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Articles by Lois Ugbede
Username for WhatsApp: All you need to know and how to reserve yours
Image of WhatsApp opened on a phone used to represent the story. Photo Source: Gemini. WhatsApp has announced a new feature that will allow users to choose a username in place of their phone numbers. WhatsApp, in a blog post published on June 29, 2026, noted that this new feature helps users keep their number private and control who can reach them on WhatsApp using their username. “… we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.
Video linked to Oyo kidnapping, BBC journalist, misleading
Screenshot of the video. Photo source: @officialashowna. Claim: An Instagram page @officialashowna shared a video of two men, linking it to follow-up events from the recent Oyo state abduction covered by a BBC journalist. Verdict: Misleading. The video is unrelated to the Oyo kidnapping, and the journalist credited with the video has also distanced himself from it.
The truth behind VDM’s purported voice note linked to President Tinubu
A photo collage of President Tinubu and VeryDarkMan. On Thursday, May 27, 2026, an alleged video of self-acclaimed human rights activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), reacting to leaked voice notes purportedly from President Bola Tinubu, went viral. A TikTok user, RATEL TV (@ugwaifechukwudavid1), shared this video (archived here) with the caption, “Listen to this Tinubu leaked voice note.” The video showed VDM playing three WhatsApp voice notes and reacting to them.
Unpacking Instagram users’ claims on America's first global health strategy - Dubawa
Full Text The United States (US) under Donald Trump has made some bold health moves, which include its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and cutting global AID funding. Amidst these developments, an Instagram user, @momohkamara16, shared a video making several claims around a new America First health strategy document that seeks to control Africa for the next 25 years. She said Africans are underreacting to this new development, which is detrimental to them.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: What every woman should know
Every , health institutions and activists create awareness around cervical cancer with a focus on eliminating it. If you are a woman, have been sexually active, and are between the ages of 25 and 69, then you should also be part of this conversation. This year, the global focus remains centred on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) mission: “Together we can eliminate cervical cancer.” One common phrase you will find around cervical cancer conversations is the 2030 global goal of “90-70-90”.
2022 ACF Free cancer treatment, recirculated in 2026
Claim: The Africa Cancer Foundation is giving free breast cancer treatment Verdict: False. While the Africa Cancer Foundation provided free breast cancer treatment in 2022, it is no longer offering this service. The viral WhatsApp message is an adaptation of the foundation’s 2022 message. Full Text Cancer, a leading of death worldwide, continues to be at the centre of misinformation with several cure promises.
Nigeria: CJID Celebrates Journalists in Second Edition of Excellence in Journalism Awards 2025
The award ceremony took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, on 26 November, 2025, as part of the annual Media and Development conference. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has awarded 13 journalists across West Africa for its 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards. The award ceremony took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, on 26 November, as part of the annual Media and Development conference organised by the centre.
CJID celebrates journalists in second edition of Excellence in Journalism Awards 2025
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has awarded 13 journalists across West Africa for its 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards. The award ceremony took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, on November 26, 2025, as part of the annual Media and Development conference organised by the centre.
CJID celebrates journalists in second edition of Excellence in Journalism Awards 2025
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has awarded 13 journalists across West Africa for its 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards. The award ceremony took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, on 26 November, as part of the annual Media and Development conference organised by the centre. This year's award, which is the second edition, recognised exceptional contributions to journalism, fact-checking, media innovation, and community-centred reporting across West Africa.
WHO dismisses Trump’s autism claims, says they are not backed by science
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed claims that autism is linked to the use of Tylenol/acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy. Recall on Monday, Sept 22, 2025, the United States (US) President, Donald Trump, warned against the use of Tylenol, stating it is linked to the increasing cases of Autism. Reacting to this comment, the WHO released a statement via its official X handle on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
Misleading! Baltasar currently standing trial, not sentenced to 18 years - Dubawa
Claim: X user @Sir_Benjaminn claimed Baltasar has been sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment. Verdict: Misleading. Baltasar is currently standing trial for criminal charges but has not been sentenced to 18 years in prison. The National Prosecutor’s Office in Equatorial Guinea only requested a total sentence of 18 years for the charges brought against him. In November 2024, the sexual scandal of Equatorial Guinea’s Financial Crimes boss, Baltasar Engonga, made the news.
The growing threat of audio deepfakes and why it's difficult to fact-check - Dubawa
The integrity of democratic elections rests on informed electorate decision-making based on verifiable facts. However, the dynamic field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a potent new threat: Audio Deepfakes. These AI-generated audio clips, capable of convincingly mimicking a person’s voice and speech patterns, pose a significant risk because their manipulation could be particularly disruptive during election seasons.
