Ebola: Nigeria Could Be Declared Virus-Free December 7, Says Pate

  Nigeria could be declared free of the current Ebola outbreak on December 7, 2026, if no new cases are confirmed, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has said. Pate disclosed this on Monday in a post on X, explaining that the date depends on meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 42-day countdown requirement. He warned that any new confirmed or probable case would restart the countdown. The minister’s update followed the medical evacuation of the infected patient and her spouse to Switzerland on October 26. Pate confirmed that both were Swiss citizens and said the patient was clinically stable after receiving treatment from Nigerian medical personnel. According to the minister, Swiss authorities confirmed that the pair had arrived safely. The patient is receiving care at Geneva University Hospitals, while her spouse is in isolation at University Hospital Zurich. Pate also said Switzerland had expressed appreciation for the care provided by Nigerian health professionals and the cooperation between both countries and the WHO that facilitated the evacuation. In his post, the minister said Nigeria’s immediate priorities remained monitoring identified contacts, investigating suspected cases and strengthening preparedness across health facilities. “If no further confirmed or probable cases are detected, Nigeria could progress towards declaring this outbreak over under #WHO criteria, potentially as early as 7 December 2026,” he wrote. He stressed that the date was provisional and subject to validation of the 42-day countdown by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the WHO. The minister added that health officials were working with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state health authorities and partners to contain the outbreak and prevent community transmission. He urged Nigerians to remain calm, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and follow updates from relevant health authorities. The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, had also said Nigeria had no current Ebola cases following the evacuation of the infected patient and her husband. However, health authorities are expected to continue surveillance, contact monitoring and investigations into alerts until the outbreak can be officially declared over.

2027: Adamawa APC Governorship Candidate Welcomes 21 LG Chairmen, 226 Councillors

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Ahmed Galadima, has welcomed the defection of 21 local government chairmen and 226 councillors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Galadima described the development as a major boost to the party’s grassroots support and political presence in the state. In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Adamu Sambo, the APC candidate said the defections reflected the political realignment taking place in Adamawa. He congratulated the defectors, describing their decision as a sign of political foresight and a shared commitment to the state’s development. “Their choice reflects political foresight and an understanding that the future of our state is best served by unity, purposeful leadership and a shared commitment to development,” Galadima said. He also commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, for what he described as inclusive leadership and efforts to build bridges across political divides. According to Galadima, the governor’s political engagements have contributed to the APC’s growing appeal in the state. He linked the defections to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that the movement of elected local government officials and grassroots political structures into the APC could strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 polls. Galadima said the development offered an opportunity to promote cooperation, improve governance and address the needs and aspirations of Adamawa residents.

NNPC Petrol Discount: FCT Motorists Praise Initiative as Commuters Decry High Fares

  Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory have welcomed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) N66-per-litre petrol discount, but some commuters say the initiative has done little to reduce transport fares as the October 31 deadline approaches. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, residents expressed mixed reactions to the 30-day discount scheme. While some motorists said it offered relief at the pump, commuters complained that the cost of daily transportation remained high. The Federal Government introduced the discount at NNPC retail outlets, with public transport operators given priority under the arrangement. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative was not a return to petrol subsidy. He also disclosed that the government was negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost to reduce sharp price fluctuations. Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its gantry petrol price by N25 per litre, from N1,350 to N1,325. A Wuse-based motorist, Abubakar Saidu, commended the government for introducing the discount but identified long queues and network problems as challenges affecting access to the scheme. Saidu said he purchased petrol through the NNPC app after completing the required registration process, paying N1,339 per litre. However, he noted that delays and connectivity issues sometimes made it difficult for customers to benefit. “I downloaded the app and followed the procedure before buying the petrol at N1,339 per litre,” he said. However, some commuters said the discount had not translated into lower transport fares. Obi Anyawu, a resident of Nyanya, said rising transportation costs continued to put pressure on Nigerians, particularly those who travelled to work daily. “The transportation fare keeps increasing, and there has not been any difference,” he said. Similarly, a Karu-based commuter, Stephanie Okoro, said she had yet to notice any positive impact from the intervention. “I have not benefited from the intervention, and I have not seen any positive impact it has, even among the transporters,” she said. Okoro added that high fares continued to make commuting difficult, leaving some passengers struggling to find affordable transport. A Bwari-based motorist, Jide Oyetola, called for a review of the initiative and additional measures to reduce transportation costs. He said the rising cost of commuting was affecting workers’ ability to meet their daily expenses, citing the experience of his secretary, whose salary could no longer comfortably cover her transport fares. According to Oyetola, she was considering reducing the number of days she reported to work because of the financial strain. He argued that waiting for cheaper buses might not provide a lasting solution, adding that many other workers could be facing similar difficulties. Another commuter, Nonye Obanla, who lives in Dutse, also urged the government to introduce further measures to ease transportation costs and reduce the economic pressure on citizens. With the discount scheme due to end on October 31, concerns remain over whether the intervention will provide meaningful relief to commuters facing high transport fares.

