Rufai Oseni is one of Nigeria’s most respected and fearless journalists, widely recognised as a co-host of Arise TV’s flagship morning show.
Known for his incisive interviewing style, bold political commentary, and refusal to accept vague responses from public officials, Oseni has established himself as a defining voice in Nigerian broadcast journalism.
Beyond television, he is a global speaker, tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, investor, author, and mentor to African business startups a truly multidimensional public figure.
Profile
| Full Name | Rufai Oseni |
| Born | April 8, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Odogbolu, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Journalist, TV Host, Radio Presenter, Public Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $700,000 |
Early Life
Rufai Oseni was born on April 8, 1980, in Odogbolu, a local government area in Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria. He is of Yoruba ethnicity and heritage. He grew up in Lagos State, where he received his early and secondary education. His formative years were marked by both personal challenges and inspirations that shaped the man he would become. He lost his mother at a young age a loss that left a deep impression on him. His father, to whom he was very close and about whom he wrote a touching tribute in ThisDay newspaper, passed away in 2022, calling him his “pal” in a deeply personal piece that reflected the strong bond they shared.
Growing up in Lagos, Rufai developed an early interest in information, communication, and storytelling. His curiosity about the world around him and his passion for understanding complex issues would eventually find its fullest expression in journalism. He attended a federal government college for his secondary education, where his intellectual abilities were recognised.
Education
Rufai Oseni holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) an unconventional background for a journalist, reflecting his diverse intellectual curiosity. During his time at FUNAAB, he was active as the vice president of the Animal Nutrition Students Association (ANUNSA) and was also involved in radio, laying the groundwork for his broadcasting career.
He further enhanced his professional development by earning a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management from Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University) in 2018. He also underwent Change Management training at the Institute of Change Management Nigeria between 2016 and 2017. His eclectic educational background from agriculture to entrepreneurship has uniquely equipped him for his multifaceted career in media and business.
Career
Rufai Oseni began his media career as an editor at Next Magazine, where he worked from 2007 to 2010. He then transitioned into radio broadcasting, working at various stations including JFM Warri, Unique FM in Ilesa, Gold FM, and Inspiration FM Lagos. His radio career demonstrated a natural talent for communication that went beyond the printed word.
From 2010 to 2013, he worked with OGTV providing sports analysis, further broadening his broadcasting experience. His career took a significant turn in 2019 when he joined Arise TV as a co-host of the Morning Show one of Nigeria’s most-watched prime-time political news programmes. At Arise TV, Oseni became famous for his fearless, fact-checking approach to interviewing, holding politicians and public figures accountable live on air in a manner rarely seen in Nigerian media. His willingness to challenge powerful guests, even at personal risk, has earned him both deep admiration and occasional controversy.
Beyond television, Oseni is a CEO of Neo Media Group and has served as a BBC Bristol Analyst on African issues, offering expert commentary on the complexities of African affairs to international audiences. He is a featured guest speaker at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, the University of Sussex in Brighton, and various global conferences. He has spoken extensively on topics ranging from African entrepreneurship and technology to governance and leadership.
As a mentor and investor, Oseni has consistently supported African business startups, contributing to the growth of technology-driven enterprises across the continent. He has collaborated with globally recognised organisations, including Microsoft and Nielsen, reflecting his standing as a credible voice in the intersection of media, business, and technology in Africa.
Social Media
Rufai Oseni maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Twitter/X, where he is known for his sharp political commentary and engagement with current events. He also has a presence on Instagram and Facebook. His Twitter handle is @OseniRufai. His social media accounts frequently generate public discourse on topical Nigerian and African issues, extending the reach of his journalism far beyond the television screen.
Personal Life
Rufai Oseni is known to be intensely private about his personal life. His marital status and details about any children have not been publicly confirmed. He lost his mother at a young age and his father passed away in 2022. The tribute he wrote for his father in ThisDay newspaper described their bond as one of friendship and mutual respect, revealing a deeply human side of the otherwise formidable broadcaster. His private nature has only fuelled public curiosity about his personal affairs, though he consistently deflects such inquiries in favour of discussing his work and ideas.
Professionally, Oseni has faced controversy for his perceived political leanings, particularly during the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections, when allegations were made about his relationship with Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Both Oseni and Obi firmly denied any improper relationship, and Obi publicly stated he had made no financial payments to the journalist.
Net Worth
Rufai Oseni’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $700,000 USD, equivalent to approximately ₹420 million to ₹600 million in Nigerian Naira at prevailing rates. His income streams include his salary as a senior broadcaster at Arise TV, speaking fees from international engagements, his entrepreneurial ventures through Neo Media Group, investment activities, book sales, and consultancy work. His diverse portfolio reflects both the breadth of his expertise and his entrepreneurial instincts.
FAQs
Who is Rufai Oseni?
Rufai Oseni is a Nigerian journalist, TV host at Arise TV, global speaker, and entrepreneur known for his fearless interviewing style and political commentary.
How old is Rufai Oseni?
He was born on April 8, 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025.
Where is Rufai Oseni from?
He is from Odogbolu, Ogun State, in southwestern Nigeria, and is of Yoruba ethnicity.
What is Rufai Oseni’s educational background?
He holds a B.Sc. in Animal Physiology from FUNAAB and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management from Lagos Business School.
What is Rufai Oseni’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $700,000.
Conclusion
Rufai Oseni is a uniquely compelling figure in Nigerian media and public life. His journey from studying animal physiology to becoming one of Africa’s most respected broadcast journalists is a story of reinvention, intellectual courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth. His work at Arise TV has raised the bar for political journalism in Nigeria, and his activities as a speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur demonstrate that his influence extends well beyond the television studio. As he continues to shape public discourse in Nigeria and across Africa, Rufai Oseni remains one of the continent’s most important media voices.