I Go Dye (Francis Agoda)

Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye, is one of Nigeria’s most iconic comedians. Born on April 4, 1979, in Delta State, Nigeria, he built his career from the streets of Warri and became a household name across Africa.

Early Life
Even as a child, I Go Dye showed signs of genius. At Essi College in Warri, his creative spark was already evident. He met his friend Igosave there, and together, they began creating mock news on radio to highlight social issues.

Comedy Career: From Warri Streets to Global Stages
His big break came in the year 2000, when he performed at Night of a Thousand Laughs — one of Africa’s biggest comedy shows. From there, his fame skyrocketed. He toured Europe, sold out international shows like at the O2 Arena in London, and shared stages with global artists like 50 Cent, Akon, and Rick Ross.

The name I Go Dye is a play on his surname “Agoda,” and also means Initiative Guide On Developing Youth Excellence — reflecting his mission to uplift young people.

Awards and Recognition
I Go Dye has won countless awards including:

• African Best Comedian

• Nigerian Best Comedian

• Delta Role Model Award

• United Nations Peace Award

• UN World Habitat Ambassador

• UN Millennium Development Goals Ambassador

Social Impact
Beyond comedy, I Go Dye is a voice for peace and social justice. He survived violence during the Warri crisis and turned his pain into purpose. In 2004, he shot a documentary promoting peace in Nigeria. He has written open letters to African leaders like Buhari, Atiku, and even Robert Mugabe, calling for youth inclusion in politics.

Legacy
From humble beginnings to global recognition, I Go Dye is more than a comedian — he’s a social crusader, a youth advocate, and an international icon using laughter to change the world.