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The Federal Government has activated emergency response mechanisms to contain the spread of the Ebola virus.

It assured Nigerians that the country possesses the technical expertise surveillance infrastructure and medical facilities required to prevent its spread.

The government urged citizens to remain calm and comply with public health directives.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila spoke after an emergency meeting of the task force at the State House Abuja.

He said the infected traveller a woman who arrived in Abuja without exhibiting symptoms developed signs of the disease four days after her arrival but was identified through surveillance and screening protocols already established by the government.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga Gbajabiamila said the detection of the index case on Tuesday demonstrated the effectiveness of preventive measures introduced following the inauguration of the task force in June.

According to him approximately 44000 flights had operated into and out of Nigeria since June with relevant health and border control agencies maintaining surveillance to detect potential threats.

‘It’s very important to note this. Since the issue of Ebola came up in June there have been about 44000 flights in and out of Nigeria. So it’s because of what the Ministry of Health the task force and all the agencies have been doing. All hands have been on deck’ he said.

Explaining how the patient was identified Gbajabiamila said: ‘The passenger with the disease showed no symptoms which came four days after the woman got into Abuja and it was the identification process and the protocols that were put in place that enabled the quick identification.

‘That also speaks of the country’s capacity and ability to deal with this disease as best as we can.’

The Chief of Staff said the government would review existing containment measures strengthen areas requiring improvement and ensure stricter enforcement of established health protocols.

He stressed that the response required cooperation between government institutions and the public warning that panic and non-compliance could undermine ongoing efforts.

‘The Task Force is on top of it. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is on top of it; everyone is on deck. We must build community trust and avoid panic but it’s also important to state clearly that this is a collaborative effort between the government and the people’ he said.

Gbajabiamila appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities and comply with all directives issued to protect public health.

The emergency meeting was attended by key officials responsible for border security aviation healthcare delivery and disease surveillance.

Among them were the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service Kemi Nandap; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Bunmi Kuku; World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Pavel Ursu; and Special Regional Representative to the Director-General of Africa CDC Dr. Aliko Ahmed.

Others were Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations and Secretary of the Task Force Oyinade Nathan-Marsh; Public Health Executive Niniola Williams; Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory Dr. Dolapo Fasawe; and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the State House Medical Centre Dr. Victoria Ogala.

Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole; Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi; and Director of Operations Licensing and Training Standards at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Donald Spiff participated virtually.

Pate: no need for hysteria

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said the government was collaborating with Uganda and had activated the necessary containment measures following the confirmation of Nigeria’s first Ebola case in more than a decade.

He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to manage the situation citing Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the capacity of its public health institutions.

Pate said: ‘We have been conducting contact tracing diligently and isolating those contacts of the index imported case in this country.

‘We will continue to do that and we want to reassure Nigerians that the Federal Government alongside its technical partners the World Health Organisation the Africa Centre for Disease Control and our own NCDC have activated the incident management system across the various pillars.’

The minister said hospitals and other medical facilities had been placed on alert to ensure the country could respond effectively to additional suspected cases.

‘They are working day and night diligently and our hospital capabilities are also activated such that we can aim to contain this case as has been the case in other countries but we will not relent.

Pate noted that most states already had emergency response plans while the Federal Government was mobilising additional resources to strengthen preparedness and containment capabilities nationwide.

‘We have the resources and we’re mobilising those capabilities. And we’re also confident that if we continue on this path we should be able to dent this outbreak’ he stated.

The minister cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified information about the disease warning that rumours and false reports could generate unnecessary fear and complicate the government’s response.

He said the country was drawing on the experience of public health professionals who successfully tackled the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and subsequently assisted other countries in managing similar emergencies.

‘The key also for the population is to avoid spreading misinformation or baseless rumours which can cause unnecessary panic.

‘The Task Force leadership has met. WHO and AfricaCDC are working closely with the team’ he said.

Patient developed multiple organ failure

An NCDC official reportedly said that the patient identified as a diplomat had developed multiple organ failure.

Director of Public Health Laboratory Services Olajumoke Babatunde was quoted as saying that three rounds of molecular tests confirmed that the infection was caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease.

The patient with a recent travel history to East Africa was confirmed positive on Tuesday and placed in isolation at a private health facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Pate in a television programme said the patient has received appropriate medical care adding: ‘We are fortunate she is stable at this moment but anything can change at any moment.’

According to WHO her symptoms began on October 7 and she sought medical attention on October 11.

Health authorities have identified 44 contacts for monitoring including people who may have been exposed to the patient while investigations continue to establish the source of infection and identify additional contacts.

46 contacts placed

on no-fly list

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo (SAN) directed aviation authorities to place 46 people linked to the country’s first confirmed Ebola case in a decade on a no-fly list for at least 21 days while ordering heightened surveillance protocols at all international airports.

In a statement posted on X Keyamo said he held a virtual meeting with Pat to discuss the situation.

He said Pate shared a list of 44 individuals who came into contact with the affected patient at the hospital after she developed symptoms plus two members of her domestic staff.

‘Whilst efforts are ongoing to isolate them for now until there is certainty they had not been infected with the virus the Aviation authorities are required to put them on a no-fly list for at least 21 days (which is the period that the symptoms are normally expected to manifest)’ Keyamo stated.

He directed the NCAA to immediately inform all local and international airlines of the restriction.

Keyamo also instructed FAAN to intensify Ebola response and surveillance measures across the country’s international airports.

Existing FAAN protocols already include enhanced health screenings temperature checks travel history tracking digital health declarations and close coordination with the NCDC following earlier regional outbreak alerts.

