The chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Dr Karl Toriola, has been named MIPAD’s 2025 CEO of the Year, headlining a roll call of prominent honourees as the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) brings its globally recognised awards ceremony to Lagos for the first time.
The announcement was made on Monday ahead of the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African culture, innovation and global connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony will make its Nigerian debut in Lagos, marking a symbolic homecoming for a platform dedicated to celebrating global African achievement.
Toriola, who will also deliver the keynote address on the night, is being recognised for what organisers describe as transformative leadership and a decisive role in strengthening Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and digital economy. Under his stewardship, MTN Nigeria has expanded connectivity, driven digital inclusion and reinforced the sector’s contribution to national growth.
The Lagos programme will include Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, before culminating in the invitation-only awards ceremony.
Among the major honours to be conferred in 2025 are:
Governor of the Year & City of the Year: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with Lagos recognised for its global influence in culture, innovation, tourism and diaspora engagement.
Minister of the Year: Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy, for advancing culture-led nation branding and 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 chief executive of Oando.
CEO of the Year: Dr Karl Toriola, chief executive of MTN Nigeria.
Other honourees include Davido (Artist of the Year), Uche Pedro of BellaNaija (Lifestyle Personality of the Year), Ojy Okpe of ARISE News (Most Influential News Anchor of the Year), Stephanie Busari (Media Executive of the Year), and Kayode Okikiolu (Pressman of the Year), among several others spanning media, culture and business.
Speaking on the sidelines of the announcement, Michael Ehindero, managing director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, whose Martell Cognac brand emerged Brand of the Year, described the recognition as an endorsement of sustained excellence. “It’s a great reward for the team that has delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years,” he said, thanking consumers and organisers while inviting visitors to experience Nigeria’s famed Detty December.
The ceremony will also honour members of the Class of 2025, alongside past Nigerian awardees who were unable to receive their recognition in New York in previous years.
“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,” said Kamil Olufowobi, founder and chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement — connecting, collaborating and working together to change the world.”
MIPAD is a global civil society initiative aligned with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2034), dedicated to identifying, celebrating and connecting high achievers of African descent worldwide.
