Rufai Oseni is a household name in the Nigerian media industry, celebrated for his contributions as a journalist, TV host, presenter, analyst, and public speaker.
He currently serves as a co-host at Arise TV Media, where he is best known for anchoring various political programs.
Beyond his media roles, Oseni is a multifaceted individual with interests in technology, mentorship for small business start-ups, investments, writing, and leadership. He is also the Chief Executive Manager of NEO Media Group, making a mark in the world of media and entrepreneurship.
Early Life
Rufai Oseni was born on April 8, 1980, in Lagos State, Nigeria, making him 43 years old in 2023. He hails from Odogbolu, a Local Government Area in Ogun State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria.
While growing up, he was raised in Lagos State by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oseni. Although he lost his mother at a young age, his father was alive until 2022.
Rufai Oseni proudly identifies with his Yoruba heritage and spent part of his early life in his home state before embarking on his career journey.
Education
Rufai Oseni’s educational journey kick-started fully when he attened federal government college during his high school years.
Following that, he pursued higher education at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where he studied Animal Physiology/Reproductive Physiology and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in the field.
In addition to his university education, Oseni attended Lagos Business School at the Pan-Atlantic University, earning a certificate in Entrepreneurship Management.
Career
Rufai Oseni’s illustrious career in journalism spans over 18 years and counting. He commenced his professional journey as a broadcaster and has lent his talents to various radio stations, including J.fm Radio Warri, Unique FM Ilesa, Gold FM Radio Ilesa, Ogun State Radio, and Osun State Government, where he served as a presenter and media consultant.
His impact extends to the television landscape, with roles at several media stations across Nigeria. Rufai’s insightful analysis on African issues has earned him recognition as a BBC Bristol Analyst since 2014. He also served as a TV Continental Analyst on small business and the economy in 2017, and as a facilitator at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in 2021.
Beyond media, Rufai Oseni has made significant contributions to various sectors. He co-founded Loyal Bonus, an e-commerce company, and Edupear Education Innovation Learning.
He has also graced the halls of prestigious institutions, including Cambridge University and the University of Sussex, as a featured guest speaker.
Rufai’s commitment to education and mentorship extends to his teaching of the English language at the National Open University of Nigeria’s study centers.
With a mentorship network comprising over 5000 Nigerian students across universities, he actively nurtures the next generation.
Rufai Oseni’s versatility shines through his role as an evaluator at Acumen and as an Arise Channel News host since 2019. His love for technology is evident in his advisory roles with various tech companies in Nigeria and Africa.
As the Director and CEO of NEO Media Group, a pan-African media entity, Rufai takes on the mantle of a leader in the industry. He also serves as a member of the Lagos State government’s think tank, focusing on improving care for individuals living with disabilities, in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser on Social Development, Lagos State.
Additionally, Rufai Oseni is the Executive Host of “Impact with Rufai” at The Voice of the People and the Chief Executive Officer of Eureka Kapital, a company he founded in 2015.
Work Experience
- JFM Radio Warri: 2003-2012
- Unique FM Ilesa: 2012
- Gold FM Ilesa: 2012
- Ogun State Television: Sports Analyst 2012
- Ogun State Radio: Radio Presenter
- Osun State Government: 2012-2013 (Media consultant, Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme)
- Inspiration FM: 2012-present
- Eureka Kapital: 2014-present
- Member Lagos State Disability Management Think Tank (Office of the Special Adviser on Disability): 2015-2017
- BBC Bristol Analyst on African Issues: 2014-present
- TV Continental Analyst on Small Business and Economy: 2017
- Facilitator, Nigerian Bar Association Conference: 2021
- Co-host at Arise TV Media: 2021-2022 (present)
Net Worth
Rufai Oseni’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000. His wealth is a result of his successful career and established businesses.
Personal Life
Rufai Oseni’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oseni, were businesspeople during their lifetime. Sadly, he lost his mother when he was still a teenager and, later, his father in August 2022.
While Rufai Oseni has siblings, he maintains a private stance regarding his family and prefers not to share details about them with the public.
Speculation abounds about Rufai Oseni’s marital status, with rumors suggesting he may be married to an undisclosed partner. However, concrete information about his marital status remains unconfirmed. Oseni occasionally shares pictures of himself with children, leading to assumptions about his family life.
Awards and Achievements
Rufai Oseni has received several awards and achieved notable milestones in his career, including:
- Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award (NMNA) for On-Air TV Personality (OAP) of the Year, 16th edition.
- Mentoring numerous successful small start-up businesses.
- Co-founding successful companies in and outside Nigeria.
Rufai Oseni’s literary contributions include authoring books and publishing articles focused on Nigeria’s leadership and politics.
Some of his notable works include:
- “VERITAS: The Tale of a Sleeping Giant.”
- “Nigerians: The Shelf-Organizing People.”
- “Penkelemesi: Nigerian Peculiar Mess.”