Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commiserated with Chairman of Fresh FM, Chief Olayinka Joel Ayefele, following the fire outbreak that gutted parts of the popular radio station’s headquarters in Ibadan on Friday night.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to eyewitnesses, the fire, which reportedly started around 11:00 p.m., affected sections of the building, including some offices and studio equipment, before it was eventually controlled by men of the Oyo State Fire Service.
Although the cause of the incident has not yet been officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
In a statement on Saturday, Governor Makinde who described the development as a “sad and unfortunate incident,” expressed gratitude to God that no casualties were recorded.
He acknowledged Fresh FM’s significant contributions to broadcasting in Oyo State and Nigeria at large, stressing that the station has remained a voice of the people and a strong pillar of independent journalism.
The Governor, while consoling Ayefele whom he referred to as his brother and friend, urged him and the entire Fresh FM team to stay strong and resilient in the face of the setback.
He assured that the station would bounce back stronger, adding that his administration would continue to support initiatives that promote the growth of the media industry in the state.
