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Rufai Oseni is a Nigerian TV broadcaster, news anchor, and radio presenter at Arise TV, one of Nigeria's leading broadcast networks. Known for his tough questioning style and commitment to fact-checking politicians live on air, Oseni has established himself as one of Nigeria's most respected and fearless broadcast journalists. His prime-time morning show is one of the most popular on Nigerian television, and his approach to journalism has earned him multiple awards and recognition.
JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE:
Oseni's journalism career is distinguished by his fearless approach to interviewing public figures, particularly politicians. He is known for asking tough questions and fact-checking politicians live on set, holding them accountable for their statements. This approach has made his show one of the most watched and discussed programs on Nigerian television, as viewers appreciate his commitment to getting real answers from public officials.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Oseni graduated from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where he studied Animal Anatomy and Physiology. He also attended the Lagos Business School at Pan-Atlantic University, demonstrating his commitment to professional development. Despite not having formal journalism education, Oseni's natural talent for journalism and dedication to the profession have made him one of Nigeria's most effective broadcasters.
CAREER JOURNEY:
Oseni began his career on radio, working for Unique JFM Radio, Unique FM, and Gold FM before transitioning to television. This radio background gave him strong interviewing skills and an understanding of how to engage audiences. His transition to television at Arise TV allowed him to reach a broader audience and establish his reputation as a fearless interviewer.
MEMORABLE INTERVIEWS:
Oseni has conducted numerous memorable interviews with public figures in Nigeria. One particularly notable interview was with Jesutega Onokpasa in 2023 over fuel subsidy removal, where Oseni questioned the logic of the policy when the cost of living was very high. In February 2025, his interview with Daniel Bwala, a Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, became heated when Bwala threatened to walk out, demonstrating Oseni's commitment to asking difficult questions regardless of the subject's position.
FACT-CHECKING COMMITMENT:
What distinguishes Oseni's journalism is his commitment to fact-checking politicians live on air. Rather than simply accepting statements, he challenges claims with facts and data, holding public officials accountable in real-time. This approach has made him a trusted source of information for many Nigerians who appreciate his dedication to truth and accuracy.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
Oseni has received numerous awards recognizing his journalistic excellence. In 2023, he won the Social Media Awards as the "Most Engaging Journalist on Social Media." He also won "The Most Courageous TV Host Award of the Year" (2023), the Igbere TV Leadership Awards, and the On-Air-Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Media Nite-Out (NMNA) Awards 2022. He has been named Chairman of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards for the 2025 edition.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY:
Oseni has demonstrated personal accountability as well. In August 2022, he was charged in court and fined seventy thousand Nigerian naira for driving in a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane. He subsequently apologized on live TV for failing to adhere to traffic laws, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability, even when it involves his own mistakes.
IMPACT ON NIGERIAN JOURNALISM:
Oseni's approach to journalism has influenced the profession in Nigeria. His fearless interviewing style and commitment to fact-checking have set a standard for other journalists. He has shown that journalists can hold public officials accountable while maintaining professionalism, contributing to stronger democratic discourse in Nigeria.
LEGACY AND INFLUENCE:
Rufai Oseni's legacy in Nigerian journalism is measured in his commitment to truth, accountability, and fearless reporting. Through tough questioning and fact-checking, he has helped strengthen democratic accountability in Nigeria. His awards and recognition demonstrate that his approach to journalism is valued by both the public and the profession. He has become one of Nigeria's most respected broadcast journalists, known for his courage and commitment to journalistic integrity.
FAST FACTS:
- Position: TV broadcaster, news anchor, and radio presenter at Arise TV.
- Education: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Animal Anatomy and Physiology), Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.
- Key Achievement: Established reputation as one of Nigeria's most fearless and respected broadcast journalists.
- Awards: Most Engaging Journalist on Social Media (2023), Most Courageous TV Host of the Year (2023), Igbere TV Leadership Awards, On-Air-Personality of the Year (NMNA 2022).
- Notable: Known for fact-checking politicians live on air and asking tough questions.
- Show: Prime-time morning show on Arise TV, one of the most popular on Nigerian television.
- Approach: Commitment to holding public officials accountable through tough questioning and fact-checking.
- Impact: Contributed to stronger democratic discourse and journalistic standards in Nigeria.
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