Idowu
Renowned Nigerian gospel artist and media entrepreneur Yinka Ayefele has opened up about how a life-altering 1997 car crash reshaped his destiny during a press briefing marking the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM 105.9.
The event, hosted at the NUJ Press Centre in Ibadan, saw attendance from key figures including Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, media adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside NUJ Chairman Ademola Babalola and NBC representative Alhaja Sherifat Mohammed-Koro.
Ayefele, founder of the thriving radio station, reflected on his remarkable journey from music producer to broadcasting mogul, tracing his success back to the pivotal accident that left him wheelchair-bound but spiritually awakened.
In an emotional recollection, Ayefele shared: “That fateful trip to Abeokuta in my Volkswagen Beetle became my rebirth. While many know the physical toll, few understand how it transformed my purpose. From hospital bed dreams to Facebook live streams, we’ve built something extraordinary.”
The music icon detailed his unconventional path into broadcasting, revealing how regulatory hurdles nearly derailed his vision. “The NBC’s seven-year scrutiny became our proving ground,” he noted, adding that his station now serves as a model for ethical broadcasting in Nigeria.
With evident pride, Ayefele highlighted his unique management philosophy: “A decade of operations without staff dismissals proves our commitment to nurturing talent.” He credited former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s controversial demolition of his station as an unexpected catalyst for global recognition.
Mohammed-Koro commended Fresh FM’s compliance record while reminding broadcasters: “While we understand operational challenges, adherence to NBC guidelines remains non-negotiable for sustainable growth in the industry.”
Oluwaseun Adeyemi
