Interview Questions for Mr Rufai Oseni
Q: As a busy and seasoned broadcaster, most people would be surprised, if not shocked, that you have time and interest in humanitarian endeavours. What inspired this passion, and how and when did you start implementing it?
A: My passion for humanitarian work stems from personal experiences with the Nigerian healthcare system, particularly watching both of my parents suffer from health challenges over the years. This instilled in me a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to improving access to basic services in underserved communities. I began implementing this passion more formally around 2023, starting with educational initiatives in my hometown of Odogbolu, Ogun State, and expanding into health outreach by mid-2024. As a broadcaster, I balance my schedule by leveraging my platform to raise awareness while personally funding and overseeing projects through the Oseni Centre.
Q: The Oseni Centre sounds unique, in the sense that it is attached to your name. What is the mission and vision of this centre? Which pressing society problems does it aim to address, and which categories of people does it cater for?
A: The Oseni Centre is indeed a personal commitment to giving back, named after me to reflect my direct involvement and accountability. Its mission is to provide accessible education and healthcare services to bridge gaps in rural and underserved areas, fostering sustainable community development. The vision is to create self-reliant communities where basic needs are met, empowering the next generation through knowledge and health. It primarily addresses pressing issues like limited access to quality education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poverty in rural Nigeria. The centre caters to students, teachers, low-income families, and vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with health challenges in Odogbolu and surrounding areas.
Q: Tell us more about the work you do at the centre, especially as it relates to recent community initiatives?
A: At the Oseni Centre, we focus on practical, impactful programs that build long-term capacity. In education, we’ve established a library and development hub to support student learning and teacher training, including inducting over 20 local teachers into the international ‘One Million Teachers’ network for skill enhancement. On the health front, we’ve launched the Oseni Centre for Healing, which provides basic medical services in affiliation with local facilities. Recent initiatives include free medical outreaches offering drugs, tests, and consultations, as well as community events like debate competitions for students on topics such as leadership to encourage critical thinking. These efforts aim to create ripple effects, improving literacy, health outcomes, and community engagement.
Q: Can you walk us through the planning process for your recent outreach? How did you decide on Odogbolu in Ogun State for your project? Why not Abeokuta, the state capital?
A: Planning for our recent health outreach began with community needs assessments in collaboration with local leaders and health experts, identifying gaps in basic care like free consultations and medications. We partnered with organizations like Afrihealth for logistics and secured revolving doctors for sustainability. Odogbolu was chosen because it’s my hometown, allowing for personal investment and direct oversight—it’s a rural area with significant underserved populations facing daily health and education barriers. Abeokuta, as the capital, has more urban resources and facilities, so our focus is on rural neglect where impact can be more transformative. This grassroots approach ensures we’re addressing root causes rather than duplicating existing services.
Q: What motivated the centre to partner with the Babcock University Medical Students Association for this outreach in Odogbolu and what kind of health services were offered? Was the centre satisfied with the medical students’ work and the impact the outreach had on the beneficiaries?
A: Our partnership with the Babcock University Medical Students Association was motivated by their expertise in community health and proximity to Odogbolu, enabling hands-on training while providing free services to locals. It aligns with our goal of building capacity through youth involvement. Services offered included free consultations, health screenings (like blood pressure and diabetes tests), provision of essential drugs for common ailments, and health education on preventive care. We were highly satisfied with the students’ professionalism and dedication; their work reached hundreds of beneficiaries, many of whom hadn’t accessed medical care in years. The impact was evident in immediate relief and long-term awareness, with feedback showing improved community trust in health initiatives.
Q: What challenges did you encounter in organizing and executing the outreach, and how were they overcome?
A: Key challenges included logistical hurdles like transporting medical supplies to a rural area, securing volunteer doctors amid busy schedules, and funding for free services in a resource-scarce environment. We also faced initial community skepticism about the program’s sustainability. These were overcome through strategic partnerships with local health facilities and universities for resources and manpower, personal funding from my earnings to cover gaps, and community sensitization meetings to build trust. Community leaders played a vital role in mobilization, ensuring high turnout. Overall, proactive planning and collaboration turned potential obstacles into opportunities for broader engagement.
Q: How does the centre plan to assess the impact of this event on the community, and what are your hopes for the outcomes?
A: We plan to assess impact through follow-up surveys with beneficiaries on health improvements, attendance tracking at the centre’s ongoing services, and health metrics like reduced clinic visits for preventable issues. We’ll also monitor educational spin-offs, such as increased library usage post-outreach. Partnerships with local NGOs will help with data collection. My hopes are for healthier, more empowered communities—reduced illness burdens, higher school participation, and a model for scalable interventions that inspire similar efforts elsewhere.
Q: How has the Oseni Centre’s approach to community support evolved over the past three years? Are there any key milestones you would like to share?
A: Over the past three years, the centre has evolved from a focused educational initiative to a holistic model integrating health and development, starting small with teacher training and expanding based on community feedback. Initially reactive to immediate needs, we’ve shifted to proactive, sustainable programs with partnerships for longevity. Key milestones include the 2023 launch of the library and development centre in memory of my father, training 20+ teachers via the ‘One Million Teachers’ platform, the 2024 opening of the Oseni Centre for Healing, and successful outreaches serving thousands. These have built a foundation for ongoing impact, with future goals in vocational training.
Q: Funding and state support are difficult to come by for most Nigerian NGOs. How do you get funding for your work? And how do you want corporate organizations and the Ogun government to support the work you do at the Odeon Centre?
A: Funding primarily comes from my personal resources as a broadcaster and investor, supplemented by donations and partnerships with like-minded organizations. We avoid over-reliance on government to maintain independence, but sustainability is a challenge without broader support. I urge corporate organizations to provide sponsorships for specific programs, like equipment donations or CSR grants, to amplify reach. For the Ogun State government (noting the likely reference to Oseni Centre, not Odeon), I seek policy integration, such as recognizing our facilities for state health/education subsidies, land grants for expansion, and collaborative funding to scale rural initiatives, ensuring they align with state development goals.
Q: Are there plans of extending the scope and reach of the work you do at the centre to other parts of Nigeria? Where do you see the centre in five years?
A: Yes, we have plans to replicate the model in other underserved areas, starting with nearby Ogun communities and expanding to states like Lagos and Osun through satellite centres. This will involve training local champions for replication. In five years, I envision the Oseni Centre as a network of 5-10 hubs providing integrated education, health, and vocational services, impacting over 50,000 lives annually. It will be a benchmark for private-led humanitarian efforts, self-sustaining via endowments and partnerships, and a catalyst for national policy on rural development.
Q: To what extent has your pedigree as a broadcast journalist impacted your humanitarian interventions? And what kind of legacy do you want to leave with the Oseni Centre?
A: My journalism background has been invaluable, providing visibility to attract partners and donors, while skills in communication and fact-checking ensure transparent, effective programs. It also allows me to advocate for systemic changes on air, linking media influence to on-ground action. The legacy I aim to leave is one of empowerment: communities transformed through accessible services, inspiring a new generation of leaders and philanthropists. Ultimately, the Oseni Centre should symbolize that individual passion, combined with collective effort, can drive lasting social change in Nigeria.