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Spokane Mayor Signs Proclamation Celebrating Nigerian American Week

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Damien Unogu (left) President, Nigerian American Association of the Inland Northwest (NAAINW) receiving a copy of the Proclamation of Nigerian American Week from the Mayor of Spokane, Washington State, Lisa Brown.

 

lauds commitment of Nigerian community to City uplifting

 

In a historic move, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown signed a Proclamation on Monday, September 30, officially designating October 1-7 as Nigerian American Week. The special week will be celebrated annually to recognize the invaluable contributions of the Nigerian American community to the city’s development.

The signing ceremony took place at the Spokane City Council, where Mayor Brown commended the Nigerian American community for their dedication to the city. She praised their unwavering commitment to enhancing Spokane’s growth and urged other communities to follow suit in contributing positively to the city’s progress.

The event was attended by a Nigerian delegation led by Damian Unogu, President of the Nigerian American Association of the Inland Northwest (NAAINW). Mayor Brown, during the official reading of the Proclamation, acknowledged the cultural richness and economic contributions of the Nigerian American community.

“Whereas the City of Spokane values the rich cultural diversity that contributes to our community’s strength and unity, and whereas the Nigerian community in Spokane has made significant contributions to our social, economic, and cultural landscape,” the Proclamation read.

Mayor Brown also emphasized the significance of the Nigerian flag hoisting at the City Council, a gesture made in honor of the Nigerian American community. The symbolic act represents Spokane’s recognition of the community’s positive impact on the city and fosters inclusivity among residents.

“Now, therefore, I, Lisa Brown, Mayor of the City of Spokane, on behalf of the people of Spokane, do hereby proclaim October 1-7, 2024, as Nigerian American Week,” the Proclamation concluded.

Damian Unogu, in his remarks, thanked the mayor for her inclusive leadership and dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for immigrants. He pledged the continued support of the Nigerian American community for Mayor Brown’s administration.

“The Nigerian American community is grateful for the recognition and the warm reception from the city. We stand ready to continue supporting Spokane’s development,” Unogu stated.

Prof. Itohan Idumwonyi, representing the Nigerian community, also expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, stating, “This occasion highlights our deep respect for the cultural diversity that enriches our new homeland. We are committed to fostering cultural understanding, education, and community engagement.”

Idumwonyi outlined the association’s mission to strengthen cultural ties between Nigerian heritage and American society, noting that NAAINW has plans to promote cultural education, economic opportunities, and community collaboration over the next five years. She mentioned the focus on empowering the next generation through initiatives like cultural cuisine education and language reinforcement.

 

 

 

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Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud

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Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.

According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.

Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.

The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.

If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.

As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

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IGP Inaugurates State Police Committee, Gives Four-Week Deadline

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State policing has been on the frontburner in Nigeria in recent years. Photo: X@PoliceNG

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.

The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.

“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.

He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.

“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.

The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.

It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.

The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.

Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.

The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.

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Tinubu swears in Disu as IGP, inaugurates RMAFC, FCSC commissioners

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.

Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).

The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.

He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.

A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.

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