Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON), has declared that Fresh FM has set the pace for other radio broadcasters in Oyo State and across Nigeria, after a decade of consistent excellence, innovation, and resilience in the media industry.
Ayefele made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, to flag off a ten-day lineup of events marking the 10th Anniversary of Fresh 105.9 FM Ibadan, the pioneer station in the Fresh FM network.
In his remarks, Dr. Ayefele expressed deep gratitude to God, the broadcasting community, and listeners across the world for their support throughout the station’s ten-year journey.
“I’m grateful for this day. I never imagined I would stand before so many journalists celebrating ten years of Fresh FM,” he said.
The broadcaster and gospel musician recounted how the journey to establishing Fresh FM was marked by perseverance and scrutiny. According to him, it took several years and a series of rigorous background checks by regulatory authorities before his licence was finally approved, a process that, he said, opened the door for other radio entrepreneurs to obtain theirs more easily.
“I applied for a licence, and it took seven years before approval came through. The process was long and thorough, there was a lot of scrutiny, research, and investigation into my background before I was granted the licence. But that struggle made it easier for others who came after me. Today, many stations get their licences without stress, and I’m proud that Fresh FM helped open that door,” Ayefele revealed.
He noted that the journey to Fresh FM’s success began after the 1997 car accident that left him confined to a wheelchair, a life-changing event that redirected his path toward broadcasting.
“After the accident, I wanted to continue my journalism career. I began streaming programmes on Facebook before online radio became popular in Nigeria. The response was massive, especially from fans abroad, and that inspired me to build what we now call Fresh FM,” he explained.
Ayefele described Fresh FM as a brand that has redefined radio broadcasting in Nigeria through quality programming, professionalism, and people-oriented service.
“My vision was to change the face of broadcasting, and by God’s grace, we’ve achieved that. For ten years, I’ve never sacked any staff. I only advised one to resign. Managing creative minds requires patience and understanding,” he said.
He also announced that Fresh FM Ilorin will commence transmission next week, joining the expanding family of stations operating in Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Lagos, Osogbo, and Akure.
According to him, Tiwan Tiwan FM, a Yoruba-language station and Blast FM, a youth-focused music platform, were established as part of efforts to diversify the Fresh FM brand and further strengthen its commitment to audience variety and innovation.
“We’ve changed the narrative of radio presentation in Nigeria and created opportunities for many young broadcasters. Fresh FM is proof that challenges can turn into opportunities,” he added.
Ayefele expressed appreciation to the late former Governor of Oyo State, late Abiola Ajimobi for supporting the station’s exposure as well as Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued encouragement. He also acknowledged former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for their assistance during the difficult years of the station’s registration.
Representing the Zonal Director of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Jude Ajayi, Assistant Director, Mrs. Sherifat Mohammed Koro, commended the management of Fresh FM for maintaining professional standards and expanding its reach across the country.
“Fresh FM is a tree that was planted ten years ago. Today, it has grown and spread its branches across many states. We don’t expect anything less from an organisation that has shown leadership and innovation. We pray for more years of fruitful service,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, praised Dr. Ayefele as a visionary who has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence and service to humanity.
“Dr. Yinka Ayefele is a man of vision, consistency, and dedication. His story is not just one of success, but of resilience and inspiration. Fresh FM has become a platform that shapes public discourse and adds value to the media landscape of Oyo State,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Group General Manager of Fresh FM Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami, described the milestone as a celebration of impact, consistency, and excellence.
“Fresh FM has become more than a station, it is a movement of credibility and people-centred journalism. For ten years, we’ve connected communities, inspired listeners, and contributed to the cultural growth of our people,” he said.
Salami added that the ten days of celebration in the tenth month of the year symbolise the station’s steady growth and resilience.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration will run from October 22 to November 2, 2025, featuring a lineup of engaging activities.
The schedule includes a roadshow tagged “Italawa” on October 23; a Jumat Thanksgiving at Oja Oba Central Mosque and Asun and Suya Night on October 24; and a Christian Thanksgiving Service at Christ Revival Miracle Centre on October 26.
Other activities include Endowment Day outreach to the University College Hospital (UCH) on October 28; a Raffle Draw at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium on October 29, with prizes such as a three-bedroom flat, motorcycles, tricycles, and landed property; a Medical Outreach on October 31; and a novelty match between Fresh FM and other radio stations at Lead City Stadium on November 1.
The celebration will climax on November 2 with a Grand Concert featuring ten Nigerian artistes and the launch of a commemorative book chronicling Fresh FM’s ten-year journey.
Present at the event includes the Chairman NUJ Oyo State, Comrade Demola Babalola, journalists, broadcasters, government representatives, and friends of the station.
