President Bola Tinubu has sent a heartfelt and stunning tribute to Nigerian comedy legend, Ali Baba, as he turns 60 today, June 24 and it’s got everyone talking.

In a message that’s as warm as it is powerful, President Tinubu hailed Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, famously known as Ali Baba, not just as a comedian, but as a national treasure who revolutionised the entertainment scene in Nigeria.

The President praised the Delta State-born entertainer for pioneering stand-up comedy in the country and for turning what many once dismissed as mere humour into a respected art form and booming industry.

“Ali Baba isn’t just a comic, he’s a visionary who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s comedy industry as we know it today,” Tinubu said.

“His boldness, wit, and consistency have inspired a generation and turned laughter into a serious contributor to our GDP.”

Tinubu urged the comedy icon to keep mentoring up-and-coming talents and continue shaping the future of entertainment in Nigeria.

As Ali Baba celebrates six decades of life, Tinubu wished him continued good health and many more years of laughter, legacy, and national impact.

Ali Baba, born on 24 June, 1965, is widely regarded as the father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. He began his career in the early 1990s, performing at corporate events and appearing on television and radio shows. Through sheer talent and persistence, he helped elevate comedy into a respected profession in the country.

A graduate of Religious Studies and Philosophy from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Ali Baba used wit, satire, and intelligent humour to carve out a unique space in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

He has mentored several successful comedians and is credited with laying the foundation for what is now a multibillion-naira comedy industry.

In addition to comedy, he is also a sought-after master of ceremonies and public speaker, often engaged at high-profile events and state functions.

Ali Baba has received numerous awards for his contributions to entertainment and remains an influential voice in promoting the creative arts in Nigeria.