The Nation Newspaper

Tag: I Go Dye

  • I Go Dye named global peace, development ambassador

    I Go Dye named global peace, development ambassador

    Comic merchant Ambassador Francis Agoda, famously known as I Go Dye has achieved a remarkable feat with this latest  appointment as a Global Diplomat for Sustainable Development and Peace Advocate by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

    This honour, bestowed by the Senate and Governing Council of IAWPA, is a formal acknowledgment of I Go Dye’s decades-long commitment to humanitarian causes, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. 

    IAWPA operates in collaboration with the United Nations, holding Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is an active participant in the UN Global Compact.

    In his capacity as a global diplomat, Amb. Agoda will work with foreign ministries of UN-member states to strengthen multilateral diplomacy, promote global peace efforts, and advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    To facilitate his new role, he has been issued an official UN diplomatic passport (Laissez-Passer), a UN diplomatic ID card recognizing him as His Excellency, Ambassador Francis Agoda, and a UNV Roster Code. He has also been assigned a diplomatic license plate — Corps Diplomatique EPA CD 79, for official peace missions globally.

    I Go Dye’s activism is deeply rooted in personal tragedy. In 1997, he narrowly survived the deadly Ijaw-Itsekiri conflict in Warri, Delta State, which took the lives of three close friends. Shot and traumatized, he chose not to be a victim of violence but a voice for peace. By 1999, he had become a leading advocate for demilitarization in the Niger Delta and a campaigner for equitable development in the region.

    His advocacy caught international attention with the release of “Peace in Sight”, a short documentary co-produced with the Nigerian government and the United Nations, aimed at fostering peace and unity in conflict-prone areas.

    Beyond laughter, I Go Dye is known for his bold political satire and unwavering advocacy for good governance and social reform. Through open letters to African leaders and sharp social commentary wrapped in humor, he has inspired millions to think critically about leadership, corruption, and public accountability.

    His dedication to using his platform for societal change has earned him over 300 awards, making him the most awarded stand-up comedian in Africa.

    In 2019, amid the global COVID-19 crisis, I Go Dye demonstrated his compassion once again by donating his $9.5 million FAPOH Mansion to the Nigerian government for use as an isolation center. He also provided relief materials to vulnerable communities, underscoring his genuine commitment to national and grassroots development.

    His earlier appointment as a UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Ambassador in 2014 and subsequent designation as a UN SDGs Ambassador in 2016 are further proof of his long-standing impact on global development initiatives.

    I Go Dye’s influence has transcended national boundaries. In 2017, he was awarded the Africa Child Prize, joining an elite group that includes President Adama Barrow, Dr. Nelson Mandela, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. That same year, he was also named Africa Child Ambassador by the African Union.

    Read Also: Comedian I Go Dye ran away with my money – Mr Eazi alleges

    In 2018, he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UKAid’s MADACT (Making A Difference Against Corruption Today) initiative, further solidifying his place as an agent of change across the continent.

    Select Honors and Awards

    HIPTV Humanitarian Award (2020)

    Global Icon Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans (2022)

    Delta Role Model Award (2023)

    HAI Humanitarian Award (2024)

    UKAid Goodwill Ambassador – MADACT

    UN World Habitat Ambassador

    UN MDG Ambassador (2014)

    UN SDG Ambassador (2016)

    AU Africa Child Ambassador (2017)

    Eminent Peace Ambassador (2020)

    Ambassador Francis Agoda’s journey from the comedy stage to global diplomacy is a testament to the power of using influence for social good. Whether advocating for peace in war-torn communities or championing youth empowerment across Africa, I Go Dye continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose.

    Through humor, humility, and humanitarianism, he has become a voice of hope—a living example that positive change can start with a joke and end in diplomacy.

  • I Go Dye leads visit to Winnipeg Mayor on visa policy to African artists

    I Go Dye leads visit to Winnipeg Mayor on visa policy to African artists

    Comedian, Amb. Francis Agoda a.k.a I Go Dye and his team including Acapella, Akpororo, Oritsefemi and international show promoter, Prince George paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham and his deputy, Markus Chambers last weekend. 

    The visit was on the need to review the strict visa policy on African entertainers who have genuine events to attend in the North American country. 

    The comedian, who is on a tour tagged ” I Go Dye Standing Tall” in Canada told Chambers that the process of getting a visa to Canada was too cumbersome. 

    This, he said, could hamper the chances of promoters to produce high earning shows for themselves which results to loss in revenue for the government.

    He noted that entertainment is big business which can in turn result to rich foreign exchange for any country.

    The comedian, who is also an eminent global Diplomat on Peace Advocate, further noted that denying top Nigerian entertainers visa puts the show promoter’s reputation at risk, especially when the artiste’s advertises the availability of entertainers to appear at events and they end up not coming because of the stringent visa application and approval process. 

    I Go Dye advised that a less stringent visa policy will go a long way in benefitting Canada and their partners in Africa and also boost local businesses of promoters through cultural exchange.

    He appealed to the Deputy Mayor to use his good office to address some of the issues raised in an effort to further grow the country’s entertainment industry, especially with regards to Live Shows and Concerts.

    I Go Dye further advised that even if the matter needs special legislation, it should be done as it will turn out to be beneficial to small and medium scale businessmen in the entertainment sector.

    He particularly noted that not every African traveling to the outside world has a dubious character with ulterior motives.

    The promoter of I Go Dye Standing Tall, Prince George Entertainment, told the Deputy Mayor that over the years, the stringent visa policy has affected their businesses negatively. 

    Prince George particularly noted that previous events visas were denied artistes have resulted to show promoters losing huge sums of money amounting to millions of dollars 

    He said the policy has thrown the industry into chaos as many of them have lost their reputations because they fail to bring advertised artistes into the country as promised.

    He called on the relevant authorities to ensure there is ease in doing their business by allowing African entertainers easier access into the country so long their documents and reasons for traveling are legitimate.

    Read Also: I once slept in a brothel, says Comedian I go dye

    Responding, the Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers assured I Go Dye and his team that their office will look into all the issues raised. 

    He said the government will do everything possible to look critically into the comedian’s reservations and do something about it in the near future as his suggestions are valid, noting that they were elected to serve and protect the interest of their citizens.

    He wished them all the best in the I Go Dye Standing Tall tour which he later attended. 

    The uncontrollable laughter show I Go dye standing more than a legend globa tour held in canada Toronto Winnipeg and Ottawa the event is moving to United Kingdom with Manchester London and Leeds with performance from Igodye Gordons and Okey Bakassi.

  • I Go Dye congratulates Omo-Agege

    Comedian Francis Agoda, aka I Go Dye, has congratulated the newly elected Deputy Senate President for the 9th National Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, urging him to use his position to see to the reopening of seaports as a way of boosting employment and curbing youth restiveness across Nigeria.

    According to the Warri-born humour merchant, “ It’s another step further into our democratic process with the inauguration of 9th Assembly. The emergence of the major house leaders have set the ball rolling. Obviously,  one interesting  outcome is the election of  one of Delta State’s representative in the person of  Hon Bar .Omo-Agege as the Deputy Senate President. I feel this will grant the Honourable Deputy Senate President an opportunity to reflect on my prior acknowledgment of the proceedings, when I wrote to you for God to grant you the honour of becoming the next Senate President, so that you could work in the path of nobility and accord a friendly disposition to the governor of Delta State. The level of development which is desired in Delta State, honestly requires the collective responsibility and support of every one. We cannot achieve the goal of development without  a cooperation of oneness and  above  partisan affiliations.

    “Today you have been elected as the Deputy Senate President, I want you to understand that  the unforeseen  revelations of yesterday have manifested timely. This opportunity granted you as I stated before to use this opportunity to advance the reopening of the seaports across Nigeria ,which has been neglected and have suffered several setbacks in the past. We cannot have minister of transport and a Deputy Senate President  and our seaports are not working . There cannot be a better moment  to work out a framework that will  bring sustainable development through the seaports to curb youths restiveness and unemployment across Nigeria.”

