The veteran Nigerian comedian, activist, and satirist says the recognition is more than just another feather in his cap—it is a call to serve, one that carries weighty responsibility in a world grappling with conflict, poverty, and injustice.
In a recent conversation with Potpourri, I Go Dye opened up about the significance of this role, the formative experiences that shaped him, and how comedy remains his vehicle for truth, social critique, and ultimately, peacebuilding.
Reflecting on receiving the news of his appointment, he described a moment of profound humility and introspection. “It was a humbling moment not just for me, but for every youth who has ever raised their voice for justice, peace, and development,” he said. He recalled his childhood in Abraka and Warri, communities marked by underdevelopment, lack of basic amenities, and harsh realities. “I paused in deep reflection. I thought about the young boy who grew up without electricity or pipe-borne water. It was a reminder that we are all born for different purposes in life.”
For I Go Dye, his journey in comedy is inseparable from his activism. He credits his early struggles with shaping a truth-telling style that resonates widely across Nigeria’s diverse cultural and social landscape. “My humble beginning taught me the power of truth. My jokes are highly philosophical and divinely inspired. They help me connect with people across ethnic, social, and political lines,” he explained.
That emotional connection, he argues, is also at the heart of effective diplomacy. “The first step towards change is when people feel discomfort in their environment, and you connect with their thoughts. That is the only way to be understood.”
While many see comedians as entertainers first, I Go Dye sees his role as far deeper and more urgent—a way to confront society’s hardest truths with a disarming honesty. “I don’t separate them—I merge them,” he said about balancing humour with serious social critique. “Comedy is beyond making people laugh. I see comedy as my weapon to fight against fear, especially the fear of poverty. Justice and the betterment of society are my goals. I use laughter to open difficult conversations. I may make you laugh, but you’ll leave thinking and hopefully, acting.”
Among the experiences that cemented his commitment to peace was surviving the brutal 1997 Ijaw-Itsekiri crisis in Nigeria’s Delta region. For I Go Dye, that violence was life-altering. “I saw blood on the same soil where I once played as a child. I witnessed communities torn apart by hate that politics inflamed,” he recalled, describing how the trauma still lives with him today. “The scars are not on my body, but I bear the pain in my memory. That memory gives me strength. It’s a reminder of the need for opportunity, justice, and mutual respect.”
While he’s received numerous awards over his long career, he said this latest global diplomatic appointment stands out not for prestige, but for its gravity. “Every award or honour for me is to serve humanity. They are all meaningful, because every curve was shaped by someone with love,” he reflected. “But this is not just about recognition. It’s about responsibility. It means I now carry a mandate that transcends entertainment or activism. It’s about policy that will help to shape a world where peace and development won’t just be a dream, but a beautiful reality.”
Beyond his performances and diplomatic advocacy, I Go Dye has been known for penning open letters challenging African leaders to reform. Asked about the changes he is most passionate about today, he was unequivocal: “I’m passionate about institutional accountability, youth inclusion in governance, and the reform of our security and educational systems. Our continent is not poor—it’s poorly managed. I want to see a Nigeria, and an Africa, that truly work, one we can all be proud of.”
As for his prescription for lasting peace in Nigeria, he rejected the notion that it can be bought with weapons or security budgets alone. “No amount of trillion dollars our leaders spend on weapons can ever bring peace,” he said. “Good governance is the first step in restoring peace in Nigeria. When people feel safe, protected, and loved by their country, peace becomes possible. It must begin with justice and equity. We must dismantle the systems that thrive on ethnic division, economic disparity, and political manipulation.”
For I Go Dye, the mission is clear: to use every platform available—from comedy stages to diplomatic forums—to advocate for a just, peaceful, and inclusive society.