ONigerian entertainers dominated the spotlight at the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Awards and Dinner, winning several major honours at a ceremony that celebrated African excellence, leadership, creativity, and global impact.
The prestigious awards ceremony was held on Sunday night in Lagos at The Library. The event brought together some of the most influential African voices from across the entertainment, media, business, governance, culture, and innovation sectors.
It also reinforced Lagos’ growing reputation as a global hub for African excellence and strong diaspora engagement.
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The atmosphere at the venue reflected celebration and pride, as award recipients, industry leaders, creatives, and policymakers gathered to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions locally and internationally.
The organisers described the event as a platform that highlights African achievements while strengthening global connections within the African diaspora.
One of the major highlights leading up to the awards night was the formal presentation of the MIPAD Governor of the Year 2025 Award to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The presentation took place a few days earlier during a courtesy visit by the MIPAD delegation to Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, December 18, 2025.
According to MIPAD officials, the honour was in recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, commitment to development, and efforts in positioning Lagos as a centre for culture, innovation, and global collaboration.
The delegation commended the governor for his support of initiatives that promote African excellence and diaspora engagement.
The awards night also served as the grand finale of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025. The week-long celebration featured activities focused on African art, culture, innovation, tourism, and global connection.
The finale crowned a week of exhibitions, conversations, performances, and networking events that attracted participants from across Africa and the diaspora.
Entertainment and media took centre stage during the awards presentation, with several Nigerian stars emerging as big winners.
Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was named Media Personality of the Year, in recognition of his influence and consistent impact across television and digital platforms.
Comedian Bovi Ugboma won Comedian of the Year, celebrating his longevity, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences through humour.
Actress Juliet Ibrahim received the Actor of the Year (Female) award, honouring her work and influence in African cinema.
Music icon D’banj was recognised with the Music Platform of the Year award, acknowledging his contributions to music promotion and artist development.
Celebrity couple Banky Wellington and Adesua Etomi-Wellington were named Power Couple of the Year, applauded for their influence, partnership, and positive representation of family and creativity.
Renowned theatre producer Bolanle Austen Peters received the Theatre Festival of the Year award, highlighting her role in reviving stage performances and expanding theatre culture in Nigeria.
Celebrated photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi was honoured as Photographer of the Year for his visual storytelling and artistic excellence.
Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emerged as Author of the Year, recognising her global literary impact and contribution to African storytelling.
Funke Akindele won Blockbuster Movie of the Year for Everybody Loves Jenifa, a film that achieved massive commercial success and audience appeal.
Omoni Oboli received the Movie of the Year award for Love in Every Word 1 & 2, while Wale Ojo was honoured as Filmmaker of the Year for his contributions to film production and storytelling.
Organisers of the MIPAD Awards said the event reflects their mission to spotlight Africans and people of African descent who are shaping narratives, driving change, and influencing global conversations.
As the night came to a close, attendees described the ceremony as a powerful reminder of Africa’s creative strength and growing global influence.
With Nigerian entertainers leading the charge, the 2025 MIPAD Awards once again positioned Lagos at the heart of African excellence and diaspora celebration.
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