Lateef Adedimeji Emerges Nigerian Muslim Celebrity of the Year 2024/2025

Renowned Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has been named Muslim Celebrity of the Year for the #MNawards2024/2025 by Muslim News Nigeria, a prestigious recognition celebrating his professional excellence and unwavering commitment to Islamic values in the entertainment industry.

The announcement was made by the Publisher of the newspaper, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar on Friday, November 14, who noted that Adedimeji stood out among his peers for meeting the criteria set for the award, which recognises Muslims making impactful contributions to society in their respective professions/careers while staying true to their faith.

Adedimeji’s fame has soared in the last four years, with major roles in notable biopics such as Ayinla (2021), Jagun Jagun (2023) and the recently released Lisabi 1&2 (2024), which earned accolades at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Despite his rising profile, the actor has remained steadfast in his callings while observing a relatively decent lifestyle and openly identifies as a Muslim and reflects Islamic values both on and off screen.

Adedimeji consistently projects a good image of Muslims in the public sphere with the frequent use of Islamic greetings, supplications, and messages on his social media platforms, where he commands millions of followers.

On social media, he regularly posts Islamic reminders, quotes from the Qur’an and Hadith, and encourages followers to pray, fast, and seek knowledge. His page becomes especially active with Islamic content on Fridays, during Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah, the month of Hajj, and publicly celebrates Islamic festivals, encouraging others to stay connected to their faith.

One strong example of Lateef Adedimeji’s commitment to charitable causes and Islamic awareness is his active participation in Islamic youth events, humanitarian campaigns, and da’wah-driven initiatives across Nigeria.

He has been a frequent guest speaker at Islamic lectures, Ramadan symposiums, and youth empowerment programmes, where he speaks openly about his journey, Islamic values, and the importance of staying connected to one’s faith even in the entertainment world.

In 2022 and 2023, he partnered with NGOs and Islamic organisations during Ramadan to distribute food packs and relief items to the needy. Last year, he teamed up with Lagos Food Bank initiative to support Muslim families during Ramadan, using his platform to encourage others to give sadaqah and support the less privileged.

The organisers also noted that since rising to fame, Adedimeji has not been linked to any major controversy, immoral conduct, or media-infused scandals involving drugs, infidelity, or financial misdeeds which are common issues in the entertainment scene.

These actions not only reflect his personal piety but also serve to inspire millions of his fans, particularly Muslim youths, to strengthen their Islamic identity and engage in acts of kindness and charity.

The Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria congratulated the popular actor on his emergence, praising his consistent Islamic lifestyle and positive public image.

“Congratulations to our brother, Lateef Adedimeji, for this well-deserved award,” the Publisher said, saying, “It is a reminder that whatever we do, Allah sees us, even if we do not see Him. Likewise, people are watching us, even when we don’t realise it.”

He added that the honour is not only a recognition of Lateef’s admirable conduct but also a responsibility to continue serving as a good role model guided by Islamic principles.

“This award should serve as motivation for other Muslim celebrities to proudly uphold and display their Islamic identity,” he said. “As Allah tells us in the Qur’an, Muslims are the best community raised for mankind – to enjoin good and forbid evil. May this award inspire more Muslims in the entertainment industry to live by that.”

The Muslim Celebrity of the Year, like other categories of the awards, is part of Muslim News Nigeria’s broader initiative to spotlight Muslims who reflect the beauty of Islam in their professions and serve as role models for the Ummah.

Now in its fifth edition, #MNAwards celebrates Muslim achievers across various strata of the society, including politics and good governance, health, education, law, advocacy, philanthropy, among others.

The formal presentation of the award will take place at a yet‑to‑be‑announced date during the newspaper’s 7th anniversary lecture.