US-based Nigerian journalist and publisher of New Americans Magazine, Mr. Deba Uwadiae has been praised for his significant contribution to the development of Columbus, Ohio through his media platform.
Mr. Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus in Ohio, United States, showered encomiums on Uwadiae while delivering the keynote address at the 10th anniversary of the New Americans Magazine in Columbus recently.
He said: “I congratulate the New Americans Magazine for celebrating 10 years. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary, I am already thinking of the future, and I am already thinking of the 20th anniversary. I am thinking of where our city will be in 10 years from now, and continuing the growth and making sure that new Americans have their rightful place. We will always have our eyes on the horizon. The sun is always rising in Columbus, and the sun is always rising for New Americans.”
In his remarks, Columbus City President Shannon Hardin, who presented a Resolution of Expression to commemorate the New Americans Magazine’s 10th anniversary, recognised the publication’s efforts at uplifting immigrant and refugee communities in Central Ohio.
“The New Americans Magazine is celebrating a decade of uplifting immigrant and refugee communities in Central Ohio,” he shared. “The impact goes beyond media and stretches into the community through civic forums, book fairs, and advocacy.”
Franklin County Auditor, Michael Stinziano, also lauded and congratulated the publication on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. He stated, “Since its launch in 2016, the New Americans Magazine has stood as a powerful beacon of inclusion, representation and community empowerment. Thank you for your continued dedication to providing excellent service to Franklin County constituents.”
Other dignitaries who made remarks and prayed for the continued success of New Americans at the event included Grove City Council member, Mohamed Omar and Dr. Seleshi Asfaw of ETSS Social Services.
Deba Uwadiae founded the New Americans Magazine in July 2016 with a dream of creating “a platform where immigrants, refugees and new Americans could see themselves, tell their stories, and be recognised as vital contributors to the life of our city, our state, and our nation.”
The magazine has since fulfilled the mission, growing from a modest newsletter into a trusted publication, community institution, and a voice that continues to resonate across Ohio and beyond.
In a related development, Uwadiae has emerged winner of the Outstanding Journalist of the Year Award (Diaspora) at the Nigerian Press Council Summit and Excellence Awards held in Abuja on October 28.