Minister of power Adebayo Adelabu has commiserated with gospel singer Yinka Ayefele following the fire incident that gutted his radio station, Fresh FM, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The minister’s message was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his special adviser on strategic communications and media relations Bolaji Tunji.
Mr Adelabu described the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” noting that Fresh FM had become a pillar of broadcasting and public enlightenment in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Ayefele, the management and staff of Fresh FM, as well as the good people of Oyo State, over this unfortunate incident,” Adelabu said.
The minister, who disclosed that he is also a regular listener of Fresh FM, urged stakeholders to prioritise electrical safety standards and conduct regular inspections of power infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences.
He praised the Oyo State Fire Service and residents of the neighbourhood for their swift response in containing the fire.
“During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Dr Yinka Ayefele and the entire Fresh FM family,” Adelabu added.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has gifted a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to gospel singer Yinka Ayefele days after the inferno.
The presentation was made on Tuesday at the Music House, Challenge, Ibadan, by the commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy matters, Ademola Ojo, on behalf of the governor.
Other officials at the event included the commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sulaimon Olanrewaju and the senior special assistant on broadcast media, Bose Sodiq.
Governor Makinde said the gesture was part of the government’s commiseration with Ayefele over the incident.
“On behalf of the state governor and the government, we are here to commiserate with you. You are a symbol of perseverance and inspiration to millions of Nigerians. On behalf of the Governor and the state government, we present this gift to you,” Ojo said while handing over the vehicle.
Ayefele, who is the chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the support as encouraging.
The station’s head office was gutted by fire on Friday night, destroying the studios of Fresh 105.9 FM and Blast 98.3 FM, as well as offices including the newsroom and transmitter/server room.
Property worth millions of naira was lost.
The management of the station confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that early attempts by residents to stop the fire failed before the arrival of firefighters.
The Oyo State Fire Service later said its operatives responded to the emergency.
Makinde had visited the scene on Saturday to sympathise with Ayefele and assess the damage.
Fresh FM, which began operations in 2015 after receiving its licence, has expanded to Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Osogbo and Lagos.