General News
Transcorp Hilton Celebrates Women in Leadership on International Women’s Day
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has joined the global community in celebrating women and their contributions to leadership and development as the world marks International Women’s Day.
The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the importance of supporting, empowering, and investing in women as a pathway to stronger institutions, businesses, and societies.
In a statement signed by the Communication & Marketing Manager, Public Relations & Marketing Department, Ijeoma Cassandra Osuji, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the hotel noted that it has continued to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles across the hospitality industry.
At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the commitment is reflected in the growing number of women occupying key management positions, contributing their expertise and perspectives to the hotel’s continued growth and reputation for excellence.
“Among them are Ms. Betty Aguiyi-Ironsi, the first indigenous female Commercial Director of the hotel, and Mrs. Onyinye Ajoku, Director of Rooms, alongside other female professionals who play vital roles in the hotel’s leadership and strategic direction,” the statement added.
Their presence, according to the management, demonstrates the organisation’s deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to grow, lead, and excel within the hospitality industry.
The hotel noted that investing in women through mentorship, professional development, and recognition not only strengthens leadership but also fosters diverse perspectives and sustainable growth.
According to the management, the impact of this commitment has contributed to improved commercial performance, enhanced guest experiences, increased operational efficiency, and better engagement among team members.
“Beyond internal leadership development, the hotel also supports women through community-focused initiatives.
“One such initiative is the Business Empowerment Programme for Women, launched in 2017 under Hilton’s Travel with Purpose platform.
The programme has trained more than 60 young women, equipping them with sewing skills, business and financial management knowledge, marketing strategies, and customer service expertise to enable them to launch their own fashion businesses.”
The initiative, the hotel said, reflects its belief that empowering women with the right skills and opportunities helps communities and local economies thrive.
“As the hotel commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, it celebrates the women whose leadership, innovation, and dedication continue to drive progress within the organisation and beyond, noting that when women are empowered to succeed, everyone stands to gain,” the statement concluded.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected notorious commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Sabastine Odo Odam, alongside Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during an operation in Enugu State.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Friday in Eha-Amufu and Umuhu, communities within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, following months of intelligence gathering on their alleged activities.
According to the sources, the arrests were linked to a series of violent incidents recorded in the area between 2024 and 2026, including attacks on police facilities and killings attributed to suspected ESN operatives.
A security source said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly confessed to involvement in several attacks on police stations, during which weapons were carted away.
The source also alleged that the incidents include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers as well as attacks that led to the deaths of five policemen between December 24, 2025, and January 26, 2026, all within Isi-Uzo LGA.
The arrests, according to the source, represent a significant breakthrough for the DSS in ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in the South-East and other parts of the country.
Residents of the affected communities reportedly welcomed the development, expressing hope that the arrests would help restore peace and stability in the area.
The suspects are currently in DSS custody and are expected to be arraigned in court after the completion of investigations, the source added.
General News
Breaking: Iranian Drone Strike Hits Dubai International Airport, Flights Suspended Amid Regional War
In a dramatic escalation of the expanding Middle East conflict, an Iranian‑launched drone struck the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Saturday morning, forcing the world’s busiest international airport to temporarily suspend flight operations as authorities responded to aerial threats.
Eyewitnesses reported black smoke rising over the airport shortly after a loud explosion was heard near the terminals, with video footage circulating online appearing to show the impact of the drone close to key infrastructure.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed operations were halted “for the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew” as air defence systems engaged incoming threats. Following the disruption, some flights have now resumed, though schedules remain highly fluid.
A suspected Iranian drone hit near Dubai International Airport, triggering a temporary suspension of flights and precautionary safety measures.
Dubai’s air defence intercepted aerial threats over the city, and smoke and explosions were reported near the airport perimeter.
Officials stated there have been no confirmed casualties from the incident so far, emphasizing that operations are being restored gradually.
The strike occurs amid a broader war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has witnessed hundreds of drones and missiles launched across the Gulf in recent days. Explosions have been heard in multiple Emirates, and Gulf airports, including those in Abu Dhabi and Doha, have previously suspended operations due to similar threats.
UAE authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting national infrastructure and civilians as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
Dubai International’s temporary shutdown and ongoing aerial defence operations have sparked flight delays, cancellations, and airspace disruptions affecting global travel routes linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Officials are urging passengers to stay updated with airlines for the latest flight information and to follow safety protocols as the situation develops.
BREAKING NEWS
Unconfirmed Reports Claim Deputy Chief of Staff to Speaker, Chamberlain Dunkwu, Is Dead
Unconfirmed reports have emerged claiming that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chamberlain Dunkwu, has died suddenly, sparking shock among political associates and colleagues.
According to sources familiar with the development, Dunkwu reportedly passed away after experiencing breathing difficulties shortly after a meal. It was gathered that he had complained that he could not breathe moments before the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, or the leadership of the House of Representatives regarding the reported death.
Dunkwu, who hails from Ute-Okpu in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, is known as a notable member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has served as a key aide within the National Assembly.
Political associates described the report as shocking, noting that the aide had been active in official engagements prior to the alleged incident.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from officials at the National Assembly were ongoing at the time of this report.
More details are expected as the situation develops.