Meta Description: Ayo Mairo-Ese, 40, is a Nigerian broadcaster and Arise News anchor. Discover her husband Mairo Ese, children, education, journalism career, awards and achievements.
Ayo Mairo-Ese is a Nigerian broadcast journalist, television presenter, public speaker, and media personality best known for co-anchoring The Morning Show on Arise News. She has established herself as one of Nigeria’s recognised television personalities through her interviews, political discussions, and work in radio and television. This Ayo Mairo-Ese biography explores her age, early life, education, husband, children, career achievements, and contributions to Nigerian broadcasting.
Born on 7 January 1986, Mairo-Ese began her broadcasting career in 2014 and has worked with several Nigerian media organisations. Her professional journey includes presenting television programmes, hosting radio discussions, moderating corporate events, and advocating for women’s empowerment. In July 2026, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of ActionAid Nigeria, adding another responsibility to her career in media and public engagement.
Quick Facts About Ayo Mairo-Ese
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayo Mairo-Ese |
| Maiden Name | Ayo Thompson |
| Date of Birth | 7 January 1986 |
| Age | 40 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Journalist, broadcaster, public speaker and event host |
| Education | Swansea University, United Kingdom |
| Qualification | Degree in International Relations |
| Husband | Mairo Ese |
| Children | Two (twins, according to published reports) |
| Employer | Arise News |
| Known For | Arise News’ The Morning Show |
| Career Beginning | 2014 |
| Major Award | The Future Awards Africa Prize for On-Air Personality, 2016 |
Ayo Mairo-Ese’s Early Life and Family Background
Ayo Mairo-Ese was born on 7 January 1986 in Lagos State, Nigeria. She was raised in a family with roots in different parts of the country. Her father is from Isale Eko in Lagos State, while her mother comes from Agenebode in Edo State. This family background exposed her to different Nigerian cultures during childhood.
Before her marriage, she was known as Ayo Thompson. She grew up in Lagos, where she spent much of her early life before travelling abroad for higher education. Her upbringing influenced her interest in communication, public engagement, and issues affecting society.
Mairo-Ese has also spoken publicly about the importance of family and faith in her personal development. She was raised in a religious household and became a Christian during childhood. These experiences helped shape the values she has carried into her professional and personal life.
Education at Swansea University in the United Kingdom
Ayo Mairo-Ese pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, where she attended Swansea University. She studied International Relations, completing her university education in 2009. Her academic training introduced her to international politics, diplomacy, government, and relationships between countries.
Her background in International Relations became relevant to her broadcasting career, particularly when discussing political developments and public affairs. The knowledge she acquired helped prepare her for interviews involving government officials, business executives, and policy experts. She eventually applied these skills in Nigerian television and radio broadcasting.
How Ayo Mairo-Ese Started Her Broadcasting Career
Mairo-Ese began her professional broadcasting career in 2014 at Cool TV, where she co-hosted a television programme called The Blog. Her responsibilities included presenting discussions and producing content for the daily programme. The experience introduced her to television production, audience engagement, and professional broadcasting.
She later became a co-host of Hello Nigeria, a news and lifestyle programme associated with the television station, which was subsequently rebranded as WazobiaMax. The programme allowed her to discuss social issues, entertainment, and everyday experiences affecting Nigerians. Her work helped establish her reputation as a versatile television presenter.
As her career progressed, she developed the confidence and interviewing skills required for more demanding broadcasting assignments. She moved between television and radio, gaining experience in different programme formats. These opportunities prepared her for the political and current-affairs discussions that later became central to her career.
Radio Career at Nigeria Info FM and Smooth FM
Before joining Arise News, Ayo Mairo-Ese gained valuable experience in radio broadcasting. She co-hosted Morning Crossfire on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM, a prominent Lagos radio station known for discussions about politics, business, and current affairs. The programme featured audience participation and conversations about important national developments.
She was also associated with Smooth 98.1 FM, where she participated in breakfast broadcasting. Working in radio required her to communicate clearly without relying on visual presentation. Her experience strengthened her interviewing abilities and helped her develop a recognisable broadcasting style.
During her radio career, Mairo-Ese discussed subjects ranging from government policies to social problems and personal experiences. She also participated in programmes focused on women’s stories and achievements. These assignments broadened her understanding of issues affecting different sections of Nigerian society.
Ayo Mairo-Ese’s Career at Arise News
Ayo Mairo-Ese became widely recognised through her work as a television anchor at Arise News, where she co-anchors The Morning Show. The programme discusses Nigerian politics, international affairs, economic developments, and major social issues. It regularly features politicians, analysts, business leaders, and other public figures.
Her responsibilities include presenting news discussions, asking questions, and engaging guests on matters of public interest. She has worked alongside established broadcasters, including Reuben Abati and Rufai Oseni. The programme’s focus on current affairs has given her a platform to participate in important national conversations.
Throughout her career, Mairo-Ese has interviewed personalities such as CNN journalist Richard Quest, American actor Eric Roberts, and gospel musicians Don Moen and Travis Greene. She has also interviewed business leaders and other influential figures. These interactions demonstrate her experience across entertainment, politics, religion, and business journalism.
