30 Years Of Laughter: How “Nite Of A Thousand Laughs” Became Nigeria’s Comedy Legacy
By PAULINA NZERUBE
THE Dome Event Centre in Asaba shimmered with nostalgia and gratitude on Friday 21 November 2025, as the legendary Nite of a Thousand Laughs marked its 30th anniversary. What began in the mid-1990s as a bold idea in the mind of Delta-born filmmaker and showrunner, Dr. Opa Williams, has blossomed into Africa’s longest-running comedy franchise — a cultural movement that shaped careers, inspired industries, and transformed laughter into an art form.
The anniversary felt like a return to sacred ground. Asaba — alongside Warri — has long been one of the nerve centres of modern Nigerian comedy. The city’s rhythm, humour, and irreverent street intelligence helped inform the comedic DNA that Williams later amplified to national acclaim.
A Night of Gratitude and Memories
Among the dignitaries present was Chief Fidelis Tilije, Delta State Commissioner for Finance and former MD/CEO of Fortune Bank — the first corporate sponsor to believe in the show back when it was still a daring dream. When he stepped up to speak, the audience expected a formal tribute. Instead, they got one of the most emotional moments of the night.
Tilije recounted meeting a young, ambitious Opa Williams “in a small room,” driven by dreams that were clearly larger than his circumstances. “I saw you,” Tilije said gently, recalling the talent and hunger that convinced him to support Williams decades ago. That humble room, he noted, became “the cradle of a revolution,” birthing a multi-billion-naira creative ecosystem that helped define the Nigerian comedy economy.
His message ended in simple gratitude: “Dr. Opa Williams, we thank you very much. I’m sure you are happy today.”
Comedy Royalty Unites for the Godfather
From that emotional pause, the evening shifted into high gear as comedy icons took the stage. AY (Ayo Makun) brought thunderous energy, saluting Williams as a father figure to countless performers. There were appearances and tributes — live and virtual — from Julius Agwu, Gandoki, I Go Dye, I Go Save, Seriki Dariya, Kome, MC Casino, Mr. Paul, MC Royal, Maleke, and others whose careers were shaped directly or indirectly by the platform Williams built.
Many took time out of their sets to thank the man who gave them their earliest mainstream exposure. Their presence, laughter, and reverence turned the anniversary into a living family reunion of Nigerian comedy’s past and present.
A spontaneous burst of financial contributions from both veterans and younger comedians added a poignant touch — a testament to the bond Williams nurtured across generations.
A Creator’s Humility and His Tribute to the Fallen
When Dr. Williams finally spoke, he did so with the humility that has defined his journey. He thanked the comedians for their talent, honoured the industry pioneers who walked with him but are now departed — Chico Ejiro, Sammie Okposo, Mohammed Danjuma, Reginald Ebere, Azubuike Udensi, and his late wife, Rev. Patricia Williams — and prayed for their peaceful rest. He also acknowledged corporate partners like MTN, IDL and Guinness for their long-standing support.
From a Small Room to a Continental Movement
More than a comedy show, Nite of a Thousand Laughs grew into a mentorship chain, launching stars and pushing the entertainment industry toward professionalism. It became the vessel that carried the raw “Warri wording” culture — quick wit, fearless humour, streetwise wisdom — to national stages and continental tours.
On this 30th anniversary, the audience was reminded that the show’s true legacy is not just laughter, but the ecosystem it created: careers nurtured, industry standards established, and a generation of creatives empowered.
A Legacy Still Shining
As the lights dimmed after a night of storytelling, tributes and roaring laughter, the event crystallised one truth: the comedy movement that Opa Williams sparked from “a small room” has grown into a cultural empire. And as Chief Tilije’s final words echoed through the hall — “Don’t worry. Be free. You will see the light of day.” — it felt like a blessing for the next 30 years.
For Williams and the continent-wide comedy community he inspired, that light is shining brighter than ever.
