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False information continues to thrive on social media, even as purveyors of misinformation and disinformation persist in their activities. This underscores the growing importance of fact-checking and media literacy for the general public.
In the second week of April, DUBAWA fact-checked several claims that affected Nigeria’s politics, economy, and health and beyond.
- Fluoride causes cancer
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was in the news again several years after his claim that 5G causes COVID-19 was debunked. During a recent church programme, the cleric claimed that fluoride is one of the leading causes of cancer.
He subsequently urged members of his congregation to avoid products containing fluoride. However, DUBAWA’s findings showed that while excess fluoride may be harmful, the amount of this mineral in toothpaste and other over-the-counter products is not toxic.
Also, investigations into the link between fluoride and cancer are still ongoing, as previous studies failed to establish a strong connection between the two. Find more details here.
- Kwankwaso call for attacks on Igbos in Kano
The first quarter of the year ended with sad news about the alleged killing of 16 Northern travellers by residents of Uromi in Edo state. The development triggered an uproar in the media, as many Northerners demanded justice for the victims.
Amid the saga, a clip was shared online showing former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso condemning the killings and allegedly advocating a reprisal attack and secession of the Northern states.
However, DUBAWA’s investigation showed that the video circulated was manipulated to support the false narrative. More details are here.
- Liberia’s former vice president said only three counties have elected female senators
The upcoming by-election in Nimba County, Liberia, has been a major topic of discussion lately. In a recent interview, former vice president Madam Jewel Howard Taylor, while stressing the need for more women in leadership positions, asserted that only three or four counties have ever elected female senators.
Our research, however, showed that about seven counties had elected female senators at different times. Madam Taylor herself served as Senator for Bong County from 2005 to 2017. Others are listed on the report, as seen here.
- Sierra Leone government made an extradition request to Netherlands government
A Popular YouTube channel run by a Sierra Leonean Trusted Partner Network alleged that the Sierra Leone government had made a counter-extradition request to the Dutch government.
Media reports indicated the presence of a prominent drug baron, Jos Leijdekkers, within the borders of Sierra Leone. There were also reports that the Dutch government had formally requested the extradition of Jos from the West African country.
However, the situation became even more complicated with recent claims from the YouTube channel suggesting that the Sierra Leonean government was seeking the extradition of Adebayo, a controversial Sierra Leonean who was an ‘asylum seeker’ in the Netherlands.
Amid this, government officials refuted the counter-extradition request and clarified that the letters from the Dutch government had yet to be processed. Read more about this here.
- Belly-flattening pineapple peel concoction
Humans are constantly aware of their appearance, particularly those with a protruding tummy caused by various factors. Influencers and advertising companies often target this group, promising remedies for the condition.
A recent Instagram post claimed that consuming natural ingredients, including pineapple peels, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and lemon juice, could help achieve a flat stomach.
In investigating this claim, DUBAWA found that the listed ingredients possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the mixtures are well-known for their potential health benefits. However, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for targeted fat loss remains limited.
Experts have also advised those seeking a flatter tummy to maintain an active lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Read more about this here.
