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The 2025 ceremony, themed “Pioneers of a Flourishing Continent,” took place at Landmark Lagos, showcasing a diverse range of competitive categories spanning sectors such as business, entertainment, fashion, fintech, and social influence.
Given its extensive reach, securing a MOI Award signifies more than mere popularity; it acknowledges profound influence, visionary leadership, inventive breakthroughs, or meaningful social contributions, tailored to each category’s focus.
2025 MOI Awards: Celebrating Africa’s Visionaries
Women of Steel: Dr. Moji Davids & Sade Balogun
Dr. Moji Davids and Sade Balogun were honored as co-recipients of the Woman of Steel Award. Dr. Davids, a pioneering agripreneur and Managing Director of XtraLarge Farms, champions sustainable agriculture and healthy lifestyles, contributing to food security and environmental stewardship.
Sade Balogun, CEO of Redbrick Homes and visionary behind Amen Estate, has revolutionized Lagos’s real estate market by developing community-centric residential projects that prioritize residents’ well-being. Their joint accolade underscores resilience, foresight, and leadership in the critical domains of agriculture and housing development.
Men of Steel: Dr. Ani Gabriel Paul Wellington & Paul Onwuanibe
Dr. Ani Gabriel Paul Wellington and Paul Onwuanibe shared the Man of Steel Award. Dr. Wellington, CEO of Falcon Oil and Gas USA, brings over two decades of expertise in advancing Nigeria’s oil exports and spearheading renewable energy projects, aligning with Africa’s green transition goals.
Paul Onwuanibe, founder and CEO of Landmark Africa Group, has redefined urban living by creating innovative, integrated real estate developments across the continent, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Insight Publicis: Creative Agency of the Year
Insight Publicis earned the Creative Agency of the Year title, leveraging its affiliation with the global Publicis Groupe to fuse international expertise with local market insights. Under the stewardship of Group CEO Dr. Tayo Oyedeji and Creative Director Esosa Osagiede, the agency has set new standards in advertising excellence.
Notably, Insight Publicis clinched the 2024 LAIF “Agency of the Year” award and has been lauded for championing gender inclusivity. Their civic engagement initiatives, such as the “Towards a Greater Lagos” campaign, exemplify how creativity can drive both commercial success and societal progress.
Olalekan Fabilola: Media Visionary of the Year
Recognized as Media Visionary of the Year, Olalekan Fabilola has dedicated his career to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba language and culture. Through innovative platforms like the Yoruba-language quiz show Masoyinbo and the EAYoruba online learning community, he harnesses digital media to engage diverse audiences.
Fabilola’s fusion of technology, education, and cultural heritage ensures that Yoruba proverbs, language, and traditions remain vibrant and accessible to both celebrities and everyday Nigerians.
Dr. Akin Akinpelu: Influencer of the Year (Business & Impact)
Dr. Akin Akinpelu was honored as Influencer of the Year for Business and Impact, a testament to his role as a thought leader who shapes entrepreneurial discourse and drives meaningful social change. His influence extends beyond entertainment, focusing on empowering minds and fostering sustainable development.
Folagade Banks (Mama Deola): Content Creator of the Year
Folagade Banks, popularly known as Mama Deola, was awarded Content Creator of the Year. As a digital comedian and storyteller, he skillfully weaves Yoruba cultural elements with humor, resonating with audiences both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.
His viral skits on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, alongside collaborations with prominent creators and brands, highlight his role as a cultural ambassador who preserves and celebrates Yoruba heritage through entertainment.
Somo by Somo: Creative Force in Fashion
Somo by Somo was recognized as the Creative Force in Fashion, celebrated for its daring designs and trendsetting approach within Nigeria’s fashion industry. The brand’s collections blend contemporary style with rich cultural motifs, appealing to both local and international markets.
This accolade honors Somo’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries, influencing fashion dialogues, and inspiring emerging designers across Africa.
Adekunle Gold: Music Trailblazer of the Year
Adekunle Gold was celebrated as the Music Trailblazer of 2025. As a multifaceted artist blending Yoruba traditions with contemporary Afropop, his sixth album, Fuji, marked a return to his cultural roots while maintaining global appeal.
His authentic storytelling and artistic innovation have positioned him as a key figure in Africa’s creative economy, bridging heritage and modernity in music.
Seplat Energy: Corporate Excellence of the Year
Seplat Energy Plc received the Corporate Excellence Award, recognized for its leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector. The company balances robust oil and gas operations with a commitment to sustainable energy solutions, including gas-to-power initiatives.
Since its inception in 2010, Seplat has evolved into a dual-listed entity with exemplary governance, investing in local content, education, and healthcare, setting a high standard for corporate responsibility across Africa.
Dr. Adefunkee & Tunde Onakoya: Citizens of the Year
Dr. Adefunkee and Tunde Onakoya were jointly honored as Citizens of the Year. Dr. Adefunkee’s impactful work in health and community development complements Onakoya’s innovative use of chess to empower disadvantaged youth through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa.
Onakoya’s initiative fosters critical thinking and life skills among children in underserved areas, transforming the chessboard into a beacon of hope and opportunity.
Moniepoint & Kuda: Customer-Centric Companies of the Year
Moniepoint and Kuda shared the Customer-Centric Company of the Year award, recognized for their dedication to delivering seamless, reliable financial services. Moniepoint’s extensive payment network and Kuda’s intuitive mobile banking platform exemplify customer-first innovation in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem.
Ayodeji Razak: MOI Young Executive of the Year
Ayodeji Razak was distinguished as the Young Executive of the Year, recognized for his visionary leadership and innovative approach within Nigeria’s dynamic business environment. His strategic acumen and ability to inspire teams mark him as a rising luminary in the corporate world.
Chess in Slums Africa: Social Enterprise of the Year
Founded by Tunde Onakoya, Chess in Slums Africa was awarded Social Enterprise of the Year. The organization empowers marginalized children through chess, fostering confidence, critical thinking, and educational opportunities. Operating in communities from Makoko to Oshodi, CISA has successfully reintegrated numerous out-of-school children into formal education.
This initiative exemplifies how innovative social enterprises can unlock potential and transform lives across Africa.
Tosin Eniolorunda: MOI Entrepreneur of the Year
Oluwatosin Michael Eniolorunda was celebrated as Entrepreneur of the Year for his transformative impact in Africa’s fintech sector. As the creator of the first POS software for Interswitch and founder of Moniepoint, he has pioneered digital payment solutions that enhance financial inclusion and empower millions of users across Nigeria.
Kagan Tech: MOI Tech Disruptor of the Year
Oladapo-Ogunsanya, known as KaganTech, earned the Tech Disruptor of the Year award for revolutionizing tech communication in Nigeria. Through engaging product explainers and visually captivating content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, he educates and influences a vast audience, shaping public discourse around technology trends and device launches.
Cardtonic: MOI Startup of the Year
Founded by Balogun Usman and Kayode Faturoti, Cardtonic has evolved from a modest cryptocurrency concept into one of Nigeria’s most reliable fintech platforms. Serving over a million users, the company facilitates swift gift card trading with robust anti-fraud measures. Under CEO Emmanuel Sohe’s leadership, Cardtonic continues to innovate, enhancing convenience and security for everyday Nigerians.