DUBAWA wins Michael Elliot Award second consecutive year
Silas Jonathan, the digital investigations manager for the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC), has won the 2025 Michael Elliot Award for Excellence in African Storytelling for Nigeria. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) announced this via its official X handle @ICFJ.
HT Syndication: DUBAWA wins Michael Elliot Award second consecutive year
Nigeria, April 10 -- Silas Jonathan, the digital investigations manager for the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC), has won the 2025 Michael Elliot Award for Excellence in African Storytelling for Nigeria. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) made this announcement via its official X handle @ICFJ.
DUBAWA wins Michael Elliot Award second consecutive year
Silas Jonathan, the digital investigations manager for the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC), has won the 2025 Michael Elliot Award for Excellence in African Storytelling for Nigeria. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) made this announcement via its official X handle @ICFJ.
Is fluoride a cause of cancer, as claimed by Pastor Chris? - Dubawa
Claim: Pastor Chris Oyakilome claimed that fluoride is a major cause of cancer. Verdict: False. Although there are concerns about the risk of cancer from fluoridated water, there is no conclusive evidence linking fluoride to cancer. Over the years, religious leaders have become actors in the information disorder ecosystem, with claims about the COVID-19 vaccine to miraculous healings that shape people’s decision-making.
How true is claim Jatropha Curcas produces biodiesel fuel banned in many countries? - Dubawa
Claim: The petroleum plant (Jatropha Curcas) can produce high-quality biodiesel fuel when processed, but it’s banned in most countries. Verdict: Partly True! While several studies reveal that Jatropha Curcas can be extracted as biodiesel fuel, there is no evidence of a ban on the plant, only regulations and restrictions on its invasiveness. Over the years, plants have been used for many things outside of food, from producing rich natural dyes to colouring fabrics and producing medicine.
Is changing surname after marriage legal or just cultural?
Ella John, a 26-year-old graduate and entrepreneur, is at a crossroads between marrying the love of her life and breaking her resolve not to change her name after marriage by quitting the two-years-old relationship.
Does bottled water contain microplastic?
Claim: An Instagram user claims that bottled water contains microplastics. Verdict: True. Several available research show that bottled water contains microplastics and nanoplastics. Microplastics (MPs) are small pieces of plastic under five millimetres. They can come from larger plastic pieces broken down, resin pellets used in plastic manufacturing, microbeads, microfibre, etc. The define microplastics (MPs) as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimetres (mm) to 1 nanometer (nm).
Will not brushing your teeth at night increase cardiovascular disease risk?
Claim: An Instagram user claims a new study confirms that not brushing at night increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Verdict: True. Different studies have linked periodontal diseases, which are mainly caused by poor brushing habits, to cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CVDs are the leading cause of death globally.
Does Nigeria have the second-highest people living with HIV?
Claim: Nigeria has the second-highest number of people living with HIV. Verdict: Misleading. The report referenced by the claimant is from a 2018 report by UNICEF based on 2015 data, which is not the best representation of the current state of HIV in Nigeria. The report also speaks to the burden of HIV, not the number of people living with HIV, as asserted by the claimant.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: Here is all you need to know about NTDs
The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (3) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. Part of goal 3.3 extends the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) beyond the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria to ‘end the epidemic’ of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030.
Did President Trump swear on the Bible or not?
Claim: An X user claims that Trump did not put his hand on the Bible during his swearing-in. Verdict: True. Our findings reveal that President Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while taking his oath of office. Following Donald Trump’s inaugural ceremony on Monday as the 47th president of the United States (US), an X user, juju (@ayeejuju), claimed that Mr Trump did not swear on the Bible.
TRUE! Trump signed an executive order to withdraw US from WHO
Claim: An X user claims that Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO. Verdict: True. Updates from the White House confirmed that President Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO. On Monday, Jan. 29, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States (US). Following the inaugural ceremony, several claims about his declarations and actions flooded social media.
ROUND-UP: Health, security, LA fire among top claims we fact-checked this week
Mis/disinformation like they say, never sleeps or goes on holiday. As the year 2025 enters into full gear, here are the top claims we fact-checked in the last week. Early morning urine as treatment for conjunctivitis (Apollo) In December, amidst the Christmas celebration, a mother was thrown into confusion as her baby had a condition that was preventing her from opening her eyes.
Is washing face with early morning urine right treatment for Apollo?
Claim: A Facebook user claimed that using early morning urine to wash the face cures conjunctivitis (Apollo). Verdict: False! Available reports and medical experts do not recommend using urine as a treatment for conjunctivitis, regardless of the type. On Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, amid the Christmas celebration, a Facebook user, Millicent Xandercs, shared a video of her cleaning her child’s eye, which was not opening due to some discharge.
