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Is COVID-19 Variant XEC in Nigeria Already?

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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.

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Is Nigeria’s Central  Bank  Planning to Scrap Old Naira Notes?

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A viral video circulating on TikTok has sparked widespread concern. The video claims that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to phase out old naira notes, rendering them invalid as legal tender by December 31, 2024. According to the video, Nigerians must exchange their old naira notes for new ones before the alleged deadline or risk losing their value.

This alarming claim has raised questions: Is this true?

 

The Investigation:

To clarify the matter, we turned to official sources, and here’s what we found:

On Friday, December 13, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a statement debunking the rumor. Hakama Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, reiterated that both the old and redesigned naira notes of the N1,000, N500, and N200 denominations will remain legal tender indefinitely.

The CBN’s statement referenced a Supreme Court ruling delivered on November 29, 2023, which affirmed that all versions of the affected denominations can circulate concurrently without any deadline. This judgment overrides earlier speculations of a phase-out, putting the rumor to rest.

 

The Facts:

  1. CBN Statement: The CBN has categorically dismissed the claim of a December 31, 2024, deadline for phasing out old naira notes.
  2. Supreme Court Ruling: The ruling allows the continuous use of both old and redesigned naira notes, ensuring they remain legal tender indefinitely.
  3. Lack of Credible Evidence: No official announcements or credible reports have supported the viral claim.

 

The Verdict:

So, does the CBN plan to scrap old naira notes by December 31, 2024?
The answer is FALSE.The Central Bank of Nigeria has clarified that all versions of the N1,000, N500, and N200 naira notes will remain valid for transactions indefinitely. The Supreme Court ruling ensures that Nigerians can use either version without restrictions or deadlines.

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African News

Are Popular Skin-whitening Injections in West Africa Genuine and Safe?

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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

.

 

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.

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Is Peter Obi doing giveaway on facebook?

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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.

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