The contributions of Mr. Atunyota Akporobomerere, popularly known as Alibaba in the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria will remain indelible.
This is the position of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Okowa made the remark over the Presidential Award of Excellence to him at the second National MSME Awards.
He lauded the humour merchant for his outstanding contributions, patriotism, humility, mentorship, support for budding talents and as a good ambassador of Delta State.
Said he: “As a state, we are particularly proud of your numerous ‘firsts’ – first Nigerian comedian to perform on commercial flights, first to entertain over 40 heads of governments, first comedian to ring the closing bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“You are also first comedian on CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera, first to be inaugurated into the Johnnie Walker Hall of fame and first to stage a 6-hour stand-up comedy performance, among many other laudable accomplishments.”
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding an eminent son of Delta, AliBaba, worthy of the honour.