#GlobalMILWeek: All you need to know about 2024 edition
Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2024 holds from Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, to Thursday, Oct. 31 2024. Since 2011, a week has been set aside to celebrate MIL globally and gather stakeholders worldwide to share ideas and explore innovative ways to promote MIL.
DUBAWA shines at 2024 African Fact-Checking Awards
Simbiat Bakare, DUBAWA’s Copy Editor, emerged as runner-up in the professional Fact-check category at the African Fact-Checking Award 2024. The award is part of the Africa Facts Summit 2024, which was held in Accra from October 9 to October 10, 2024. It brought together over 50 organisations across Africa. Ms Bakare won with her report on Odalo, Nigeria’s Twitter swindler faking “heart disease” to scam women.
Lois Ugbede on LinkedIn: #africafactssummit2024 #africafactssummit2024 #workingmum #youwillnotfail
Lois Ugbede’s Post I am excited to be in Ghana for the Africa Fact Summit 2024 with the youngest fact-checker on the continent(Baby Z). I am specifically proud to be part of this year’s summit because DUBAWA is co-hosting alongside Africa Check and FactSpace West Africa. Over the years, DUBAWA has changed the game of factchecking in the continent with active operations in 7 African countries and factchecking work in 9 languages.
Mpox, not Monkeypox: Here is all you need to know about viral disease
On Aug. 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency following recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other countries worldwide. These countries are Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Uganda.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day: 13 Common menstrual health myths verified
Today, millions of women and girls around the world are stigmatised, excluded, and discriminated against simply because they menstruate. Menstruation, also called a “period,” is a normal biological process experienced by millions of women worldwide each month. A period happens when the uterus sheds blood and tissue from the uterine lining and leaves your body through the vagina. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare for pregnancy, and the cycle varies in length and intensity.
All you need to know about ovarian cyst
Full Text During the last summer, Emerald Stone (pseudonym) was elated to discover she was pregnant with her second child, but this joy was soon cut short. The night of the same day she tested positive for being pregnant, Ms Stone was hit with a weirdly sharp and uncomfortable abdominal pain. What could this be? She remembered amidst the pain that she did not feel this much pain even when she went into labour for her first.
Baby Cord Blood Banking: All you need to know about this “biological insurance”
Full Text It was a bright, chilly morning and another day for Ella George (pseudo name) to check on her growing baby bump and pregnancy updates. Scrolling through her daily feed on her favourite pregnancy Application, BabyCentre, a poll asking, “Will you pay to bank your baby’s cord blood?” caught her attention. She wondered what baby cord blood banking meant and why it was needed. Is it the same baby cord we dispose of and move on after delivery they are talking about, or something else?
How true is X user’s post, consuming seedless fruits dangerous?
Claim: Fruits without seeds should not be consumed because they are dangerous. Verdict: MISLEADING. Whether a fruit has seed or not does not change its nutritional benefit or make it dangerous for consumption. Full Text Fruits are an important part of a healthy meal plan because they are a great source of minerals and vitamins like potassium and antioxidants. Most fruits have seeds, and those we think do not, such as cucumber, avocados and olives, have pits. However, on Thursday, Feb.
FACT CHECK: Is consuming seedless fruits dangerous? Original
Claim: Fruits without seeds should not be consumed because they are dangerous. Verdict: MISLEADING. Whether a fruit has seed or not does not change its nutritional benefit or make it dangerous for consumption. Fruits are an important part of a healthy meal plan because they are a great source of minerals and vitamins like potassium and antioxidants. Most fruits have seeds, and those we think do not, such as cucumber, avocados, and olives, have pits.
FACT CHECK: Is consuming seedless fruits dangerous?
Nigeria, March 9 -- Claim: Fruits without seeds should not be consumed because they are dangerous. Verdict: MISLEADING. Whether a fruit has seed or not does not change its nutritional benefit or make it dangerous for consumption. Fruits are an important part of a healthy meal plan because they are a great source of minerals and vitamins like potassium and antioxidants. Most fruits have seeds, and those we think do not, such as cucumber, avocados, and olives, have pits.
Shin yin jima’i sau 21 a wata guda na kawar da matsalolin da suka shafi mafitsara?
Da’awa: Akwai bukatar mazaje su rika yin jima’i sau 21 a duk wata don kaucewa kamuwa da cutar da ke da alaka da dajin mafitsara. Sakamakon bincike: YAUDARA CE! Bincike da ke a kasa ya nunar da cewa akwai tufka da warwara, wanda ke nuni da cewa akwai bukatar zurfafa bincike, kwararru sun yi watsi da wannan da’awa a matsayin abin da masana kimiya suka gano, kasancewar har yanzu ana nazari kan batun.
