Popular gospel musician and broadcaster, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has opened up about the long and intense scrutiny he faced from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) before he was granted a licence for his radio station, Fresh FM, Ibadan.

Ayefele, who spoke during a media briefing yesterday at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, to flag off activities marking the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM Ibadan, revealed that the NBC subjected him to a seven-year investigation.

Ayefele, who began his career as a jingle producer at Radio Nigeria in the late ’80s, recounted how a car accident in 1997 left him confined to a wheelchair but strengthened his resolve to pursue media and music excellence.

Ayefele said that though the licence came in April, the 10th anniversary was deliberately fixed for October 10, 2025, symbolising “10-10-10 with 10 musicians.”

According to him, the anniversary will span several days, featuring carnival tours, medical outreach, a raffle draw with a furnished bungalow, cars, and landed property as prizes, and will climax with a grand finale at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.

The Fresh FM boss said that in the 10-year history of the station, he had never sacked a staff member. Ayefele praised Governor Seyi Makinde, saying that their friendship existed long before he became governor.

He, however, described the 1997 road accident that left him confined to a wheelchair as the defining moment that transformed his life and career.

Meanwhile, Media Adviser to Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Ayefele as “a talent manager whose doggedness and vision have kept the station relevant and growing.”

In his welcome address, General Manager of Fresh FM, Abolade Salami, said the journey began modestly but had evolved into a broadcasting powerhouse in the South-West.

The NBC’s representative, Sherifat Mohammed-Koro, congratulated the radio station on its milestone and reminded all broadcasters of the need for regulatory compliance.