The Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has won the award as the Best Governor for supporting the Comedy Industry at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Comedy Awards held on Sunday at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, congratulated the Convener of the Nigeria Comedy Awards, Mr. Wale Adenuga for conceiving and successfully birthing this laudable idea, the Nigeria Comedy Awards, dedicated solely to recognising and celebrating Nigerian comedians who have excelled in their chosen area of entertainment.

In his words, “I am confident that the entertainment industry would continue to enjoy robust achievements and continue to keep Nigeria on the global map”.

Mr. Governor averred that his passion for the entertainment industry is because of its huge and largely untapped potential to create wealth and employment opportunities.

He said, “My administration is fully committed to harnessing the potential that abound in the entertainment and creative industry to drive sustainable growth and development”.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to support the industry through the various policies and interventions under the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda such as the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI) which seeks to develop skills and create opportunities for upcoming global stars.

I would like to thank the organisers and brand supporters of this event for recognising the importance of comedy in our society not only as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for social commentary and reflection.

He also congratulated Wale Adenuga Productions and their associates on the successful maiden celebration of the Nigeria Comedy Awards, saying “I know that subsequent editions would be bigger and better. To all the nominees and winners, I say a big congratulations and urge you not to rest on your oars, but let this recognition spur you to work harder to achieve greater heights”.

Mr. Governor also used the opportunity to commiserate again with the entire members of the entertainment family on the very sad and painful loss of a shining star in the industry, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad), adding that MohBad was indeed a great young and promising star with a very bright future to expand the nation’s growing space in the global arena.

The Convener of the Awards ceremony, Mr. Wale Adenuga thanked the Governor and his representatives for coming and honouring his invitation, he also appreciated him for his giant strides in the entertainment industry.

One of the major highlights of the show saw Skitmaker, Layi Wasabi, win the Revelation of the Year Award with the One Million Naira grand prize.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of an award posthumously to the Late Gbenga Adeboye and Sam Loco Efe (Post Humous Award) and the Special Recognition Award to Veteran Comedian Ali Baba and Veteran Actress Sola Sobowale

Dignitaries at the event include the House Committee Chairman on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Solomon Bonu; the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, his counterpart in e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle amongst others.