Senate Reps demand emergency funds

The National Assembly called for urgent emergency funding and heightened surveillance to prevent the infection from spreading.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to release funds through the Service-Wide Vote to strengthen screening surveillance and containment.

It warned against delays pending the 2027 budget.

The call followed a motion sponsored by Senator Francis Ade Faduyile (APC Ondo South) who proposed mandatory health declaration forms temperature checks and symptom screening for international arrivals.

He also called for enhanced screening of travellers who had visited or transited through affected areas within 21 days alongside trained port health officers protective equipment thermal scanners and isolation facilities.

Senator Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central) said the government should not wait for the next budget cycle to equip the NCDC and Port Health Services.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern over reported lapses in screening at the country’s entry points. He said screening should cover all international arrivals not only travellers coming directly from countries reporting infections because passengers could transit through other countries.

The Senate also urged its Committee on Judiciary to engage relevant health authorities on amendments to the Quarantine Act of 1926.

The House of Representatives acting on a motion sponsored by Amobi Ogah (LP Abia) called for the mobilisation of federal state and private health agencies and the release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant institutions.

It mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to obtain updates on the outbreak and assess the country’s preparedness for further legislative action.

WHO Africa CDC urge vigilance

WHO advised against restrictions on travel to or trade with affected countries saying it would continue monitoring measures introduced in response to the outbreak.

The organisation said it was supporting Nigerian health authorities with case investigations contact tracing infection prevention and control and essential supplies including personal protective equipment for health workers.

It also urged countries in the region to maintain strong surveillance ensure laboratory readiness and keep rapid-response and clinical teams prepared for immediate deployment.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called for greater international solidarity to contain the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak.

The co-Chair of the Directorate of Women Mobilisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Dr. Betta Edu has declared that Nigeria has moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term will usher in an era of prosperity for Nigerians.

Edu who expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 said the country was already at the threshold of economic prosperity following the reforms undertaken by the President’s administration.

She spoke in Kaduna on Thursday leading a delegation of the PCC Women Mobilisation Directorate on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe who chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the APC presidential campaign flag-off in the state.

According to her Nigerians have endured the challenging phase of the administration’s economic reforms and are now positioned to reap their benefits under Tinubu’s renewed mandate.

‘We have gone through the reform phase already. Now it is time for prosperity. We are already at the gate of prosperity once President Tinubu is re-elected’ Edu declared.

The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said the Women Mobilisation Directorate is targeting about 40 million votes for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 presidential election.

She explained that achieving the ambitious target would require sustained grassroots mobilisation particularly among women rather than merely assembling large crowds at political rallies.

‘Our plan as the PCC mobilisation directorate is to mobilise at least close to 40 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And we cannot do this without getting down to the grassroots’ she said.

Edu stressed that the directorate would adopt a people-oriented campaign strategy that involves direct engagement with women in markets communities and households to understand their challenges and communicate the administration’s achievements.

‘We want to engage with women. We want to understand their challenges. We want to find out how best we can get to the grassroots’ she added.

She urged women leaders and APC supporters in Kaduna State to intensify their mobilisation efforts through peaceful engagement persuasion and door-to-door campaigns warning against intimidation or any form of coercion.

The PCC official also commended Governor Uba Sani for what she described as remarkable strides in infrastructure development and social service delivery particularly in road construction public transport and the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities across Kaduna State.

Edu also praised the Deputy Governor Dr. Balarabe for breaking political barriers as the first elected female deputy governor in Northwest Nigeria describing her emergence as a significant milestone in women’s political participation and leadership.

In response Balarabe assured the delegation that the Kaduna State Government and the LOC were working tirelessly to ensure a successful presidential campaign flag-off noting that they had already held several planning and coordination meetings.

The deputy governor said Kaduna’s strategic position as Northern Nigeria’s political capital placed an enormous responsibility on the state to demonstrate its organisational strength and capacity to host a successful campaign event.

‘We try as much as possible to take any assignment given to us seriously’ she said urging members of the PCC Women Mobilisation Directorate to work closely with the LOC and other stakeholders to ensure the rally’s success.

Balarabe also challenged women leaders to sustain their mobilisation activities beyond the presidential campaign flag-off stressing that the ultimate objective was to translate political support into actual votes during the 2027 elections.

‘Our work as women is to tell all women to be on our side’ she said urging the directorate to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s achievements directly to women at the grassroots.

She expressed confidence that women across Kaduna State and the country could play a decisive role in securing victory for Tinubu and Shettima if they remained united focused and committed to the mobilisation drive.

The PCC delegation’s visit was part of preparations for the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna as the Women Mobilisation Directorate intensifies efforts to build grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for establishing specialised autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones expanding access to diagnosis treatment and research.

TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Thursday saying the proposed centres would be in selected university medical schools.

He said the initiative would build on TETFund’s Special High Impact Intervention for medical schools and provide early diagnosis treatment rehabilitation research and professional training while supporting families and caregivers.

Echono said the committee was considering the centres for funding under the proposed 2027 TETFund Special Intervention subject to the committee’s recommendations available resources and necessary approvals.

He urged members to identify suitable host institutions based on geographical spread existing facilities workforce capacity and sustainability with realistic cost estimates and implementation plans.

The committee’s chairperson and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences Ondo Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe said the initiative would address delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialised autism care.

Adejuyigbe identified early intervention research professional training community inclusion and sustainability as key priorities stressing the need for a multidisciplinary workforce that includes paediatricians psychologists speech and language therapists occupational therapists and special educators.

She also called for collaboration with schools primary healthcare facilities parents’ associations and families to promote early identification and reduce stigma.

The paediatrician warned that long-term financing equipment maintenance and monitoring must be built into the centres’ plans.

