For the first time in its history, the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Recognition and Awards Ceremony—traditionally staged in New York during the United Nations General Assembly—is coming to Lagos, Nigeria.
The global civil society organisation announced the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African excellence, culture, innovation and diaspora connection, culminating in the prestigious End-of-Year Recognition & Awards Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, December 21.
The celebration will also feature Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons.
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a global initiative supporting the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2034), identifying and celebrating high achievers of African descent worldwide while fostering global recognition, connection and collaboration.
Top Honours for 2025
MIPAD will recognise the “Best & Brightest of the Year”—individuals and institutions whose work have advanced global African achievement across business, government, technology, media and the creative industries.
Among the top honourees:
Governor of the Year / City of the Year: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, honoured alongside Lagos for leadership in culture, innovation, tourism and diaspora engagement.
Minister of the Year: Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, for elevating the cultural economy in nation-branding and diplomacy.
Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom.
Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group CEO, Oando.
CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, who will also deliver a keynote address.
Other honourees include:
Davido – Artist of the Year
Ojy Okpe (ARISE News) – Most Influential News Anchor of the Year
Stephanie Busari – Media Executive of the Year
Brand of the Year went to Martell Cognac, whose parent company Pernod Ricard Nigeria was represented by Managing Director Michael Ehindero. He described the recognition as “a reward for years of dedicated work,” while inviting the diaspora to experience Lagos’ festive “Detty December” season.
MIPAD Leadership Speaks
Founder and Chairman of MIPAD, Kamil Olufowobi, said the Lagos edition marks a historic homecoming for the global recognition 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 the best of us.”
The event will also honour the Class of 2025 and Nigerian awardees from previous years who could not attend the New York ceremonies.
Event Details
Lagos, Nigeria
Friday, Dec 19 — #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition (Free Admission)
Sunday, Dec 21 — End of Year Recognition & Awards Ceremony (Strictly by Invitation)
RSVP: https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad
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