Oseni Rufai Biography
Oseni Rufai stands out as one of Nigeria’s most recognized faces in media today. He hosts the morning show on Arise TV, where he covers topics like politics, business, sports, and entertainment. His style draws attention because he asks tough questions and checks facts right on air. This approach has made him a key voice in Nigerian discussions.
Rufai’s story shows how someone can move from a science background to leading media talks. He started in radio and grew into a global speaker. He also mentors startups and writes books. His net worth sits around $700,000, from his TV work, speaking gigs, and business roles. This comes from sources like broadcasting and investments.
Many people search for details on his life. For example, questions like “Who is Oseni Rufai?” get answered by his roles at Arise TV and beyond. He has over 500,000 followers on social media, where he shares news and views. His journey began in a small town in Ogun State. From there, he built a career that touches many lives. This biography looks at his early years, education, work steps, big moments, awards, giving back, family, issues he faced, and what lies ahead. It aims to show the real person behind the screen.
Rufai’s impact goes further than news. He speaks at places like Cambridge University on business ideas. He helps young business owners in Africa. His work pushes for better talks in media. As Nigeria faces changes, Rufai’s voice keeps pushing for clear answers. This intro sets the stage for a full look at his path.
Early Life and Family Background
Oseni Rufai was born on April 8, 1980, in Lagos but grew up in Odogbolu, a local government area in Ogun State, Nigeria. This southwestern town has a mix of farms and close-knit communities. Ogun State, with its focus on trade and learning, shaped his early views.
He comes from a family of six children. Details about his parents stay private. His mother passed away when he was young, leaving a mark on his life. His father lived until 2022 and guided him through tough times. This loss taught him about strength early on. In interviews, Rufai notes how family stories from Yoruba culture sparked his love for words and debates.
As a child, he enjoyed listening to radio with his family. These sessions opened his eyes to how voices can share ideas. Local schools in Odogbolu fed his curiosity. He joined debates and read books, building skills for later work. The area’s farm life also connected him to real issues like growth and change.
Rufai’s siblings shared in these simple days. They played and learned together in a home that valued hard work. No big luxuries, but plenty of support. This setup helped him value education as a way up. By his teens, he dreamed of using his voice for good.
Odogbolu’s community feel stuck with him. It explains his later focus on helping others through media and business. His early life, full of family bonds and local roots, laid the base for a life in public service.
Education
Rufai’s school years show a shift from science to media skills. He earned a BSc in Animal Anatomy and Physiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). This school, in Ogun State, focuses on farm and life sciences. He graduated in the early 2000s. During studies, he served as Vice President of the Animal Nutrition and Science Students Association (ANUNSA). There, he led radio shows and wrote pieces, tasting media early.
His choice of animal science might seem odd for a broadcaster. But Rufai says it taught him to think like a scientist: clear facts and logic. This mindset helps him check claims on air. After university, he taught English at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) centers. He reached over 5,000 students, sharpening his teaching side.
To build business know-how, he got a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management from Lagos Business School at Pan-Atlantic University in 2018. As class secretary for CEM 42, he organized events and networked. In 2016-2017, he trained as a Change Management Practitioner at the Institute of Change Management Nigeria. He learned tools like ADKAR for leading shifts.
These steps filled gaps in his media path. No formal journalism degree, but his mix of science, teaching, and business makes him unique. Critics question this, but Rufai sees it as a strength for fair reporting. His education timeline:
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Early 2000s: BSc from FUNAAB.
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Mid-2000s: Teaching at NOUN.
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2016-2017: Change management training.
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2018: Entrepreneurship certificate.
This path prepared him for media’s demands. It also ties to his startup mentoring.
Entry into Media
Rufai stepped into media in the mid-2000s, starting with radio. His first job was at JFM Radio in Warri, Delta State. There, he learned the basics of live talks. He moved to Unique FM and Gold FM in Ilesa, Osun State. These roles built his voice and timing.
By 2007, he edited at Next Magazine until 2010. Then, he became a sports analyst at Ogun State Television (OGTV). He also presented at Ogun State Radio. These local spots let him cover sports and news close to home.
Freelance writing came next. He penned pieces on unemployment and development. Teaching English at NOUN overlapped, helping him explain ideas simply. In 2019, he started “Conversations with Rufai” on Nigeria Info FM.
His early career timeline:
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Mid-2000s: JFM Radio, Unique FM, Gold FM.
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2007-2010: Next Magazine editor.
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2010 onward: OGTV sports analyst.
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2019: Nigeria Info FM show.
These steps honed his skills. From radio waves to TV screens, Rufai gained trust. He trained staff at Microsoft and Nielsen, showing his wider reach. This base led to bigger stages.
Rise to Fame
Rufai’s big break came in 2019 as co-host of Arise TV’s Morning Show. The show runs daily, mixing news and chats. His energy and fact-checks boosted its pull. Viewers tuned in for his take on current events.
