Fresh FM Nigeria has confirmed that a massive fire outbreak ravaged its head office in the Challenge area of Ibadan on Friday evening, August 15, 2025, leaving extensive damage to the broadcasting complex.
In a statement signed by the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Samson Akindele, the station described the incident as a “devastating inferno” that caused significant damage to critical sections of its broadcasting complex.
According to the statement, the blaze severely affected the studios of Fresh 105.9 FM and Blast 98.3 FM, alongside adjoining offices, including the newsroom, transmitter and server room, and several pieces of broadcast equipment.
The fire reportedly broke out while the station was in active operation.
Efforts by staff members to control the flames with in-house extinguishers before the arrival of professional firefighters proved unsuccessful due to the intensity of the outbreak.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been established, Fresh FM noted that an official assessment of the damage is currently underway.
Despite the devastation, the management expressed deep gratitude to residents, passersby, and officials of the Oyo State Fire Service, who joined in combating the blaze and preventing further destruction.
“We heartily appreciate all good-spirited Nigerians who stood by us during the emergency,” the statement read, acknowledging the solidarity shown by the public during the crisis.
The management assured listeners and stakeholders that further updates on the cause of the fire and the extent of damage would be communicated once investigations are concluded.
This incident marks the second major setback for Fresh FM.
In 2018, the station suffered a partial demolition of its Music House complex by the Oyo State government, an event that stirred widespread controversy.
The timing of Friday’s blaze is particularly poignant, as Fresh FM was preparing to celebrate a decade of broadcasting—a journey that has earned it household recognition in Oyo State and beyond.
Founded by veteran gospel singer Dr. Yinka Ayefele, Fresh FM has grown into one of the most influential private radio stations in the South-West, with its Ibadan headquarters serving as the hub of operations.