A Lagos based church, GoldenCity Assembly, at its just concluded Achievers Day, has awarded celebrated and multiple award winning comedian, Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as AY, for his “contributions to youth development over the years.”

Held on Saturday, 9 June, 2012, GoldenCity Assembly has, for its Achievers Day, hosted the likes of the founding father of comedy in Africa, Ali-Baba, notable trumpeter and PMAN President, Tee-Mac, celebrated actor, Joseph Benjamin, and now AY.

Represented by his Business Development Manager, Afam Felix, AYs inspiring entry into comedy was again told. Now known for his award winning TV series, the AY Show, which looks at the Nigerian problem from a comical view, AY began as a protégé of Ali-Baba.

Speaking about the inspiration for the award, the host pastor, Samuel Adeoye began by identifying the vision of the Church “to breed the next generation leaders in all walks of life” as a key factor.

Samuel Adeoye went on to lay emphasis on lack of external help, “the reason why people sometimes fail to succeed in life”, as another factor. “A lot of people have been told that they will amount to nothing, and have taken that as truth.”

He went on to say that in GoldenCity Assembly, the belief is not in the religion of a person, but everyman’s potential. “We don’t care whether you’re a Muslim or Christian, our interest is you and that in everyman is the seed of life.”

Such a belief is what spurred the awarding of AY. The Delta State born comedian, who hails from Ifon in Ondo State, Nigeria has long been a recipient of awards, right from his University days at the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

As an undergraduate studying Theatre Arts, AY was awarded the Most Fashionable Student on Campus (1999 and 2000), the Most Celebrated Student on Campus (2001), Best Showbiz Promoter (2001), and numerous others.

Receiving the award on behalf of AY, Afam Felix went ahead to attribute his successes to the handiwork of God. “Each time we in Corporate World Entertainment have to join AY in celebrating one of his numerous recognitions, he always makes us understand that his success is by God.”

Ojo Maduekwe (Ojay Milah)
Writer, Freelance Journalist, Copywriter & Editor

Twitter: @ojay_milah
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