Chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr Olayinka Joel Ayefele (OJA), has disclosed that the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, inadvertently gave his radio station global recognition.
The renowned media entrepreneur and broadcaster made the disclosure while addressing a media briefing on the 10-day long celebration of the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM.
Ayefele recalled how the Music House, the headquarters of Fresh FM, Ibadan was partially demolished by the late Governor Ajimobi administration on 19 August, 2018.
The action by the Oyo State government was controversial, drawing strong criticism, with many people believing that it was politically motivated.
Ayefele however said he was grateful to the late former governor for the partial demolition, adding that the action made Fresh FM to become more popular beyond Nigeria.
“Finally, I want to appreciate the former governor of Oyo State, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. He was one of those [people] that exposed Fresh FM to the whole world.
“Yes, ire wa ninu ibi, ibi wa ninu ire (there is good in bad and there is bad in good). I have never seen anybody that has a radio station nitori wipe won wo ile o.
“Ti Ajimobi ko ba wo ile mi, Fresh FM ko ni wa ni ibi to wa loni (if Ajimobi had not demolished my house, Fresh FM would not have been where it is today.
“The day it happened, it was painful but I didn’t know it was a blessing in disguise. BBC London invited me. I went to CNN nitori pé wọn wo ile mi. Ṣé wọn ṣẹṣẹ nṣe titi ti wọn n wole èèyàn ni (I went to CNN all because they demolished my house. Have they just started demolishing because they are constructing roads)?
To cap it all, Ajimobi tun wa tun ile yẹn ko funrare e (Ajimobi rebuilt the building by himself). He rebuilt Fresh FM. I think that speaks volume. I really want to appreciate him and pray to God to continue to rest him in peace.”
Ayefele also clarified insinuations that he is using his radio station to favour a particular political party, declaring that he is not a politician, but is only doing his job professionally.
“Number two, I want to appreciate the present executive governor of Oyo State, Governor Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde.
“He is my friend before he became the governor and we would continue to be friends. If you like, tag Fresh FM with this party or the other party. I am not a politician, I am not interested in any political party. I am doing the job professionally,” he said.
Ayefele also took a swipe at the National Broadcast Commission (NBC), accusing it of not being diligent enough to checkmate the proliferation of sub-standard radio stations.
He said NBC subjected him to a tortuous experience when he was seeking to get a license for Fresh FM, adding that it took seven years before the radio station could be licensed.
Ayefele said there would have been sanity in the broadcast industry if NBC had subjected those applying for licenses had been subjected to the same rigours he went thorough, noting that there would have been a stop to the proliferation of radio stations across the country.
“NBC is no longer doing investigation. License is now to all comers, as long as you have the money. They are now applying for licenses on social media,” he declared.
The Tungba Gospel musician however said he is happy, having fulfilled, in his own little ways, his vision to change the face of broadcasting.
In her goodwill message, an Assistant Director, NBC Ibadan, Zonal Alhaja Serifat Koro, Alhaja Serifat Koro, said the Commission is happy with the Management and Staff of Fresh FM.
Alhaja Koro, who represented the Zonal Director, added that NBC is particularly happy because Fresh FM is like a tree planted, nurtured and fast growing
She said NBC was not surprised that the radio station is expanding and prayed that it expands to other parts of the country.
“Continue to give us the contents you have been giving us. We know that broadcast stations cannot but be violating the rules once a while, but NBC is happy with Fresh FM for what it has been doing and we can only encourage the radio station to continue to work professionally,” she said.
Also speaking at the media briefing, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, eulogised Ayefele for what he has been doing in the broadcast industry in the past 10 years.
According to him, the chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria is a visionary broadcaster who has changed the face of radio and broadcasting in Oyo State.
“Today, we are celebrating Fresh FM. We are celebrating vision, professionalism, resilience and dedication. Fresh FM has changed the story about radio programming in Ibadan in the past 10 years.
“Dr Olayinka Joel Ayefele (OJA) is a good talent-manager. He has been able to hold together top professionals under the same roof at Fresh FM for a decade, even when new radio stations are emerging on a daily basis.
“We can only pray for more progress for the radio station. It shall continue to grow from strength to strength as it consolidates on its leadership position in the broadcast industry,” Sulaimon added.