‘Our success must not be measured merely by the number of centres established but by the number of individuals and families whose lives are positively transformed’ she said.

The committee is expected to recommend host institutions develop operational standards and cost estimates and propose implementation schedules and a monitoring framework.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has told an Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri that 11 suspects were involved in the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Mgbidi-Owerri Road on October 1 2026.

A DSS investigation officer Ikemefuna Emmanuel disclosed this on Thursday while testifying before Justice Emeka Orafu.

Emmanuel said three suspects Mohammed Ali Usman Aliyu and Babandiga Aliyu had been arraigned over the incident while eight other alleged members of the gang remained at large.

He told the court that the prospective corps members were travelling in two buses operated by the Akwa Ibom Transport Company to their orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states when they were attacked at about 6.30 am.

According to the investigator the buses departed Ibadan on September 30 stopped at Ubaa in Anambra State and resumed their journey in the early hours of October 1.

He said armed men wielding AK-47 rifles allegedly intercepted the vehicles seized the passengers and took them into the bush.

Emmanuel said security agencies including the DSS police and military deployed personnel technical resources and intelligence-gathering measures to secure the victims’ release.

He added that investigations continued after the victims were released about a week later following ransom payments.

The DSS officer said the investigation involved intelligence gathering interviews and statements obtained under caution from suspects victims witnesses and bus drivers as well as the analysis of mobile phone data.

He told the court that the three defendants were arrested between October 10 and 14 in Rivers and Abia states where some suspects and alleged collaborators had reportedly fled.

Emmanuel further said the victims identified the defendants during an identification parade.

He also told the court that a motorcycle operator identified as Timothy identified Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu as persons allegedly present and armed with AK-47 rifles during a ransom exchange.

A bus driver Sunday Odoh reportedly identified Usman Aliyu as the man who approached his bus with a rifle during the attack.

The investigator said the drivers escaped abduction by abandoning the vehicles and taking cover.

He named Esther Olaide Mary Makinde and Abdul Simi Sarah as three victims who identified the suspects. According to him they also provided descriptions of other alleged gang members still at large including a suspect identified as Mohammed Ali also known as Small Pepper.

The testimony forms part of the proceedings against the three defendants over the alleged abduction of the prospective corps members.

Emmanuel added that Usman Aliyu admitted participating in the kidnapping in a confessional statement while the defendants’ statements reportedly indicated that 11 people took part in the operation. He said the statements were obtained under caution in the presence of legal counsel and senior DSS officers.

In a separate case suit number HOW/23C/2026 Emmanuel testified that Tange Ibrahim alias Jiji and Usman Haliru were arrested in Port Harcourt Rivers State on October 9 over the alleged kidnapping of Winner Ogidi Timothy Opara Ogechi Henriett Obinna and another person. He said the victims were abducted on October 4 along Umuwaka Road in Mbaitoli Local Government Area held in Ndegwu Forest and released on October 9.

Justice Orafu adjourned the cases to October 27 2026 for further hearing.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited Aliko Dangote has unveiled plans to establish an extensive petroleum distribution network across Africa through strategic investments in pipelines storage facilities and supply corridors.

He urged African governments to adopt policies that protect domestic industries and accelerate industrialisation.

Dangote said the Group was aggressively expanding its petroleum logistics and distribution infrastructure across East Central and Southern Africa as part of efforts to strengthen energy security improve access to refined products and eliminate longstanding supply bottlenecks across the continent.

Speaking during a wide-ranging interview with Financial Times journalist David Pilling the industrialist said the group acquired a 25 per cent stake in a petroleum products pipeline network in Kenya and is pursuing additional infrastructure projects connecting Djibouti and Ethiopia alongside investments in Cameroon and Namibia.

According to him Africa’s aspiration for economic transformation will remain difficult to achieve without significant investments in infrastructure combined with industrial policies that promote local manufacturing preserve productive capacity and create sustainable employment opportunities.

‘Allowing imports to displace local production means we are exporting our jobs out of the continent and importing poverty into the continent’ Dangote said.

Dangote explained that the expansion forms part of a broader strategy to develop an interconnected African energy supply system capable of linking major refining centres with underserved markets that have historically depended on imported petroleum products and fragmented distribution channels.

‘We are very aggressive with that’ he said in response to questions about the Group’s plans for petroleum depots pipelines and logistics infrastructure.

He revealed that the acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Kenya’s petroleum pipeline network was achieved with the support of the Kenyan government and would significantly enhance the movement of refined petroleum products within the East African region.

‘Just let me tell you yesterday with the support from the President of Kenya we bought 25 per cent of the pipeline network for the distribution of petroleum products’ Dangote disclosed.

The Group is also developing a major petroleum distribution corridor linking Djibouti and Addis Ababa complete with storage terminals and tank farms designed to facilitate the efficient transportation and storage of refined products.

He added that another strategic project in Cameroon is nearing completion while Namibia has been identified as a critical hub in the Group’s plan to penetrate Southern African markets.

Dangote described Namibia as a particularly attractive location because of its strategic proximity to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

‘From our refinery to Namibia is just about four days of steaming’ he noted.

According to him refined products from the Lagos refinery will be transported to Namibia and distributed across interconnected markets including Botswana and South Africa.

The Group is also examining other supply corridors extending into Zimbabwe and Zambia as part of its broader objective of developing a continental network supported by strategically located storage and transportation infrastructure.

The petroleum distribution expansion complements plans to establish another refinery in Lamu Kenya with a projected refining capacity of approximately 700000 barrels per day.

Dangote noted that East Africa’s growing economies vibrant mining sector and increasing energy demand make the region an attractive destination for refining investments.

