Ali Baba: A Comedian and Leader Par Excellence

The business of comedy in Nigeria will not be complete without mentioning Ali Baba. Born Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome in 1965, Ali Baba is the pioneer stand-up comedian in Nigeria.

He created a career out of it and made it lucrative for other entrants in the industry. Asides comedy, Ali Baba is an actor and astute business man. Since 1991, he has been actively carving his name on the footprints of time. For his dedication and consistency to his craft, he is NRTC’s Personality of the Month.

Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He finished from Ojo Primary School and Command Secondary School in Lagos. Thereafter, he furthered his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor and Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma where he studied Religious Studies & Philosophy.

After graduation, he decided to relocate back to Lagos to begin a career in comedy because he felt he would achieve more success there. So far, Ali Baba has actualized his desire to be a comedian and also pave the way for others who aspire to work in that field. Today, Ali is being described as the king of comedy in Nigeria. Some even go further to call him the king of kings of comedy. Because he has raised other kings in the industry too.

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Ali Baba’s Achievements

The effort of the 56-year-old has not gone unnoticed as he has bagged many awards over the years. In 2009, he was inducted into the Johnnie Walker ‘Striding Man’ Society in 2009. This is in recognition of men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields. And who support others to do so.

In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He became the first Nigerian comedian to do so. Also, he is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

In March 2015, Ali Baba was featured on CNN African voices where he spoke about his goal to professionalize and gain acceptance for Nigerian comedians. The father-of-five received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International in April 2018. This was for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry.

Ali Baba exemplifies what a leader should be. He did not just create a platform for new talents, he has mentored them over the years. Many comedians who have become top stars in the industry ascribe their success to Ali Baba. “The Wedding Party” actor has also proven that believing in oneself and striving for what we truly believe in yields results. He is an inspiration and a motivation for hard work, consistency, perseverance, and growth.

A leader he is, truly.