By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
African Excellence Takes Centre Stage as Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim Shine at MIPAD 2025
Nigerian stars dominated the spotlight at the 2025 edition of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Awards and Dinner, as leading figures from entertainment, media and culture were honoured for their impact across the continent and beyond.
The ceremony, held on Sunday night at The Library in Lagos, celebrated Africans and people of African descent who have distinguished themselves through leadership, creativity, innovation and global influence.
The event attracted top voices from diverse sectors including entertainment, governance, business, media and culture.
The Lagos gathering marked the climax of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long festival designed to promote African art, heritage, innovation and diaspora engagement, while reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a global hub for African excellence.
Ahead of the awards night, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier been presented with the MIPAD Governor of the Year 2025 award.
The presentation took place on Wednesday, December 18, during a courtesy visit by the MIPAD delegation to Lagos House, Marina.
The awards night also spotlighted outstanding achievements within the entertainment and media space.
Among the major winners were Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who received Media Personality of the Year, and Bovi Ugboma, honoured as Comedian of the Year. Actress Juliet Ibrahim clinched Actor of the Year (Female), while music icon D’banj was recognised with Music Platform of the Year.
Power couple Banky Wellington and Adesua Etomi-Wellington were named Power Couple of the Year, while theatre producer Bolanle Austen-Peters won Theatre Festival of the Year.
Renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi earned Photographer of the Year, and celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was honoured as Author of the Year.
In film, Funke Akindele took home Blockbuster Movie of the Year for Everybody Loves Jenifa, while Omoni Oboli won Movie of the Year for Love in Every Word 1 & 2. Filmmaker Wale Ojo was also recognised as Filmmaker of the Year.
The 2025 MIPAD Awards once again highlighted the growing influence of African talents on the global stage, celebrating excellence while strengthening connections between Africa and its diaspora.
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