  • OKOWA, 2BABA, AY, OTHERS GRACE I GO DYE’S TALENT SHOW

    RE-ELECTED governor of Delta State, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has shown his love for entertainment, as he joined entertainers like Innocent Idibia a.k.a 2Baba; comedian cum actor Ayo Makun, known as AY and other dignitaries at the grand finale of comedian Francis Agoda (I Go Dye)’s Delta State talent hunt tagged ‘Sorting Out Raw Talents’ (SORT).

    The event which came under the Francis Agoda Path of Honour (FAPOH) initiative, held on Thursday, March 7, 2019 in Asaba, where a budding comedian, Ezeh Godstime walked home with grand prize of N2 million and a brand new 2019 Hyundai Accent sedan car.

    The highly contested event had nine contestants who slugged it out for the star prize. A music sensation, Efetobore, who held the crowd spellbound with his vocals was announced the first runner up, with a cash prize of N1.5 million while a musical group known as Rhythm Melody emerged second runner up, going  home with the sum of N1 million.

    Judges of the show include 2Baba; comedian AY; producer of Night of a Thousand Laughs, Opa Williams; music producer, Nas T and OAP Monique.

    Governor Okowa who thanked  ‘I Go Dye’ for the initiative and encouraged the youths to harness their talents, said he would be looking forward to another edition of Project SORT next year. He shook hands with the contestants and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of the State and their families.

    The talent hunt had kicked off in Warri on February 13, 2019, with comedian Douglas Oghenekar coming tops and winning a cash prize of N500, 000. The second edition which held on February 21, 2019 in Agbor, was won by a young musical act Blessing Edeyibo who also got N500, 000 for her effort, while Godstime, a comedian and overall winner won the Asaba edition on February 28, 2019, with an initial prize of N500, 000.

  • Comedian I Go Dye congratulates Okowa

     

    In his usual way of lending his voice to political activities in the country, notable stand-up comedian, Francis Agoda, a.k.a I Go Dye, has sent a congratulatory message to governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for his re-election.

    “I congratulate you because it’s an overwhelming victory and your personality as a humble man, reflected in Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, not as the executive Governor of Delta state that won you a second chance to be re-elected,” he said, while appealing to oppositions, including Great Ogboru, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator Omo Agege and the entire people of Delta State to embrace peace and work together for the development of the state.

    “At this point, I kindly call on all Deltans, most especially the political class to embrace one another. This should be a moment to build our state and bring about even development in all sectors, irrespective of party affiliations. We should nurture a common goal of unity and develop the state. I appeal to Great Ogboru, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Omo Agege and all political class in Delta State to work with Okowa to develop the state.”

    He has a word, especially for Omo Agege:

    “I also use this medium to congratulate Sen. Omo Agege, who shall be representing us for the second time, to work effortlessly to drive the course of opening all our sea ports to create jobs for our youths. If in his favor God grants him the honour of becoming the next Senate President, he should work in the path of nobility and accord a friendly disposition to the governor of Delta State. The level of development which is desired in Delta State honestly requires the collective responsibility and support of every one. We cannot achieve the goal of development without cooperation of oneness and above partisan affiliations. Let’s forge on a new path of sacrifice and lasting peace, with just one goal as brothers and sisters. Once more congratulations to you all”, he said..

  • Another winner emerges in I Go Dye’s talent contest

    A young girl, Blessing Edeyigbo has emerged winner of I Go Dye’s Delta Talent Hunt project in Agbor, Delta State, smiling home with a prize money of N500,000.

    Blessing is the second winner so far in the contest, after comedian Douglas Oghenekaro emerged winner in the Warri audition which held on February 13, 2019.

    At the Royal Court Yard, Agbor, where the event held on February 21, 2019, Blessing soared above others at a keenly contested challenge which was witnessed by thousands of youths from the city. Her talent as a singer coupled with her stagecraft impressed the judges made up of music act, Faze, music producer, Nas T, OAP Monique, Maleke and comedian Ghana Must Go. Hence, she was crowned winner of the Agbor edition of the show tagged: Sorting Out Raw Talents (SORT).

