The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards & Dinner Night held last night in Lagos at The Library in a grand celebration of African excellence, leadership, creativity, and global impact. The elegant, invitation-only event marked a historic moment as the world-renowned MIPAD recognition platform was hosted in Lagos for the first time in 8years.
The evening brought together some of Africa’s most influential voices across entertainment, media, business, governance, culture, and innovation, reinforcing Lagos’ growing status as a global hub for African excellence and diaspora engagement.
In a significant highlight leading up to the ceremony, Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was formally presented with his MIPAD Governor of the Year 2025 Award a few days earlier, during a courtesy visit by the MIPAD delegation to Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, December 18, 2025.
The delegation was led by Mr. Kamil Olufowobi, President of MIPAD, alongside Tope Esan, Chief Operations Officer; Ms. Angela Regalado, Global Director; Josie Antwi, Global Events Coordinator; Ayiri Oladunmoye of Oaken Events, Official Event Planner (Nigeria); and Adedayo Showemimo, Media Team Manager.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was recognised for his visionary leadership, transformative governance, and commitment to positioning Lagos as a leading global city for culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora collaboration. He expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed Lagos State’s support for initiatives that celebrate African excellence globally.
The Lagos awards night formed the grand finale of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and global connection. This edition marked the first time the prestigious Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was hosted in Nigeria.
The week featured several high-impact events including Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, Business & Leadership Luncheons, and culminated in the glamorous awards and dinner night.
Among the biggest recognitions announced at the ceremony were:
● Governor of the Year & City of the Year:
H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside Lagos State
● Minister of the Year:
H.E. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
● Most Influential Woman of the Year:
Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom
● Most Influential Man of the Year:
Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO
● CEO of the Year:
Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria
In addition to the night’s winners, the ceremony also celebrated the Class of 2025 Honourees, as well as past Nigerian honourees who were unable to attend their recognition ceremonies in New York in previous years.
Speaking at the event, Kamil Olufowobi, Founder and Chairman of MIPAD, described the Lagos edition as a defining moment for the platform; “For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa family right here in Lagos. This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting, connecting, and empowering Africans and people of African descent to collaborate and change the world.”
The 2025 MIPAD Awards did more than celebrate success they set a clear agenda for what influence now means across Africa and the global diaspora. By recognising leaders, creatives, policymakers, innovators, and cultural shapers in the same room, MIPAD reinforced the idea that modern African influence is no longer siloed. Governance met culture, technology met storytelling, and business met purpose. From Lagos State being named City of the Year to honourees shaping conversations in media, climate action, fintech, and the creative economy, the awards reflected a continent confidently defining its own metrics for impact and excellence.
Beyond the trophies, the Lagos edition of MIPAD signalled a strategic shift bringing a global recognition platform home and positioning Africa not just as a participant, but as a driver of global influence. By convening diaspora voices alongside continental leaders, the 2025 awards strengthened collaboration, visibility, and shared responsibility for Africa’s future narrative. In doing so, MIPAD moved the conversation from recognition to relevance, making it clear that influence today is measured not by proximity to power alone, but by the ability to shape culture, policy, and possibility across borders.
About MIPAD
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a global civil society initiative supporting the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2034). MIPAD identifies, celebrates, and connects high-achieving individuals of African descent worldwide, fostering global recognition, collaboration, and sustainable impact.
MIPAD 2025 – Full List of Winners
● Activist of the Year: Opeyemi Adamolekun
● Actor of the Year (Female): Juliet Ibrahim
● Actor of the Year (Male) Deyemi OKANLAWON
● Advertising & Marketing Agency of the Year: DKK
● Afrobeat Artist of the Year: Mádé Kuti
● AI Advocate (Female): Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho
● AI Advocate (Male): Obinna Okerekeocha
● Airline of the Year (Africa): Air Peace
● Animation Studio of the Year: Ferdy (“Ladi) Adimefe
● Art Festival of the Year: ART X Lagos by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig
● Artist of the Year: Davido
● Author of the Year: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
● Auto Company of the Year: NORD Automobiles
● Bank Executive OF THE YEAR: Bolaji Lawal
● Bankable Media Brand of the Year: The Accelerate Media Group by Colette Osibo
● Blockbuster Movie of the Year: Everybody Loves Jenifa (Funke Akindele)
● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Female): Beauty Tukura
● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Male): Farooq Oreagba
