Today's Paper Roundup: Fri 23-10-2026
Nigeria wakes up to the sad news of Nollywood veteran Francis Duru's death, even as the nation continues to mourn Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, alongside a mixed bag of politics, sport and tech developments from home and abroad.
Nollywood Mourns Francis Duru
The entertainment industry was thrown into grief in the early hours of Friday with news that veteran actor Francis Duru had died at 57 following a brief illness. Vanguard reports that his family made the announcement, while Punch notes the news was shared "on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing appreciation to fans." Leadership adds that "Nollywood actors, X users mourn Francis Duru," as tributes pour in across social media. In the wake of his passing, old posts from the actor have taken on new poignancy — Legit.ng reports that his emotional tribute to the late Olu Jacobs has resurfaced, alongside "the final touching words" he wrote about his wife, Adokiye, and the heartbreaking moment he "broke down over" the death of his teenage son, Ifeanyi.
“Nollywood actors, X users mourn Francis Duru”
“Moment late actor broke down over son's death resurfaces”
Nation Mourns Fasoranti
Tributes also continue to flow for Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, with lawmakers leading the national outpouring of grief. Punch reports that "Senators, Reps mourn Fasoranti, hail legacy," praising his lifelong commitment to democratic ideals, while ThisDay says the Southern Senators' Forum specifically hailed his "legacy of Democratic Struggle, Principles" as it mourned the elder statesman, educationist and pro-democracy advocate.
“Senators, Reps mourn Fasoranti, hail legacy”
“Southern Senators Mourn Fasoranti, Hail Legacy of Democratic Struggle, Principles”
Politics & 2027 Watch
On the political front, Oyo State Governor and APM presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has stirred debate ahead of 2027, arguing that Nigeria's next leader must be judged on capability rather than age. Leadership quotes him saying the country needs "Nigeria Needs Energetic President To Solve Her Problems." In Zamfara, ADC governorship candidate Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi has made security his central pitch, with Leadership reporting he "Vows To End Zamfara Kidnappings If Elected Governor."
“Nigeria Needs Energetic President To Solve Her Problems – Makinde”
“Shinkafi Vows To End Zamfara Kidnappings If Elected Governor”
Health, Security & Social Development
Several health and welfare initiatives made headlines across the country. Leadership reports that Kaduna State has demonstrated its medicine distribution system to other states, as it "Showcases Health Supply Model To 5 States, FCT," while the Nursing and Midwifery Council marked a milestone by inducting "111 Varsity Graduates" in Kano. On preparedness, the National Economic Council disclosed that "21 States Update Response Plans" for Ebola, though 15 states remain non-compliant. In Zamfara, meanwhile, a Kwankwasiyya project chairman has stepped in to support banditry-affected communities, with Leadership noting he "Acquires N2m Drugs To Vulnerable People."
“Kaduna Showcases Health Supply Model To 5 States, FCT”
“Nursing Council Inducts 111 Varsity Graduates, Stresses Patient Care”
“Ebola: 21 States Update Response Plans, 15 Yet To Comply”
“Banditry: Yallabai Acquires N2m Drugs To Vulnerable People In Zamfara”
Jobs, Business & Infrastructure
There was good news for job seekers as the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced fresh recruitment plans alongside sweeping promotions. Nairametrics reports the board is "reopening of its recruitment portal from October 28 to November 13, 2026," while also approving the promotion of 27,624 officers — a development Legit.ng describes simply as "Jubilation." In Lagos, transport infrastructure got a boost as Nairametrics reports the Blue Line rail will extend "to FESTAC, Alakija, Trade Fair by February 2027," with three new stations in the pipeline.
“CDCFIB announces recruitment portal reopening, approves promotion of 27,624 officers”
“Jubilation as CDCFIB announces reopening of recruitment portal”
“Lagos Blue Line to extend to FESTAC, Alakija, Trade Fair by February 2027”
Sport, Tech & the World Stage
Nigeria scored a diplomatic and sporting win as it secured hosting rights for a major table tennis event, with ThisDay reporting the country triumphed after "23 of the 38 delegates" at the ITTF Africa AGM in Morocco backed its bid, while Punch confirms Nigeria won "after beating Tunisia in a vote." On the tech front, Premium Times highlights a KPMG survey showing African CEOs are eager to invest in artificial intelligence "despite readiness gap," based on responses from 176 CEOs across the continent. Elsewhere, Covenant University used its Founder's Day to declare lofty ambitions, with Chancellor David Oyedepo quoted by Punch calling it "God's own new-generation Harvard," and abroad, Leadership carries a security expert's view that Western efforts to curb Russia's nuclear energy dominance "May Fail."
“Nigeria wins bid to host 2028 ITTF Africa Champs”
“African CEOs prioritise AI investment despite readiness gap – KPMG”