From John Silas
A Nigerian-born media entrepreneur, journalist, publisher, filmmaker and international awards producer, Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, popularly known as Debby Classique, is expanding the visibility of African talents and promoting professional excellence through media, entertainment, filmmaking and international recognition platforms.
With almost two decades decades of involvement in fashion, publishing, journalism, entertainment and entrepreneurship, Debby has established several media and creative brands aimed at discovering emerging talents, celebrating outstanding achievements and creating opportunities for individuals across different professional sectors.
Her growing portfolio includes Debby Classique Magazine, CITYMAG NEWS24, D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence, CITYMAG International Awards and THE GLAMOURS Awards, alongside her involvement in film and media production.
Through these platforms, she has continued to promote African creativity, connect professionals across continents and provide visibility for individuals whose contributions might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Born in Isiala Ngwa, Abia State, Nigeria, Debby began her creative journey in the fashion industry in 1994 before expanding into publishing, journalism, entertainment and international event production.
She studied Philosophy at the University of Lagos and subsequently developed her professional interests across different sectors, building an entrepreneurial career that now connects Africa with international creative and business communities.
Building platforms for global recognition
One of her notable initiatives is the D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence, an international recognition platform designed to celebrate outstanding achievements across entertainment, business, media, humanitarian service and other professional fields.
The awards have held ceremonies in New Jersey in 2018 and 2019, Nigeria in 2020, and Atlanta, Georgia, with the platform continuing its international expansion.
Her related THE GLAMOURS Awards also extended to Houston, Texas, in 2024.
Through these initiatives, Debby has sought to create opportunities for established personalities and emerging professionals to receive recognition beyond their immediate environments.
Her approach places particular emphasis on discovering individuals who may not yet enjoy widespread public attention but have demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity and impact in their respective fields.
The platforms also provide opportunities for networking, publicity, professional introductions and media exposure through interviews, publications, red-carpet coverage and digital content.
Using media to amplify voices
Another major aspect of her professional journey is publishing.
Through Debby Classique Magazine, Silas has developed a platform for documenting success stories, profiling personalities and celebrating achievements across entertainment, business, fashion and society.
Her publishing activities have also expanded through CITYMAG NEWS24, an international digital media platform covering news, entertainment, business, healthcare, immigration and human-interest stories.
The platforms reflect her belief that journalism and publishing should not only inform audiences but also preserve important stories and bring deserving individuals into public consciousness.
For her, documenting achievements is an important part of building lasting legacies, particularly in an era when digital publicity can be temporary.
Expanding African creativity through filmmaking
Beyond publishing and awards production, Debby has also explored filmmaking as an actress, producer and creative entrepreneur.
Her film projects include Who Is Paul?, The Family Standards, Access Denied, Love Blinds and Solo Act Monologues.
Through these productions, she has continued to explore storytelling while creating opportunities for actors, writers, directors, production assistants and other creative professionals.
Her involvement in filmmaking complements her wider objective of supporting emerging talents and strengthening connections within the entertainment industry.
Recognising excellence beyond entertainment
Silas’s recognition initiatives also extend beyond celebrities and entertainment personalities.
Through projects such as the CITYMAG NEWS24 Healthcare Heroes Honor, she has sought to celebrate healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, caregivers and other individuals whose contributions improve lives and strengthen communities.
Her 40 Global Impact Makers initiative similarly reflects her interest in recognising individuals making meaningful contributions across different sectors.
The initiatives demonstrate an inclusive understanding of excellence, recognising that outstanding contributions are not limited to individuals with celebrity status or extensive public influence.
Humanitarian service and empowerment
Alongside her media and entertainment activities, Silas has pursued humanitarian and empowerment initiatives, including programmes supporting aspiring fashion designers, entrepreneurship and professional development.
Her activities have particularly emphasised opportunities for women, young people and individuals seeking greater economic independence.
In 2022, she reportedly received an honorary doctorate in Humanitarianism from Heart International University in the United States.
Her humanitarian interests remain an important part of the philosophy behind her professional activities.
Taking African excellence to the international stage
In October 2026, the D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence recorded another milestone with its Atlanta ceremony held on October 17 at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center.
The event brought together entertainment personalities, independent filmmakers, entrepreneurs and community leaders to celebrate professional accomplishments.
The preceding THE GLAMOURS Cultural Night, held on October 16 in Norcross, Georgia, provided another platform for cultural appreciation, networking and professional engagement.
Through these events, Silas continues to pursue a vision of connecting African talents with international audiences and creating opportunities for cultural and professional exchange.
Her broader ambition is to ensure that African-led media and entertainment institutions play meaningful roles in the global creative economy.
Building a legacy beyond personal recognition
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Silas’s professional journey is her emphasis on creating opportunities for others.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on personal visibility, she has invested in publications, awards platforms and creative productions designed to showcase the achievements of other individuals.
Her philosophy is built around the belief that talent should not remain hidden simply because an individual lacks the financial resources, professional connections or publicity needed to attract attention.
Through her various initiatives, she continues to promote the idea that recognition should extend to emerging professionals, independent creatives, entrepreneurs and community contributors.
As an entrepreneur, wife and mother of three, she has also combined family responsibilities with the demands of building and managing multiple professional ventures.
From her early involvement in Nigeria’s fashion industry to her expanding activities in the United States, her journey reflects the determination of an African woman committed to building institutions and connecting opportunities across borders.
Ultimately, Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas’s professional story is about more than awards, magazine covers, film productions or international ceremonies.
It is about creating platforms where others can showcase their abilities, celebrate their accomplishments and build lasting professional identities.
Through Debby Classique Magazine, CITYMAG NEWS24, D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence and her other creative initiatives, she continues to advance a vision in which African excellence receives wider recognition.
Her greatest legacy may not simply be the recognition she receives, but the opportunities she creates for others to be recognised.