Appointment to ActionAid Nigeria’s Board in 2026
On 13 July 2026, ActionAid Nigeria announced Ayo Mairo-Ese’s appointment to its Board of Directors. The organisation also appointed development expert Dr Otive Igbuzor. Their appointments formed part of efforts to strengthen the organisation’s governance and strategic leadership.
ActionAid Nigeria works on poverty reduction, social justice, human rights, and community development. Mairo-Ese’s experience in communications, public policy discussions, and advocacy was relevant to the organisation’s activities. Her appointment marked an important development beyond her regular broadcasting responsibilities.
Ayo Mairo-Ese’s Husband, Mairo Ese, and Marriage
Ayo Mairo-Ese is married to Mairo Ese, a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Her husband is known for Christian worship music, including songs such as The Only God and Everlasting. He has also released gospel projects, including The Worship of Yahweh and Spirit and Life.
The couple married in November 2017 and have maintained careers in different areas of public life. While Ayo works in journalism and broadcasting, Mairo focuses primarily on gospel music and Christian ministry. They live in Lagos, Nigeria, and occasionally share aspects of their family life publicly.
Does Ayo Mairo-Ese Have Children?
Published biographical reports state that Ayo Mairo-Ese and her husband welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, in May 2025. The reports identify the children as Lemuel and Lemuella. However, these details are not independently confirmed by the principal professional biographies available for the couple.
Mairo-Ese generally focuses her public communication on her professional work, family values, and personal interests. She has spoken about the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships while pursuing a demanding career. Her family remains an important part of her life outside broadcasting.
Awards and Recognition in Nigerian Broadcasting
Ayo Mairo-Ese has received several awards recognising her contributions to Nigerian media. In 2016, she won The Future Awards Africa Prize for On-Air Personality of the Year (Radio). She also received the ELOY Award for TV Presenter of the Year and recognition at the 19ROM Role Model Awards.
Her professional achievements continued in subsequent years. She appeared on Leading Ladies Africa’s list of 100 inspiring Nigerian women in 2019 and YNaija’s influential media personalities list in 2021. In 2023, she was recognised among Nigeria’s powerful women in journalism.
Public Speaking, Women’s Empowerment and Community Work
Beyond journalism, Mairo-Ese works as a professional event host, moderator, and communications consultant. She has hosted events involving major Nigerian organisations, including Stanbic IBTC, the United Bank for Africa, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Her experience includes corporate conferences, leadership programmes, and award ceremonies.
She is also passionate about helping women develop confidence and leadership skills. Through speaking engagements and mentoring activities, she encourages women to participate actively in professional and public life. Her work includes communication training and programmes designed to improve public-speaking confidence.
In 2022, she participated in the Destiny Trust Kids STEAM Boot Camp, where she helped train approximately 300 children and teenagers in communication skills. She also organised a free public-speaking event attended by hundreds of participants. These initiatives reflect her interest in education and personal development.
Ayo Mairo-Ese’s Net Worth and Sources of Income
Ayo Mairo-Ese earns income through broadcasting, public speaking, corporate event hosting, and communications consulting. Her experience across television, radio, and professional events provides several potential sources of earnings. She also offers services related to brand strategy, public relations, and communication.
However, her exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Although some entertainment websites publish financial estimates, there is insufficient reliable evidence to confirm a specific amount. Her personal assets and financial holdings are not publicly documented in detail.
Final Thoughts
Ayo Mairo-Ese’s biography reflects the professional journey of a Nigerian broadcaster who developed her career through television, radio, public speaking, and communications. From her early work at Cool TV to her position at Arise News, she has built experience in journalism and public engagement.
Her appointment to ActionAid Nigeria’s board in 2026 also demonstrates her involvement in activities beyond traditional broadcasting. Through journalism, mentoring, and community programmes, she continues contributing to conversations about leadership, communication, and social development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Ayo Mairo-Ese?
Ayo Mairo-Ese is a Nigerian journalist, television anchor, public speaker, and communications professional. She is best known for co-anchoring The Morning Show on Arise News.
Q2: How old is Ayo Mairo-Ese in 2026?
Ayo Mairo-Ese is reportedly 40 years old as of October 2026. Her reported date of birth is 7 January 1986.
Q3: Who is Ayo Mairo-Ese’s husband?
Her husband is Mairo Ese, a Nigerian gospel musician and songwriter. The couple married in November 2017.
Q4: Does Ayo Mairo-Ese have children?
Published reports indicate that she has twins, a boy and a girl, born in May 2025. Their reported names are Lemuel and Lemuella.
Q5: Which university did Ayo Mairo-Ese attend?
She attended Swansea University in the United Kingdom, where she studied International Relations. She completed her studies in 2009.
Q6: What is Ayo Mairo-Ese’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly verified. Her professional activities include broadcasting, event hosting, public speaking, and communications consulting.
Q7: Which television station does Ayo Mairo-Ese work for?
Ayo Mairo-Ese works with Arise News, where she co-anchors The Morning Show. The programme focuses on politics, business, international affairs, and other current issues.
