Steve Ayorinde biography, career milestones, net worth

Steve Oluseyi Ayorinde is a renowned Nigerian journalist, author, media consultant and public servant.

He served as Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture from 2018 to 2019.

Prior to that, he was appointed Commissioner for Information and Strategy in 2015 by then-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a role he held until 2018.

Widely respected for his contribution to journalism and cultural administration, Ayorinde has been a key figure in advancing Nigeria’s media and creative industries both locally and internationally.

Profile overview

Name: Steve Oluseyi Ayorinde

Date of birth: 9th July, 1970

Place of birth: Oyo

Education: Obafemi Awolowo University

Religion: Christianity

Relationship status: Married

Career: Journalist

Background

Steve Ayorinde is a native of Oyo State and was on July 9th, 1970.

He earned degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Lagos, and a master’s degree in Globalisation and Communications from the University of Leicester in the UK.

His international training includes fellowships and programs with the European Union (Journalists-in-Europe), the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Program, the Goethe Institute in Berlin, and the University of Siena in Italy.

Career in public service

Ayorinde served as the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy from 2015 to 2018, and later as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture from 2018 until 2019.

Appointed by then-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his work played a major role in enhancing the global visibility of Lagos as a cultural and investment destination.

Journalism career

Beginning his journalism journey in 1991 at The Guardian, Ayorinde quickly rose through Nigeria’s media ranks.

He was a pioneer staff member at The Comet, where he edited the arts and media section from 1999 to 2003.

At The Punch, he made his mark as Arts Editor, UK Correspondent, member of the editorial board, and eventually the Daily Editor, where he also created the widely-read column Something Before the Weekend.

He later became the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror between 2010 and 2013.

His role in political communications came to the forefront when he served as Director of Media and Communications for the Ambode Campaign Organisation in 2014–2015.

Currently, Ayorinde remains active as a media consultant, strategist, syndicated columnist, and founder of The Culture Newspaper (TCN), Nigeria’s first dedicated arts and culture publication.

International film juror and cultural ambassador

Renowned for his deep understanding of film and art, Ayorinde has served on juries for some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, including the Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Mumbai, and the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), representing Nigeria’s creative voice globally.

Published works

Ayorinde has authored three influential books:

• Masterpieces: A Critic’s Timeless Report (2008)
• Abokede: The Man, The Hill, The City (2011)
• Cascade of Change: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts (2015)

He also edited For Law, For Country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench (2012), a notable work in legal journalism.

Leadership roles

Within the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Ayorinde has held several leadership roles, including Assistant Secretary-General, Vice President (West), and Deputy President, further cementing his legacy in the journalism profession.

Personal life

Steve Ayorinde is married to Temitope Ayorinde, and they have three children.

Steve Ayorinde together with wife Temitope

Known for his intellectual curiosity and international exposure, he is fluent in several languages and frequently engages in global cultural exchanges.

Net wealth

Steve Ayorinde’s  net worth is currently estimated to be about $700,000 and $1 million, derived from his career in journalism, consulting, publishing, and public service roles.