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

Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Türkiye have pledged to deepen bilateral relations across trade, investment, defence, education and other strategic sectors following the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara in January 2026.

The Federal Government reaffirmed the commitment in a statement congratulating the Turkish government and people on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, celebrated on October 29.

Nigeria said the agreements signed during Tinubu’s visit had strengthened the foundation for expanded cooperation between the two countries in areas including trade and investment, education, diaspora policy, military cooperation, media and communication, and diplomatic training.

The government also identified manufacturing, construction, textiles and solid minerals as sectors offering opportunities for stronger economic partnerships between both countries.

It said Nigeria remained committed to sustaining high-level engagements and using institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, to consolidate existing partnerships, explore new areas of cooperation and promote mutually beneficial economic opportunities.

The Federal Government also welcomed progress in defence cooperation, particularly in local capacity building, technology transfer and institutional collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.

According to the government, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening defence capabilities and addressing common security challenges.

Nigeria further noted that both countries continued to cooperate at the multilateral level on international peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.

The congratulatory message coincided with a Republic Day reception in Nigeria, where the Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Poroy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria and other African countries.

The diplomat recalled that Türkiye established its consulate general in Lagos in April 1959, before the two countries elevated their relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, barely a month after Nigeria gained independence.

“Since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation,” he said.

He said Türkiye’s foreign relations were guided by the principle of peace at home and peace in the world, associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

The diplomat also recalled Türkiye’s strategic partnership with the African Union, established in 2008, as part of its engagement with the continent.

In a video message played at the reception, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed pride in the country’s 103-year republican history and congratulated Turkish citizens at home and abroad on the anniversary.

Erdoğan highlighted developments in Türkiye over the past 24 years in areas including defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy, describing the courage and determination demonstrated during the country’s struggle for independence as a continuing source of national motivation.

The Ambassador also announced an exhibition of paintings by his wife, Ayşegül Poroy, an associate professor of fine arts.

The exhibition is scheduled to hold at the Alçöyün Gallery of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from November 3 to 20, with the opening ceremony slated for November 3 at 5 p.m.

Nigeria, in its congratulatory message, wished the government and people of Türkiye continued peace, stability, progress and prosperity, while expressing its readiness to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives and mutual prosperity.

Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit