Adesina, Sanusi, Otti, Others to Lead African Prosperity Talks in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Former President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, are among prominent African leaders expected in Abuja on November 3 to explore practical strategies for building a prosperous, resilient and inclusive African economy.

The second edition of the Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTT) Leadership Conference will bring together influential figures from government, business, technology, finance and civil society to examine leadership choices, institutional reforms, technological innovations and investment opportunities needed to translate Africa’s enormous potential into sustainable economic prosperity.

Adesina, who is also Executive Chairman of the Global Africa Investment Summit, will deliver the keynote address, while Sanusi and Founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, will co-chair the conference.

The conference, themed “Leadership for a Prosperous Future,” is expected to address critical challenges confronting the continent, including the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, changing global power dynamics, demographic shifts and evolving economic realities.

Other prominent personalities expected include Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Dr Kanayo Awani; Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama; and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Gbenga Agboola.

A statement by the Conference Media Adviser, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, said discussions would centre on three pillars: resilience, innovation and dynamism, with participants exploring ways to strengthen African institutions, mobilise capital, improve productivity and expand economic opportunities.

A special highlight will be the conference’s focus on artificial intelligence, featuring the launch of an AI report and an AI Virtual Centre, as well as an exhibition showcasing emerging technologies and their potential to transform Africa’s development.

The organisers said the gathering would move beyond broad aspirations to identify practical actions and partnerships capable of strengthening institutions, deepening productive capacity and promoting inclusive economic growth.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by the quality of leadership and the choices its institutions and leaders make today,” the organisers said.

The conference, hosted by the Oxford Global Think Tank, founded by Ms Arunma Oteh, is slated to hold at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception.

The Oxford Global Think Tank is an independent, non-governmental and non-partisan organisation that promotes research and dialogue on development and supports public and private sector leaders in exploring policy ideas and strengthening institutions.

Adesina, Sanusi, Otti, Others to Lead African Prosperity Talks in Abuja

WYSN Demands Independent Probe into Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

By: Michael Mike

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) has called for an independent investigation into the alleged attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and members of his campaign team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The group also demanded that Governor Biodun Oyebanji publicly address allegations that government-linked individuals sponsored the attack, insisting that anyone found culpable, including alleged sponsors, must be brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Friday, WYSN condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred at a restaurant around 1 p.m., shortly after Sowore attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.

The group said armed individuals stormed the premises, assaulted Sowore and members of his team, vandalised property and injured several people.

It added that Sowore was subsequently taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical treatment.

WYSN noted that the Ekiti State Police Command had confirmed the incident and ordered an investigation, although the police reportedly disputed initial accounts of kidnapping, describing the incident as an altercation.

The organisation, however, said Sowore had rejected that account and maintained that he and members of his team were violently attacked.

It further called for a thorough investigation into Sowore’s allegations that the attackers were government-sponsored thugs who came from the Ekiti State Government House, with operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly providing tracking and operational support.

The group also called for the investigation of individuals allegedly linked to the incident, including a person identified as Don Flexy.

According to WYSN, the incident raises serious concerns about political violence, freedom of expression and the safety of opposition figures as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It warned against the use of armed groups to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent or prevent citizens from exercising their democratic rights.

“This is not simply an attack on one political candidate; it is an attack on democratic freedoms, political participation and the fundamental rights of every Nigerian,” the statement said.

The organisation cautioned against a political environment in which guns, cult groups and hired thugs replace political debate, democratic engagement and citizens’ freedom to organise.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to governors, political godfathers or their hired enforcers. No political office is worth the blood, freedom or dignity of any Nigerian,” it added.

WYSN urged the governor and relevant security agencies to provide explanations and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were established through a transparent investigation.

WYSN Demands Independent Probe into Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus, Philip Ikodor Tie the Knot in Abuja

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus and Philip Oshiomha Ikodor have tied the knot at a colourful wedding ceremony held in Abuja on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The ceremony attracted family members, friends, associates, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other distinguished guests who gathered to witness and celebrate the couple’s union.

Princess Simdiga is the daughter of the late Chief and Mrs Amna Dungus of Banjiram, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while the groom, Philip Oshiomha Ikodor, is the son of the late Pa Supol and Mrs Tec Ikodor of Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The wedding featured prayers, goodwill messages and other memorable moments as the couple exchanged marital vows, pledging their love, commitment and devotion to each other before God, their families and invited guests.

Among the notable personalities at the occasion was Dr Mohammed Sani Abubakar, Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, who was recognised for his presence and support at the celebration.

Also in attendance was Princess Ashlee Omonegho Momoh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, alongside other prominent guests who joined in celebrating the newlyweds.

Following the exchange of vows, the reception took place at the same venue, where guests celebrated with the couple amid goodwill messages and expressions of joy.

Family members and well-wishers offered prayers for the newlyweds, wishing them a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage.

The ceremony brought together relatives and friends from Adamawa and Edo states, marking a significant milestone for both families as Princess Simdiga and Philip began their journey as husband and wife.

Congratulations to Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus and Philip Oshiomha Ikodor on their wedding!

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus, Philip Ikodor Tie the Knot in Abuja