African News
Is it True that Kenya and Nigeria are the Least Corrupt Countries in Africa?
On October 12, 2024, a startling claim erupted on social media. It began on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. An X user, @wesley_kibande proclaimed that: “Kenya and Nigeria have been ranked as the least corrupt countries in Africa.” Accompanying this bold assertion was an image of Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, each standing proudly. As expected, this bold claim set off a ton of responses.
Could this be true, many asked? Are the two African countries perceived by many to have very corrupt systems finally turning a new leaf? Fact checkers went to work and consulted the biggest authority on corruption perception in the world, Transparency International.
An examination of the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) from Transparency International cast a harsh light on the darker reality of both nations. Nigeria ranked a disheartening 145th out of 180 countries, while Kenya stood at 126th.
The CPI measures public sector corruption perceptions, scoring nations from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).The figures were sobering: Nigeria scored just 25, with an average of 21 over nearly three decades. Kenya, only slightly better, achieved 31, with an average of 24.
Transparency International ranked Somalia as the most corrupt country in Africa with a score of 11 while Seychelles was named the least corrupt country on the continent, scoring 71. Nigeria and Kenya have at no time scored up to 50 – the mid-point of the index.
So, what’s the conclusion?The assertion made by @wesley_kibande is not just misleading; it’s a mirage, obscuring the persistent issues these nations face.The claim that Kenya and Nigeria are the least corrupt countries in Africa is FALSE. Transparency International’s data places both nations far from the top in global rankings, reflecting ongoing issues with corruption.
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”