FACT CHECK: Does having sex 21 times a month prevent prostate issues? Original
Claim: Men need to have sex 21 times monthly to avoid prostate issues. Prostate problems are unique to men because they have to do with a peculiar reproductive organ. There are : inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the prostate (a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm).
FACT CHECK: Does having sex 21 times a month prevent prostate issues?
Nigeria, March 4 -- Claim: Men need to have sex 21 times monthly to avoid prostate issues. Prostate problems are unique to men because they have to do with a peculiar reproductive organ. There are three types of prostate problems: inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer.
Does having sex 21 times a month prevent prostrate issues?
Claim: Men need to have sex 21 times monthly to avoid prostrate issues. Verdict: MISLEADING! Available studies suggest the narrative has conflicting findings; hence, more research is needed. Experts have also dismissed this as a scientific fact because it is still being studied. Full Text Prostrate problems are unique to men because they have to do with a peculiar reproductive organ.
Is it safe to wash food items with detergent?
Full Text The COVID-19 pandemic brought about new hygiene practices, some of which were unsafe. An example is washing fruits and vegetables with detergents, which was debunked in 2020 by the Times of India.
False viral video alleging vaccinated people are products recirculated on WhatsApp
Claim: The United States Supreme Court has ruled that vaccinated people with genetically modified mRNAs worldwide are products. Verdict: FALSE. The 2013 US Supreme Court ruling noted that synthetically created complementary DNA (cDNA) is patentable while isolated natural DNA is not.
Six popular claims on health benefits of cucumber fact-checked
Full Text Cucumber is a fruit commonly thought to be a vegetable. They are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Protein, Magnesium, Potassium, etc. Cucumbers have a high water content of about 96%. HealthLine recommends eating unpeeled to maximise their nutrient content because peeling reduces the amount of fibre and some vitamins and minerals.
Teenager in viral burial notice, not soldier as claimed
Claim: Viral Tiktok video suggests a 15-year-old died in service as a soldier. Verdict: MISLEADING! Our findings reveal that the deceased was a student of a Nigerian Military School, who are referred to as “Boy Soldiers,” even though they are not active soldiers. Full Text The Nigerian military, also known as the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), was established in 1960. The NAF consists of three service branches: the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force.
Bisa tanadin kundin tsarin mulkin Najeriya, jazaman ne mutun ya yi NYSC kafin ya sami mukami na siyasa?
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) wato shirin yi wa kasa hidima a Najeriya shiri ne da aka kaddamar sama da shekaru 50 da suka gabata a karkashin dokar Decree No.24 na ranar 22 da watan Mayin shekarar 1973 domin inganta dangantakar da ke tsakanin matasan Najeriya da kuma hadin kan kasa baki daya. Na tsawon shekara daya ne ake tilastawa duk ‘yan Najeriyar da suka kammala karatu a jami’a ko makamancin shi, wadanda kuma suke da shekaru kasa da 30 na haihuwa yi.
Does standing before microwave oven cause cancer?
Claim: Standing in front of a microwave causes cancer. Verdict: FALSE! Microwaves are generally safe, and standing before them does not cause cancer. The advice is not to stand in front or against them when in use because of burns/injuries. Full Text The term cancer describes many diseases. Cancer occurs when specific cells grow out of control and spread through the body.
Is completion of NYSC requirement for political appointments?
Full Text The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a scheme established over forty years ago by Decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 to encourage and develop common ties among the Nigerian Youth and promote national unity. It is a year-long service compulsory for all Nigerians who graduate from universities or equivalent institutions at less than 30 years of age. The relevance of this scheme to political appointments at different levels continues to stir controversy.
Five ridiculous health misinformation circulated in 2023
Full Text False, distorted or misinterpreted health information is dangerous to public health because this information influences health decisions and attitudes towards health interventions. While this is more common during disease outbreaks, health misinformation thrives in and out of season throughout the year because people seek helpful medical information daily. Below are some ridiculous health claims that trended in 2023 and were verified by DUBAWA.
Four times President Tinubu’s name was used to mislead Nigerians in 2023
The information ecosystem has never been free from manipulation or distortion by various actors, be they individual, state, or organisation actors. Dis/misinformation actors use different strategies to influence people and stir them to action to achieve their aims. One popular strategy is using the names of prominent people with a reputation, like political leaders, religious leaders, and scholars, to convince the public.
Seven public figures who were victims of viral death hoaxes in 2023
Full Text Death hoaxes, although now common due to social media, are not a new phenomenon. A death hoax is a deliberate report of a person’s demise, which is later discovered to be false. While these are done by random people for different reasons, in some cases, the said victim might intentionally spread the claim. An example of this is the recent rumour of the death of Nigerian hip-hop star Oladipupo Oladimeji, who had the stage name Oladips.
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