New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The new Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada (alias Basco), has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, CON, CFR, for honoring him with the traditional title of Girema 1 of Fika.

Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada expressed his appreciation while answering questions from the newsmen shortly after presenting him the letter of appointment at his residence on Masco Street, Potiskum. 

“I feel highly honored; I am overwhelmed. The honor dishonored on me by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa CON, CFR, is unpalatable. Adding that, there is something special, I think he must find in me for him to have dishonored me with such a great title as Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council,” Dada said.

Alhaji Dada revealed that I will remain indebted and grateful to His Royal Highness for this honor done to me and our family entirely. He urged all of us to embrace one another and work hand in hand with all brothers because collectively we can build a better society for a better tomorrow devoid of other verses.

He calls on the entire people of Yobe South, even Yobe State at large, to come together on a common course; anything that was doing, let him do it well. The title of a Girema is a reverend title, a highly reverend title under the Kilishi of Tinja Fuya, down to the level of Barde, but actually I need to go deep for me to elaborate.

“There are two categories, the bigger one, Girema Gana and Girema Siri, and there is one Girema Gana so far. For me to have the honor of this kind of procedure title is actually worthy of reaction and worthy of commendation. I am highly honored,” he added.

Dada maintained that actually being a politician determined being a traditional titleholder because they work together hand in hand. The general purpose of working in every aspect of life is for the common good of the society. What do you bring to the table? What do you bring to the society? What do you bring to the populace? So virtually there are intermoving Siamese twins working together along the single course.

“I will remain ever grateful to the entire people of Potiskum and its environs for the dishonored disownment of me. Actually, you cannot comprehend the moment when the crowd that came from all works of life was in my honor. This is worthy of commendation. I feel highly indebted to the entire society and am looking forward to doing more within my reach for the betterment of our society at large.

New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.

Passenger Abducted in Katsina-Ala–Takum Boundary Attack in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men have abducted a passenger from a commercial vehicle along the Katsina-Ala–Takum road, Benue State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, when the Toyota Carina II, with registration number KLD 108 AA, was heading to Katsina-Ala from Takum, Taraba State, with seven passengers onboard.

At Tsede Village, which lies on the boundary between Katsina-Ala and Takum, the gunmen blocked the road, robbed the occupants, and whisked away one passenger later identified as NYSC member Saadu Dauda from Zamfara State.

His identity was confirmed through a corps member ID card found in his bag left in the vehicle.

Security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to track the assailants and rescue the victim.
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Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager

By: Michael Mike

The Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed Mr. Martin Zarybnicky, as the new General Manager. His appointment took effect on August 1st 2025.

This was disclosed in a statement made available at the weekend by the eCommerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji.

According to the statement, 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 latest development, thr Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. 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.

Andreas Lackner, Vice President, Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, 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.

Located in Abuja’s commercial district, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a 668-room iconic property that has welcomed guests since 1987. As one of the largest hotels in sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a national landmark, which is owned by Transcorp Hotels Plc and managed by Hilton under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager