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Popular gospel musician and broadcaster Yinka Ayefele has revealed that he has never terminated any employee since founding Fresh 105.9 FM ten years ago.
The disclosure came during a press conference held on Wednesday to celebrate the radio station’s 10th anniversary.
Ayefele, who owns the station, recounted the early days of his journey to success, tracing it back to a life-altering 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, reflecting on the pivotal moment that shifted the course of his career.
The broadcaster also spoke about the origins of Fresh FM, which started as a live streaming project on Facebook. Its popularity among Nigerian fans abroad encouraged him to pursue the idea of establishing a full-fledged 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,” Ayefele explained, noting that the station’s growth was driven by passion and the desire to innovate in the media space.
The journey to obtaining a broadcast licence was not without challenges. Ayefele recalled an incident when security agents stormed his office, demanding to see his 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,” he said, highlighting the hurdles faced by broadcasters in Nigeria.
Ayefele also shared insights into his management philosophy, which he describes as grounded in fairness and respect for his staff.
“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, emphasizing his belief in nurturing loyalty and professional growth among employees.
The veteran broadcaster reflected on a notable challenge in 2018 when the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi ordered the demolition of his music house. The incident drew global attention and was covered by major international media outlets.
“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,” Ayefele said, noting that the setback ultimately strengthened the station’s profile and operations.
Ayefele also acknowledged the support he received from key figures in Nigeria’s political landscape during the early years of Fresh FM. He recounted how former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife assisted him in obtaining the station’s broadcast licence, a crucial step in formalising operations.
The broadcaster’s decade-long milestone reflects not only his resilience but also his commitment to community-focused broadcasting and uplifting talent in the media space. Fresh FM has grown into a respected platform, combining music, talk shows, and news while maintaining strong connections with listeners both locally and internationally.
Ayefele’s story serves as an inspiration to young broadcasters and entrepreneurs, illustrating how determination, ethical management, and innovation can overcome challenges. By maintaining a nurturing work environment, he has cultivated loyalty among his staff and fostered a culture of excellence that has sustained Fresh FM for ten years.
As Fresh FM celebrates its first decade, Ayefele continues to set an example in the industry, showing that it is possible to balance commercial success with integrity, staff welfare, and community impact.
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