He explained that the proposed refinery would source crude oil from multiple markets rather than depend exclusively on supplies from Kenya or Uganda ensuring greater flexibility and long-term operational sustainability.

According to him technical assessments identified Lamu as the preferred location because of its deep-water access marine infrastructure and availability of critical resources required for large-scale refining operations.

Dangote revealed that the investment decision was concluded within four months although he alleged that vested commercial interests attempted to delay the project through legal proceedings shortly before its public announcement.

Beyond energy infrastructure Dangote strongly advocated policies aimed at protecting domestic industries from unfair competition arguing that industrialisation cannot thrive if emerging African manufacturers are exposed to unrestricted imports from more established economies.

He questioned why African countries should be discouraged from supporting local industries when developed economies increasingly deploy similar measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing and employment.

Drawing parallels with recent developments in major global economies he argued that industrial protection remains a legitimate and widely accepted economic strategy.

‘If America is now saying no we are going to protect our industries who are we in Africa not to protect our own industries?’ he asked.

Dangote also disclosed that the Group has earmarked approximately $50 billion for investments between 2026 and 2030 describing the programme as part of a broader mission to demonstrate that African businesses can successfully execute transformative industrial projects at scale.

‘The legacy we are trying to set up is how do we industrialise our continent?’ he said.

According to him the investment programme is designed not only to expand the Group’s operations but also to inspire other African entrepreneurs and investors to pursue ambitious industrial ventures capable of reshaping the continent’s economic future.

Looking beyond the energy sector Dangote identified inadequate power supply weak financial systems and underdeveloped industrial policies as major challenges constraining Africa’s economic growth.

He described electricity as a fundamental requirement for industrialisation particularly in manufacturing mining and mineral processing where reliable power is essential for value addition.

With an estimated 650 million Africans still lacking access to electricity he stressed that addressing the continent’s energy deficit would unlock significant opportunities for job creation industrial development and economic diversification.

Questioning why a continent blessed with abundant natural resources vast arable land and a young population continues to grapple with poverty Dangote insisted that Africa possesses all the ingredients necessary to become a major industrial powerhouse.

Expressing optimism about the continent’s trajectory he maintained that Africa’s industrial awakening has already begun.

‘The journey has started’ Dangote declared. ‘But now we’re awake and we will make it happen.’

More tributes poured in yesterday for the Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti who passed on in Akure Ondo State capital on Tuesday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima Senate President Godswill Akpabio Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23) and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi lauded his contributions to nation-building democracy and development.

Vice President Shettima said with Fasoranti’s demise the country has lost a century of wisdom principled leadership and invaluable political experience that shape its democratic evolution.

Shettima said the passing of the revered Yoruba leader marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the nation’s political history noting that his century-long life embodied the struggles sacrifices and aspirations of successive generations of Nigerians.

The Vice President in a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications Stanley Nkwocha said Fasoranti belonged to a generation of leaders who regarded public service not merely as an opportunity to occupy political office but as a lifelong obligation to society.

He described the late patriarch as a custodian of political memory whose contributions to education democratic governance and progressive politics transcended ethnic and regional boundaries.

He was very patriotic says Akpabio

Akpabio described the passing of Fasoranti as a profound loss to his family the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole noting that the deceased belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians whose lives were defined by service conviction and an abiding commitment to the common good.

He said Fasoranti’s life of a century was a remarkable testament to the enduring values of integrity courage selflessness and devotion to public service.

‘As a prominent voice in Nigeria’s socio-political development and a respected leader of Afenifere he made lasting contributions to political discourse democratic governance and the pursuit of justice’ Akpabio said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja.

The Senate President said the late elder statesman’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries serving as a reminder that principled leadership constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals remain indispensable to national progress.

He added: ‘Pa Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction.

Conscience of Yoruba gone says Makinde

Makinde described the deceased as a towering conscience of the Yoruba nation whose century long life radiated wisdom courage and unwavering moral clarity.

The governor said: ‘For many decades Pa Fasoranti stood at the intersection of conscience and public duty shaping the moral architecture of our politics and offering guidance that transcended generations. His transition is a historic loss for our people.

‘His passing is not just the departure of an elder statesman; it is the dimming of a light that guided our people through decades of political turbulence cultural evolution and national transformation.

‘Pa Fasoranti spent many of his 100 years shaping minds strengthening institutions and reminding us of the values that define us as Yoruba. We will greatly miss him and his insights.’

He added:’His wisdom humility and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause enriched every corner of our region.

Obasanjo: He served his generation

Obasanjo in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Akinyemi described Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.

He said Fasoranti anchored public service on character sacrifice and integrity describing his life as a masterclass in purposeful longevity and leadership without blemish.

Obasanjo added: ‘Baba’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era. As an educationist Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people.’

He recalled Fasoranti’s role as a principal in historic institutions and as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) which he said remained a reference point for fiscal discipline and transparency.

SWAGA: He was custodian of progressive ideals

SWAGA described the deceased as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history and a champion of democracy.

SWAGA Chairman Senator Dayo Adeyeye said Fasoranti’s death at the age of 100 was a loss to the Yoruba race and the country adding that he was a committed disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He said Fasoranti stood firmly for truth and justice during difficult periods in Nigeria’s history noting that his life was marked by sacrifice integrity and selfless service.

He said the deceased played significant roles in the Action Group )AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) while championing the cause of true federalism good governance social justice and national unity.

Oshun: Last of colossus gone home

ARG leader Olawale Oshun Third Republic House of Representatives Chief Whip described Fasoranti as the last of colossus who had stepped on.

He said: ‘He was a great teacher a great leader; always clear in his mind on what he wanted. He was a complete gentleman. He was lucky to turn 100 in good health. He achieved a lot. It will be difficult to replace him.’

Oshun who reflected on the challenge of succession in the group added:’Let’s unify the group first. All the structures should come together.’

Ojelabi: He was a pillar of wisdom integrity

Ojelabi described the death of the revered statesman as a monumental loss to Yorubaland the progressive family and Nigeria as a whole noting that he lived a remarkable life defined by integrity discipline selfless service and an enduring commitment to good governance.

He said Fasoranti belonged to a distinguished generation of leaders whose convictions and sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey and progressive political tradition.

Ojelabi said the late Afenifere leader was a respected voice of wisdom and conscience whose dedication to justice social development and the welfare of the Yoruba people earned him admiration across political and ideological divides.

Afenifere: We lost a

father

Afenifere the pan-Yoruba group lamented the demise of the humanist philanthropist an exemplary leader a genuine patriot. a Yoruba leader and an icon who was a model of courage even very heart-rending circumstances.

It’s Publicity Secretary Jared Ajayi said: ‘Like Chief Obafemi Awolowo Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya Fasoranti throughout his life believed that public offices were meant to serve the best interest of the people.

‘He was a democrat par excellence and participated actively in efforts to restore civil rule in Nigeria on the occasions that the military had made incursions into the political terrain of the country. He was very active in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that was in the forefront of restoring the June 12 1993 presidential election of Chief M.K.O. Abiola.’

Tunji-Ojo pays tribute

Paying tribute Tunji-Ojo in a statement he personally signed described the deceased as a true leader and enduring symbol of democracy.

He said: ‘In him Nigeria has lost a true leader and an enduring symbol of our democratic journey.’

The minister said Fasoranti’s century of existence was anchored on selfless service; a life that stands as a testament to principled leadership.

He described him as ‘a lifelong disciple of the sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a longstanding leader of Afenifere who stood firm for justice true federalism and the dignity of the Yoruba people while remaining a steadfast voice for national unity and democratic values.’

Fayemi mourns former school principal

Fayemi expressed grief describing the deceased as ”our father my school principal under whose influence I grew and elder statesman whose service wisdom and principled leadership left an enduring mark on the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.”

He said the passing represented a significant loss to the Yoruba people the progressive political tradition and the wider Nigerian community.

The former governor said the late Afenifere leader distinguished himself through his integrity fairness and commitment to the welfare of his people.

He described Pa Fasoranti as a leader who carried the enormous responsibility of guiding the Yoruba nation with wisdom restraint and a deep sense of justice earning the respect of people across political divides and generations.

Fayemi said: ‘Baba Fasoranti was a remarkable leader whose strength lay not only in his convictions but also in his wisdom fairness and ability to listen.

‘He understood that leadership particularly for a people with such a rich history and strong democratic tradition as the Yoruba demanded patience courage inclusiveness and a constant commitment to the common good.

‘It’s end of an era’

A group the Conscience of Yoruba Nation’ in a statement by its Convener Abagun Kole Omololu said the late statesman remained committed to the progressive ideals of Awolowo throughout his public life.

It said Fasoranti regarded Awoism as more than a political slogan as a philosophy rooted in education social justice accountable leadership genuine federalism and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Mimiko hails legacy of integrity

Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described the departed leader as a statesman whose century-long life was defined by integrity courage selfless service and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals.

He said Fasoranti’s death at the age of 100 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the political and moral history of Ondo State Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Yayi: A monumental loss to Yorubaland

Ogun State APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Adeola said the demise is a monumental loss to Yorubaland.

He said Fasoranti’s 100-year journey was defined by patriotism courage wisdom and selfless service to humanity.

He will be missed says Oluwande

The Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande hailed Fasoranti’s deep commitment to the advancement of society democratic values and the welfare of the Yoruba people.

He said the deceased belonged to a generation of public figures whose convictions personal discipline and dedication to the common good earned them enduring respect.

The minister noted that Fasoranti’s decades of involvement in public affairs alongside his contributions to education and the development of his people had secured him a lasting place in the history of Ondo State and the Yoruba nation.

Hamzat: He left a legacy of service

Lagos APC governorship candidate Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described Fasoranti as a distinguished educator principled leader and respected voice in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape whose life was devoted to the pursuit of justice fairness and the preservation of Yoruba values within a united Nigeria.

‘Pa Fasoranti lived a remarkable century of service to his people and humanity. His life was defined by integrity conviction and an enduring commitment to justice. He was a voice of wisdom whose counsel and principles will continue to inspire generations to come.’

The deputy governor urged the bereaved family and the Yoruba nation to draw comfort from the enduring impact of his life the values he upheld and the many lives he touched.

He managed Ondo finances well says Oyedele

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele described the late Afenifere leader as a model of financial prudence accountability and ethical leadership.

He said Fasoranti’s record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the administration of Chief Michael Ajasin remained an important example for those responsible for managing public funds.

The minister said the late elder statesman’s life was marked by integrity strong principles and dedicated public service.

Oyedele added: ‘For those of us in economic management his record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Chief Michael Ajasin remains a clear benchmark of prudence accountability and ethical stewardship.’

His death is a huge loss to Nigeria says Youth minister Olawande

Also the Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande has paid tribute to the late Afenifere leader describing his death as a major loss to Ondo State the South-West and Nigeria.

In a statement issued to mourn the elder statesman Olawande said his life was defined by a deep commitment to the advancement of society democratic values and the welfare of the Yoruba people.

Oodua youths celebrate a life well spent

The Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation Ondo State and Nigeria.

The coalition in a condolence statement by its General Secretary Olaoye M. Abolaji said the late elder statesman exemplified the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos particularly integrity honesty discipline selflessness and commitment to the common good.

