At a press conference marking the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM Nigeria, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, described the 2018 demolition of his broadcasting station by the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as a turning point that unexpectedly propelled him to global recognition.
Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan, Ayefele said what many viewed as a devastating setback ultimately became “a blessing in disguise.”
“Governments have carried out many demolition exercises before, but for reasons I still can’t explain, mine drew attention from across the world. BBC London and CNN reached out for interviews. My name and that of my company travelled farther than I could ever have imagined,” he recounted. “Ironically, the late Governor Ajimobi later rebuilt the station. That incident took me to where I am today — perhaps I might not have reached this level if it hadn’t happened.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ayefele also recalled the accident that changed his life on December 1, 1997, leaving him confined to a wheelchair but igniting his passion for broadcasting.
“I never knew that my first car, a Volkswagen Beetle, would become my turning point,” he said. “After that accident on my way to Abeokuta, I resolved to keep broadcasting. I started streaming on Facebook, and my fans — especially those abroad — encouraged me. That’s how the dream of owning a radio station began.”
Now a household name in the Nigerian media landscape, Fresh FM employs nearly 400 staff members and operates across multiple states. Ayefele said the station’s official 10th anniversary, though marked in April, was moved to October to allow for a more elaborate celebration.
“My vision has always been to change the face of broadcasting, and I believe we’ve achieved that. We’ve maintained professionalism and strong ethical standards,” he stated, adding proudly that Fresh FM has never defaulted on staff salaries or arbitrarily dismissed employees. “Seeing my team happy and fulfilled gives me joy.”
The gospel musician and broadcaster used the occasion to call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to enforce stricter compliance measures in the sector, citing the ease with which new licenses are now being issued compared to when Fresh FM was established.
“When I applied for my license, NBC conducted thorough investigations — even the DSS visited my mother and our church four times,” he revealed. “The process was rigorous. But today, it seems like an all-comers affair. The industry has become too porous, and we need to restore professionalism.”
Ayefele expressed deep appreciation to those who have supported him through various phases of his life and career, including the late Governor Ajimobi, Governor Seyi Makinde, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“If Ajimobi hadn’t demolished Fresh FM, perhaps the world wouldn’t have known us. I’m grateful to God for giving me strength and to everyone who stood by me. Challenges will always come, but I face them head-on,” he said. “I was 50 before I had children, yet I prefer to focus on impacting lives.”
Representing Governor Makinde at the event, the Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleiman Olanrewaju, praised Ayefele’s resilience and impact on modern broadcasting, describing him as a “talent manager who has set new standards of excellence in an evolving media industry.”
Also speaking, Alhaja Serifat Koro, Assistant Director of the NBC (representing the Zonal Director, Ibadan), lauded Fresh FM as one of the Commission’s “success stories.”
“Fresh FM is like a tree we nurtured, and it’s fulfilling to see how much it has grown,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the brand expand to other regions across the North and East.”
As Fresh FM enters its second decade, Ayefele said his focus remains on innovation, professionalism, and storytelling that uplifts and unites Nigerians.
“Our story is one of grace, resilience, and purpose,” he concluded. “The goal is not just to entertain, but to inspire.”
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