Someone once said you cannot walk in Ali Baba’s shoes. When I disagreed, his response was: “Don’t be funny, dude! Do you know how big his shoes are? Ali Baba is Nigeria’s King of comedy. You must be joking, my friend!”
But I wasn’t joking, I have walked in his shoes; in fact, I am wearing one now as I type this post. They are black loafers, one of his numerous shoe gifts to me. Another example of his unstinting benevolence. Ali Baba’s magnanimity is legendary. But what I consider is the best gift is his munificent support for people through mentorship, contacts, ideas, platform, and philanthropy. It is a well-known fact that he paved the way for many comedians, but what some people do not know is that he has also impacted other people in different spheres of life positively.
The Silverbird Man of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award is no doubt well deserved and a worthy accolade for an altruistic, cerebral, and an amazing human being.
Congratulations Bros once again, and since I walk in your shoes now, you may as well let me be in the driver’s seat of the Chevrolet. How you see am, Bros?
Ali Baba and the Forty Gifts – Sam Umukoro
