“I Met My Father Dead On Tuesday, I Celebrate His Longevity” – Fasoranti’s Eldest Son, Taiwo

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October 21, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu is mourning mourn the passage of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who transited on Tuesday, saying he had wished he would be around for his second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth.

The President, in a statement he personally signed, stated “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, who died at the glorious age of 100.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.

“Pa Fasoranti was an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.

“His life, spanning a century, was a lesson in integrity, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.

“From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all.

“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.

“Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes.

“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most.

“I recall Baba’s centenary on May 11 this year, when we celebrated not just longevity, but a legacy of honour. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

“I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.

“I had hoped Papa would also be around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land.

“But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

FG Confirms A Case Of Imported Ebola Disease In FCT, Activates Swift Response

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October 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A laboratory tests result conducted in Abuja, has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja.

The Federal Governnent announced that following the development, it has commenced contact tracing to prevent any further spread.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the patient was a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.

According to the minister, the woman was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving quality medical care.

Pate stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities were working together to contain the infection.

“Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently,” the minister said.

He explained that public health teams were identifying and monitoring individuals who might have been exposed to the patient, including healthcare workers, other patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The minister added that surveillance has been intensified, while the hospital where the patient was treated was receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

Following the confirmation, the Federal Government urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to heighten vigilance and promptly report suspected cases to the relevant health authorities.

Pate advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure the prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases, and strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols.

Explaining how the disease spreads, the minister said Ebola could be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is ill or has died from the disease, as well as through contaminated materials.

He stressed that an infected person could not transmit the disease before symptoms appeared.

The government urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing preventive measures, including regular handwashing and avoiding contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.

Residents were also advised to watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure to the virus.

“If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” the statement advised.

The minister further urged anyone who might have been exposed to report immediately, even if they felt well, and cooperate with public health officials conducting contact tracing.

Relevant airline passengers who might be contacted by health authorities were also advised to provide the necessary information and follow official public health guidance.

Pate cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatising affected individuals, urging the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

The minister recalled that Nigeria had previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014, expressing confidence in the country’s public health systems and response experience.

“Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case,” he added.

He, however, emphasised that preventing further transmission would require collective responsibility and cooperation from the public.

According to him, the Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners were working to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider population, while investigations into the latest case continued.

The government assured that it would provide further information as it became available through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.

Members of the public seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case were urged to contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Sacks LAWMA MD, Gbadegesin Appoints Hassan Sanuth As Replacement

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October 20, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the persistent indiscriminate dumping of waste all over Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has wielded the big by sacking the Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

While environmental observers says that Gbadegesin was forced to resign so as to avoid an unceremonous sack, other observers say he was sacked by Governor Sanwo-Olu following his failure to address the persistent Waste management Issues that has become a major menace in the State.

Following Gbadegesin’s, Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Dr. Hassan Sanuth as the new Managing Director, LAWMA.

It was gathered that Governor Sanwo-Olu had become dissatisfied with the continued accumulation of refuse on major roads, residential streets and drainage channels despite directives to improve waste collection.

This prompted Governor Sanwo-Olu to order Gbadegesin to resign, though sources said that Gbadegesin was reportedly seeking more time to address the situation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu accompanied by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat had visited the Olusosun Dumpsite in Ojota about a month ago, expressing dissatisfaction with the heaps of refuse across the State, describing the situation as “embarrassing”.

He ordered an immediate action, directing a comprehensive overhaul of LAWMA’s operational structures and management, and declared a state of emergency on Waste Management.

He met with major stakeholders in the Waste Management sector at the dumpsite to assess the challenges affecting municipal waste collection and outline immediate, medium and long-term solutions.

He also acknowledged the slow pace of waste collection, attributing the situation partly to the failure of Private Sector Participation, PSP, operators to meet their obligations in the preceding weeks.

The Governor also said waste compaction activities were ongoing at the Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites, adding that completing the exercise would facilitate faster evacuation.

He explained that recent fire incidents at the dumpsites had slowed operations but said work had resumed, with contractors working to clear the sites for daily waste disposal.

According to him, completing the projects would enable each dumpsite to receive about 450 trucks of municipal waste daily, effectively doubling the capacity of PSP operators.

The failure of Gbadegesin to address this issue led to his unceremonious exit.

Before the appointment of Sanuth as LAWMA MD, he was the Director of Sanitation Services in the Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

Sanuth holds a PhD in Environmental Microbiology and a Master’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Ibadan.

His research interests include epidemiology, biodegradation and bioremediation, and environmental monitoring.

