Nigerian entertainers dominated the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner, held Sunday night at The Library in Lagos. The event celebrated African excellence, leadership, creativity, and global impact.

The evening brought together influential voices across entertainment, media, business, governance, culture, and innovation, reinforcing Lagos’ reputation as a global hub for African excellence and diaspora engagement.

Ahead of the ceremony, 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, Marina, on Wednesday, December 18, 2025.

The awards night marked the grand finale of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and global connection.

Notable winners included:

• Ebuka Obi-Uchendu – Media Personality of the Year
• Bovi Ugboma – Comedian of the Year
• Juliet Ibrahim – Actor of the Year (Female)
• D’banj – Music Platform of the Year
• Banky Wellington & Adesua Etomi-Wellington – Power Couple of the Year
• Bolanle Austen Peters – Theatre Festival of the Year
• Kelechi Amadi Obi – Photographer of the Year
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author of the Year
• Funke Akindele – Blockbuster Movie of the Year (Everybody Loves Jenifa)
• Omoni Oboli – Movie of the Year (Love in Every Word 1 & 2)
• Wale Ojo – Filmmaker of the Year

The ceremony highlighted the remarkable achievements of African talents and celebrated their contributions to culture, media, and global influence.