Veteran comedian and entrepreneur Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has called on Nigerians to deliberately develop and monetise their talents, saying raw potential alone is not enough without structure, discipline, and continuous growth.
He made the remarks in Lagos at the Life Guide Colloquium, where discussions focused on influence, leadership, and personal development. The event also featured the presentation of a book titled Life Guide: Stories, Lessons and Insights to Empower Your Journey by brand strategist Jide Adeyemi.
Speaking on the theme “Influence Engineering,” Ali Baba explained that true influence is built when individuals refine their abilities until they become valuable to society and the marketplace. According to him, talent must be “mined and developed” into an asset that people seek for economic and social impact.
He stressed that success should go beyond personal gain, adding that individuals who positively impact society deserve recognition, as this encourages others to contribute meaningfully. He said rewarding excellence is key to building a more productive and compassionate society.
Also speaking at the colloquium, Adeyemi called for more intentional and purpose-driven leadership in Nigeria, noting that the country’s main challenge is not a lack of capable leaders, but poor continuity and lack of long-term vision in governance.
He argued that successive governments often abandon existing policies to start new ones, a practice he said undermines national progress and development.
Adeyemi also described Nigeria as a country full of opportunities despite its challenges, saying gaps in infrastructure and services create space for innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.
He explained that the colloquium was designed to provide guidance on life, leadership, faith, and nation-building in an increasingly distracted world, helping individuals find clarity and direction.
He further emphasized the link between leadership, communication, and societal growth, stating that no nation can thrive without strong leadership, shared values, and effective messaging.
Adeyemi, who presented his book at the event, said Life Guide encourages readers to live intentionally, build integrity, and develop the wisdom needed for personal and professional success.
