Makinde Inspects Fresh FM, Vows to Improve Fire Service

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inspected the Fresh FM headquarters in Ibadan, which was partially destroyed by a fire on Friday.

Makinde expressed sympathy to the radio station’s chairman, Dr. Olayinka Ayefele, and management, promising to support the station’s recovery.

Makinde noted that the incident highlighted the need for improved emergency management and fire response in the state.

He pledged to review the Oyo State Fire Service’s operations and enhance its effectiveness. The governor appreciated God that no lives were lost in the inferno.

Makinde assured the station’s management that the state government would provide support to ensure it doesn’t stay off-air for long, given its importance in providing information to residents

He said: “What has happened here is a wake-up call for us as far as response time is concerned. I believe if we had taken Oyo State Fire Agency to the level that we want it to be, this damage would not have been to this extent.

‎”I would be sitting with the Chairman of that Agency to see what we can do. We have a fire station here around Scout Camp. If it had been equipped to the level that they could handle this, they would have been here before the people at the Secretariat came.

“Those are things that I have seen that we have to work on.

‎”To the Chairman and Management of Fresh FM, I want to encourage you all. First, if you have this kind of situation, we have to be thankful to God that we didn’t lose any life.

‎”In terms of moving forward, I believe myself and the state government will give support to them. They are very vital to informing our people.

“We won’t let the station close for an extended period of time. So, I give them that assurance.”

In his response, Dr Ayefele expressed gratitude to Gov Makinde, commending the promptness of his visit to the station, which according to him, showed he is a caring leader.

He equally appreciated all the fans of the radio station, including the first responders as well as others within and outside the country, calling on them to all join hands with him towards rebuilding the station.

‎The fire damaged several facilities, including the Fresh FM studio, Blast FM studio, newsroom, transmitter room, the Blast FM GM’s Office, and the Fresh FM’s Assistant GM Office, and offices.