Tolu Ogunlesi, born on March 3, 1982, in Edinburgh to Nigerian parents, has become an influential figure in Nigerian journalism and literature. His academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy in 2004, later obtaining a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in 2011.

Ogunlesi's career spans diverse literary and journalistic roles. He published his first poetry collection in 2004 and has since contributed to prominent publications like The Guardian and Forbes Africa. As a journalist, he has received several awards, including the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award.

Appointed as the Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to President Buhari in 2016, Ogunlesi continues to expand his contributions to Nigerian media, receiving honors like the Member of the Order of the Niger in 2023 and joining Harvard's Weatherhead fellowship in 2022. His work exemplifies a dedication to storytelling and innovation across mediums and genres.