Tag: ALIBABA

  • My Paddy for Jungle – RMD, others celebrate Alibaba @60

    My Paddy for Jungle – RMD, others celebrate Alibaba @60

    Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), the ace Nollywood actor, has taken to social media to celebrate veteran comedian Alibaba Akpobome, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the King of Nigeria comedy Alibaba celebrated his 60th birthday today, June 24th.

    Taking to Instagram, RMD shared a lovely picture of himself and the veteran comedian with the caption: “From friend to brother. From laughs to legacy. My guy, my comic genius, my day one. My Paddy for Jungle! Happy 60th birthday, living legend!”

    Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) also celebrated with the veteran. Sharing his photo, he wrote:  “Yesterday I appreciated one among the members who have been back bones and exceptionally inspirational on this my journey as President of Actors Guild of Nigeria.

    “Ali Baba is one of them and coincidentally it’s his birthday so I use this double opportunity to appreciate you for all you do from behind and then wish you a Happy Birthday @alibabagcfr.”

  • Alibaba @60: Tinubu pays glowing tribute to Nigeria’s comedy icon

    Alibaba @60: Tinubu pays glowing tribute to Nigeria’s comedy icon

    President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s comedy icon, Alibaba Akpobome, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, praising his pioneering contributions.

    The President described Alibaba as a cultural force who reshaped Nigerian entertainment and gave comedy its rightful place as a professional and honourable career path.

    The tribute is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

    Tinubu praised the comedian, compere, and actor for his immense impact on Nigeria’s creative industry, calling him a trailblazer who inspired a generation of entertainers.

    “Alibaba is more than a comedian; he is a visionary who transformed an entire industry through hard work, originality, and sheer determination,” the President said.

    Born Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, the entertainer is widely acknowledged for elevating stand-up comedy from informal entertainment to a respected, structured profession.

    A native of Agbarha-Otor in Delta, Alibaba began his career by performing at high-profile corporate events and on various radio and television platforms.

    His big break came through hosting government and state functions, where his wit, bold delivery, and captivating stage presence earned him nationwide admiration.

    Tinubu noted that Alibaba’s success opened doors for countless young talents who now view comedy as a viable and rewarding career.

    “He mentored upcoming comedians and used his platform to showcase raw talent. Today’s comedy scene owes much to his courage and innovation,” Tinubu added.

    Often referred to as the father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria, Alibaba has nurtured the industry into a dynamic ecosystem with measurable contributions to national GDP.

    Beyond his personal achievements, Alibaba’s work continues to shape public discourse, blending humour with social commentary to challenge stereotypes and inspire change.

    Tinubu encouraged the veteran entertainer to remain committed to mentoring and building the next generation of creative voices across the entertainment landscape.

    He further commended Alibaba for his consistency, professionalism, and leadership over the decades, describing him as a living legend.

    The President wished Alibaba good health, longevity, and many more years of positive impact within Nigeria’s growing creative industry.

  • ‘Go back inside, I’m not finished’ – Ali Baba makes shocking revelation about wives’ of influential people

    ‘Go back inside, I’m not finished’ – Ali Baba makes shocking revelation about wives’ of influential people

    Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, has disclosed that numerous wives of his friends and associates engage in extramarital affairs with governors and wealthy politicians.

    The 59-year -old during a recent interview with Outside the Box podcast spoke about the unsavoury activities prevalent among the nation’s elite.

    The comedian recounted a particular encounter in which he saw the wife of an associate at the residence of a state governor.

    Ali Baba had this to say, “I have been in the houses of a lot of big men—like governors and the rest—and I see wives of a lot of people that I know doing things, and I greet, ‘How are you? How is everything?’

    “And then those guys would do their philandering, tap her bum and say, ‘Go back inside, I’m not finished with you,’ and she went back inside. Then I ran into her at an event, and her husband said, ‘Oh, how are you? Meet my wife.’ I responded, ‘Oh madam, it’s a pleasure. I haven’t seen you in five years. Where have you been?’ And she’s like, ‘I’ve been around, good to see you.’

