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.
On Friday night, a fire broke out at Fresh FM’s head office in the Felele area of Ibadan, destroying its studios, newsroom, transmitter/server room and equipment.
Another station in the complex, Blast FM 98.3, was also affected.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, though efforts are ongoing to assess the level of damage.
Fresh FM, which received its licence in 2015, has since expanded to Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Osogbo and Lagos.