● Brand of the Year (Africa): Martell
● Business Man of the Year: Ahonsi Unuigbe
● Business Woman of the Year: Owen Omogiafo OON
● CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola
● Chef of the Year: Chef Tolu Eros
● Children’s Book of The Year: Zaqonomics; Financial Literacy for Kids by Zaq Isa
● Comedian of the Year: Bovi Ugboma
● Comedy OG of the Year: Ali Baba
● Commercial Director of the Year: Ikechukwu Agu
● Commissioner of the Year (Female): Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka
● Commissioner of the Year (Male): Hon. Dapo Okubadejo
● Content Creator of the Year: Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Kie Kie
● COO of the Year: “Yewande Adewusi, Alitheia Capital
● Creative Director of the Year: Osaru Alile
● Crypto Executive of the Year: Jeremiah Mayowa (Jeroid)
● Design Festival of the Year: Titi Ogufere
● Director General of The year-Female : Aisha Augie
● Director General of The year-Male: Obi Asika
● Director of the Year (Film): Wale Ojo
● DJ of the Year : DJ Obi (Obinna Ajuonuma)
● Doctor of the Year (Male): Dr. Julius Kunle Oni, M.D. FAOA
● Emerging Leader (Under 40) : Nduka Nduka-Eze and Nnamdi Nduka-Eze – Motherland Hub
● Energy Executive of the Year (Female): Rolake Akinkugbe -Filani
● Energy Executive of the Year (Male) : Ainojie Alex Irune (PhD)
● Entertainment Executive of the Year: Fela Oke
● ESG & Climate Personality Of The Year: “Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Climate Change and Circular Economy
● Event Planner of the Year: Oaken Events by Ayiri Oladunmoye
● Exhibition of the Year: Fela Exhibition
● Film Festival Of The Year: Chioma Ude, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF
● Fintech Company of the Year: Moniepoint by Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO
● FMCG Executive of the Year: Seleem Adegunwa
● Foreign Diplomat of the Year: Jonny Baxter
● Foundation of the Year: Lady Mary Dinah
● Future Leader of the Year: Toni Fola-Alade
● Global Africa Man of the Year : Prof. Benedict Oramah
● Global Africa Woman of the Year: Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE
● Government Agency of the Year – Federal: SMEDAN Charles Odii, Director General
● Government Agency of the Year -State: Adetoun Popoola (Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency)
● Governor of the Year: Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Female): Hilda Baci
● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Male): Tunde Onakoya
● Hospitality Brand of the Year: Paul Onwuanibe, CEO at Landmark Africa
● Influencer of the Year: Chinyere Adogu
● Intel Executive of the Year: Tanwa Ashiru (Bulwark Intelligence)
● Investor of the Year: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
● Law Firm of the Year: Aluko & Oyebode (ALN)
● Leading Woman of The year: Abosede George-Ogan
● Lifestyle Festival of The Year: ISIMI Lagos Festival by Olawale Ayilara
● Lifestyle Personality of The Year: Uche Pedro, Bella Naija
● Literary Festival of The Year: AKE Art & Book Festival by Lola Shoneyin
● Luxury Personality of the Year (Female): Jennifer Obayuwana,Executive Director, Polo Limited
● Luxury Personality of the Year (Male): Alexander Amosu
● Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu
● Managing Director of the Year: Alex Okosi
● Media Executive of the Year: Stephanie Busari
● Media House of the Year: RED Media
● Media Personality of the Year : Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
● Mental Health Advocate Of The Year: Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri (Dr. May)
● Minister of The Year: Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa
● Movie of the Year: Omoni Oboli, Love in Every Word 1&2
● Movie of the Year (blockbuster): Everybody Loves Jenifa
● Music Executive of the Year: Samuel “Samo” Onyemelukwe
● Music Platform of the Year: Dbanj (C.R.E.A.M.)
● News Anchor of the Year: Ojy Okpe
● Payment Executive of the Year: Mike Ogbalu iii FCIB
● Peak Performer of the Year: Dr. Abiola Salami
● Photographer of the Year: Kelechi Amadi Obi
● Podcast of the Year: MENtality, Ebuka & Banky W
● Policy Advocate of the year: Oswald Osaretin Guobadia
● Power Couple of the Year (Business) : Mr Mark & Mrs Phillipa Okoye
● Power Couple of the Year (Change Makers): Mr Tokunbo & Mrs Omoyemi Akerele
● Power Couple of the Year (Entertainment): Mr Dare & Mrs Deola Art Alade
● Power Couple of the Year (Faith): Banky Wellington & Adesua Etomi-Wellington
● Power Couple of the Year (Politics): Mr Seyi & Mrs Layal Tinubu
● PR Executive of the Year: Dr. Bukky George-Taylor
● Pressman of the Year: Kayode Okikiolu
● Public Servant of the Year: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole
● Real Estate Developer of the Year: Rendeavour’s Alaro City & Managing Director Yomi Ademola
● Resort of the Year: Koko Beach
● SA of the Year (State) : Idris Aregbe
● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Female): Nere Emiko
● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Male) : Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Thor Explorations Ltd
● SSA of the Year (Federal): O’tega Ogra
● Tech Executive of the Year (Female): Olatomiwa Williams
● Theatre Festival of the Year: Bolanle Austen Peters
● Therapist of the Year: Murielle Jean-Michel
● Travel Executive of the Year: Adenike Macaulay
● TV Executive of the Year: Dr. Busola Tejumola
● Unicorn of the Year: Gbenga Agboola
● VC of The Year: Danladi Verheijen, Verod
● Venture Fund of The Year: Ventures Platform Fund, by Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku & Kola Aina
● Venue of the Year: The Library
● Waterways Champion of the Year: Oluwadamilola Emmanuel
● Wellness Executive of the Year: Joycee Awosika, Oriki Group
● Woman of the Year: Olori Atuwatse III
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