    “When she sees me somewhere after, she calls me and says, ‘Ali, thanks,’ I say, ‘It’s okay.’”

  • ‘How popular Nigerian singer lavished N1.5billion in weeks’

    ‘How popular Nigerian singer lavished N1.5billion in weeks’

    Popular comedian, Ali Baba has narrated how a popular Nigerian singer lavished over 1.5 billion on a frivolous lifestyle in weeks.

    The veteran, in a lengthy podcast with Eden Oasis recounted how the musician, who he refused to name, performed in Dubai and was paid N400 million.

    He added that the singer, who performed at another International event with a pay of over N500 million, went on a lavishing spree, buying exotic cars, such as Maybach, and expensive jewelry.

    According to the ace comedian, in less than six weeks, the musician had spent over 1.5 billion.

    Alibaba highlighted the potential success the musician could have achieved if he had invested the money in a profitable venture. He could have  built a studio that would attract artists and generate enough income to afford anything he desired.

    He added that the artist married recently and rented a hall where he could have built his own.

    He said, “I told a musician, a very top musician, if he hears this he would know he is the one I am talking about. He went to play in Dubai; they paid him nearly N400 million; he went to play in another International event, and they paid him about N500 million.

    “The next thing, he has a Maybach, has another car and goes on a spree with jewelry and all other things. And in less than two to six months, he has done about 1.5 billion. He would have bought land, done an event, and put a powerful studio upstairs. People will come there and shoot and do their music thing, and the venue will bring enough money to buy anything he wants to buy. Then it was time for him to get married, and he had to use a hall. But if he had built the hall, he wouldn’t have needed to spend the money for the hall.

    “Asake wanted to do his concert in London. He applied to a bank and says, “I need a loan of 1 billion, I want to organize a concert in London. They wouldn’t give him because he is an Asake right? A car dealer goes to the bank and says, “he wants to import 12 cars”, they would give him the money, he would bring the cars in and put it in the shop. He can’t sell them in one week. The cars will be in the shop for sometimes six months, one year, he still hasn’t sold some of those cars. Asake’s concert is one day, he will make two billion”.

  • Alibaba tells men feeling insecure about wives earning more what to do

    Alibaba tells men feeling insecure about wives earning more what to do

    Veteran Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome better known  Alibaba, has criticized ‘’lazy’’ insecure men while urging women who earn way more than their husbands to stop quitting their jobs to massage their men’s egos.

    The comedian, via his Instagram page on Friday, reacted to a tweet that went viral years back. The story was about a man who asked his wife to quit her job because her higher income made him feel inadequate.

    Weighing in, Alibaba doubted the authenticity of such stories, questioning whether women fall for such manipulative behavior these days.

    The comedian, who recently welcomed twins, further urged insecure men to quit their jobs instead. 

    He said: All these lies you people are sharing will keeeeee you people soon.

    Who are these women who fall for such lies.

    If you earn more than your man, let him quit his own job. Nonsense!!!

    Who are these lazy bumcums peddling these stupid narratives?

    You are earning N1.5m a month… and your madam is earning 10m monthly. And with that kind of job comes different benefits you will tell her to resign.

    That means your self-confidence is financially driven and anchored.

     “Insecurities my foot.

     “So, Stedman will tell Oprah Winfrey to resign…

     “Who is bringing up these men with self esteem that is defined by financial status?

     “No wonder, once a woman looks rich and exudes prosperity vibes… these sort of mean become weaklings.

     “Instead of being challenged and driven to upgrade your financial status. Shiooooor.”

  • I was indifferent – Ali Baba speaks on the birth of his triplets

    I was indifferent – Ali Baba speaks on the birth of his triplets

    Veteran stand-up comedian, colleague, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba has opened up on the birth of the triplets with his wife, Mary.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Ali Baba announced the birth of his triplets on April 1, causing a stir, as many people considered the post a popular ‘April fool’ prank.

    In an interview with Punch, the veteran stated that he had mixed emotions when he learnt that his wife was expecting triplets.

    He said, “I felt indifferent, but I was also happy.”

