COVER
FG Relaxes Nationwide Curfew, Re-opens NYSC Orientation Camps
By Martin Paul, Abyja
The Federal Government has reviewed the nationwide curfew imposed to checkmate spread of COVID-19 in the country. The restriction will now commence from 12.00AM – 4.00AM.
National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, disclosed this during a briefing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
“I will first of all start with general movement.
We are modifying the curfew to commence from 12 midnight to 4.00AM nationwide, effective from 12:00 tonight “This does not apply to people on essential services and international travellers that might be returning from abroad”.Similarly, the Federal Government announced the reopening of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps nationwide.
“For the National Youth Service Corps, the NYSC is to consolidate on safety measures currently being put in place and start preparing for the reopening of orientation camps when educational institutions open.
“We are in the process of developing strict guidelines to ensure there is no outbreak of COVID-19 when the process starts”, he said.
A nationwide curfew was imposed on May 4, 2020 from 6.00PM- to 8.00AM. It was later reviewed from 10pm-4.00AM on June 1.
Int’l Flights Resume at Abuja, Lagos Airports
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that only Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja would be opened September 5 for international flights.
NCAA, which issued advisory to airlines in conjunction with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), stated that other airports would be informed when to re-open.
It stated this in a circular to all Aviation stakeholders and the foreign airlines flying into Nigeria..
The ‘All Operators Letter’ with reference number NCAA/AIR/11/16/225, signed by the Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu reads:
“Following the announcement by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on the partial resumption of international flights, we wish to inform the industry of the following: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, (DNMM) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA) will resume international operations effective 00.01z on 5th September 2020.
“Other international airports in the country will not be reopened immediately for international flights resumption as the NCAA circular further said.
“ Other International Airports, namely: Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (DKNN), Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa (DNPO) and the newly reopened Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu (DNEN) will remain closed to international flights until a new date is determined and announced.”
Meanwhile, NAMA, Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, while speaking about the ‘Notice To Airmen’ (NOTAM) issued to airlines said: “The NOTAM was issued immediately we received the circular from the NCAA yesterday. The NOTAM takes effect from the hour 0001 UTC on the 5th of September”.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed Martin Zarybnicky as the new General Manager. His appointment took effect on August 1st 2025.This was disclosed in a statement by the eCommerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji.
Martin brings over 30 years of global hospitality experience to the role, having held leadership positions at international hotel brands across EMEA and APAC, including tenures in Thailand, Egypt and Russia. The new role marks Martin’s return to Hilton, where he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort.Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzo Oshogwe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Zarybincky to the Transcorp Hotels family. His wealth of international experience brings fresh perspectives that will enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience we are known for.”We look forward to supporting him as he settles into his new role and to the impact his leadership will bring in driving excellence for our guests.”A seasoned hotelier, Martin has a strong track record in driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, leading major refurbishments, and repositioning hotels for long-term commercial success. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards and recognition across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.Vice President, Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, Andreas Lackner said: “Martin brings a wealth of global hospitality experience and a strong history of impactful leadership to his new role. His background across diverse markets and brands makes him an excellent fit for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and we are pleased to welcome him back to Hilton.”In his new role, Martin will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and an elevated guest experience in line with Hilton’s standards of excellence.“Nigeria remains a leading hub for inclusive growth across Africa. At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, we are committed to supporting the development of hospitality in this vibrant market. I am proud to be part of the amazing team here, and together, we are eager to continuously showcase the warmth and excellence of genuine Nigerian hospitality,” said Zarybnicky.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists, working in concert with armed herders, yesterday launched a deadly raid on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and abducting three others.The attackers, said to have crossed from neighbouring Nasarawa State, struck around 7:00AM, opening fire on villagers, who were heading to their farms.
The incident happened barely 300 yards from a security base. Enraged residents, including women and youths, blocked the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja expressway in protest, displaying the bodies of the victims and demanding stronger security measures. The protesters later marched towards the Government House in Makurdi.A youth leader, Achii Matthias, accused Fulani herders of masterminding the attack, lamenting that it occurred despite the presence of about 200 security personnel in Yelewata and surrounding areas.Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident, saying the road blockade had been cleared.The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack, stating that at about 5:00AM on the same day, gunmen suspected to be bandit herdsmen attempted to invade Udei town but were repelled by police tactical units.“At 7:00AM, security agents in Yelewata responded to gunfire from armed men approaching the town, engaging them in a shootout and forcing them to flee with injuries. Unfortunately, some villagers at the outskirts were attacked before security forces could reach them.“Three people sustained serious injuries and were taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, while three others were confirmed dead.Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, commiserated with the victims’ families and assured that efforts to combat criminality in the area would continue, urging residents to support security agencies with timely information.This attack comes less than two months after over 200 people were reportedly killed in a midnight assault on Yelewata.
By Elijah Oguche, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission for a second five-year term.This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga yesterday.
In addition to Dankaka’s reappointment, the president also appointed Mohammed Musa as the commission’s secretary and retained Kayode Oladele, a former House of Representatives member from Ogun State, as a commissioner. Oladele had served as the FCC’s acting chairman following the expiration of Dankaka’s first term in 2024.The President also renewed the appointments of Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), and Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun) for a second term as commissioners.To further strengthen the commission, Tinubu appointed 31 new commissioners, representing various states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The new appointees include Hon. Obina Oriaku (Abia), Bema Madayi (Adamawa), Obongawan Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Hon. Nnoli Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Gwana (Bauchi), Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Idisi (Delta), Nwokpor Nduka (Ebonyi), Hon. Chief Victor Edoror (Edo), Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Peter Eze (Enugu), and Ibrahim Mairiga (Gombe).Others appointees include: Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Nayya (Kano), Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger), Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo), Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba), Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Dagami (FCT).Similarly, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola as Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC).Abiola, an expert in strategic communication and government relations, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President.In addition, President Tinubu appointed Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership.Mr. Ja’oji, who had served as Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Governor of Kano State and a member of the Governing Council of Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups, is an advocate of women and youth empowerment and development.
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