News
Is COVID-19 Variant XEC in Nigeria Already?
On December 10, 2024, a claim began spreading rapidly on social media. It originated from various blogs and posts on X (formerly known as Twitter). The posts boldly declared:
“COVID-19 Variant XEC has been detected in Nigeria.”
This alarming claim quickly gained traction, sparking panic and heated debates across online platforms. Nigerians questioned its authenticity, with many wondering if this was a credible health alert or just another instance of misinformation.
To uncover the truth, we turned to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for clarification.
The Facts:
The Federal Ministry of Health has categorically debunked the claim. In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed:
“There is no evidence of the COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria.”
While it’s true that this variant has been reported in 29 countries globally, Nigeria is not among them.
Government Preparedness:
Despite the false nature of the claim, the Nigerian government has reinforced its readiness to tackle potential health threats. Key measures include:
- Enhanced Border Surveillance: Increased monitoring at all entry points to detect any potential cases early.
- Healthcare Facilities: Laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units have been set up to ensure uninterrupted healthcare.
- Public Health Awareness: Citizens are urged to follow universal precautions, such as frequent handwashing and maintaining proper hygiene.
The Verdict:
So, is the claim that the COVID-19 variant XEC has been detected in Nigeria true?
The answer is FALSE.The Ministry of Health has reassured Nigerians that the country remains vigilant, with systems in place to address any emerging health risks. However, no evidence supports the presence of the variant XEC in Nigeria at this time.
On Easter Monday evening, social media lit up with somber news: Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is dead.
The tributes came swiftly. Condolences poured in.
But… was it true?
The rumour started on Nairaland, one of Nigeria’s most active online forums. A user identified as stabilizer posted:
“He died few mins ago… Details to be made public very soon. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Within minutes, the story spread like wildfire — across X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp groups, and Facebook pages. A beloved national icon, gone?
Except… he wasn’t.
No reputable news outlet carried the report. Not a single verified platform confirmed it. And by dawn on Tuesday, the man himself had responded — personally.
In a one-minute Instagram video posted on April 22, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey looked straight at the camera and said:
“I AM ALIVE!!!!!”
Then he did what he’s done best for over six decades — he sang.
🎶 “It is fake news… Satan, you don lose o… Na lie lie you dey talk…” 🎶
The video was clear, candid, and unmistakably real.
His personal assistant, Mr. Tope Olukole, also told TVC News that the rumour was false and that the 82-year-old icon was alive and well.
Leading dailies such as Punch confirmed the story under the headline:
“I’m Alive – Ebenezer Obey Debunks Death Rumour.”
This isn’t the first time the legendary Juju maestro has been the subject of a death hoax. As one of Nigeria’s most revered musical elders, he’s long been a target of false reports — often triggered by his visible aging or prolonged absence from public events.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Ebenezer Obey is dead is FALSE.
The man is very much alive — and still singing.
They say it’s the miracle mix your doctor won’t tell you about…
Apple cider vinegar.
Lemon juice. Ginger. Garlic.
Blend it all, take a few spoonfuls daily, and—just like that—your heart’s blood vessels will “naturally open,” making surgeries like angioplasty and bypass completely unnecessary.
Or so the viral posts claim. Shared thousands of times in Southern, Eastern, and Western Africa and beyond, the promise is simple, seductive—and dangerous.
But does it hold up under the weight of medical science?
Let’s investigate.
First, what exactly is this life-saving surgery people are being told they no longer need?
Angioplasty is a medical procedure where doctors use a small balloon-tipped catheter to open blocked heart arteries. It restores blood flow and can prevent a fatal heart attack. The American Heart Association says it’s often used when blockages cause serious chest pain or pose a life-threatening risk.
Bypass surgery goes even further. Surgeons take blood vessels from other parts of the body to reroute blood around dangerously narrowed or blocked arteries. It’s a major operation—three to six hours long—but often life-saving.
Now, could a simple kitchen remedy really replace all that?
The Facebook posts are loud and confident. They insist that a blend of apple cider vinegar, lemon, ginger, and garlic can “open the veins of the heart.” But here’s the truth, according to Africa Check who interviewed several medical experts:
Professor Akanmu Sulaimon, a respected haematologist at the University of Lagos, calls it what it is: “Bogus.”
Dr. Anisuiba Benedict, a cardiologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, agrees: “Such a combination does not open veins in the heart.”
In short: There’s no scientific evidence that this mixture can dissolve plaque or unclog arteries. The idea isn’t just incorrect—it’s dangerously misleading.
So, what really protects your heart?
Not a homemade potion, but long-term habits backed by science:
✔️ Eat more fruits and vegetables
✔️ Exercise regularly
✔️ Monitor your blood pressure
✔️ Avoid tobacco
✔️ Limit alcohol
✔️ Manage stress
The British Heart Foundation and cardiologists worldwide agree: these are the things that make a real difference.
Conclusion
The claim that a mix of vinegar, lemon, ginger, and garlic can “open the veins of the heart” and replace medical procedures is completely false.
These posts are not harmless. They can delay proper treatment, put lives at risk, and feed the myth that serious medical conditions can be cured with kitchen cabinet concoctions.
Is Famous Musician Ebenezer Obey Dead?
The Vinegar Miracle: Can a Homemade Mix Unblock Your Heart?