Ebola Outbreak: No Licensed Treatment for Virus Strain in Nigeria, Says Pate

  Nigeria’s Health Minister, Professor Ali Pate, has warned that there is no licensed specific treatment or vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola detected in the country, as the infected patient continues to receive medical care and health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak. Pate disclosed this during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, explaining that researchers were exploring possible treatments while the patient’s immune system continued to fight the infection. “Specific treatment for this variant of Ebola virus, or a specific vaccine, is not yet licensed, approved to be used,” he said. The minister added that researchers were investigating potential options, including different vaccines and medical compounds, to determine whether they could help patients infected with the strain. According to Pate, the patient received antibiotics and antiviral medication at different stages of her treatment because doctors initially suspected a viral illness before confirming Ebola. He said she was receiving appropriate supportive care and remained stable at the time of the interview. However, he cautioned that her condition could change as the disease progressed. “I think we’re very fortunate that she is stable at this moment. We hope she continues to remain stable, because things can change when you have an infectious disease that you don’t fully control the course of illness,” Pate said. The minister credited Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, laboratory capacity and trained medical personnel with helping to detect and manage the case. He added that public health experts and epidemiologists were working to identify and monitor people who might have been exposed to the virus. Pate stressed that the success of the response also depended on public cooperation, urging anyone who might have had contact with the infected patient to follow instructions from health authorities. The Federal Government confirmed the reported case after a woman who had travelled from Uganda developed symptoms and was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja. She was subsequently diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention activated response measures, including contact tracing, enhanced surveillance and infection prevention efforts. Health facilities were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases. As of October 20, reports indicated that 44 contacts had initially been identified for monitoring. Anambra State was following up on 40 persons of interest, with 33 having completed monitoring and seven remaining under active follow-up. Ogun State was also tracing 111 persons of interest. The United States Mission in Nigeria issued a health advisory following the reported case, urging citizens who might have been exposed to seek medical guidance if symptoms developed. Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials. Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and can resemble those of other illnesses, including malaria.

Vitinha Hopes for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to Portugal Squad

  Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has expressed hope that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the Portugal national team, saying the squad wants the situation surrounding the veteran forward and coach Jorge Jesus to be resolved. Vitinha made the remarks after scoring in PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Speaking to TNT Sports, the 26-year-old midfielder described the recent international break as “chaotic” and said he hoped Ronaldo would rejoin the national team soon. “I hope Cristiano Ronaldo returns with the national team. All I can do is hope he comes back and that everything is okay,” Vitinha said. He added that the players shared the same hope and wanted the situation resolved positively. The comments come amid reported tensions involving Ronaldo and Portugal’s coaching setup. The 41-year-old captain was reportedly left on the bench during a 2-1 win over Norway on September 27, despite warming up for about 30 minutes. Vitinha’s comments have added to discussions about Ronaldo’s future with the national team as attention remains on the reported disagreement.

Family Confirms Death of Gospel Singer Toluwanisings

  The family of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has announced his death at the age not stated in the family’s announcement. The family disclosed the news in a statement posted on the singer’s TikTok account on Wednesday, saying he died in the early hours of October 14, 2026. The statement described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister under the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM). It also appealed to the public to keep his wife, family and loved ones in their prayers. The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief among fans and colleagues on social media. Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, expressed distress over the development and called for God’s mercy. Gospel artiste Mega99 also paid tribute to the singer, describing him as “a rare gem with a unique voice.” An X user, identified as Ennybets, said he was at a hospital when the singer was brought in. In a subsequent post, he recounted seeing members of the singer’s band crying over his death. The circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death remain unclear, as the family has not disclosed the cause.

