African News
Has Erisco Foods changed its brand name after recent controversy?
An image circulating on social media claims thatEriscoFood company has rebranded as a face-saving measure after their recent controversy.
The claim is unproven.
Several Facebook posts now claim that Erisco has rebranded and changed its name after consumers boycotted its products over the move against Ms. Okoli.
One of the posts reads: “JUST IN: Erisco Foods Reportedly Rebrands Under New Name Nicodemously Amidst Boycott Of Product.”
The posts included photos of the owner of the company, its Nagiko tomato mix, and another brand of tomato mix called “Tomagood”, implying that this was the new brand name.
The tomato mix that Okoli tested in 2023 had the name “Nagiko” on it, which is the same as in a photo that was attached to some of the Facebook posts.
Erisco is a local maker of tomato paste, tomato mix, drinks, seasoning cubes, milk and chocolate cubes.
There is no evidence to show that the one with “Tomagood” on it was made by Erisco Foods.
According to its website, the company produces its tomato mixes under three names: Nagiko, Ric-Giko and Erisco.
There is nothing on the company’s website or social media handles to suggest that the company has changed its name. Its logo and other information on its website, including social media posts, remain under the name Erisco.
There is also no information about the purported “Tomagood”.
There is no evidence that Erisco Foods has changed its brand name. The photo of the tomato mix attached to the post suggesting a name change is not one of the brands on the company’s website.
Erisco Foods Limited became controversial after suing a Nigerian woman named ChiomaOkoli. It accused her of cybercrime and defamation for posting damaging claimsabout its tomato mix on social media in September 2023.
Okoli was critical of the quality of the tomato mix, expressing dissatisfaction with its taste and texture, and suggesting that it could be harmful.
Okoli’s case received widespread media coverage due to the resulting public outcry, with many suggesting that Erisco’s response was heavy-handed and an attempt to suppress consumer feedback.
However, in May 2024, the court granted Okoli bail in the sum of N5 million (US$3,640) and required her to produce two sureties, among other conditions.
CONCLUSION
The claim that EriscoFoods has rebranded their Tomato to Tomagood is FALSE
African News
“Skin Whitening Injections, Naira Note Rumors & COVID-19 XEC in Nigeria – Debunker Ep. 96”
Skin whitening, a trend primarily driven by a desire for lighter skin tones, has gained alarming popularity in many West African countries, with new forms emerging, including skin-whitening injections. These injections are particularly prevalent in countries like Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal. Promoted via social media and word of mouth, these injections promise fast, uniform skin lightening. However, concerns over their safety and authenticity are on the rise
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The Practices:
Injections, often touted for their quick effects, are gaining traction, especially among wealthier, younger women in these countries. A study by AFP revealed that skin-whitening injections, often containing glutathione (a powerful antioxidant used in cancer treatment), are now administered by both professionals and individuals themselves, sometimes at home. These injections are marketed to promise rapid, long-lasting results, a claim supported by some, yet dismissed by many experts.
The Facts: Despite the rapid spread of these injections, experts warn of severe health risks. Skin-lightening products in West Africa—whether in cream or injectable form—are linked to a host of serious conditions. In Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared skin lightening a national health emergency due to risks like skin cancer, renal toxicity, diabetes, and hypertension from products containing hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury.
In Ghana and Nigeria, many among the population useskin lightening products, leading to conditions like dermatitis, acne, and skin thinning, with more severe issues such as kidney failure being documented after prolonged use. Similarly, Senegal sees high rates of skin-lightening cream use, resulting in numerous skin conditions due to prolonged exposure to these substances.
The Verdict:
Investigations by the French news agency, AFP, uncovered that many of these skin-whitening injections are not what they claim to be. A lab analysis of one popular product in Ivory Coast revealed that it contained no whitening agents at all and experts such as dermatologist Sarah Kourouma have confirmed that many injections contain steroids and other substances, which can cause serious side effects like depigmentation, diabetes, and hypertension. In some cases, improper administration can lead to severe infections due to unsanitary needles, the AFP reports.
Further investigations by authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ghanaian Ministry of Health have confirmed that these glutathione injections, popular in the market, pose significant health risks, including liver and kidney damage, nervous system toxicity, and even the spread of infectious diseases like hepatitis. A lab test in Paris revealed that some batches of these injections contained nothing but vitamins and sugars, further exposing the fraudulent nature of many products marketed as skin-whitening solutions.
Conclusion:
The claim that skin-whitening injections in West Africa are safe and genuine is FALSE. These products are often unregulated and poorly supervised thus posing significant health risks, from chronic illnesses to infections. It is crucial that consumers seek medical advice and avoid unproven and dangerous cosmetic procedures.
A flurry of Facebook posts has recently surfaced, enticing users with promises of a “₦20,000 grant” from Peter Obi, alongside claims of a ₦15,000 giveaway to all Nigerians in celebration of his birthday. However, a closer examination reveals a very different story.
The posts, which appeared on September 14, 2024, proclaimed: “Congrats! Apply for a grant of ₦20,000 by the Peter Obi Foundation. Application Ends Soon.” While the allure of free money spread rapidly, a click on the provided links led users to an unrelated website about “US Visa Sponsorship Opportunities in 2024/2025,” raising immediate suspicions.
Despite reports of Obi donating to various causes, there is no evidence of him establishing a foundation or distributing funds through social media. A thorough search of Obi’s verified X account, where he regularly shares updates about his life and political endeavors, yielded no mention of any such giveaways.
Given his substantial following, it seems improbable that he would initiate a giveaway without broadcasting it.
In July 2024, Obi explicitly distanced himself from these schemes through a statement from his special adviser on media, Valentine Obienyem.
He firmly denied involvement in any fraudulent giveaways, stating that his focus remains on investing in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.
In conclusion, the claim that Peter Obi is conducting a giveaway on Facebook is unequivocally false, serving as a cautionary tale against online scams.
“Skin Whitening Injections, Naira Note Rumors & COVID-19 XEC in Nigeria – Debunker Ep. 96”