Arise TV, based in Lagos with global links, fit his style. He covers politics and business, often grilling guests. This role made him a name in homes across Nigeria. By 2023, his social media grew fast, with posts on key issues.
Beyond TV, he speaks worldwide. In 2023, he talked at Cambridge Judge Business School on startups. Sussex University hosted him too. He chairs panels for Nigeria and Mauritius governments. TEDx events feature his entrepreneurship tips.
As a mentor, he aids startups like pass.ng, Techpoint, and Loyalbonus. Through the government’s Ideas Hub, he guides funding. He is Non-Executive Director at Loyalbonus and CEO of Eureka Hospital.
His rise shows steady growth. From local radio to international talks, Rufai built a brand on truth and help. In 2025, he chairs the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards. This fame lets him shape talks on Nigeria’s future.
Notable Interviews and Journalistic Style
Rufai’s interviews stand out for their directness. He uses data to question guests, keeping talks real. On Arise TV, he fact-checks live, earning praise for accountability.
A key moment was on October 30, 2023. Lawyer Jesutega Onokpasa defended fuel subsidy removal. Rufai pressed on economic effects. Onokpasa called it “not animal psychology,” nodding to his degree. The exchange went viral, showing Rufai’s push for logic.
On October 7, 2025, Minister David Umahi faced questions on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway costs. Umahi said Rufai was “too small” to report to President Tinubu. Rufai stayed calm, saying, “Keep dignifying yourself.” This highlighted media-government tensions.
In February 2025, Daniel Bwala, a presidential adviser, almost left during a chat. Rufai’s style: Prep facts, ask clearly, follow up. He avoids bias, focusing on public good.
His approach inspires young reporters. It sets a bar for tough but fair journalism in Nigeria.
Achievements and Awards
Rufai’s work has won nods from peers. In 2023, he took the Social Media Awards for “Most Engaging Journalist on Social Media.” That year, Igbere TV gave him “Most Courageous TV Host.” In 2022, Nigeria Media Nite-Out (NMNA) named him On-Air Personality of the Year.
He wrote over eight books. “Pansa Pansa” looks at democracy struggles. “A Rebel’s Summary” uses poetry for Nigeria’s renewal. “Ignis” explores nation-building. Articles like “Unemployment in Nigeria” show his depth.
Business wins include co-founding firms and board seats in Africa. He spoke at the Africa CEO Forum. As of 2025, he leads the Sportsville Awards.
His achievements list:
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2023: Social Media and Igbere TV awards.
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2022: NMNA OAP award.
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Books: Eight titles on society and change.
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Business: Mentored 50+ startups.
These mark his broad influence.
Philanthropy and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Rufai gives back through steady efforts. He founded Empowerment Bank nine years ago. It offers low-interest loans to small businesses. This helps people start or grow shops.
The Oseni Centre in Odogbolu serves as a community spot for learning and events. He volunteers with Sesor for IDP awareness, over 10 years. Oxfam and Save the Children UK partner with him on aid.
For nine years, he backs Technovation Challenge, teaching girls coding. The 1 Million Teachers project gets his support too. As a tech fan, he guides African startups ethically. His book “Business Startups: An Ethical Guide” shares tips.
Ventures include CEO of Neo Media Group and roles in health and bonuses. These blend profit with purpose. His giving focuses on education and jobs, touching thousands.
Personal Life
Rufai keeps family details close. He is Muslim, which guides his values. Rumors say he was married before, but his wife passed away; this stays unconfirmed. No public info on children exists. He respects privacy in a public job.
On X (@ruffydfire), he posts news, not home life. Hobbies include poetry and mental growth studies, like in “Keys to Mental Evolution.” In 2021, he lost weight after a heart issue, shifting to healthier habits.
He balances work with quiet time. Family values shape him, even if hidden. This choice lets him focus on career impact.
Controversies
Rufai faces pushback for his style. In 2022, a video showed him in a BRT lane, leading to a ₦70,000 fine. He apologized publicly. Critics like Dele Elempe in 2023 called him rude, citing no journalism degree. APC members sought his firing after tough interviews.
In August 2025, Wike’s aide labeled him unfit due to past issues. Rufai defends with facts, saying his goal is truth.
His legacy: A watchdog who sparks change. He inspired over 1 million via mentorship. Future plans include more books and NGO growth. In 2025, he eyes wider media roles.
Pros of his work:
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Pushes accountability.
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Mentors youth.
Cons:
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Seen as biased by some.
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Personal attacks.
Rufai’s path teaches bending without breaking. His story urges non-straight roads to success.
Conclusion
Oseni Rufai’s life blends media fire, business smarts, and kind acts. From Odogbolu roots to Arise TV anchor, he proves drive beats formal paths. His fact-checks and helps build better talks in Nigeria.
At 45, with awards and books, he keeps growing. Challenges sharpen him, not stop him. Readers, take his lesson: Use your voice for good. Follow his TEDx talks or join his NGOs. Rufai shows one person can shift a nation.
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