Mayor of Spokane, Lisa Brown, has signed a Proclamation, officially making October 1-7 of every year a special week to celebrate the contribution of the Nigerian American Community to the City of Spokane, Washington State, USA.
The mayor, at an event held at the City Council on Monday, 30 September, unhesitatingly applauded members of the Nigerian American Community for their contributions to the development of the city.
The Nigerian delegation, under the auspices of the Nigerian American Association of the Inland Northwest (NAAINW), was led by the President, Damian Unogu.
Speaking at the official reading of the Proclamation declaring October 1-7 as the Nigeria American Week, which will be celebrated yearly in Spokane, the Mayor urged all other stakeholders in the city to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian Community and keep contributing positively to the development of Spokane.
Mayor Lisa Brown, in the Proclamation, applauded members of the Nigerian American Community for being steadfast in their commitment to making Spokane greater in all facets of human development.
The mayor coordinated the hoisting of the Nigerian Flag at the City Council. She noted that the gesture was made in good faith, adding that it centered on giving due recognition to the Nigerian American Community in Spokane.
“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, enhancing our city with their traditions, talents, and commitment to community service and;
“Whereas the hoisting of the Nigerian Flag serves as a meaningful gesture of respect, acknowledgment, and celebration of Nigerian heritage, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and understanding among all 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 read in part.
President of the Nigerian American Community, Damian Unogu, in his short address, applauded the mayor for being friendly to all immigrant communities in Spokane.
He described the positive disposition of Lisa Brown towards immigrants as “well-thought-out and, therefore, well-appreciated.”
Unogu also declared the continued support of the Nigerian American Community to the Mayor of Spokane for her leadership of the city.
Professor Itohan Idumwonyi, who responded to the mayor’s gesture on behalf of the Nigerian Community, said the recognition was well received and appreciated.
“This vital occasion represents our deep respect for the cultural diversity that enriches our new homeland and highlights our obligation and allegiance to being an integral part of Spokane.
“The Nigerian Community is dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and heritage and empowering individuals through cultural education, collaboration and community engagement.
“We aspire to be an inclusive association that enriches the cultural terrain, empowers future generations, and bridges Nigerian heritage and American Society,” she added, while elaborating on the mission of the Association.
Professor Idomwonyi further said the association has a well-mapped-out plan to benefit society and enhance peaceful coexistence with all other communities within Spokane.
For the association’s strategic plan, she said: “Over the next five years, the NAAINW will reinforce programs that enhance cultural education, foster economic opportunities and strengthen community ties.
“For example, over the 2024 Summer, we focused on the next generation of teenage members to become a thriving community.
“We intentionally organized the cultural education to focus on building connections through our cultural cuisine. Our next focus is on reinforcing the languages.”