It said Fasoranti lived a life defined by principle and conviction remaining faithful to his beliefs and values throughout his long and impactful lifetime.

According to the group his contributions to public life and commitment to responsible leadership justice and accountability remain worthy of emulation by younger generations.

The coalition added that the late centenarian’s life demonstrated that greatness was measured not merely by age or position but by the values a person upheld and the positive impact made on society.

It said his death had left a profound void among those who admired his courage wisdom and commitment to preserving the cultural and moral heritage of the Yoruba people.

The OYC urged Yoruba youths to draw lessons from his life by embracing the principles of integrity honour hard work respect and accountability in their personal lives and public engagements.

The coalition also extended its condolences to Fasoranti’s family Afenifere the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government.

The group however prayed that God would grant the bereaved family and others mourning the elder statesman the strength to endure the loss while his legacy of integrity and service continued to inspire generations.

Akure group: It’s an irreparable loss

The Ooye Development Initiative (ODI) has described the passage of Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti as ‘irreparable’ and a sad day for the Akure kingdom.

ODI a sociocultural umbrella body of Akure Ondo State sons and daughters representing indigenes sons and daughters of Akure the capital of Ondo State is a group that actively engages in community advocacy cultural preservation and governance accountability in the state.

It made this known after a visit to the family house of Pa Fasoranti to commiserate with his family on the exit of the Yoruba foremost leader.

In a release issued by its President Mr. Tokunbo Jegede the group said that rare persons it called ‘avatars’ like Fasoranti live with a people once in multiple generations maintaining that Akure was fortunate to have been favoured by God to play host to such in Fasoranti for 100 years.

‘For us it is like the sun setting at noon for the people of Akure Kingdom. Though Papa Fasoranti left this world at a desirable age having lived to attain the advanced age of a centenary Akure could not have had enough of his imperishable imprints on the sands of time’ said the statement.

ODI recalled Pa Fasoranti’s ‘single-handed’ role of placing Akure on the maps of the world through his invaluable contributions to its development and advancement since 1951 when he graduated from the University of Ibadan.

It recalled that with his love for education Fasoranti established Omolere school the first privately-owned educational institution in the old Ondo Province which today spans Ekiti and Ondo States as well as establishing Akure High School in 1973 and St Francis Secondary school in early 1980s and how his joining forces with the political and cultural groups established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo placed his Akure people on the front burner of recognition by the political forces of pre-independence the First and Second Republic as well as thereafter.

‘Chief Fasoranti made Akure Kingdom proud brought the world’s attention to its people and promoted the values of Omoluabi which the forebears of the people established as the irreducible minimum of the people’s ethos in their relationship with humanity’ said ODI.

The Initiative also said that towards Pa Fasoranti’s twilight of existence on earth he bequeathed to the people of Akure the dividends of his national honour and respect through the bestowal of the Federal University Teaching Hospital Akure (FUTHAT) project which President Bola Tinubu gave Akure people in recognition of Fasoranti’s invaluable contributions to mankind.

ODI also recognized Pa Fasoranti’s role as one of the major forces for the establishment of Ondo State and who since then gave himself for its development.

‘We will miss our father and leader; Akure will forever honour him among its pantheon of leaders; Ondo State will forever miss him; Yorubaland will remember him alongside leaders like Obafemi Awolowo Adekunle Ajasin and the likes and Nigeria will never ever forget a first class patriot for whom materialism was immaterial and one who worshiped humanity with his incredible existence’ the release concluded.

* Oodua youths mourn Fasoranti

Meanwhile the Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) has described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation Ondo State and Nigeria.

The coalition in a condolence statement signed by its General Secretary Olaoye M. Abolaji said the late elder statesman exemplified the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos particularly integrity honesty discipline selflessness and commitment to the common good.

It said Fasoranti lived a life defined by principle and conviction remaining faithful to his beliefs and values throughout his long and impactful lifetime.

According to the group his contributions to public life and commitment to responsible leadership justice and accountability remain worthy of emulation by younger generations.

The coalition added that the late centenarian’s life demonstrated that greatness was measured not merely by age or position but by the values a person upheld and the positive impact made on society.

It said his death had left a profound void among those who admired his courage wisdom and commitment to preserving the cultural and moral heritage of the Yoruba people.

The OYC urged Yoruba youths to draw lessons from his life by embracing the principles of integrity honour hard work respect and accountability in their personal lives and public engagements.

The coalition also extended its condolences to Fasoranti’s family Afenifere the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government.

The group however prayed that God would grant the bereaved family and others mourning the elder statesman the strength to endure the loss while his legacy of integrity and service continued to inspire generations.

Veteran singer Salawa Abeni popularly known as the queen of waka music recounted how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rescued her during one of the darkest periods of her life.

The singer shared the story during her 50-year stage celebration recalling how illness grief and financial hardship left her incapacitated.

According to Salawa her health challenges began after the loss of her child and worsened to the point that she could barely walk and could not work for some time.

As her health deteriorated and little help was available the singer said she decided to seek assistance from Tinubu then a prominent political figure in Lagos State.

She recalled visiting his residence on Bourdillon Road Ikoyi Lagos where he asked her to sit while he waited.

When Tinubu eventually appeared he initially struggled to recognise her because her illness had significantly altered her appearance.

After seeing her condition Tinubu immediately contacted Babatunde Raji Fashola then Governor of Lagos State and asked him to arrange a flight to Dubai for her the following week for medical treatment.

Salawa noted that she later travelled to Dubai for treatment courtesy of the Lagos State Government which helped her recover and return to the stage.