    Speaking on issues in the entertainment industry, Ali Baba said there was a much more severe issue in Nigeria than the moral controversies raised by skit makers and content creators.

    He said, “The thing is that your moral yardstick is not gauged by skit makers or content creators. It is based on parental control, government policies, and the educational systems. It is what the society does that is mirrored. For instance, the boy who is making skits about prostitution is not the one who caused it. That does not mean they should promote it all the time though. But, when you have people surviving in corruption and nothing is done to them, have any of those things being banned? No! But, morality is now the big issue when corruption is a bigger problem. Is the girl who is dancing naked on social media worse than the man who is stealing N2bn in office?”

  • I know four top comedians who have “japa” abroad – Alibaba

    I know four top comedians who have “japa” abroad – Alibaba

    Veteran Nigerian comedian, Alibaba, has stated that many comedians who relocated abroad could have survived Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

    The comedian cum Nollywood actor, during an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise program, said some people he knew liquidated their investments to leave the country.

    According to Alibaba, many people in the entertainment industry have left the country in the last few years, adding that people who left the country could have survived Nigeria’s current economic realities due to their talents and opportunities.

    He said, “When I said unpredictable, it is that some things that have been happening are things that people have not prepared for. So, you found out that people are now dipping their hands into savings, if there were any, and trying to manage their resources.

    “Also, between January and now, out of 10 people that I said ‘they would not Japa’, you just hear somebody call you later and say, ‘Oh, you know, I’ve not been around’. And you say, Okay, ‘when are you coming back?’And they say they’re not coming back.

    “I know about four comedians who have travelled and many more in entertainment who have travelled. The sad thing is that some of these people who are travelling are some people who seemingly could have survived in the economy because of the talent that they had, the potential, and the opportunities that had come to them.”

    Alibaba further narrated how his friend left the country to give his children a better life.

    He said, “So, when you find those kinds of people leaving, they’re now thinking, What do I have over these people that I’m still here? Right? Is it patriotism? Is it family ties? Is it hope and expectations? but many people are liquidating investments and travelling.

    “A friend of mine travelled two days after Valentine’s. We had a Valentine’s party, and he was there. Everything was okay. And then he called me in May to say, ah, ‘how are you? How are you? How’s Nigeria?’ I said, You’re here, too. Then he said he left on February 16.

    “I said, What happened? He said that he had weighed it over time, that if he was spending X amount of money raising three of his kids, it would be good if somebody took off the cost of education from him so that he could then express himself in other ways and have a good life.

    “He also said that if you raise your children, and after you raise the children at the age of 21, or 22, you still have to take care of them, then it’s good to go to a society where if you raise them to 18, or 20, they can begin to take care of themselves or find work somehow.

    “Besides, if you raise them in a certain country, by the time they’ve done four, five, or six years, certainty is what you can say about citizenship. So they then have dual citizenship, and you’ve opened more opportunities for them to survive and succeed.”

  • Amnesty International blasts Nigerian Govt for not prosecuting Deborah Samuel’s k!illers since 2022

    Amnesty International blasts Nigerian Govt for not prosecuting Deborah Samuel’s k!illers since 2022

    Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has decried the failure of the Nigerian authorities to hold to account killers’ of Deborah Samuel over alleged blasphemy more than one year after she was lynched by school mates.

    Amnesty International which stated this in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, regretted that despite the fact that the killers of Deborah Samuel did not hide their faces in camera while committing the heinous crime, yet the State finds it difficult to bring them to justice since May 12, 2022.

    Describing the latent behaviour of the government on violent crimes, the global rights organisation, stated that the consistent failure of the Nigerian government to tackle violence in the name of religion has effectively sent the message that anyone could commit murder and get away with it.

    The statement partly read: “#Deborah Samuel was lynched by her school mates over alleged #blasphemy on 12 May 2022 in #Sokoto. More than a year after, the Nigerian authorities have failed to hold her killers to account.

    “In a flagrant show of utter disdain for the sanctity of life and impunity, a video footage of a raging fire and a man facing the camera, bragging that he killed and burnt Deborah Samuel — while also brandishing a matchbox — was widely shared on social media.

