News
Spokane Mayor Signs Proclamation Celebrating Nigerian American Week
• 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.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
-
Politics5 days agoOyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics4 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
