Gospel musician and broadcaster, Mr. Yinka Ayefele, stated that the road accident he had in 1997 was the crucial turning point that launched his successful career.
Ayefele, who owns Fresh 105.9 FM in Ibadan, spoke at a press conference marking the station’s 10th anniversary. He explained that his journey to stardom began after he bought a Volkswagen Beetle car with money earned from producing jingles at Radio Nigeria Ibadan. He had the accident on his way to Abeokuta in 1997.
He disclosed that he initially started the radio station by live-streaming on Facebook because he noticed his fans outside Nigeria enjoyed it, which inspired him to pursue owning a radio station to “change the narrative and the system of broadcasting.”
Ayefele revealed that his attempt to operate was initially halted when the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accompanied by the DSS, demanded his license, a process that took him seven years to secure. He believes that if other radio station owners were investigated as thoroughly as he was, many would not exist today.
The musician also proudly mentioned his staff retention policy, stating, “I have never sacked anyone in the last 10 years.” He recalled that the highly publicised demolition of the station by the administration of former Governor Ajimobi ironically served as a “blessing in disguise,” bringing global attention via BBC and CNN, and that Ajimobi later rebuilt the station. He also credited meeting former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife for helping him finally obtain his license.
During the event, Alhaja Sherifat Mohammed-Koro, representing the NBC, advised all radio stations to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding their operations.
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