In a heartfelt gesture of support, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has gifted renowned gospel musician and broadcaster Yinka Ayefele a brand-new SUV following a devastating fire that razed Ayefele’s popular radio station, Fresh FM, in Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred recently, left the station in ruins, prompting widespread sympathy from fans and residents across the state.
The donation was announced during a visit by the governor’s representatives to Ayefele, where they expressed solidarity and commended the musician’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The SUV is intended to ease Ayefele’s mobility and assist in his efforts to rebuild his media business, which has been a significant platform for entertainment and information in Oyo State.
“Yinka Ayefele is a pride of Oyo State, and this unfortunate incident will not dim his contributions to our community,” a statement from the governor’s office read.
“This vehicle is a token of our support to help him navigate this challenging period as he works to restore his operations.”
The fire, which gutted Fresh FM, destroyed valuable equipment and infrastructure, leaving Ayefele and his team grappling with significant losses.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
The incident has sparked conversations about the state’s limited firefighting resources, with some residents pointing out that Oyo State reportedly has only three fire trucks, a concern that has drawn public criticism.
Ayefele, visibly moved by the governor’s gesture, expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “I am deeply touched by Governor Makinde’s kindness and the overwhelming support from the people of Oyo State. This SUV will go a long way in helping me stay mobile as we work to rebuild Fresh FM. I remain committed to serving our listeners and contributing to the growth of our state.”
The gesture has, however, sparked mixed reactions. While many have praised the governor for his compassion, some voices on social media have questioned the decision, citing the state’s limited firefighting infrastructure.
The governor has also pledged to work with relevant agencies to investigate the fire and prevent future occurrences.
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