The founder of FreshFM Nigeria, one of the country’s wave making broadcasting organisations, Dr Yinka Ayefele has revealed that he has about 400 workers adding that he has never sacked any of them in his 10 years of operation.
The radio station proprietor made this revelation during a world press briefing held at NUJ Press Center Iyaganku, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on Wednesday to herald a 10-day event to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of his media organisation.
The popular musician said “I have not sacked any of them. The only occasion that I almost did, I merely advised the affected staff member to resign so that his future would not be affected. And this fellow was particularly a problematic staff member!”.
Ayefele also narrated how the demolition of his Music House, the corporate headquarters of Fresh Nigeria in Ibadan, by the Abiola Ajimobi-led administration turned out to be a great blessing in disguise.
His words “the decision of the Ajimobi-led government to demolish our Music House drew so much attention worldwide to the extent that the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC and the CNN invited me.
“In fact, everybody showed concern. Our brand became so popular. Fresh FM would not be where it is today if not for this singular occurrence. Because of this, I will say here that I will always appreciate late Senator Abiola Ajimobi”.
The popular gospel singer, while speaking with media men, said he was surprised the same government that demolished part of the building turned around to rebuild it.
Ayefele also took time to speak about how he was able to secure FreshFM’s radio license ten years ago.
He explained that the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, NBC investigated him for good seven years before he was able to get his radio license signed by the then President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Ayefele revealed further saying “it was one of those days that I was at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that the then First Lady, Madame Patient Jonathan asked what I wanted and I mentioned the issue of my licence and she intervened.
“Well, I can say it here that because of me, about 17 other people got their radio licenses signed by the then President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ayefele then called on NBC to revisit its old ways of scrutinizing radio owners as this will make them adhere strictly to the core value and ethics of the profession.
The chairman Fresh Fm Nigeria, while speaking on the journey as a radio owner appreciated the former Ondo State commissioner for Information, Late Hon. Ranti Akerele for picking a the form for the license of Fresh FM for him.
He equally appreciated the present governor of Oyo State, Engr Oluseyi Makinde for his support over the years.
“I must also appreciate all members of my band, the Merry Makers as well as my darling wife and children. I also must remember late David Ajiboye and others.”
He equally appreciated some members of its management staff members including, Alhaji Abolade Salami, Dr Bayo Faleke, Dr Samuel Gbesabi, Mr Isaac Brown, Evang. Enitan Olusegun Bamidele, Samson Akindele and other members of staffs for their support over the years
Speaking at the event, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju congratulated Dr Yinka Ayefele while maintaining that FreshFM’s 10th anniversary is a celebration of resilience and excellence in broadcasting in Nigeria. He saluted Dr Yinka Ayefele for his managerial skill as he tagged him a “manager of talents”.
The group general manager of FreshFM Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami called on all lovers Fresh FM Nigeria to continue to support the media outfit now and even in years to come.
He revealed the media organisation’s plan to hold other events in the next 10 days.
His words “we will be on the streets of Ibadan tomorrow, Thursday to showcase what we can do at Fresh FM. We will also host ‘Asun Night’. Other plans include visits to UCH Ibadan as well as the grand finale we will hold at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.”
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