Abeni also thanked Lagos transport union chieftain MC Oluomo for standing by her through tough times.

The Waka queen recalled how MC Oluomo came through for her while she lived in Magodo Lagos particularly during periods when she had no shows and struggled financially.

According to her the union leader never turned her down whenever she contacted him for help.

She publicly eulogised him during her performance thanking him for attending the event and for his consistent support over the years.

Her account adds to a growing list of testimonies from entertainers about President Bola Tinubu’s generosity.

Nollywood veteran Yinka Quadri earlier said Tinubu contributed $25000 to facilitate the return of late actress Moji Olaiya’s remains from abroad after colleagues initially requested $15000 for the process.

Some former members of the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council of Peter Obi have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid announcing their adoption of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as their political platform.

The group operating under the name Batified Obidients explained that its decision followed an assessment of the 2023 presidential campaign the performance of the Tinubu administration and the need to sustain ongoing economic and institutional reforms.

Adesina Fagbenro-Byron a former director of Operations of the Obi-Datti campaign council and Fabian Chukwudoruo former head of Logistics of the same council signed a statement the Battled-Obidients made available to reporters at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.

Fagbenro-Byron who is the national coordinator of the Battled-Obidients read the statement and explained that they resolved to support Tinubu for a second term despite having previously worked with Obi Datti-Ahmed and the Labour Party in 2023.

He said the decision was informed by their belief that Tinubu and the APC offered a more viable platform for achieving sustainable development and good governance.

His words: ‘Today we have made our choice. Let there be no ambiguity. We are coming together again.

‘We are former Labour Party and Obidient supporters. We are now shifting our support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and adopting the APC as our political vehicle for 2027 under the name Batified Obidients.’

He also endorsed Vice-President Kashim Shettima saying their support for Tinubu’s re-election naturally extends to him.

Fagbenro-Byron said the endorsement was not made lightly but followed what he described as an assessment of the country’s political and economic direction since the 2023 election.

He added: ‘We do not make this choice lightly. We make it because of our common goal: good governance and sustainable development for Nigeria.

‘We believe that at this moment in our national journey President Tinubu and the APC offer the most credible direction the most tested resolve and the most viable platform to continue the work of rebuilding Nigeria.’

Explaining the group’s decision to withdraw its support for Obi Fagbenro-Byron said members identified weaknesses in the management of the 2023 presidential campaign particularly in the handling of talent diversity and internal disagreements.

He said the experience raised questions about the capacity of the former Anambra State governor to manage a country as complex as Nigeria.

‘After months of honest reflection on what we witnessed from inside the campaign the truth became impossible to ignore. We saw real weaknesses in how talent was mismanaged how diversity was mishandled and how internal conflicts went unresolved’ he said.

Fagbenro-Byron added that some professionals who volunteered their expertise were neither adequately recognised nor effectively deployed.

‘Looking back with clear eyes we have come to see that the demands of leading a country as complex and demanding as Nigeria may have been beyond what Mr Peter Obi was prepared for’ he said.

He however acknowledged that Obi who is now the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) presidential candidate for next year’s election made efforts to restore peace in LP.

‘This is not to say he did not try or that his intentions were not sincere. But it became clear to those of us inside the campaign that he was in many ways out of his depth without fully realising it’ he added.

Fagbenro-Byron stressed that their position should not be interpreted as speaking for all Nigerians who supported Obi in 2023 acknowledging that many former supporters have maintained their allegiance to him(Obi) or moved to other political parties.

‘We do not claim to speak for every Nigerian who once supported Mr Obi or the Labour Party. We respect those who remain with him and those who have gone elsewhere’ he said.

The former Obi campaign council official said their decision to back Tinubu was based partly on their assessment of the administration’s economic reforms which they acknowledged had imposed considerable hardship on Nigerians.

Fagbenro-Byron admitted that rising living costs hunger insecurity and inadequate access to essential public services remained major challenges confronting the country.

He said the group was not oblivious to the difficulties experienced by households since the introduction of the administration’s reforms.

‘Hunger is real. The cost of living has bitten hard. Families are struggling to put food on the table. Primary healthcare and schools still need serious attention. Terrorism and insecurity are a grave cause for concern. Corruption has not vanished’ he said.

As part of its strategy for the 2027 election Batified Obidients said it would mobilise former campaign associates undecided voters and other Nigerians who support its vision for governance.

Fagbenro-Byron said the group intends to organise across the country register members participate in political activities and campaign for Tinubu and the APC.

‘We will work to grow the support President Tinubu received in 2023 with special attention to states where his opposition won’ he said.

The coordinator said the group’s name reflects its decision to retain its commitment to good governance while supporting Tinubu’s political platform.

According to him the name does not represent a rejection of its past but an attempt to redirect the political energy and experience of its members towards what they consider a more viable path for Nigeria.

‘Our name is deliberate. We do not deny our history. But we remain Obidient to the hunger for good governance. We are Batified in our recognition of competence courage and the direction needed to rebuild Nigeria’ he said.

Stirring the political waters in the nation’s capital Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the political missteps recorded in the territory during the 2023 general elections will not be repeated as the country charts a course towards the 2027 polls.

Addressing a mammoth gathering of area council chairmen traditional rulers youth organisations and key chieftains from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Wike maintained that the FCT is firmly locked down for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Laying bare his strategy for absolute electoral dominance the minister emphasised that the collective interest of FCT residents supersedes partisan divides.

He described the coming together of the major political platforms as a ‘rainbow coalition’ designed to protect the welfare of the people.

At the interactive session in Bwari Area Council Abuja Wike also endorsed Senator Philip Aduda and John Gbadaya under the coalition’s political arrangement.

