–Legendary Actor and Cultural Icon to Champion Immigrant Justice, Nigerian Excellence, and the Nigerian American Story
Washington, D.C. August 3, 2026 — The Nigerian Center is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), one of Africa’s most celebrated actors, public servants, and cultural icons, as its Honorary Brand Ambassador.
The appointment recognizes Mr. Mofe-Damijo’s extraordinary contributions to the arts, his distinguished public service, and his longstanding commitment to advancing the image and interests of Nigerians around the world. As Honorary Brand Ambassador, RMD will lend his voice, influence, and leadership to support the Nigerian Center’s mission of advancing immigrant justice, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity for Black immigrants in the United States.
In conjunction with his appointment, the Nigerian Center has awarded Mr. Mofe-Damijo its 2026 Honorary Recognition Award. The award recognizes his continued leadership, charitable initiatives, cultural contributions, and his role in elevating the global Nigerian brand.
“For generations, Richard Mofe-Damijo has represented the very best of Nigerian excellence through his talent, integrity, service, and cultural pride. His influence extends far beyond film. He has helped shape how the world sees Nigeria and inspired millions across the African diaspora. We are honored to welcome him as an Honorary Brand Ambassador of the Nigerian Center. There is no one better positioned to partner with us in elevating and globally evangelizing the Nigerian story in the United States and beyond. Richard Mofe-Damijo embodies the excellence, resilience, and cultural influence that define the Nigerian brand at its very best.”
— Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director, Nigerian Center
Mr. Mofe-Damijo joins the Nigerian Center at a historic moment for Nigerian Americans and Black immigrants in the United States. As Honorary Brand Ambassador, he will collaborate with the Nigerian Center on initiatives that promote Nigerian culture and heritage, inspire civic engagement, and elevate the contributions of Nigerian Americans and Black immigrants to American society.
“Being named an Honorary Brand Ambassador of the Nigerian Center is truly an honor. I am proud to be part of the history being made and to lend my voice to an organization that is creating a meaningful change for our community. The vision of the Nigerian Center is long overdue for a people with such a rich history of coming to the United States and making extraordinary contributions across every field: from academia, science, and business to public service, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology, and the arts. In an era where soft power shapes global influence, the Nigerian Center is uniquely positioned to elevate the Nigerian narrative in the United States and around the world. By telling our story, preserving our culture, and amplifying the contributions of Nigerian Americans, the Center is building an institution that will inspire generations to come. I am excited to be part of this collective effort.”
— Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Honorary Brand Ambassador, Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center will formally recognize Mr. Mofe-Damijo at a forthcoming award ceremony in Washington, D.C., where community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders from across the Nigerian-American community will gather to celebrate his appointment and contributions.
About Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo is an award-winning actor, lawyer, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State Nigeria, and one of Africa’s most influential entertainment figures. Widely regarded as one of the founding icons of Nollywood, his decades-long career has helped define modern African cinema and inspired audiences around the world.
About the Nigerian Center Honorary Brand Ambassador Program
The Nigerian Center Honorary Brand Ambassador Program recognizes distinguished individuals whose life’s work has made significant contributions to the Nigerian and African story globally. Honorary Brand Ambassadors are leaders in culture, business, public service, philanthropy, and community leadership who embody excellence and serve as champions of the Nigerian Center’s mission to advance social justice, culture, opportunity, and the global Nigerian narrative.Through this program, the Nigerian Center celebrates individuals whose legacy continues to inspire communities, bridge cultures, and expand opportunities for future generations.
About The Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center is a Washington, DC–based national civic institution advancing social justice, culture, and opportunity for Nigerian and broader African diaspora communities in the United States. Through legal services, financial empowerment programs, cultural initiatives, and public policy engagement, the Center works to strengthen communities and elevate the role of the diaspora in shaping U.S.–Africa relations.
