The NAFCA Special Honors were presented for the first time in 2011 to President Nelson Mandela. Recipients of this award in subsequent years include His Imperial Majesty Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa  Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II The Ooni of Ife, Senator Ben  Bruce, President Paul Biya, President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, Honorable Ama Muna Tutu the Cameroon minister of Arts  and Culture, Dr. Folorunsho Alakija, Legendary James Brown,  Bobby Womack, Oscars’ award winner Louis Gossett Jr. Hollywood actors Glenn Thurman and Keith David among other