He also holds Certificates in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling from the Institute for Water Education in Delft, the Netherlands, and Multilevel Water Governance from The Hague Academy for Local Governance.

Sanuth has more than 23 years of public service experience and has worked in various environmental management and protection departments, including pollution control, billing and monitoring, conservation, and ecology.

He also served as Nigeria’s focal point for environment under the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation-sponsored Collaborative Action for Sustainable Tourism programme in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sanuth is a member of the Science Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Environmental Society and American Society for Microbiology, as well as an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Management.

Provide Evidence Of Assassination Plot Against Atiku, APC Presidential Campaign Council Challenges Timi Frank

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October 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has challenged Timi Frank to provide evidence over his statement which alleged assassination plot against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The Council which denied the allegation, called on security agents to invite Frank for interrogation over the claim.

Dele Alake, the Council’s spokesperson, said on Tuesday that the allegation requires investigation and urged Timi Frank, to provide evidence.

Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly alleged that the Nigerian government was plotting to kill Atiku, the presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress ( ADC).

The APC council rejected the accusation, denying any involvement by President Bola Tinubu’s administration or the campaign council in a plot against Atiku or other opposition figures.

Alake urged security agencies to invite Frank to substantiate his claim, and said any credible threat to life should be investigated regardless of political affiliation.

The spokesperson also rejected claims that security personnel attached to Atiku have been withdrawn.

He said the former vice-president remained protected by personnel of the Police and the Department of State Services.

According to Alake, Tinubu has directed security agencies to strengthen protection for presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy-governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Council described the assassination allegation as unfounded, but provided no independent evidence in the statement to establish the current security arrangements around Atiku.

Alake, also, called on political parties and their supporters to avoid unsubstantiated claims that could heighten tensions as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

He urged politicians to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and ensure political competition remained peaceful and lawful.

Woman Crushed By Train While Filming Her Jogging Routine With Headset on

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October 20, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Thelma Candelaria, a mother of seven was visited by an unexpected and excruciating painful death. She was struck and crushed by a train while she was filming her morning jog along railroad tracks in Eloy, Arizona, United States. She had her headphone on at tye time of the tragic incident.

The 47-year old, according to reports, was recording a passing train on Snapchat when another train approached from the opposite direction.

It was gathered from her 29-year-old daughter, Alaisha, while speaking with AZ Family that her mother apparently did not notice the approaching train.

“She had her noise-canceling headphones on. She was in her own world,” Alaisha said.

Fox 10 Investigators disclosed that the train engineer spotted Candelaria standing between the tracks and immediately activated the emergency brakes, and both trains reportedly sounded their horns in an attempt to alert her.

The Police found the lifeless body of Candelaria at the scene near Sunshine Boulevard and Frontier Street, with a broken orange cellphone also recovered at the scene.

As investigations into the incident continues, her daughter has reportedly began putting together what happened by reviewing surveillance footage and her mother’s social media posts.

Candelaria sadly left seven children behind.

Following this development, the family has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support the Children.

She left behind four adults and three minors – Symphony, also known as Nani, Evelyn, and Max.

The family expressed the painful reality of losing their loved one and the challenges ahead for the children in the fundraiser.

A statement by the family reads: “Thelma leaves behind seven children, including three minors: Symphony (Nani), Evelyn, and Max.”

Shaunia, her 21-year-old daughter is expected to take on the responsibility of heading the household, with support from her 29-year-old sister, Alaisha.

According to the family, Candelaria had reportedly been baptised just days before her death, a detail they say has brought them some comfort amid their grief.

“I find comfort knowing she gave her heart to the Lord, but my heart breaks for the children who must now navigate life without their mother”, the fundraiser stated.

“You Can’t Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges” ADC Campaign Council Tells APC Govt.

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October 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has engaged Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, over his statement that “If Buhari, who was a retired military man, could not wipe out insecurity, what can Tinubu do?”

The ADC Council pointed out that the statement has validated its position that the APC-led government has failed to secure Nigeria and cannot offer credible solutions to the country’s worsening security crisis.

The ADC-PCC was reacting to Yari’s reported statement: “If Buhari, who is a retired military man, could not wipe out insecurity, what can Tinubu do?”

The campaign council described the remark as a damning indictment of the APC government and a startling admission from a senior figure entrusted with selling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to Nigerians.

According to the ADC-PCC, Yari’s statement raises fundamental questions about the APC’s capacity to address insecurity and the justification for seeking another presidential mandate, when the party has yet to deliver on one of the most basic responsibilities of government; protecting the lives and property of citizens.

