COVER
FCT Area Councils, Stakeholders Share N3,041,969,760.37Bn Allocation
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and other stakeholders have received the sum of N3,041,969,760.37billion as share of statutory allocation for the month of February, 2023.
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the FCT Minister of State, who presided over the 176th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting, commended members for their attendance and contributions towards the upliftment of the area council’s administration.
She also used the occasion to task the chairmen of the councils to be prudent in the management of council funds.
However, a breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicates that the sum of N723,451,651,38million was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,318,518,108.
99billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N3,041,969,760.37billion.Similarly, distributions to the six area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N157, 079,223.74million, while Gwagwalada got N115, 463,859.92million and Kuje received N142, 480,237.79million.
Other area councils include, Bwari Area Council which received N102,295,291.64million, Abaji got N102,288,808.21million while Kwali received N103,844,230.08million, bringing the total sum to N723,451,651.38million disbursed to the six area councils.
On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders include: Primary School Teachers which gulped N1,953,770,016.19billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57million, One percent Training Fund gulped N30,419,697.60million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,328,518,108.99billion.
Those present at the 176th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting include the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, Director Human Resource Management, Alh. Mohammed Bashir, Secretary Area Council Services, Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, and FCT representative in Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mallam Abubakar Hussain.
Others include the chairman Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Sabo, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zaka, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Councils, Hon. Abubakar Giri, amongst others.
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.
Call for National Youth Career Development Initiative
ShareBy Blessing Adeoti Nigerian youths are intelligent and hardworking, but very few have a solid career development plan. It doesn’t...
A Tale of Two Reforms: Why Nigeria Must Not Blink
ShareBy O’tega ‘The Tiger’ Ogra Economic reform is never painless. Every nation that has had to correct profound distortions has...
Adamawa Health Supply Management Agency Revolutionizes Drug Procurement
ShareFrom Yagana Ali, Yola The Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency has introduced sweeping reforms in the state’s healthcare delivery...
AFRO Awards 2025: Film Director Lauds Philanthropists, Organizations on Humanitarian Services
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja A US based Film Director, Taiwo Oduala has commended the unprecedented achievements and humanitarian services being...
Kogi Monarch Hails Ododo’s Leadership Style, Promises Peace Maintenance
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin in Ijumu Local Government Area...
FUL Vows to Clampdown on Perpetrators of Sexual Exploitation
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has intensified its campaign to eradicate all forms of sexual exploitation,...
PC-NCG Seeks Coastal States’ Backing for Accelerated Passage of Coast Guard Establishment Bill
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG),...
2027: Niger Delta ‘ll Support Only Tinubu, Says PAP Boss
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro has declared that the Niger Delta...
KACRAN Flags off Nationwide Herders Voter Registration Sensitization Campaign in Yobe
ShareFrom Muhammad Gambo, Damaturu In a move to ensure that pastoralists exercise their franchise in the upcoming National Elections, a...
Kano APC Chieftain Advises Kwankwaso to Apologize to Ganduje
ShareFrom Aliyu Askira, Kano An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Alhaji Faizu Alfindiki has advised Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish