Yinka Ayefele celebrates Fresh FM’s 10th anniversary, reflecting on resilience, staff loyalty, and the journey from tragedy to triumph

Yinka Ayefele Fresh FM has reached a major milestone as the popular gospel musician and broadcaster celebrated the 10th anniversary of his radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, with a touching reflection on his journey of resilience and faith.

Also read: Nollywood Actress Opeyemi Aiyeola Hails Iyabo Ojo With Powerful Message

Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday, Ayefele revealed that since founding the station ten years ago, he has never sacked any of his workers, a record he attributes to mutual respect and trust within his team.

“I have never sacked anyone in the last 10 years. The only time I did something close was advising one person to resign,” he said, adding that staff welfare and loyalty have been key to the station’s success.

The media entrepreneur recounted how his path to prominence began after a life-changing road accident in 1997 that left him wheelchair-bound. “I worked at Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, producing jingles.

I used the money I earned to buy a Beetle car, and on my way to Abeokuta in 1997, I had a terrible accident. That incident changed my life completely,” he recalled.

Ayefele explained that Fresh FM started as a live-streaming initiative on Facebook, which quickly gained traction among listeners abroad before evolving into a licensed radio station.

“I started live streaming on Facebook, and my fans outside Nigeria loved it. That gave me the idea to start a radio station to change the face of broadcasting,” he said.

He also reflected on the challenges faced in securing the broadcast licence, recounting an incident when security operatives stormed his office to verify his documents.

“It took me seven years to get the licence. If other radio station owners were investigated like I was, many wouldn’t exist today,” he said pointedly.

The renowned broadcaster further revisited the 2018 demolition of his music house by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, describing it as a defining moment that turned into an unexpected blessing.

“The demolition brought global attention. BBC and CNN called me. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because Ajimobi later rebuilt the station,” he revealed.

Ayefele also expressed gratitude to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for their support in helping him secure Fresh FM’s broadcast licence.

Now a network with several branches across Nigeria, Fresh FM has grown into one of the country’s most influential private radio brands, known for its professionalism, balanced reporting, and entertainment value.

Also read: Dapo Opayinka: UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor bridging cultures through stage, screen

As Ayefele and his team celebrate a decade of success, the broadcaster reaffirmed his commitment to innovation, ethical journalism, and community service. “Fresh FM is not just a radio station; it’s a family, a platform of hope, and a voice of integrity,” he said proudly.