“For a party that has been in power for nearly 12 years, this is a shocking admission of failure. Rather than inspire confidence in Nigerians, the statement from the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council reinforces the growing perception that the ruling party has run out of ideas and has no credible answers to the nation’s security challenges.

“After years of promises, Nigerians continue to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and wanton killings.

“Communities remain vulnerable, families live in fear, and citizens are increasingly worried about the safety of their lives and livelihoods.

“Now, the APC’s own campaign chief appears to be asking Nigerians to accept that if a former military Head of State could not defeat insecurity, there is little President Tinubu can do.

“This is not the language of a party offering hope; it is an expression of helplessness from a party seeking another mandate.

“How can the APC ask Nigerians to renew its mandate when its own campaign leadership is raising doubts about the capacity of its presidential candidate to tackle insecurity?

“Why should Nigerians entrust their future to a party whose leading campaign figures appear unable to defend its record or inspire confidence in its capacity to deliver?

“Nigeria needs leadership that accepts responsibility, develops practical solutions and demonstrates the political will to protect citizens.

“It does not need a government that offers excuses for persistent insecurity or a ruling party whose campaign leadership appears to have lost faith in its own candidate’s ability to deliver.”

The campaign council maintained that, unlike the APC, the ADC offers Nigerians a credible alternative in its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, whom it described as an experienced leader with a practical vision for national security, economic recovery and national cohesion.

It said Atiku’s proposed approach to insecurity includes strengthening the country’s security architecture, investing in modern policing, deploying technology and intelligence-driven operations, and expanding employment opportunities for young Nigerians to address the socioeconomic conditions that fuel criminality.

“Senator Yari’s statement has reinforced the very question Nigerians must ask before the next presidential election: if the APC cannot confidently explain how its candidate will secure the country, why should Nigerians entrust it with another four years?

“The choice before Nigerians is clear: continue with a party whose record on insecurity has attracted widespread criticism, or support a credible alternative committed to rescuing the country, restoring public confidence and making the protection of lives and property a national priority.”

Pa Fasoranti, Afenifere Leader Dies Aged 100

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The Source

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October 20, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Few months after celebrating his 100 years birthday, National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has died.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, confirmed his death in a statement he personally issued on Tuesday.

Pa Fasoranti clocked 100 years on May 6, duribg which he was celebrated by children, politician associates and leaders of Afenifere.

He was appointed leader of Afenifere in 2008 after the demise of Pa Abraham Adesanya.

The governor’s statement reads, “With a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing of our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100.

“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Details later

Nigeria Passport Shrinks To 181 Position Among 196 Countries

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October 20, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Passport has witnessed an astronomical drop in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index.

Nigeria slumped to the 181st Position out of 196 countries. Holders of the Passport are eligible to enter only 24 countries without obtaining a visa in advance.

Data published on IziVisa.com showed that Nigerian passport holders can also obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries, while 43 destinations offer electronic visas.

The ranking highlights the limited international travel access available to Nigerian passport holders, particularly compared with countries whose citizens can visit a much larger number of destinations without securing prior visa approval.

According to IziVisa, its index assesses passports based on the travel access available to their holders, including visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas.

The United Arab Emirates topped the 2026 ranking, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 destinations through a combination of visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas.

Switzerland ranked second, offering access to 120 destinations without a visa, 26 through visas on arrival and 37 through electronic visas.

Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland were also among the countries featured prominently in the ranking.

The IziVisa figures differ significantly from those published by Henley & Partners, whose July 2026 Henley Passport Index placed Nigeria 90th out of 199 passports, with visa-free access to 44 destinations.

Henley’s July ranking represented a one-place decline from Nigeria’s 89th position in April, although its visa-free score remained unchanged at 44 destinations.

The Henley index assesses 199 passports against 227 travel destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association.

Within Africa, South Africa ranked 49th globally, with access to 101 destinations without a prior visa.

Botswana placed 61st with 81 destinations, while Morocco ranked 67th with 71.

Kenya occupied 68th position with access to 70 destinations, while Ghana ranked 70th with a score of 67.

Nigeria shared its Henley ranking with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Turkmenistan.

The two rankings should not be interpreted as directly comparable because they use different methodologies and destination coverage. The figures published by IziVisa and Henley also distinguish between visa-free entry and other forms of access, including visas on arrival and electronic visas.

The difference between the indices highlights the importance of examining their respective methodologies when assessing the strength of a country’s passport and the travel options available to its citizens.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Clemens Westerhof Battles Aggressive Cancer

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October 20, 2026