Rauf Aregbesola is a Nigerian politician, engineer, and former Osun State Governor, known for his leadership, educational reforms, and dedication to improving lives through public service.
| Name | Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola |
| Age | 68 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1957 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Politician, Engineer |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Islam |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| State of Origin | Osun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $14 million |
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Rauf Aregbesola Biography
Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, born on May 25, 1957, in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, is a well-known Nigerian politician, engineer, and activist. He served as the Minister of Interior from 2019 to 2023 and was previously the Governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018. In 2025, he became the interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aregbesola is widely respected for his deep involvement in grassroots politics, infrastructural development, and pro-democracy movements.
Rauf’s Educational Background
Aregbesola attended primary and secondary schools in Ondo State. He later proceeded to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Mechanical Engineering Technology and graduated in 1980 with a Higher National Diploma (HND). During his school years, he showed strong leadership skills and was the Speaker of the Students’ Parliament (1977–1978) and President of the Black Nationalist Movement (1978–1980).
Rauf Career
Aregbesola began his political career as a student activist before becoming deeply involved in pro-democracy movements during the military era in Nigeria.
In 1999, when Senator Bola Tinubu became Governor of Lagos State, Aregbesola was appointed as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he supervised major development projects in road construction and urban planning.
In 2007, he contested the governorship of Osun State under the Action Congress (AC). Although his initial victory was denied, a court ruling in 2010 declared him the rightful winner. As Governor of Osun from 2010 to 2018, he introduced major initiatives such as:
- Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) – an educational device for secondary school students.
- O’YES Scheme – a youth employment program that created over 20,000 jobs.
- O-MEALS – a school feeding programme recognized by the World Bank and UNESCO.
- Massive Road and Infrastructure Projects – improving transportation and rural connectivity.
In 2019, he was appointed Minister of Interior by President Muhammadu Buhari, where he oversaw national agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service, Fire Service, and Civil Defence Corps. His reforms focused on passport digitization, border management, and internal safety improvements.
In 2025, Aregbesola joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he now serves as Interim National Secretary, advocating for fair governance and grassroots political involvement.
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Rauf Awards
Rauf Aregbesola has received several awards and recognitions for his outstanding leadership, innovation, and contributions to education and community development. Some of his notable awards include:
- UN World Summit Award for innovation in education through the Opon Imo project.
- Omoluabi of Yorubaland title, awarded by the Alaafin of Oyo for promoting Yoruba values and culture.
- Recognition by UNESCO and the World Bank for his social investment programs.
Rauf Age
Rauf Aregbesola was born on May 25, 1957; he is 68 years old as of 2025.
Rauf’s Personal Life
Aregbesola is known for his simplicity, religious faith, and devotion to service. He lives a modest life and is passionate about the moral and social development of Nigeria. He is also an advocate for fiscal federalism, regional integration, and human capital development.
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Rauf Wife
He is married to Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, a supportive partner who has been involved in community development and women’s empowerment programs in Osun State.
Rauf Children
The couple is blessed with children, though their names are kept private to maintain family privacy.
Rauf Parents
Aregbesola was born into a religiously diverse family. His father was Muslim, and his mother was Christian. This upbringing influenced his open-mindedness toward religious coexistence and peacebuilding.
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Rauf Net Worth
Rauf Aregbesola’s estimated net worth is around $14 million, earned through his political career, public service, and investments. His lifestyle remains simple, reflecting his values of humility and service to humanity.
Rauf Social Media Handles
Rauf Aregbesola is active on social media, where he shares updates about his political activities and public engagements.
- Twitter (X): @raufaregbesola
- Instagram: @raufaregbesola.
