By Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced the reappointment of four members of the New African Immigrants Commission, NAIC, including Abdoulaye B. Dieng of Whitehall (Franklin Co.), Comfort A. Cole-Kenneh of Gahanna (Franklin Co.), Elizabeth W. Waruiru of Columbus (Franklin Co.) and Hassan A. Omar of Westerville (Franklin Co.).
The reappointment was announced Friday, along 60 other appointments made by Governor Mike DeWine in November 2026.
Abdoulaye Dieng, Elizabeth Waruiru, Omar Hasan and Comfort Cole-Kenneh
- Abdoulaye B. Dieng of Whitehall (Franklin Co.) has been reappointed to the New African Immigrants Commission for a term beginning November 6, 2026, and ending October 7, 2029.
- Comfort A. Cole-Kenneh of Gahanna (Franklin Co.) has been reappointed to the New African Immigrants Commission for a term beginning November 6, 2026, and ending October 7, 2029.
- Elizabeth W. Waruiru of Columbus (Franklin Co.) has been reappointed to the New African Immigrants Commission for a term beginning November 6, 2026, and ending October 7, 2029.
- Hassan A. Omar of Westerville (Franklin Co.) has been reappointed to the New African Immigrants Commission for a term beginning November 6, 2026, and ending October 7, 2029.
The Ohio New African Immigrants Commission is a state agency dedicated to supporting African immigrants through advocacy, research, and community engagement.
The New African Immigrants Commission (NAIC) was established by the 127th General Assembly of Ohio to serve as a state-level body addressing the needs and opportunities of African immigrants in Ohio.
Its mission includes acting as a clearinghouse for community challenges, facilitating special studies, advising the governor, legislature, and state agencies, and raising public awareness about immigrant issues
The commission consists of fifteen members appointed by the Governor, with additional legislative appointments from Ohio’s respective chambers.
Members must be of sub-Saharan African origin, lawful U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and represent both the continental African community and Ohio’s geographic distribution.
Members of the current Board of Commissioners include Abass Bangura, Chair of the Board; Comfort Kenneh, Vice-Chair; Cynthia Engmann, Recorder; Other commissioners include Dr. Prince Ellis, Abdoulaye Dieng, Hassan Omar; State Senator Michele Reynolds, Elizabeth Waruiru, Helen Anagho-Beny, Dr. Ademola Solaru, Abdirizak Ahmed, Charity Rysak, Evans Nwankwo and State Representative Ismail Mohamed.
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