Today’s Headlines:Fasoranti, One of Awolowo’s Last Great Titans—Tinubu;FG Confirms Ebola Case in FCT

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100, describing him as one of the last great figures in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive movement. He praised Fasoranti’s contributions as an educationist, public servant, politician and advocate of democracy, noting his commitment to integrity, social justice, true federalism and Nigeria’s unity.

Tinubu recalled Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere and his contributions to the struggle for democracy, saying the country would miss his wisdom and guidance. He also remembered visiting the late elder statesman in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his presidential ambition, when Fasoranti prayed for his success. The President extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Ondo State Government and the Yoruba community, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

The Federal Government has confirmed one case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the case was laboratory-confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and the patient is currently isolated and receiving treatment at a private hospital. Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far.

The government, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and FCT health authorities, has intensified surveillance and infection prevention measures to contain the disease. Nigerians have been urged to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases and report symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea to public health authorities. The NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free line is 6232 for information and suspected case reporting.

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ruled out an alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that any opposition coalition should be formed among opposition parties. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction rejected calls for PDP members to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, describing such moves as a threat to electoral democracy that could lead Nigeria towards an “electoral monarchy.”

The faction’s position contrasts with that of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who has urged PDP members to support Tinubu’s re-election. The Turaki-led group accused those promoting the arrangement of working for the ruling party and urged its members to remain committed while awaiting the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the party’s leadership dispute. It also warned Nigerians against political arrangements it said could undermine opposition politics and democratic competition.

The Lagos State Government has warned construction companies against placing building materials on roads and drainage channels, threatening to shut down and fine offenders. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government would continue removing illegal structures built on rights of way and prosecuting environmental offenders to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

During an inspection of ongoing projects in Lagos Island and Ajah, Wahab said the government was strengthening waste management infrastructure through new trucks, material recovery facilities and transfer loading stations. He also directed officials to intensify preparations for the next rainy season, following complaints about flooding in Victoria Garden City, Ajah, and appealed to residents to be patient during the phased rehabilitation of the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

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