    The SORT project which was conceived and executed by comedian Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye is part of his Francis Agoda Path of Honour (FAPOH) initiative, designed to identify and reward excellence in various fields of human endeavors.

    According to the comedian, the big idea behind SORT is to help checkmate the issue of youth restiveness in the country, occasioned partly by unemployment.

    He said: “Obviously at this point of our existence, selfless contributions that will create alternatives to engage the youths should be encouraged. We cannot continue to leave the responsibility of supporting the youths in the hands of government alone. In the past, programs like West Africa Idol, Project Fame and others have really helped our talented youths in Nigeria, making the winners who they are today. So, this requires the support of us all, because its objectives are aimed at eradicating youth restiveness, making them to become more resourceful and productive and we have the support of Delta State Government. We are looking at taking it across Niger Delta before we do SORT NINJA. Like they say, charity begins at home, that is why we are lunching this project SORT today in Delta State.

    The grand finale is set to hold in Asaba on March 5, 2019 where winners from the Warri and Agbor editions will be part of the grand finale.

    The overall winner who will be crowned Delta Talent and Brain Ambassador is also expected to get a 2019 Hyundai Accent sedan car.

  • WINNER EMERGES IN I GO DYE’S TALENT HUNT CONTEST

    A new talent discovery show, Delta Talent and Brain, bankrolled by popular comedian, Francis Agoda, aka I Go Dye, has kicked off in Warri, with a first winner coming out of the show.

    The initiative is part of the artiste’s Path of Honour (FAPOH) called project SORT for which he is seeking to enliven the entertainment terrain in Delta State.

    As early as 7am on February 13, over 5000 registered youths with PVC and National ID card stormed Wellington Hotel, venue of the contest, two hours ahead of the 9am accreditation time.

    After thorough screening of the participant by judges, including popular music acts Faze, comedian Ghana must go, radio OAP Monique and music producer Nas. T, the competition was won by comedian Douglas Oghenekaro, who received a prize of N500,000 and also became the Delta Talent and Brain project SORT Warri Ambassador.

    Oghenekaro will be joined by the first and second runners up at the grand finale in Asaba, Delta State capital.

    In his speech at the event, I Go Dye urged the winner and the youths to be of good character and to promote peace and the unity of Deltans and Nigeria. He also thanked the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state for supporting the project which he believes will help in minimizing youth restiveness, thuggery and other vices in the state.

    High point of the event was when elderly people in their 60s came to participate in the event.

    Notable acts like I Go Save, Maleke and host of others attended the event in support of the initiative.

    Organisers announce that the next audition will hold in Agbor on April 21st, and Asaba on April 23rd, while the grand finale will also take place in Asaba on April 27th.

  • Comedian I Go Dye scouts for new talents

    As a way of helping to combat youth restiveness in Delta State, notable comedian, Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye has launched a new project tagged Sorting Out Raw Talents (SORT), which he says will help the young people discover a new path in life.

    SORT is part of his Francis Agoda Path of Honour (FAPOH) initiative for which he staked USD 5,000 on potential winner of a video skit to promote peace during the 2019 general elections with the hashtag #Istandforpeace2019elections”.

    Speaking on SORT, I Go Dye said: “Obviously at this point of our existence, selfless contributions that will create alternatives to engage the youths should be encouraged. We cannot continue to leave the  responsibility of supporting the youths in the hands of government  alone. In the past, programs like West Africa Idol, Project Fame and others have really helped our  talented youths in Nigeria, making the winners who they are today. So, this requires the support of us all, because its  objectives are  aimed at eradicating youths restiveness, making them to become more  resourceful and productive and we have the support of Delta State Government. We are looking at taking it across Niger Delta before we do SORT NINJA. Like they say, charity begins at home, that his why we are lunching this project SORT today in Delta State.”

    He said the project will  begin on February 13, 2019 and end on February 27, 2019.

