How 1997 Accident and Facebook Streaming Led to Fresh FM’s Birth – Yinka Ayefele

YINKA AYEFELE

Renowned gospel artiste and broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele, has disclosed that he has never dismissed any employee since establishing his radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, ten years ago.

Ayefele made the revelation on Wednesday during a press conference organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Ibadan-based station.

Reflecting on his journey, the Fresh FM founder shared that his path to success began after surviving a devastating road accident in 1997.

“I worked at Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, producing jingles. I used the money I earned to buy a Beetle car, and on my way to Abeokuta in 1997, I had a terrible accident. That incident changed my life completely,” he said.

Ayefele recounted that Fresh FM initially started as a live streaming session on Facebook, which gained widespread attention among his audience abroad before evolving into a licensed radio station.

“I started live streaming on Facebook, and my fans outside Nigeria loved it. That gave me the idea to start a radio station to change the face of broadcasting,” he explained.

He also narrated how security officials once invaded his office to verify his broadcast licence.

“It took me seven years to get the licence. If other radio station owners were investigated like I was, many wouldn’t exist today,” Ayefele stated.

Speaking about his leadership principles, the media entrepreneur said he values loyalty and has built a workplace culture that prioritises staff welfare.

“I have never sacked anyone in the last 10 years. The only time I did something close was advising one person to resign,” he said.

Ayefele also recalled the 2018 demolition of his Music House by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying the incident turned out to be a blessing.

“The demolition brought global attention. BBC and CNN called me. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because Ajimobi later rebuilt the station,” he said.

He further expressed gratitude to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife for their support in helping him secure the broadcast licence that gave birth to Fresh FM.