Re: Governor Seyi Makinde’s SUV Gift to Dr. Yinka Ayefele
Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and does not in any way represent the official position of Dr. Yinka Ayefele or Fresh FM Nigeria.
I have read several reactions to the SUV gift presented to the renowned Tungba gospel artiste and Chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr. Yinka Ayefele. While I understand the frustrations of many Nigerians who feel the money could have been directed toward pressing needs such as equipping the state’s fire service, it is disappointing that some journalists and commentators have expressed opinions without proper background checks.
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Let me set the record straight:
1. The SUV gift did not come directly from the state’s coffers. Officially, it was donated by an ally of Governor Seyi Makinde in the Governor’s name. This is a philanthropic gesture that has been in existence even before Engr Makinde assumed office – The records are there for anyone to fact-check
2. The gift was specifically to Dr. Yinka Ayefele, a celebrated Ibadan-based gospel artist who, despite physical challenges, has inspired millions, uplifted souls with his music, and contributed greatly to the entertainment industry in Oyo State. It seems many people have failed to realize that before Fresh FM came, the name Yinka Ayefele was a big brand on its own already. A person who was recognized for a national honor and one of the very few Nigerians trusted by a former president and his first lady to enter their bedroom at the Aso Rock in Abuja, you think he’s who he is today because of his radio stations?
3. This is not the first time prominent artists have benefitted from such gestures. Musicians like King Dr. Saheed Osupa and Alhaji Taye Currency have also received similar gifts, and no one raised an outcry then. Why is Ayefele’s case suddenly different? Does he not deserve appreciation, especially considering his long-standing contributions and his support for Engr Seyi Makinde dating back to campaign days through his songs?
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For clarity, the SUV had been ready weeks before the recent inferno at Music House but its presentation was delayed because of a bye-election in the state. This was to avoid misinterpretation as a political inducement. The eventual timing, shortly after the fire incident, was purely coincidental—but it came as a much-needed lift for Dr. Ayefele after his devastating loss of properties worth millions. So, it’s not a misplaced priority that Governor Seyi Makinde purchased an SUV for Dr. Yinka Ayefele in place of providing broadcasting equipment, as some have insinuated. The Governor has also pledged to assist in rebuilding the structure affected by the recent inferno, just as he had previously pledged to restore other public facilities destroyed by fire, including BCOS TV a few years ago.
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It is unfair to cast aspersions on the Governor for showing kindness and even more painful to add to Ayefele’s grief at such a difficult time.
And for those claiming only Fresh FM staff benefit from the Governor’s goodwill, that is simply untrue. Several OAPs across different stations in Oyo State have been supported in one way or another by the Makinde administration. For example, the son of a radio station owner currently serves in his government, several others have also received car gifts but they chose to keep it private while another broadcaster in another radio station was appointed as a Special Assistant, so why the fuss about the Fresh FM staff?
In conclusion, Dr. Yinka Ayefele deserves every kind gesture he receives. He is a symbol of resilience and an asset to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. If you cannot support him, please do not add to his pain.
Credit:- Kenny Ogunmiloro
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