Editor of Sunday Punch, Toyosi Ogunseye has been appointed as the Head of Language Services for West Africa by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service.
Rachel Akidi Okwir, Editor of Focus on Africa was also named Head of the Language service for East Africa as part of the BBC World Service’s continuing expansion in Africa.
The appointments which take effect from January 1, 2018 will have Ogunseye who will be based in Lagos managing Afrique, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin & Yoruba, while Okwir based in Nairobi will oversees services in Afaan Oromo, Amharic, Somali, Swahili and Tigrinya.
Ogunseye, an award-winning journalist with a passion for investigative reporting, is the first female editor in the 45 year history of The Punch Newspapers.
She has won over 30 awards and was the first Nigerian to win the prestigious Knight International Journalism award.
A fellow of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative who currently sits on the board of the World Editors Forum, Ogunseye holds an MSc in Media and Communication and is currently studying for a PhD in Politics and International Relations at the University of Leicester.
Responding to her appointment Toyosi said It is a huge honour to be appointed Head of West of Africa for the BBC.“I’m excited about this new role and I look forward to working with BBC’s amazing journalists in the region. I have no doubt that we will continue to produce the quality journalism that our audiences love us for.”
Okwir joined the BBC World Service as a producer in 2002 and has worked across various platforms and programmes including Network Africa, The World Today, Focus on Africa TV and the website bbcafrica.com
In recognition of her leadership qualities and potential, she was selected for the inaugural ‘BBC News Leadership Programme’.
Born in Uganda her career in journalism started as a freelance contributor to Ugandan newspapers and radio stations whilst a student at Makerere University.
“I am deeply honoured to be leading the BBC’s expansion and digital transformation in the East and Horn of Africa.,” Okwir said.
“The media landscape in the region is rapidly evolving. It is a vibrant, challenging and competitive market, but with massive potential and opportunities. I am excited to be part of the team that will be at the forefront of this transformation.”
Solomon Mugera, Regional Editor for BBC Africa said “Rachael and Toyosi are talented journalists, each with an impressive track record of strong editorial focus and inspiring leadership. They are passionate about original journalism and finding creative ways of engaging with the audience.”
