Fact Check Training At Anambra State

Published

3 years ago

January 22, 2022

jacosky

Photo Credit: WABMA

Highlights from the Fact Check Training event at Awka, Anambra State.

100 Editions Strong!

Published

4 weeks ago

May 14, 2025

WABMA PFCN Author

Today, we proudly mark the 100th edition of the WABMA Fake News Debunker — published consistently in audio, video, and text formats.

This milestone is more than just a number. It is a testament to our resilience, commitment, and belief in the power of truth. For nearly two years, through changing tides and persistent challenges, we have worked tirelessly to expose misinformation, challenge disinformation, and protect the public discourse in West Africa.

Fake news undermines democracy, endangers lives, and erodes trust. That is why we have stayed the course — week after week — empowering citizens with facts, and strengthening media literacy across communities.

Thank you to every researcher, producer, presenter, and supporter who made this possible.
The work continues — because truth still matters.

WABMA100 #FakeNewsDebunker #StopTheSpread #MediaMatters #WestAfrica #Misinformation #FactChecking #WABMA

African News

Can Guava Leaves Really Cure Ulcers?

Published

8 months ago

October 7, 2024

WABMA PFCN Author

It began innocently enough—a few Facebook posts suggesting a natural remedy that caught the attention of many. The posts claimed that guava leaves, boiled and brewed into a tea, could cure stomach ulcers. The allure of an easy, natural solution was hard to ignore.

One post went further, explaining the science behind it: “Guava leaf contains Methanol extract with volatile oil, flavonoid, and saponin, all of which fight stomach ulcers and promote healing.” The recipe was simple: take 7 to 10 fresh leaves, simmer them gently, and drink the mixture. Pregnant women were even encouraged to take small doses, despite some research warning against it.

But here’s the twist—before reaching for those guava leaves, we need to ask: How accurate is this claim?

Several trusted sources, including Africa Check and WebMD, decided to investigate. They found a different story. Despite the traditional use of guava leaves for ailments like stomach disorders, pain, and diabetes, the hard truth is there’s no solid scientific evidence backing guava leaves as a cure for ulcers.

Yes, there are studies that hint at the potential benefits of guava plants—but only in rats, not humans. The leap from animal tests to human treatments is a big one, and without more research, the evidence just isn’t there.

So, what’s the conclusion?
The claim that guava leaves cure ulcers is, for now, unproven. Science requires more than stories and hopes—it demands solid evidence. Until that’s found, this remains just another hopeful remedy waiting for proof.

African News

Has Erisco Foods changed its brand name after recent controversy?

Published

11 months ago

July 10, 2024

WABMA PFCN Author

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