By Ayo Onikoyi

Africa’s renowned comedian and respected humanitarian, Ambassador Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye, has been officially appointed as a Global Diplomat for Sustainable Development and Peace Advocate by the Senate and Governing Council of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

With close ties to the United Nations, IAWPA is a participant in the UN Global Compact and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

This prestigious appointment recognizes Ambassador Francis Agoda’s dedication and unwavering commitment to peace-building, humanitarian causes, and the promotion of sustainable development across the globe. As part of his new global appointment, he will collaborate with ministries of foreign affairs in several countries under the United Nations system, promoting multilateral diplomacy, peace initiatives, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his new role as a global diplomat, Ambassador Francis Agoda (I Go Dye) has been issued an official diplomatic passport (Laissez-Passer) and an international diplomatic identification card bearing his new title: His Excellency, Amb. Francis Agoda, along with a UNV Roster Code number.

Additionally, he was assigned a diplomatic license plate number — Corps Diplomatique EPA CD 79 — for peace missions in support of the United Nations’ efforts to promote global peace and humanitarian aid.

Dedication to Peacebuilding

I Go Dye’s dedication to peacebuilding is deeply personal. A survivor of the 1997 Niger Delta crisis, he was shot during the Ijaw-Itsekiri conflict in Warri, Delta State—an incident that claimed the lives of three of his close friends. Rather than be silenced by tragedy, I Go Dye emerged as a passionate voice for peace, development, and equitable resource control in the Niger Delta.

Beyond comedy, I Go Dye is highly respected as a socially conscious public figure who leverages his platform to inspire positive change. He is known for his outspoken advocacy, open letters to world leaders, and his bold stance on leadership and governance in Africa, often conveyed through satire and humor.

During the height of militancy in the Niger Delta in 1999, he became a vocal advocate, urging the Federal Government and international leaders to address the plight of the region’s people. He consistently called on militant groups to lay down their arms and embrace peace. In support of this cause, he produced a short film documentary titled “Peace in Sight” for the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations, promoting peace in the region.

A Legacy of Humanitarian Impact

I Go Dye is the most awarded and decorated stand-up comedian in Africa, with over 300 local and international awards throughout his three-decade career. In December 2024, he was honored with the Humanitarian Star Award 2024 by Hopes Alive Africa Initiative (HAI) during the Ooni of Ife’s Palace Appreciation Day and Award Night.

His long-standing involvement in global development efforts is well documented:

In 2014, he was appointed a United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Ambassador.

In 2016, he was named a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Ambassador.

Throughout his career, he has championed youth empowerment, anti-corruption, and education, advocating for sustainable development in underdeveloped African communities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, he donated his $9.5 million FAPOH Mansion to the Federal Government of Nigeria as an isolation center, while also distributing relief materials to vulnerable citizens—demonstrating his selfless commitment to national service.

International Honors and Appointments

In 2017, I Go Dye received the Africa Child Prize, an honor shared with President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and legends like Dr. Nelson Mandela and Prof. Wole Soyinka.

That same year, he was appointed as an Africa Child Ambassador by the African Union’s governing council on the African Child.

In 2018, he was appointed UKAid Goodwill Ambassador under the Making A Difference Against Corruption Today (MADACT) campaign.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

HIPTV Humanitarian Award (2020)

Global Icon Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans Award (2022)

Delta Role Model Award (2023)

HAI Humanitarian Award (2024)

UKAid Ambassador (MADACT)

UN World Habitat Ambassador

UN Millennium Development Goals Ambassador (2014)

UN Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador (2016)

AU Africa Child Ambassador (2017)

Eminent Peace Ambassador (2020)

Ambassador Francis Agoda, aka I Go Dye, continues to inspire millions, not only through laughter but through his exemplary dedication to peace, leadership, and humanitarian work. His new appointment is yet another milestone in a life driven by purpose, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to the betterment of society.