Stella Dimoko Korkus.com: Comedian Ali Baba Honoured In Toronto By The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU)

When the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Toronto Chapter heard that veteran comedian Ali Baba was in town, they quickly rallied members to host him. They said they wanted to celebrate his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and honour him on several significant grounds ;his Presidential Mention at 60, the loss of his mother in January, and his recent installation as the Etekwuelle R’Ovie of Agbarha‑Otor by HRM Dr. Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe I.

Ali Baba was hosted at the popular Nigerian restaurant LUDO, where the group performed the traditional Isiagwuare ceremony with a tray of kolanuts, dollars and drinks.
The Otota presented the items and handed them to the eldest person to pray. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees offered prayers for God’s protection, Urhobo unity, better homes, children who bring pride, prosperity for Urhobo people and Nigeria, good health, long life, and special blessings for Ali Baba.

In his response, Ali Baba thanked them for celebrating him at such short notice and for their generosity and hospitality. He then requested to be accepted as a diaspora member of UPU Toronto. His request was debated and unanimously accepted, after which he was taken through the registration and induction process.

Photos were taken after the registration, followed by a sumptuous lunch of Ukodo, Banga and Starch, Owho and Eba, and other Urhobo delicacies.
During AOB, the UPU Toronto President, Omiragua De Don ; an international comedian and project consultant ; spoke glowingly about Ali Baba’s influence on his life and on the entire Nigerian comedy industry, praising his generosity, humility, intelligence and humanity.
It was a gathering that met every standard of cultural, social and transnational significance.