New Dawn at OSRC: The Transformative Leadership of Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson

New Dawn at OSRC: The Transformative Leadership of Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson

By Sunday Ajibola

 

I am often stirred into deep reflection and excitement whenever I encounter or hear about uncommon individuals—those rare people who deliberately set out to make a difference. These are the changemakers who defy convention and rewrite the narrative through sheer will and action. Sadly, such individuals have become increasingly scarce in today’s Nigeria, especially in Ondo State. It bears repeating: it is men and women of integrity, discipline, selflessness, and vision who truly transform communities, states, and nations. Yet, in government circles, the prevailing mindset often remains tragically self-serving—"It’s my turn to accumulate wealth now that I’m in office"—leaving society to deteriorate while pretending to progress.

Amid this discouraging trend, heartwarming news is emerging from my alma mater in journalism—OSRC. Encouraging developments are unfolding there, thanks to new leadership. As the head directs the body, so too does a leader shape an organization. During a recent visit to Oke-Eda near Adegbemile in Akure to process some retirement documents, I observed with delight that the OSRC Commercial Office rebuilding project had reached an advanced stage. A nearby staff member remarked, “Our new Director-General, Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, is doing a yeoman’s job.” It should be recalled that the original structure was destroyed by fire years ago. Since then, the staff had been working in a nearby building formerly used by the State Scholarship Board—an unfit space for human use.

That simple statement—“Our DG is doing well”—sparked my journalist’s curiosity. What I uncovered was truly impressive. Temporary staff, often the most neglected, are now benefiting from a renewed sense of purpose. Arrears of their monthly stipends—over six months’ worth—have been cleared, and their meager allowances have been increased by about 70%. This is no small feat.

If you're a regular viewer of the Nation’s Star Station, you’d notice it is now on air more consistently than ever before. The station has been connected to a dedicated national grid, ending the long-standing challenge of diesel shortages for the transmitter. On the radio side, Alalaye 96.5 FM has a new transmitter, ensuring steady broadcast. I reliably learned that the DG personally loaned money to expedite the equipment purchase. That’s what putting public service first truly looks like.

Perhaps most remarkable is the new work culture. Staff—junior and senior alike—are empowered to use their initiative on the job. This has fostered a deep sense of ownership and commitment. The sentiment is clear: “Now that I have the freedom to contribute meaningfully, I must give my best to the system.”

 Orange 96.5 FM is not left out too. The newsroom is being attended to. The workers are anticipating new equipements which the DG has promised to provide soon. 

In less than six months, Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson has redefined what responsible and responsive leadership means. His style is a dramatic shift from the turbulent era that began in 2003 under the Agagu administration, when OSRC became a political battleground. Successive appointees—many lacking broadcasting experience—ran the place into the ground, prioritizing personal gain over professional growth. Even the few professionals who led did not leave much of a mark.

But with Sir Kenneth, we’re reminded that leadership is about service—service to both the institution and the people. Still, a word of caution is necessary. He must remain vigilant against self-appointed advisers—those who once helped derail the station. Their outdated and counterproductive ideas must be kept at bay. His vision is working, and he must stay the course.

Kudos to Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson for breathing new life into OSRC. May his kind multiply.