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.
When President Tinubu nominated Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, social media erupted. “He was Tinubu’s lawyer during the 2023 election case!” users claimed, warning that democracy was in danger. But is the outrage based on fact?
Verification: WABMA reviewed the Certified True Copies of both the Presidential Election Tribunal and Supreme Court judgments from the 2023 election petitions.
Amupitan’s name does not appear among the lawyers listed for Tinubu, Shettima, or the APC. Instead, the records show Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) — a University of Lagos law professor — as one of the legal counsels.
The similarity between the surnames Osipitan and Amupitan seems to have caused the mix-up. No court record, statement, or credible media report links Amupitan to Tinubu’s legal team.
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.
🚩 Are popular skin-whitening injections in West Africa genuine and safe to use? 🚩 Is Nigeria’s Central Bank planning to scrap old Naira notes soon? 🚩 Has the COVID-19 variant XEC already spread to Nigeria?
In this episode, we dive deep into these viral claims to separate facts from fiction. Don’t fall for fake news—get the truth you need right here!