By Funmilayo Adeyemi
To aggrandize the lifetime and achievements of the late ace comedian, Moses Olaiya Adejumo (a.k.a Baba Sala), mega musical concert was held at The Blue Roof, LTV 8 on Agidingbi Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
Arguably, Baba Sala qualifies to be among the world greatest heroes for being the first Nigerian to venture into comedy profession and for bringing into foreshore an industry with great economic opportunities for people and the government of Nigeria.
Moses Olaiya Adejumo professionalized comedy in Nigeria. Until Baba Sala went into the Nigeria entertainment scene, comedy was not a profession in Nigeria, Nigeria’s entertainment Industry had no significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and the sector generated no significant government revenue. But through the determined efforts, resilience and sacrifices of Moses Olaiya Adejumo, comedy, film acting and other entertainment works which were not regarded as any noble career, especially by Nigerian educated elites, have now become respected professions and a sector from where government generates tax revenue.
Hosted by Dr. Oyindamola Adejumo Ayibiowu, who is Baba Sala’s daughter, and a well known gospel singer within and outside Nigeria, the event featured gospel singers like Mama Bola Are, Opelope Anointing, Evang. Dr. Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Dele Abiodun and Queen Ayo Balogun among others.
The event witnessed music performances, comedy tributes from the family, Lagos State Government Executives, Ilesha Grammar School Old Students Association and Lagos State House of Assembly Members.
In attendance were The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee Chairman On Health Services, Hon. Segun Olulade, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa ably represented by Mr. Adeyinka Omooba, Yemi Sodimu, Abel Dosunmu (Mega 99), Sunday Omobolanle a.k.a Papiluwe, Ajirebi Kayode Olasehinde, Director General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Alausa, Ikeja and Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, Director, Monitoring & Investigation Office of Education Quality Assurance, Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs. Adetona Ajoke among others.
