House of Representatives member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has condoled with renowned gospel singer and broadcaster, Dr. Yinka Ayefele over the fire outbreak that gutted the head office of Fresh FM Nigeria in Ibadan on Friday.
The inferno, which occurred on August 15 at the Challenge office of the station, destroyed the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3, alongside the newsroom, transmitter/server rooms, and other key facilities, leaving a trail of devastation during active broadcast operations.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the APC chieftain described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian media landscape, stressing that Fresh FM has become a household name and a vital platform for entertainment, information, and cultural expression in the Southwest and beyond.
“I am deeply saddened by the fire disaster at Fresh FM. This station is not just a radio house but a cultural asset and a voice of the people. My heart goes out to Dr. Yinka Ayefele, the management, staff, and millions of loyal listeners affected by this tragic incident,” Oseni said.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also noted that the station’s resilience and track record of excellence would help it bounce back stronger. He called on relevant authorities, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to rally around Ayefele and his team to restore operations without delay.
Oseni commended the swift intervention of residents, passersby, and officials of the Oyo State Fire Service in combating the flames before it spread further, describing their action as a demonstration of communal solidarity and civic responsibility.
He further urged the appropriate agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, adding that such disasters highlight the need for stronger emergency response systems and improved safety standards for media and corporate institutions.
Meanwhile, Fresh FM management, in a statement signed by its Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Samson Akindele, confirmed the incident, noting that while the extent of the damage was yet to be ascertained, no casualties were recorded. The management, however, expressed appreciation to all good-spirited Nigerians who stood by the station during the crisis.