In a historic first, the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Recognition and Awards Ceremony, traditionally held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria.
The announcement was made as the global civil society organisation unveiled the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African excellence, culture, innovation, and diaspora connection.
The week-long festivities will culminate in the prestigious End-of-Year Recognition & Awards Ceremony on Sunday, December 21, 2025, bringing together global achievers of African descent to celebrate their contributions to business, culture, government, media, technology, and the creative industries.
The Lagos edition of MIPAD includes a series of events designed to highlight African culture and innovation.
Highlights of the programme include diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition: Titled Afrobeat Meets Diaspora, this event on Friday, December 19, will provide free admission to participants, celebrating the intersection of African music, heritage, and global diasporic culture.
Cultural Heritage Day: An exploration of the rich cultural legacy of Nigeria and the African continent.
Business Leadership Luncheons: Forums where industry leaders and innovators engage in strategic dialogues on African growth and collaboration.
MIPAD is a global initiative supporting the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2034).
The platform identifies and celebrates high achievers of African descent worldwide while fostering recognition, connection, and collaboration within the global African community.
The Lagos ceremony will recognise the “Best & Brightest of the Year,” honouring individuals and institutions whose work has advanced global African achievement.
Among the top honourees are Governor of the Year / City of the Year: Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recognised 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 contributions to nation-branding and cultural 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 of Oando.
CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, who is also set to deliver a keynote address.
Other honourees include: Artist of the Year: Davido
Most Influential News Anchor of the Year: Ojy Okpe (Arise News)
Media Executive of the Year: Stephanie Busari
Brand of the Year: Martell Cognac, represented by Pernod Ricard Nigeria Managing Director Michael Ehindero, who described the recognition as a reward for years of dedicated work and invited the diaspora to experience Lagos’ festive Detty December season.
Founder and Chairman of MIPAD, Kamil Olufowobi, described the Lagos edition as 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,” Olufowobi said.
“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 were unable to attend ceremonies in New York, providing an opportunity to recognise their achievements on home soil.
Event Details Lagos, Nigeria
Friday, December 19— #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition (Free Admission)
Sunday, December 21 — End of Year Recognition & Awards Ceremony (Strictly by Invitation)
RSVP and event details are available at https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad.
The Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of African heritage and global impact, marking a milestone in bringing international recognition back to the continent.
