Fresh FM, a popular radio station, has been severely damaged by a fire that broke out at its headquarters in Ibadan. The inferno, which occurred on a Friday night, affected key sections of the building, including the newsroom, studios, and server room. The fire was said to have started during active broadcasting hours, causing staff and crew to rush out of the building. While the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, the extent of the damage has been described as “devastating” by the station’s management.
The Chairman of Fresh FM, Chief Olayinka Joel Ayefele, was the recipient of condolences from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The governor expressed his sympathy with Ayefele and the entire management of the radio station, calling the incident unfortunate. He, however, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost. In his message, Makinde offered words of encouragement, urging Ayefele to remain resilient and assuring him that the station would recover stronger.
The fire outbreak has temporarily impacted the operations of the media house, which also houses Fresh 105.9 FM and Blast 98.3 FM. Videos and images shared online showed the building engulfed in flames, prompting a swift response from the Oyo State Fire Service. While staff initially attempted to combat the fire with internal equipment, they were overwhelmed by its intensity until professional firefighters arrived on the scene.
A statement released by the radio station’s management confirmed the incident and thanked all first responders and good samaritans who helped to contain the blaze. The statement also confirmed that a full assessment of the damage is underway, but the cost is expected to be substantial. The incident brings back memories of a previous setback for the station, whose building was demolished by a previous administration before being rebuilt.