    “The activation and auditioning will commence   in Warri on the 13th of February  at Wellington hotel from 9am to 5pm. Agbor will be next on 21st of February at City View Suite and Lounge, and the  last auditioning will   hold  on 23rd of February 2019 at Nelrose Hotel Asaba while the grand  event is on the 27th of February 2019 at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba. Project SORT will be looking out for talented youths across Delta State, it is expected to reach those in the grassroots and afford them a place to be heard and seen.”

    Continuing, I Go Dye said, “Winners of the auditioning  for each local government will become  FAPOH Talents and Brain Ambassadors of their local government and he will be  rewarded with the sum of N500,000 which will qualifier them winners to the grand finale. The star prize will be N2million and a brand new car, while second and third prizes are N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.”

    To perform at the grand finale event will be veteran comedians like I Go Save, Gordons, AY and I Go Dye himself, while 2Baba and Harrysong are expected to lead the ensemble of musicians that will perform at the event.

    According to him, there has been a decline in the growth level of entertainment in Delta State over the years, because opportunities to harness the talents have not been adequate.

    “I want to thank the state governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for the partnership and support of this project  as we strive to achieve the FAPOH set goals. I also thank 2face, Harrysong, I Go Save for their support. I want to   call for individuals and cooperate organizations to support this project, because this responsibility is not for FAPOH alone, it’s for all, it empowers the youths for the future,” he said.

  • I Go Dye becomes UKAid ambassador, speaks on corruption

    Popular comedian, Francis Agoda, known as I Go Dye has been made Ukaid goodwill ambassador, with a mandate to campaign against corruption in the country under aegis of Making A Difference Against Corruption Today (MADACT) movement.

    Accepting the honour, I Go Dye who is also a United Nations Millennium Development Goals Ambassador, said he is ready to take up the responsibilities of his new status, observing that corruption is worse than Boko Haram and herdsman menace to the socio-economic advancement of the country.

    “The quest against corruption is a continuous process for we all, it is beyond me, it is the responsibility of  all Nigerians to take it upon themselves, most especially the youths, the new generational leaders,” he said.

    “I feel that corruption is worse than Boko Haram and the herdsmen menace, it is the cause of all our social problems; like the power failure, unemployment occasioned by someone collecting billions through ghost workers, including  pensioners issue, death traps on our roads  and health challenges facing many  Nigerians in our hospitals. If we must win the fight against corruption Nigerians must take it upon themselves to act, speak and work against corruption.”

    The comedian and social activist then charged every Nigerian to take part in the fight against corruption regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.

    “So many misfortunes have happened because of corruption and it’s beyond ethnic boundaries and religious affiliations,” he said.

    “Unfortunately, the political class and those that have benefited from corruption have blackmailed the larger number of us, with the man made crises defined in Boko Haram, herdsmen and militancy, just to continuously deny us of social justice and freedom.”

    I Go Dye is also the United Nations World Habitat Ambassador and 2017 African Child Prize winner. He has also received UK DFID and Youth Alive Foundation Ambassadorial award to tackle corruption in Nigeria and made the list of 100 Most Influential Persons in Africa by Global Icons and 100 Most influential Deltans, among other recognitions.

  • Declare June 12 results, comedian I Go Dye tasks Buhari

    Twenty five years after the election widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola was held, high profile comedian and United Nations Millennium Development Goals ambassador, Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare the results.

    Describing the president’s recent conferment of the title of GCFR on the late Abiola as worthy of praise, the comedian posited that it can only be completed if the country’s number one citizen uses his executive power to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the results of the 1993 presidential election, annulled by then Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) and widely adjudged to have been won by the late Abiola.

    In an open letter, the humour merchant advised President Buhari that announcing the result of the annulled election would be the biggest achievement of his administration in its fight against corruption.

    “The recent announcement on the June 12 issue cannot be complete without stating the final results of the elections,” he wrote, describing the gesture as potentially the biggest achievement of this administration in its fight against corruption.

    The award-winning comedian highlights the effects of the annulment on the psyche of Nigerians, saying it made the people lose confidence in successive elections. He therefore advised the President to do the needful to make people believe in the electoral process yet again.

    The comedian concluded by advising the President not to let another take the shine off him by completing what he had started.