    “Consistent failure of the #Nigerian government to tackle violence in the name of religion has effectively sent the message that anyone can commit outrageous abuses and get away with it. This is unacceptable,” it stated.

  • Ace comedian Alibaba and wife welcome all boys set of triplets

    Ace comedian Alibaba and wife welcome all boys set of triplets

    Ace comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, famously known as Alibaba, and his wife Mary, have welcomed a set of triplets.

    Alibaba shared the news via an Instagram post on Monday, revealing that the newborns, all boys, joined the family two months ago.

    The boys have been named Aaron, Alexander, and Andrew.

    The ace comedian’s post on his account, @alibabagcfr, read, “Mary and I are happy and overjoyed to welcome our three sons, Aaron, Alexander, and Andrew.

    The ace comedian’s post on his account, @alibabagcfr, read, “Mary and I are happy and overjoyed to welcome our three sons, Aaron, Alexander, and Andrew, into the Akpobome family.

    “It’s been two months since they arrived, and as the days go by, we thank God Almighty for these three beautiful blessings.

    “We also want to thank our sisters, brothers, friends, uncles, and aunties for all the support so far.

    “We appreciate and thank you immensely for all your prayers, love, best wishes, and gifts.

    “As we celebrate the essence of the resurrection power in this period of Easter, we join our faith with yours and pray that things of joy will never be far from you.

    “God will make all that needs to arise in your favour in this holy period of reawakening.

    “On behalf of the Akpobomes, again, thank you.”

    Alibaba will be 59 years old in June and his wife, Mary whom he married in 2006 will clock 56 in July.

    In December 2023, while sharing his opinion on The Honest Bunch Podcast on what women bring to the table in relationships and marriage, Alibaba stated that a woman does not have to bring monetary value to the table.

  • Why my father didn’t talk with me from 1988 till 1998 – Alibaba

    Why my father didn’t talk with me from 1988 till 1998 – Alibaba

    Veteran comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has opened up that his father did not talk with him for a decade.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alibaba to have said his father blanked him out from 1988 till 1998 after he made the decision to pursue comedy as a career.

    Speaking when he featured in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, the veteran comedian disclosed his father wanted him to become a lawyer.

    Alibaba said he made efforts to get to his father after leaving home but that the father didn’t want to see him.

    “My dad is a bookworm. He got his PhD at 86. I told him; I said daddy, I came from school to tell you something. He said okay, have you been rusticated? I said no. He said, so what.

    “I said I have decided I don’t want to read law. He said you don’t want to read, okay. I now said, because I want to do comedy.

    “He said comedy like what. I said, crack jokes. He laughed and said, very funny.

    “My uncle lives like two blocks from us. My father sent my younger one to call him.

    “So, my uncle came at about quarter past 10. He said, so what is it. I said I don’t want to read law again.

    “My uncle just got up and said, na im you call me come for so. He no read law, that means he has found another father.

    “My father then said, wait, he hasn’t told you what he wants to do.

    “My uncle then walked towards me and said, what did you say you want to read. I said, not read, I want to become a comedian.

    “My uncle fell on the chair and started laughing. He said, comedian.

    “My uncle then said, he is wasted. All the money wasted. All the English that he speaks, wasted.

    “So, my uncle left. I knew I could not sleep in that house because my dad would beat me.

    “So, as my uncle was going out, I went out and locked the burglary and I did not go back in.

    “My dad and I didn’t talk from 1988 till 1998. That was in Benin. I heard that he was going to Warri, I went one time to talk with him, he didn’t want to see me.

    “But I was committed. I wanted to prove him wrong,” Alibaba narrated.

    The veteran comedian also revealed that he once accommodated Basketmouth and AY Makun.

    He said the duo lived in his boy’s quarters years ago when they were still scratching the surface of their careers.

    “Basketmouth and AY… When you think about it, these are people who were living in BQ [boys’ quarters] with me back in the days,” he said.

    TNG reports the podcast was co-hosted by actor Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu.