While driving impact through the FactCheck Initiative (fcihq.org) as a Nigerian living in Africa, one question has always lingered in my mind: What does climate change really mean to the average Nigerian or, for that matter, to the average African? While climate change has undeniably been a major topic of global discussion, does the average African truly grasp its meaning and understand how it impacts their daily life?

This curiosity has driven me to delve deeper into the realities of climate change, offering insights and solutions that resonate with our unique African experience. One solution is the Kaci Help app, providing practical tips and resources to help users understand and act on climate change, even without formal education.

Growing up in Nigeria, I vividly remember that climate change wasn’t a concept that most people talked about. In fact, many didn’t even know what it meant. Back then, it felt like a distant issue, far removed from the everyday challenges of survival in a bustling city or rural village. But my curiosity grew, and I decided to ask a few people, friends and acquaintances from Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, Kenya, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea what they thought about climate change. Most of them didn’t even know what the term meant.

Let me share some examples of their responses:

– Emeka (Nigeria): “Climate change? I think it’s about the weather changing. But honestly, I don’t really know much about it. All I know is that it rains a lot in the rainy season now, and sometimes it doesn’t rain at all.”

– Aya (Benin): “I’ve heard the term on the news, but it doesn’t seem like something that affects me directly. We’ve always had hot and dry seasons, so I don’t see what’s new about it.”

– Zanele (South Africa): “People talk about it, especially in relation to droughts, but it’s not something that I think about every day. The government should do something about it, not me.”

– Lilian (Kenya): “Climate change? I think it’s a rich people’s issue. I haven’t seen any real changes in my community. The rain comes and goes as it always has.”

– Ali (Sudan): “The only change I see is in the water scarcity. I don’t know if it’s climate change or just poor management of resources.”

– Carlos (Equatorial Guinea): “I know it’s something bad for the environment. But honestly, I’m just focused on making sure my family has food.”

These responses reflect the disconnect many Africans have with the term “climate change.” For most, it seems distant, abstract, and not directly related to their day-to-day survival. However, the reality is far more profound, and understanding climate change is essential for navigating the challenges it brings to our continent.

What is Climate Change to Us as Africans?

In simple terms, climate change is the long-term change in our weather patterns. It means the usual weather we experience like how hot or cold it gets, how much it rains, or how often storms happen is changing, and it’s having an impact on our daily lives.

You might have noticed that our weather isn’t as predictable as it used to be. Some years, it feels hotter than usual. Other times, there’s hardly any rain during the rainy season, or we get too much rain, leading to floods. These shifts in weather patterns aren’t random; they’re a result of climate change, and human activities are speeding it up.

Here’s how:
When we burn fuels for cars, factories, or to generate energy, we release gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. This makes the Earth warmer. So, we’re seeing:

– Hotter summers and warmer winters: Ever noticed that summers are getting hotter, and winters don’t seem as cold anymore?

– More storms, floods, and droughts: These extreme weather events, like heavy flooding or long dry spells, are becoming more common.

– Melting ice and rising sea levels: Rising temperatures are melting glaciers and causing sea levels to rise, which threatens coastal areas.

For us Africans, it’s not just about feeling a little warmer. This change affects everything. Our weather is less predictable, and that messes with our ability to grow crops, access water, and even stay healthy. For example, extreme droughts can ruin crops, making it harder to get food. In places like the Sahel or coastal areas, rising sea levels could destroy homes and livelihoods.

Climate change is already here, and it’s changing how we live, work, and even survive. It’s more than just a global issue it’s something that affects us right here, in our everyday lives.

Climate Change Through African Eyes

In my discussions with people from various African countries, it became evident that most don’t make the connection between climate change and their everyday struggles. In fact, many see it more as an environmental issue rather than a socio-economic one. For example:

– Emeka’s experience of unpredictable rainfall is linked to shifting agricultural cycles, making it harder for farmers to plan and harvest crops.

– Aya doesn’t realize that the increasing temperature and extended dry seasons could lead to water scarcity and reduced crop yields in her area.

– Lilian’s perception of climate change as a “rich people’s issue” stem from her inability to connect environmental shifts with the growing challenges she faces as a smallholder farmer.

These examples show that understanding climate change is more than an environmental issue it has direct consequences on food security, health, and livelihoods.

The Real Impact of Climate Change on Everyday Nigerians and Africans

Climate change is not just a future concern, it’s already here, and it’s affecting the everyday lives of people across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and beyond.

Agriculture: Climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable, and this is hitting Africa’s agriculture hard. In Kenya, for instance, farmers are struggling with periods of severe drought, followed by unexpected rainfall that floods fields and ruins crops. This has led to a sharp rise in food insecurity, leaving families uncertain about their next meal. In Nigeria, farmers in the northern regions are facing similar challenges, with erratic rainfall affecting their ability to grow staple crops like maize and millet. In Benin, many farmers have seen their livelihoods threatened by shifting planting seasons, and with unpredictable weather, they find it increasingly difficult to feed their communities.

Water Scarcity: Across many African countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, water sources are shrinking. In South Africa, parts of the country have faced serious droughts, leading to water rationing in cities like Cape Town. The country has had to implement strict water management practices to ensure supply, yet rural areas are still facing severe shortages. In Equatorial Guinea, climate change is exacerbating issues around water access, and communities in remote areas find it harder to access clean water, leading to a rise in waterborne diseases. For many Africans, the long dry spells and shrinking water sources are a daily reminder of the challenges climate change is bringing to their doorsteps.

Health: The rise in temperatures is also contributing to the spread of diseases like malaria, cholera, and typhoid. In Nigeria, the increase in temperature has created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in malaria cases. Personally, I find myself treating malaria and typhoid on average four times a year. In Benin, heavy rainfall from changing weather patterns has led to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, as flooding contaminates clean water sources. South Africa faces similar issues, where increased temperatures and heavy rains encourage the spread of diseases and threaten public health systems that are already stretched thin. For many Africans, the health risks of climate change are a daily reality they can no longer ignore.

Across these countries, the consequences of climate change are already visible, affecting agriculture, water supply, and public health. And while some countries are taking steps to address these issues, it’s clear that much more needs to be done to prepare for the worsening impacts of a changing climate.

How Our Daily Activities Contribute to Climate Change

Our daily activities have a significant impact on climate change. For instance:

– Energy Consumption: The use of non-renewable energy sources such as coal and oil to power homes and industries releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. For example, the burning of fuel for cooking in many African homes is a major contributor to CO2 emissions.

– Deforestation: Many African nations rely heavily on wood for cooking and heating, contributing to deforestation, which in turn increases carbon emissions.

– Transportation: The widespread use of vehicles that run on fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Many people in urban areas still rely on petrol and diesel-powered vehicles for transportation.

The Role of Technology: Kaci Help Mobile App

In our fight against climate change, every action counts, and the Kaci Help Mobile App (available on Google and Apple Play Stores) is here to make it easier for individuals to take meaningful steps toward reducing their carbon footprint. This app offers a practical, user-friendly way to track and reduce your daily emissions, helping you understand how small lifestyle changes can add up to a big impact on the planet.

Here’s how it works:

1. Home:
Do you know that by simply insulating your home’s roof, windows, and walls, you could save over 133kg of CO2 emissions each month? The app helps you identify easy changes you can make around the house. For example, taking shorter hot showers could save 60kg of CO2 per month, while avoiding unnecessary plastic use can cut down 8kg of emissions. Even small things, like reducing your toilet paper and paper towel usage, contribute to a greener home.

2. Food:
Your eating habits can have a huge impact on the environment. The app encourages more plant-based meals, which can reduce your emissions by up to 60%. For example, if you eat beef less frequently, you could save 173kg of CO2 per month. If you’re committed to buying locally grown produce or switching to plant-based milk, these actions could save an additional 19kg of CO2 per month. Every food choice, from reducing waste to growing your own veggies, adds up to a lower carbon footprint.

3. Utilities:
Did you know that simply switching to LED bulbs could save 54kg of CO2 a month? The app suggests energy-saving tips like using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, which can significantly cut your household’s emissions. Whether you’re using less energy or making eco-conscious decisions, the app makes it easy to track your impact and see the savings.

4. Travel:
Transportation is one of the biggest sources of CO2 emissions, but the app makes it simple to change your habits. By driving less than 40km per week or opting for more sustainable travel options, you could save up to 343kg of CO2 per month. And for those long-distance flights, reducing air travel could save 78kg of CO2 for each year you fly less.

DOWNLOAD KACI HELP FROM GOOGLE AND APPLE PLAY STORES TODAY! OR VISIT WWW.KACI.HELP/DOWNLOAD FOR AUTO REDIRECT TO THE STORES.

Steps to Fight Climate Change: Practical Actions for Africans

As climate change continues to impact Africa, it’s crucial that we take steps both individually and collectively to reduce its effects. But how can you, as an African, play a part in fighting climate change? It’s easier than you think! Here are some simple and effective steps we can all take to help combat the crisis.

1. Use Clean and Renewable Energy
Switching to clean energy is one of the most impactful steps we can take. As someone who has personally embraced renewable energy, I can attest to its positive effect. I have encouraged installing solar panels in homes, offices, and businesses as a sustainable energy solution. Solar panels reduce reliance on the national grid, cut down carbon footprints, and provide long-term savings on electricity bills. With abundant sunlight in countries like Nigeria, solar energy offers a practical and eco-friendly alternative that can benefit many African households and businesses while contributing to environmental preservation. We all have a role to play in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and embracing the cleaner, greener alternatives available to us.

