10/04/2025
URHOBO ARCHIVE
Name: Francis Agoda
Francis Agoda (born April 4, 1979), better known by his stage name I Go Dye, is a Nigerian comedian, motivational speaker, and social advocate.
He is best known for his performances as a stand-up comedian, which he drew from his experiences growing up in Warri, Nigeria. His performances are almost exclusively delivered in Nigerian pidgin. He has organised various international comedy shows, including I Go Dye Standing
Francis Agoda was born on April 4, 1979, in Abraka, and from Ovu in Delta State Nigeria. He became known for his creativity while still in elementary school at Ighogbadu Primary School and College of Commerce in Warri.
His mother removed him from the United College of Commerce to study in Essi College, Warri. This was so that his uncle, who was a teacher in Essi College, could monitor his activities. While in Essi College, he joined SVC, where he met his best friend, Otagware Onodjeyeke (Ltas), now known as Igosave. In 1994, they started presenting mock news on Delta Broadcasting Service together, addressing issues affecting society.
Agoda got a contract as a stand-up comedian at the Prest Motel in Benin City, where he was paid one thousand Naira per show. He came up with the name I Go Dye from the similarity to the sound of his surname Agoda, I GO DYE, with the meaning "initiative guide" to developing better opportunities for youth and unprivileged people.
After years of exploring his creativity and expanding his profile across different events in Nigeria, he featured in the 2000 edition of Africa's biggest comedy show, Night of A Thousand Laughs.
According to the marketer, Obino Music, he became the most saleable comedian in the franchise. After ten years, he was honoured by the producer, Opa Williams, as the most outstanding performer of the decade in Night of a Thousand Laughs.
In 2005 he undertook his first European tour, Golden Entertainment, with Ehi Zoya, performing in 7 countries. He later receiv