FIFA Plans $6.35bn Football Development Fund for 2027–2030

  FIFA is proposing to increase its global football development funding to $6.35bn between 2027 and 2030, more than doubling its existing budget to support member associations and other football organisations worldwide. According to a BBC Sport report, the world football governing body plans to provide an additional $3.4bn from its reserves, following the commercial success of this summer’s World Cup. The proposal is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on Thursday amid calls from football administrators for increased financial support to member associations. Under the proposed plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $25m, while each of the six continental confederations would get $99m. The 13 zonal and regional associations would receive $8.25m each, while 100 member associations would be eligible for an additional $1.1m each for travel and equipment. FIFA also plans to channel the funding into infrastructure, women’s football, youth development and other projects. Under the proposed framework, one-third of the funding would support women’s and youth football, another third would go towards infrastructure, and the remaining portion would be allocated to other projects. The proposal follows criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought to attract private investment by selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation were among those opposing the plan. In September, UEFA and Concacaf reportedly urged FIFA to distribute at least $10m from its reserves to each member association. Infantino subsequently indicated support for providing the highest level of additional funding that could be responsibly delivered. The funding framework, including eligibility rules, application procedures, disbursement arrangements and audits, is expected to be finalised by the FIFA Council in December 2026. The proposal would then require approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. Infantino is also expected to seek another term as FIFA president at the congress.

2027: Four Years Not Enough for Tinubu’s Reforms, Adeleke Says

  Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that four years would not be enough for the President’s reforms to deliver their intended results. Adeleke spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. “We must give our father, the President of this nation, time for his reform to work. It’s not easy. Four years is not enough,” the governor said, declaring his support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. Adeleke, who was recently named coordinator of Tinubu’s campaign in Osun State, expressed confidence in the President’s chances in the 2027 election. “Nobody can stop this movement. We’re going to sing, we’re going to dance all the way back to Aso Rock,” he said. The governor added that Nigerians wanted action rather than excessive talk, urging supporters to work towards Tinubu’s re-election. He also called on citizens to continue praying for the President, saying his success would benefit the country. The revised campaign council list also named Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as coordinator for Rivers State and the FCT, while Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo was included in the council. Speaking at the event, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the gathering as a “rainbow coalition” bringing together people from different political parties. Adeleke governs Osun State under the Accord Party, while the APC campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari serves as Director-General, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the secretary. The APC is scheduled to flag off its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24.

2027 Elections: Nigerians Will Be Proud of Police, Says IG Disu

  The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that police officers will demonstrate professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections, promising that their conduct will make citizens proud of the force. Disu gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the launch of The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, a book written by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 female officers to join the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP said the police had held a conference with commissioners of police and other senior officers to review lessons from previous elections and improve their performance in 2027. “We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to,” Disu said. He added that the force would work to ensure Nigerians were proud of its conduct during the polls. Speaking on the book, Disu praised Okuyiga for documenting her experiences and institutional knowledge for future generations of police officers, particularly women. He said the police would ensure copies of the book were made available to training institutions to help officers understand the history and contributions of women in the force. Okuyiga expressed delight that the publication would preserve her experiences for future generations, saying it would allow her story to live on through libraries and readers around the world. The book was launched by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokama, who announced a donation of ₦20 million.

Police Confirm Attack on Oriyomi Hamzat’s Supporters in Oyo

  The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a peaceful procession in Molete, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. The police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying the supporters were ambushed by suspected hoodlums. “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete end of the ancient city,” Ayanlade said. Hamzat, a radio presenter and chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, was reportedly returning from the United Kingdom when he and his supporters were pelted with stones by unidentified attackers. Eyewitnesses said the intervention of security personnel and Hamzat’s efforts to calm his supporters prevented a possible reprisal attack. The procession was organised to welcome Hamzat back to Nigeria late Tuesday night. One eyewitness said the attack would not discourage supporters from backing their preferred candidate. Another eyewitness, identified as Kola, condemned the incident, saying political differences should not lead to violence. Kehinde Olaiya, a member of the group, said some supporters sustained injuries while vehicles in the convoy were vandalised. He added that Hamzat remained peaceful and that the procession would continue from the Ibadan Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the headquarters of Agidigbo FM along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway.