Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, widely known as Ali Baba, has been celebrated as an iconic figure in a special November edition of the Ojez Elders Forum, on Sunday, November 24.
The veteran comedian received an award of excellence from Chief Joseph Odobeatu, the chairman of Ojez Entertainment, in recognition of his significant contributions to the comedy industry and his mentorship of emerging talents.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Ali Baba shared insights from his remarkable journey spanning over three decades in show business.
He emphasized that his role extends beyond personal success; it encompasses nurturing the next generation of comedians by providing them with platforms, mentorship, and opportunities.
“True success is about lifting others,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.
During the event, Ali Baba was humorously dubbed an ‘ancestor’ in comedy, a nod to his longevity and the multitude of protégés he has guided, many of whom have gone on to mentor yet others. This lineage of mentorship speaks volumes about his commitment to the craft and his desire to see comedy flourish in Nigeria.
Effiong Nyong, the director of entertainment at Ojez, highlighted the transformative power of comedy in his opening remarks. “Ali Baba epitomizes the role of a comedian as an educator and inspirer,” he stated.
“For over three decades, he has used humor to address critical social issues, becoming a voice for the people and a catalyst for change.”
By The Nation and Sam Anokam @TheNation
