On March 11, 2025, popular Nigerian actor and comedian AY hosted the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, to an intimate dinner at his Lagos home. The event merged entertainment with diplomacy, reaffirming Canada’s continued relations with Nigeria on economic and cultural levels.
In his capacity as a leading Nollywood and stand-up comedian, AY used this event to expand his reach from the entertainment sector, providing a platform for cross-cultural engagement and building relationships. As the guest list was not made public, the private setting of the event implied a personal or semi-official relationship between the comedian and the Canadian diplomat.
Canada maintains a vibrant diplomatic presence in Nigeria with a high commission in the capital, Abuja, and a deputy high commission in Lagos, highlighting the importance of Nigeria in Canadian foreign policy. AY’s home meeting was also a testament to the two nations building stronger ties among themselves based on trade, immigration, and culture.
With a successful Nigerian diaspora in Canada making valuable contributions to its economy, and Canadian investments in Nigeria cutting across sectors like education and energy, such interactions as this help to strengthen mutual cooperation. Receiving a diplomat in a private residence is a gesture that speaks of trust and respect, which fits AY’s image as an entertainer who is actively involved with influential figures from various fields.
Although the visit’s true intentions were not announced—whether in a social outing or as per a specific project—neither AY nor the Canadian Deputy High Commission made any official releases. But timing is coincidental with both countries’ ongoing endeavor to strengthen bilateral relations. Diplomats of Canada frequently receive audiences from the Nigerian leadership on business, political, and cultural fronts, so this encounter can be an outgrowth of those meetings on informal grounds.
The commissioner left a comment under AY’s post on Instagram, saying;
Dear @aycomedian,
Humbled by such gracious welcome. Thank you for opening your home to my wife @melka_monette and I, and for sharing a beautiful evening amongst such distinguished professionals. Loved discovering the pepper soup and look forward to you discovering a Canadian dish as well as to find ways to grow the 🇨🇦🇳🇬 partnerships and collaborations. Feeling blessed. CRA
Netizens React
@quee_nsabi;”Wow. Our QUEEN MAY go soon enter Canada movie now. This one will finally kpai president of MumuNation Yul Muoghalu obasi”
@liliandinma;”Thank you for the opportunities you create for the Nigerians 🇳🇬. You are amazing and putting Nigeria 🇳🇬 entertainment across the globe is a topnotch. Your creativity in the industry will lay down more opportunities for the people of Nigeria. Thank you for always giving to Nigeria and”
@maureenlanky;”It was an absolute delight❤️ We MOVE👌🔥”
@chomzydelabelle;”Thank you AY for repping us well❤️🌹”
@ceoangelworks;”Warm, humble and long thank you posts by the guests of Honour. No ego. I hope Nigerians are all taking notes.”
@popfranciiz;”Just that one connect will change my life for good, dear God connect me to people that matters 🙌”
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