NBC Condemns Demolition Of Ayefele’s Music House

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has condemned the  demolition of Music House, the building housing a private radio station, Fresh FM, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, by the state government.

NBC’s Director-General Ishaq Midibbo-Kawu, who spoke with NAN in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, said the demolition was worrisome and did not speak well of the government.

The structure, Music House, reportedly valued at N800 million and in operation for 10 years, was demolished last Sunday.

The property belongs to popular musician, Yinka Ayefele.

Midibbo-Kawu said:

“The development is worrisome because for all it is worth, the broadcast outfits are playing a big role in reducing unemployment, especially in this situation where many young Nigerians are idle.

“They also play social, informational, educational and entertaining roles in the society.

“Such development does not speak well of the government and has a negative effect on the nation, especially at a point when more broadcasting outfits are influencing the social space in the country.

“In this case particularly, there are so many issues that can be weaved up negatively by people.

“We hope that as we move forward, we will be able to find a solution to the situation.”

The NBC chief said when the organisation got hint of the demolition, he made some contacts with some people in the state.

But Midibbo-Kawu said he could not stop it.

The NBC chief promised to set up a meeting with the government on how to resolve the matter.

According to him, there was a similar experience in Nasarawa State about a year ago when the property housing Breeze 99.9 FM was demolished.

Midibbo-Kawu said:

“What we did was to meet our licencee to find out what the issues were because he was prepared to go to court. We also met with the commissioner for Information and the governor. The issue also was that the building violated the usage of urban space.

“We were able to reach an agreement that the government should give the broadcaster a new plot of land and assist him to go back to building a new station.

“However, just last week, I got a letter that the side of the government in the agreement had not been fulfilled.”