Newspaper Headlines, Wednesday, October 21 | Ebola Case, Fasoranti’s Death Dominate Front Pages

The reported Ebola case in Nigeria and the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at the age of 100 dominate the front pages of several national newspapers on Wednesday.

The Guardian leads with “Fresh Ebola Case Sparks Fears, Emergency Surveillance Measures,” highlighting concerns over the reported case and measures to strengthen surveillance. The newspaper also reports progress towards meeting the constitutional threshold for the establishment of state police, with 13 state assemblies said to have approved the bill. Another major story is the reaction of Afenifere chieftain, Olu Falae, who dismissed concerns over the group’s leadership following Fasoranti’s death.

Vanguard also leads with the Ebola development, reporting that the Federal Government has confirmed a case in the Federal Capital Territory and commenced contact tracing. The newspaper also reports the death of Fasoranti at 100, while another prominent story focuses on the disruption of the #EndSARS memorial at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, where police reportedly fired tear gas at protesters, including former Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Jimi Doherty.

The Punch leads with “Fasoranti: Awo Loyalist, Afenifere Leader Bows Out at 100,” reflecting on the late elder statesman’s political legacy and leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation. The newspaper also reports that Ebola has been detected in Nigeria, with 44 contacts under surveillance. It further highlights the police use of tear gas against protesters during the #EndSARS memorial at the Lekki tollgate.

Blueprint leads with the death of Fasoranti at 100, reporting that President Bola Tinubu led mourners in paying tribute to the late Afenifere leader. The newspaper also reports the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja and the commencement of contact tracing. In another political development, it reports that the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council denied an alleged plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The Nation also gives prominence to Fasoranti’s death, with the headline “Rain of Tributes as Afenifere Leader Fasoranti Dies at 100.” The report focuses on the tributes following the passing of the prominent Yoruba leader. The newspaper also features the reported Ebola case in the FCT, while its business coverage highlights JPMorgan’s reported N50 billion deposit with the Central Bank of Nigeria in connection with a licence.