Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Wednesday congratulated ace comedian Atunyota Akporobomerere, popularly known as Alibaba, on his Presidential Award of Excellence at the second National Micro Small and Medium Enterprise, MSME, Awards.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Wednesday, described the comedian as a “quintessential comedian whose contributions to the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria would remain indelible.”
Okowa commended Alibaba for his outstanding patriotism, humility, mentorship, support for budding talents and as a good ambassador of Delta.
He said: “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.”
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding a son of Delta State in the person of Alibaba, worthy of the honour.
