Three Nigerian clergies were asked how they allocated church funds. “That’s simple,” said the Yoruba clergy. “We simply draw a box, take out the offering and throw them up. Any amount that falls into the box is for God. Anything out of the box is for the up keep of the man of God.” The Hausa man’s answer was similar, save that he draws a circle rather than a box. When asked, the Ibo clergy was frank and articulate. “Since God lives up in heaven,” he said, “And we are here on earth, what we do is to throw the whole offering upward. God in His infinite power will take His own and throw our own down for us!” Ha! Na wa for Ibo man oh! Did you enjoy that? How about this one! Mrs. Applebee, the sixth grade teacher, posed the following problem to one of her classes: “A wealthy man dies and leaves ten million dollars. One-fifth is to go to his wife; one-fifth is to go to his son, one-sixth to his butler, and the rest to charity. Now, what does each get?” After a very long silence in the classroom, Little Johnny raised his hand. The teacher called on Little Johnny for his answer. With complete sincerity in his voice, Little Johnny answered, “A lawyer!” What you have just read are everyday jokes, but it’s turning many Nigerians into millionaires. Those days, we used to sit in front of the television and marvel at the sight and skill of individuals like Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy and others who make people laugh until tears start coming out from their eyes. Little did I know that these individuals were making money from making us laugh? And then a young Nigerian appeared from nowhere and with little support, broke all the rules. It all started in his university days at Bendel State University, now Edo State University, Ekpoma in 1988. Then as a student, Atuyota Akporobomeriere, popularly known as Ali Baba, was just having fun with himself. It was just like a joke. There was no plan anywhere to make comedy a business. But gradually, it became an income earner as he was being paid between N100 and N120 per show. By the time he left school, he was already earning N150. That became an eye opener. He does not need a soothsayer to tell him that it would get higher in the larger society. But in the larger society, who will be interested? In a world where change is abhorred, you are sure of rejection from traditionalists. In a larger society where people find it difficult to accept new things? How many people are willing to pay to be made to laugh? Not a man to quit in the midst of challenges, Ali started to work on his talent for the next level. He developed the habit of watching many movies to be constantly aware of what is happening in the film and TV industry. He also reads the papers to stay abreast of current affairs. Ali Baba acknowledges that having received gifts from God, one has to develop and improve on them. This is crucial, for anybody that wants to get to the next level must form the habit of constantly developing himself or become stale. And you and I know that the world is moving at a very fast rate. A little loss of focus and you find it difficult to catch up with your competitors. Just like in football where if one loses form, might find it difficult to command a first team shirt again. That is, if whoever is playing in that wing is doing a good job. Launching out at the larger society wasn’t easy because there was nothing on ground before him. Those he met in the entertainment industry weren’t looking at it as he was looking at it. Though people saw comedy as an unserious thing, he saw it as big business, a big thing, a serious thing and he gave it all that he has got. To him, it wasn’t just any other side attraction, but a mainstay. Though he didn’t have anybody on ground when he moved over to Lagos, Ali carved a niche for himself and for the comedy industry.
And in no time, individuals and corporate bodies began to sign up for his services. Now, there are lots of people in the industry who equally are doing very good. One of the problems he encountered was the fee factor. And because he was sure of his ability to deliver and add value, he made sure his services are paid for in the right proportion. And so Ali initiated the service that put an end to the era of people bringing in young girls from their family to come and serve as ushers. Today, the comedian is the first person to go to an event. They come up with venues, decorators, ushers, etc that will be used. It’s no longer managing with anything that comes your way. These days events that are to be remembered must have a standup comedian anchoring them. Some people even call to ask whether they will be available on so and so date or seek their consent on the choice of the date for an event. His effort has made it possible for comedy not to be a street thing. Check with individuals who are in the industry, they all have a corporate outlook. There is now a corporate identity associated with what they do. And I tell you, they are representing the industry very well. Why shouldn’t they be good ambassadors when some are at the stage of receiving millions for an event? Just for few hours. Yes, from N100 when he started to being paid millions. Not bad or what do you think? Ali Baba observed that everybody has equal opportunity and so has the responsibility to go out there and maximize it. According to him, for every opportunity you get, don’t let it lip away, use it to prove yourself, maximize it and increase your rating. And when his opportunity came with the presidency, he indeed maximized it. It all started in 1999 when Chief Olabode George called to invite him for a small birthday party being organized for President Olusegun Obasanjo. That was the hook. After adding fun and value to Mr. President and his visitors, they became close pals. Though one of the most promising and accomplished self-employed personalities in the comedy business in Nigeria, Ali Baba did not start big. He started with what he has and from where he was. Also he was able to recognize an opportunity and made something out of it. He was courageous to have ventured into the unknown and made a success of it. Though successful, he is still involved big time in personal development. And more importantly, he appreciates the source of his gift, God Almighty. A big lesson for all who aspire to get to the next level in their lives, careers or businesses. Dear reader, what is the gift God has given you that you are still keeping to yourself? What is that gift in your hand that’s supposed to bless mankind? Are you still afraid of what the world will say? Are you still afraid of rejection? Are you waiting for someone else to get into the field before you lunch out? Now that Ali Baba and few others have made a success out of comedy, everybody has been jumping into the bandwagon. Some are actually going into it because of the money they want to make, not that they have anything to offer the society. Such people will not last. Take the bull by the horn. Begin to put those dreams of yours into action. For until you do that, the world won’t know about you, you won’t add value to humanity and of course, you won’t benefit from the gift. Since we are celebrating an ace comedian, I think I should leave you with a joke. Two young men were working in a factory and during the break period decided to take some time off to have fun. One of them went to the roof top of the building and started shouting, “I’ am a light bulb. I am a light bulb.” The manager came along and asked him what he was doing. The young man shouted again, “I am a light bulb. I am a light bulb.” The manager felt he was probably under stress and told him to take some days off. As he was leaving that day, the second young man followed him. The manager asked him where he was going. His reply, “Having asked light bulb to go home, you can’t expect me to work in darkness.” And what happened next? Find out. Till I come your way next time. Don’t blink or you will miss out! Remember, according to a Guinness advert, “There is a drop of greatness in every man.” God bless Nigeria!
To be continued.