Lagos is set to host a landmark global celebration as the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) announces the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long convergence of culture, innovation, leadership and diaspora connection, ending with the prestigious End-of-Year Awards & Celebration on December 21, 2025.
For the first time in its history, MIPAD’s globally renowned Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony, traditionally staged in New York alongside the United Nations General Assembly, will take place on African soil. Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural and economic capital, will host the historic event, reinforcing its growing stature as a global hub for African excellence.
The Lagos Diaspora Experience will feature a rich lineup of activities including Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day and Business Leadership Luncheons, all designed to foster connection, collaboration and celebration across the Global African community.
At the heart of the week is the awards ceremony, which will spotlight individuals and institutions whose work has significantly advanced African achievement and Black excellence across sectors such as business, governance, media, culture and technology.
Highlights of the 2025 Honours:
- Governor & City of the Year: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State, recognised for global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism and diaspora engagement.
- Minister of the Year: Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, honoured for strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy and cultural diplomacy.
- Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom.
- Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group CEO, OANDO.
- CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, also delivering the keynote address in recognition of his impact on Nigeria’s digital and telecoms landscape.
Other notable honourees include Uche Pedro (Lifestyle Personality of the Year), Ojy Okpe (Most Influential News Anchor of the Year), Stephanie Busari (Media Executive of the Year), Kayode Okikiolu (Pressman of the Year), and Davido (Artist of the Year), among several others.
Celebrating Martell Cognac’s emergence as Brand of the Year, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a reward for years of excellence in the Nigerian market. He also invited the global community to experience Nigeria’s vibrant “Detty December” culture.
Beyond the 2025 winners, the ceremony will also honour members of the Class of 2025 alongside Nigerian recipients from previous years who were unable to attend ceremonies in New York.
“This is the first time we are bringing our global recognition platform home,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder and Chairman of MIPAD. “It’s more than an event, it’s a movement that connects the best of the Global Africa family to collaborate, lead and shape the future together.”
With Lagos as its stage, the MIPAD Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025 promises to be a defining moment for African excellence, cultural pride and global connection.
Event Details
📍Lagos, Nigeria
Friday, Dec 19: #DettyDec Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Free entry)
Sunday, Dec 21: End-of-Year Recognition & Awards Ceremony (Strictly by Invitation)
🎟️ RSVP: [https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad](https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad)
