The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner took place in Lagos, Nigeria, recognizing outstanding achievements in various fields. The event, held at The Library, celebrated African excellence, leadership, creativity, and global impact. It brought together influential voices from entertainment, media, business, governance, culture, and innovation, solidifying Lagos’ position as a hub for African excellence and diaspora engagement.
The ceremony was part of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and global connection. Prior to the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was presented with the MIPAD Governor of the Year 2025 Award during a courtesy visit by the MIPAD delegation to Lagos House.
The awards night honored notable figures in the entertainment and media industries. Winners included Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who received the Media Personality of the Year award, and Bovi Ugboma, who was named Comedian of the Year. Juliet Ibrahim was recognized as Actor of the Year (Female), while D’banj took home the Music Platform of the Year award. Banky Wellington and Adesua Etomi-Wellington were named Power Couple of the Year, and Bolanle Austen Peters received the Theatre Festival of the Year award.
Other notable winners included Kelechi Amadi Obi, who was named Photographer of the Year, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who received the Author of the Year award. Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” was recognized as the Blockbuster Movie of the Year, and Omoni Oboli’s “Love in Every Word 1 & 2” took home the Movie of the Year award. Wale Ojo was named Filmmaker of the Year, rounding out the list of notable winners.
The MIPAD awards highlight the significant contributions of African individuals in various fields, showcasing their impact on a global scale. The event serves as a platform to celebrate and recognize excellence, reinforcing the importance of African diaspora engagement and cultural exchange. As Lagos continues to grow as a hub for African excellence, events like the MIPAD awards will play a crucial role in promoting and celebrating the achievements of African individuals and communities worldwide.
