Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim Shine As MIPAD 2025 Celebrates African Excellence

The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner Night celebrated exceptional African talent, honouring individuals and institutions excelling in entertainment, media, business, governance, and culture. The ceremony, held at The Library in Lagos, underscored the city’s rising status as a global hub for African achievement and diaspora engagement.

The awards recognised notable figures across various sectors. Davido was named Artist of the Year, while comedian Bovi Ugboma received Comedian of the Year. Arise News anchor Ojy Okpe was celebrated as News Anchor of the Year, and music icon D’banj earned Music Platform of the Year for C.R.E.A.M. Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was honoured as Media Personality of the Year, and actress Juliet Ibrahim received Actor of the Year (Female).

Other distinguished winners included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as Author of the Year, Funke Akindele’s blockbuster Everybody Loves Jenifa as Blockbuster Movie of the Year, and Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word 1 & 2 as Movie of the Year. The event also recognised past Nigerian recipients who could not attend their New York ceremonies, alongside the MIPAD Class of 2025, in a celebration of African excellence, global impact, and diaspora connection.

The full list of winners spanned a broad spectrum of achievements, from business and politics to arts, technology, and social impact, reflecting the diversity and influence of Africans both on the continent and worldwide.