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Alibaba Akpobome
Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies[1] and actor. Early lifeAli Baba was born in Agbarha otor, Delta State, Nigeria on 24 June 1965,[2] to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He is the first son of several children and spent his first 8 years in Warri, Delta State. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos. EducationHe attended Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos State, and Ibru College Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. He attended Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma and graduated with a degree in Religious Studies & Philosophy.He was neighbour to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome while at school in university.[3] CareerAfter completing his academic degree in 1990, he relocated back to Lagos,[4] to develop his comedy talent he discovered at the university. Originally, he planned to study Law but decided he could be more successful by making people laugh than by defending them. Professional careerHe began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy, and Danladi Bako, and making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor, and Mani Onumonmu.[5] He also worked with Prince Adedapo Benjamin Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991. In 2014, Ali Baba started an annual comedy event called the 1 January concert.[6] Comedians come up to review the events of the previous year and a first-class graduate from the preceding year receives an award.[7] In 2015, he started an event called Spontaneity; a quarterly event for budding comedians.[8] Notable among the finalists of this competition is Woli Arole at the 2016 edition.[9] Ali Baba maintains the philosophy that his business is big enough for all who want to make comedy their chosen profession. As such, he supports, mentors, and presents several comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained, and professionalism encouraged.[10] Awards
RecognitionAli 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 [11] 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.[12] In April 2018, Ali Baba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry Personal lifeAli Baba is married to Mary Akpobome.[13] Select filmography
See alsoReferences
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