He cautioned residents against politicians he described as ‘political gamblers’ insisting that the ongoing infrastructure projects and other interventions in the FCT justified support for the Tinubu administration.

‘The mistake we made in 2023 would we make that mistake again? If it was an error would we make that error again?’ Wike asked drawing a negative response from the audience.

The minister said the Rainbow Coalition was established to unite politicians across party lines and promote the interests of FCT residents arguing that political affiliation should not take precedence over development.

‘It doesn’t matter which party. After all a party is a vehicle that gets you where you are going. When you get there you step out of the vehicle and work in the interests of the people’ he said.

Wike urged residents to assess their political representatives by their accessibility and commitment to addressing communities’ needs across the territory.

Questioning the performance of the senator representing the FCT Ireti Kingibe the Minister asked whether residents felt their representative’s impact and whether she had visited traditional rulers women and youths to understand their challenges.

‘Today the people of FCT do you feel the impact? Do you feel the presence of the senator representing FCT today?’ he asked.

Presenting Aduda to the gathering Wike described the former senator as a politician who understood FCT residents’ concerns and urged participants to support him.

‘So I am here today to present to you your own son. The man who understands when you are sleeping. The man who knows when you are crying. The man who knows when Gombe people are in need. Senator Philip Aduda’ he said.

The minister also endorsed Tinubu’s second-term ambition attributing the FCT’s progress to the President’s support for major projects.

He said the President’s commitment enabled the administration to address infrastructure deficits and longstanding demands across the territory.

‘All these things are being done because somebody is responsible. If the person does not agree with the minister doing anything nothing will happen’ Wike said.

He further announced that the Gombe-Kubwa road project would be ready for use by December assuring residents that the administration would continue to address their infrastructure concerns.

‘Let me authoritatively tell you today by the grace of God this December you will do Christmas on this road Gombe to Kubwa’ he said.

Wike also said political negotiations led the PDP Chairmanship Candidate in the last Area Council elections Julius Adamu to step down in favour of Joshua chairman of Bwari Area Council describing the decision as an example of putting collective interests above personal ambition.

He said the move was intended to strengthen political unity and consolidate support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The minister added that he would recommend Julius Adamu for a position in the FCT Universal Basic Education Commission saying cooperation among political stakeholders was necessary to achieve the coalition’s objectives.

Bwari Area Council Women leader Deborah Ayorinde commended Wike for his political intervention in the territory but appealed to him to sustain his support for the council.

Earlier FCT APC Chairman Tanko Yamawo commended Wike for fostering cooperation among politicians from different parties recalling how political divisions had previously kept members of rival parties from openly associating with one another.

Yamawo recounted an experience in which a former PDP chairman declined a ride in his car because he feared that entering an APC member’s vehicle could cost him his position.

He said the situation had changed with politicians from both parties now working together under the Rainbow Coalition.

‘What you have done today is not for Aduda Gabaya and Chiya to benefit but all of us as politicians in the FCT are going to benefit from what you have started today’ he said.

Yamawo expressed confidence that Bwari residents would support APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Similarly FCT PDP Chairman Ismaila Dogara said the Rainbow Coalition had come to stay adding that party members had embraced the arrangement and were ready to work together to support Tinubu.

Dogara urged Wike to convey FCT residents’ expectations to the President describing the period as an opportunity for the territory to reciprocate the administration’s interventions.

Traditional rulers at the gathering also commended the minister for ongoing infrastructure projects and appealed for additional attention to roads and other facilities in their communities.

The Sarkin Bwari Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro II praised the administration for water projects and road construction around Tokulo Ushafa and the Bwari-Zuba axis.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of the road linking the Army Checkpoint to central Bwari describing it as a major concern for residents.

The Esu of Bwari Dr Ibrahim Yaro also commended the minister’s infrastructure efforts and called for attention to roads linking Karu Mpape and neighbouring communities.

In his welcome address Bwari Area Council Chairman Joshua thanked Wike for his political support recalling that residents had responded positively when the minister previously urged them to support his candidacy.

He said ongoing projects across the FCT had strengthened public confidence in the administration and pledged continued cooperation with the minister.

A High Court of Adamawa State on Thursday sentenced three persons to death for kidnapping two Catholic priests in February 2025.

Delivering judgment Justice Christopher Mapeo found the three men guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit kidnapping kidnapping conspiracy to commit armed robbery armed robbery harbouring a kidnapped person and negotiating to receive ransom for the release of

Reverend Fathers Matthew Dutsemi and Abraham Sauman.

The judge sentenced the three men Taledo Demiel Namomai Medan and Mikaila Yusuf to death for kidnapping armed robbery and other offences.

Thursday’s death sentence is the seventh secured by the DSS this year. On 20th May 2026 Ekiti High Court sentenced two men Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar to death by hanging for kidnapping.

About two weeks later on 3rd June 2026 a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced to death by hanging four men who in June 2022 massacred scores of worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic church Owo Ondo State.

The convicts are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza Alqasim Idris Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulkareem Idris.

Less than two weeks later on 15th June 2026 a Katsina High Court sentenced a female arms courier Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death by hanging.

The following day on 16th June 2026 a Kogi High Court sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death by hanging for kidnapping and murdering his neighbour in Obajana an industrial town in the state.

About a week after the Kogi sentencing on 22nd June 2026 a Sokoto High Court sentenced three persons Muhammed Yusuf Sallau Jabbi Ahlaji Yale and Kabiru Muhammed to death by hanging for terrorism and for transporting arms.

Less than three months later on 28th September 2026 a Sokoto High Court sentenced Ibrahim Usman aka Dan Iyali to death by hanging over his involvement in the killing of three kidnapped persons in the state.