Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his sympathy to the Chairman of Fresh FM, Chief Olayinka Joel Ayefele, and the management of the radio station following the Friday night fire outbreak that affected sections of the station’s headquarters in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Saturday, described the incident as most unfortunate.
He, however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the inferno.
While consoling Ayefele, whom he fondly described as a brother and friend, the governor urged him to remain strong and undeterred, stressing that Fresh FM would rise from the setback stronger than before.
“This too shall pass and Fresh FM will bounce back better and stronger,” Makinde assured.
He called on the Fresh FM family to take solace in the fact that the station has, over the years, become a household name and a trusted voice in Oyo State and beyond, adding that such resilience would see it through the present challenge.
The governor further pledged his continuous support to the entertainment and media industry in the state, affirming that Fresh FM remains a pride of Oyo and a symbol of determination and excellence.
The Friday night blaze, which broke out at the Fresh FM Headquarters, reportedly gutted parts of the building, disrupting operations.
Meanwhile, Management of the radio station has said in an official statement on Saturday morning that the inferno completely destroyed the studios of Fresh 105.9 FM and its sister station, Blast 98.3 FM, as well as the newsroom, transmitter/server room, and other vital broadcast equipment.
It noted that despite swift intervention from residents, passersby, and the Oyo State Fire Service, the fire caused extensive damage, forcing the station off-air.