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State? And so, the name was accepted.

On 1st October, 1976, the Radio arm of B.C.O.S. went to air with new call signal: RADIO O-Y-O which is still being used today. On 9 December 1976, the Ogun State Broadcasting Services (OGBC) went on air leaving Oyo and Ondo Radio to run network programmes until 31st March 1977. B.C.O.S. began independent programming on 1st April, 1977 and by July of same year, the Government edit on Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State Law 1977 had been enacted.

THE NEW DEVELOPMENT UNDER GOVERNOR AKALA
The Government of Oyo State under the visionary, charismatic and able leadership of the Executive Governor, Oyo State, Otunba Dr. Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala approved Executive Chairman BCOS, Prince Atilade Atoyebi led Board and Management recommendations to transform two strategically located repeater’s stations of O-Y-O namely Gambari Transmitting Station, Ogbomoso Transmitting Station and Alaga Transmitting Station into full fledged stations with independent programming. Consequently the Gambari Transmitting station now Oke Ogun FM 96.3 Alaga became a reality.

Thus, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State is growing in size. Apart from the Radio I (AM) and the Television channels all in Ibadan, the Corporation now has fledged FM stations in Oke-Ogun (Oke Ogun FM, Alaga) and Ogbomoso (Ajilete FM, Gambari). These are in addition to the relay stations at Ipapo, Oje Owode and Ilora.

Consequently the Gambari Transmitting station now Ajilete FM, 92.1 and Alaga Transmitting station now Oke-Ogun FM 96.3 Alaga became a reality.

The new Ajilete FM is heard in Ibadan. It also serves listeners in Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ejigbo, Ede, Osogbo, Ajasa, Oja Oba, Arolu towns and villages around these areas, Ilorin, Offa, Oro, Base-Pro and Igbaja in Kwara State are not left out of her coverage. Listener in Kogi and Niger States also enjoy the new station.

To ensure operational efficiency, quality service delivery in news and programme contents and generate more revenue for efficient management and administration of the new Ajilete FM stereo stations, Head of channel was appointed.

The 1st Head of channel appointed, following a competitive examination, interview and recommendation of the Board and Management to the Executive Governor of Oyo State is Alhaji Bamiji Oyebode effective from 1st of May 2009. He is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the affairs of station towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the station.

With the formal official opening of Ajilete FM stereo station, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State now has three independent FM stereo stations namely B.C.O.S. Radio 2 FM stereo station established 1st of July 1978, Oke Ogun FM stereo station 96.3 and Ajilete FM stereo station Gambari,Ogbomoso 92.1.The new FM stations commenced full transmission on Saturday 15th August, 2009.

It would be recalled that the new Ajilete FM formerly Gambari Transmitting station was declared open by the then Military Governor of Oyo State, Lietunant Colonel Oladayo Popoola Fss Psc on Friday 18th May 1984.

Indeed, B.C.O.S. is setting the pace and blazing the trail.
Ajisebi Oyo laari, Oyo kii se bi Baba enikookan.