Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inspected the headquarters of Fresh FM in Ibadan, following a fire that damaged parts of the station on Friday.
The governor arrived at the scene around 7:30 pm and expressed his sympathy to the station’s chairman, Dr Olayinka Joel Ayefele, and the management team. He described the incident as unfortunate but noted that it served as a wake-up call for the state government to improve emergency and fire response systems.
Governor Makinde stated that he would meet with the leadership of the Oyo State Fire Service to discuss ways to enhance their efficiency. He thanked God that no lives were lost in the blaze and assured the station of the government’s support to ensure it returns to broadcasting soon, given its importance in informing the public.
“This incident has highlighted the need for better response times. If our fire service had been operating at the desired level, the damage might not have been so severe,” he said.
“We have a fire station near Scout Camp. Had it been properly equipped, they could have arrived before the team from the Secretariat. These are areas we need to address.”
He added, “To the chairman and management of Fresh FM, I urge you to remain strong. We must be grateful that no lives were lost. The state government will provide support to help the station resume operations quickly, as it plays a crucial role in keeping our people informed.”
In response, Dr Ayefele thanked the governor for his swift visit, describing it as a sign of compassionate leadership. He also expressed gratitude to the station’s listeners, first responders, and supporters both in Nigeria and abroad, calling for collective efforts to rebuild the station.
The fire reportedly affected several key areas, including the studios of Fresh FM and Blast FM, the newsroom, transmitter room, and offices of the general manager and assistant general manager.