Media Advisory: Nigerian Center to Hold Press Conference Celebrating Congressional Recognition of Nigerian Heritage Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — The Nigerian Center will host a press conference on Thursday, October 1, 2026, bringing together Nigerian American leaders, community organizations, diplomats, advocates, and public officials to mark the introduction of a congressional resolution expressing support for the recognition of October as Nigerian Heritage Month.

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) introduced House Resolution 1546 on September 16, 2026, expressing support for the recognition of Nigerian Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage, culture, and contributions of Nigerians and Nigerian Americans in the United States.

WHAT: Nigerian Heritage Month Press Conference

A gathering of community leaders, advocates, public officials, diplomats, and partner organizations commemorating the introduction of House Resolution 1546 and celebrating Nigerian heritage and the contributions of Nigerians and Nigerian Americans to the United States.

WHEN: Thursday, October 1, 2026
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
WHERE: Nigerian Center, Washington, D.C.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

• Ambassador Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are
  Nigeria Ambassador to the United States 

• Ambassador Terence P. McCulley
  Chairman, United States–Nigeria Council
  Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

• Dr. Oye Owolewa
  U.S. Representative for the District of Columbia
  Reading of Proclamation from the Mayor of Washington, D.C.

• Representative, State of Maryland
  Presentation of Maryland Proclamation

• Tomi Aregbesola
  President, Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians

• Dr. Gina Paige
  President and Co-Founder, African Ancestry

• Chike Ogbuehi
  President, Nigerian American Lawyers Association

• Nkechi Ilechie
  Policy Director, Nigerian Center

• Gbenga Ogunjimi
  Founder & Executive Director, Nigerian Center
  Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi
  Board Chair, Nigerian Center

• Dr. Lillian Agbeyegbe
  Chairperson, NAPAC DMVPD

In-person attendance is open to credentialed members of the media only. A virtual option is open to the general public.

MEDIA

Credentialed media interested in attending in person, requesting interviews with participating speakers, or receiving additional press materials should contact:

Nkechi Ilechie
Policy Director
Nigerian Center
nkechi@Nigeriancenter.org

Members of the general public may register to participate virtually:

https://www.nigeriancenter.org/events/nhm-2026

ABOUT NIGERIAN CENTER

The Nigerian Center is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization advancing social justice, cultural connection, and economic opportunity for Nigerian, African, and Black immigrant communities. Through legal services, financial inclusion, cultural and educational programs, and policy advocacy, the Center works to strengthen communities and expand access to opportunity.

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