Personality Corner

If you have ever been to or seen a stand-up comedy show in Nigeria before, you have this man to thank. He is the King of Comedy.

In this edition of Personality Corner, we'll be bringing to you more about this King of Comedy.

Coincidentally, Ali clocks the big  fifty-five today.
Find out things you didn't know about this man here. Enjoy your read!

Biography

Alleluya "Ali Baba" Atunyota Akpobome is a renowned standup comedian worth his salt, especially in the entertainment sphere. He is the  pioneer of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. 

Earlylife and Education

Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria on June 24, 1965, to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. Being the first son of several children, he spent his first 8 years in Warri. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos.

He schooled in Lagos. He had his primary education at Ojo Primary School and his secondary education at  Command Secondary School, both in Lagos. He moved to further his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor and his tertiary education at Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma where he majored in Religious Studies & Philosophy

Career
Ali Baba is one good example of doggedness and consistency. With almost no precedents in Nigeria for standup comedians, he trudged on, carving a niche for himself as an innovator and a comedian for corporate and non-corporate events. These he did by serving as a Master of Ceremony at events.

He began his career as a professional comedian performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Charly Boy, Patrick Doyle, Danladi Bako. He also made cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Mani Onumonmu and Sani Irabor.

In 1991, he worked with Dapo Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant.
Still serious about his business, he went on in 1993 to register his company "Alibaba Hiccupuray The 3rd" to enhance the perception of comedians as a profession and a respected way of life.

By 1998, he had begun to consider using "Out Of Home" advertising strategies. In the same year, he hired billboards on strategic streets of Lagos with the message “Being Funny is Serious Business”.

His title as the “Father of Comedy” is one that is well deserved. Asides being a pioneer in the comedy industry, he is also a mentor, an avid supporter of all who want to make comedy their chosen profession. He believes that his business is big enough for all who are serious about the profession.

Ali Baba has been a professional standup comedian for 30 years and has received several awards.

Personal life
Alleluya “Ali Baba” is married to Mary Akpobome, the chief executive officer of HBCL Plc. They both have five children.
He is an avid reader who also enjoys painting.

Philantropy
A philanthropist and the cofounder, Purple Girl Foundation. An NGO that focuses on girl-child education, the heart of this man is indeed gold.

He is also a key sponsor and volunteer at Aunt Landa Bethel Foundation, a charity organization with the aim of changing the world a person at a time. He is known by many to be benevolent and kindhearted.

Awards and Recognitions 

Ali Baba is a well decorated man. He is recipient of fifteen notable awards, amongst which are Lagos State University Award of Excellence, City People Entertainment Award, RCCG Enablers Merit Award to mention a few.

Ali Baba was inducted into the Johnnie Walker'Striding Man' Society in 2009 which recognizes men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields and who motivate and encourage others.

In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the first Nigerian comedian to do so.

He is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

In March 2015, Ali Baba was featured on CNN African voices, speaking about his goal to professionalize and gain acceptance for Nigerian comedians.

In April 2018, Ali Baba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry

Some of his quotes that have stuck are:
"You owe yourself your life."
 

"Your Career can be truncated by the woman you choose to settle with or refuse to settle with."

 

*I hope you enjoyed your read? See you in the next edition!

Credit: Wikipedia