The National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria (NBC) has stressed the need for broadcast media to adhere strictly to rules and regulations guiding their operations.
The NBC Zonal Director, Mr Jude Ajayi, represented by an Assistant Director of the commission, Alhaja Sherifat Mohammed-Koro, stated this while speaking at the news conference to kick start the Fresh 105.9FM 10th anniversary on Wednesday, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
“We know that broadcast stations cannot do without violating the rules once in a while, but we encourage you to adhere strictly to the rules.
“Fresh FM is like a tree planted, we nurtured and now, we saw it grow with several branches, though, we don’t expect anything less, because its chairman himself is a seasoned broadcaster, we are happy to see seasoned broadcaster do the right things.
“The NBC works to ensure broadcasting promotes responsible content that serves the needs and aspirations of the public,” he said.
The Chairman of Fresh FM, Dr Yinka Ayefele, (MON) said he went into broadcasting to make impact and change the face of broadcasting, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standard in the industry.
The Ibadan-based gospel musician and broadcaster, said that he took him seven years of rigorous processing to obtain operational license, which he attributed to the success of Fresh FM.
He urged NBC to apply the same standard to all applicants to prevent the industry from becoming porous and saturated.
“I started transmitting, then a time came that the NBC came, bombarded my office with DSS and they said Mr Ayefele, where is your licence and I said do I need a license. They said yes. It took me seven years before I was given the licence.
“We have many veterans that have worked and suffered in this industry, hence my decision to establish radio stations for them to enjoy what they have suffered for.
“I think I changed the face of poach, making life better and meaningful to presenters, I poached with money because i need the best hands to start this job with me,” he said.
He urged NBC to investigate thoroughly anyone applying for broadcasting license, they should not because of money release the license just like that, as it’s now saturated, radio licence is now selling on Facebook.
Ayefele said, “if it’s the same way NBC investigated me, they did to others, I don’t think most of the radio stations today will exist or owners would know the value of their licence and adhere strictly to the rules of the game.”
In his remarks, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Ayefele, as talent manager.
“The radio station through professionalism is reshaping radio programming not only in Oyo State, but Nigeria at large.
The Group General Manager of Fresh FM stations, Alhaji Abolade Salami, said the celebration is remarkable in the appreciation and a mark of gratitude to God.
Among the dignitaries at the event Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to Gov. Seyi Makinde, NUJ Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Ademola Babalola.
