With a trembling voice, gospel singer Yinka Ayefele lifted a Yoruba song of supplication, pleading with God for mercy and restoration.
The song, shared on his Instagram page on Monday came days after a fire razed his Fresh FM station in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He also posted a clip of Prophet Sam Alo of the Christ Apostolic Church praying for him at the scene.
The fire outbreak occurred on Friday evening at the Music House complex in Challenge, Ibadan, which serves as the headquarters of Fresh FM 105.9 and Blast FM 98.3.
The blaze spread through the newsroom, production studios, transmitter and server rooms, and other offices.
Efforts to control the fire with in-house extinguishers failed before firefighters arrived to put it out. While no lives were lost, equipment valued at over N200 million was destroyed.
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Messages of support have since poured in from fans and colleagues.
One supporter wrote, “God will definitely restore your loss, and you are gonna live long in sound health inshallah.”
Another added, “The good Lord restores all you’ve lost in multiple folds. You’re not alone in this; my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Others offered similar words of encouragement:
“Beloved brother, it’s well. May the Almighty God carry you in this difficult time.” – @pastoreobalogun_official
“God is your strength sir; He will restore it in multiple fold in Jesus’ name.” – @lollyjibacrown
“Take heart baba mi, God will restore it in a fold.” – @dwisewmn
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu also expressed sympathy, describing Fresh FM as an important voice in broadcasting and public enlightenment, while urging greater attention to electrical safety.
Despite the devastation, Ayefele expressed optimism, stating his trust that the loss would be restored and the incident would end in testimony.
Fresh FM, founded by veteran gospel singer Dr. Yinka Ayefele, has been one of the most influential private radio stations in the South-West, with its Ibadan headquarters serving as the hub of operations.
The management assured listeners and stakeholders that updates on the cause of the fire and the extent of damage would be communicated as soon as investigations are concluded.
This fire marks the second major setback for Fresh FM in the month of August. In 2018, the station faced a partial demolition of its Music House complex by the Oyo State government, an event that sparked widespread controversy.
The timing of the blaze adds a layer of poignancy, as Fresh FM was gearing up to celebrate a decade of broadcasting, a journey that has made it a household name in Oyo State and beyond.
Known for its vibrant programming and community engagement, the station has been a platform for local voices and music, with Yinka Ayefele’s leadership cementing its cultural significance.
Crediblenewsng.com