2. Reduce Waste and Recycle
Waste management is a growing challenge, and living in Abuja, I’ve noticed how waste can quickly pile up, especially plastic waste, which is a major environmental concern. Simple changes in our daily habits can make a big difference. For instance, in my home, I’ve made it a point to reduce the use of plastic bags and bottles by opting for reusable containers. This small habit has significantly helped reduce my household’s waste and the amount of plastic in the environment. By reducing waste, recycling, and rethinking our consumption patterns, we can all contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment, no matter where we live.

3. Fight Misinformation and Fake News
As the founder of FactCheck Initiative (fcihq.org), I have seen firsthand how misinformation can hinder our collective efforts to tackle climate change. Fake news and inaccurate information can mislead people, especially when it comes to understanding the science behind climate change and the actions we need to take.

For example, in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, rumors about renewable energy being ineffective or too expensive often spread, making it harder for people to embrace clean energy solutions. It’s crucial for us to promote accurate, reliable information about climate change, debunk myths, and encourage the public to make informed decisions. We all have a responsibility to challenge misinformation, especially when it comes to something as urgent and important as climate change. By doing so, we ensure that people are empowered with the right knowledge to make real, impactful changes.

4. Switch to Cleaner Transportation
Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but there are steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint. In Nigeria, the government, through the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), has been actively encouraging citizens to switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to regular gasoline-powered cars. CNG vehicles produce fewer carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, and are more affordable to run. Additionally, there are public transportation systems using CNG, reducing the pollution caused by older buses and taxis.

For individuals, it’s now easier to switch to CNG with government-backed initiatives. If you’re considering buying a new car, you can explore CNG models or even convert your existing vehicle to run on CNG. It’s a practical way to contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

5. Support Sustainable Farming
In many African countries, agriculture is the backbone of the economy. But farming practices also contribute to climate change. Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming, can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. These methods not only help protect the land but also improve food security and resilience against climate change impacts.

If you’re a farmer or you know someone who is, promoting and practicing sustainable farming methods can make a significant difference. If you’re a consumer, try to buy locally grown and organic products, which often have a smaller carbon footprint compared to imported goods.

6. Plant Trees
Trees are nature’s way of fighting climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to balance the atmosphere. In many African communities, deforestation has led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disrupted rainfall patterns. By planting more trees, we can restore ecosystems and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Even if you don’t have a large space for a garden, you can plant a tree in your backyard or join local tree planting initiatives. It’s a simple action that can have long-term benefits for the planet and your community.

7. Conserve Water
Water scarcity is already a problem in many African countries, and climate change is making it worse. The more we conserve water, the less strain there will be on local water sources. Simple actions like fixing leaky taps, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water waste during daily activities can help conserve this vital resource.

By making water conservation a priority in our homes, schools, and workplaces, we help preserve water for future generations, especially as droughts and water shortages become more common due to climate change.

8. Educate Others and Raise Awareness
One of the key steps in fighting climate change is to educate others and raise awareness. Personally, I’ve found that many people around me are unaware of how their daily actions contribute to the climate crisis or how simple changes can make a significant impact. From conversations with friends and family in Nigeria, to my work with the FactCheck Initiative, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to spread the message of sustainability.

For example, in my community here in Abuja, I’ve attended workshops that focus on climate change, encouraging people to adopt eco-friendly habits. Whether it’s talking about reducing waste or switching to renewable energy, these discussions help people realize how they can play a part in solving the problem.

I also use my social media platforms to share information about climate change, hoping to inspire others to live greener lifestyles. Small actions like these, talking to a neighbour or sharing an informative post, can spread awareness, motivating more people to join the fight against climate change. The more we engage, the greater the impact we can collectively make.

Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future

Fighting climate change requires a collective effort, and every small action counts. Whether it’s switching to clean energy, planting trees, reducing waste, or supporting cleaner transportation, each step can lead to a significant positive impact.

For us Africans, it’s not just about protecting the environment, it’s about safeguarding our livelihoods, health, and future generations. The government, businesses, and individuals all have roles to play in creating a more sustainable Africa. By making thoughtful changes in our daily lives, we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient continent.

Let’s embrace the change today, and create a better tomorrow for Africa and the world.

Kaci Help: Beyond Climate Action

The Kaci Help app is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it offers a suite of practical, real-time features designed to improve your safety, well-being, and engagement with critical issues, such as climate change and emergency responses. Key functionalities include:

– Emergency Tracking & Alerts: Whether you’re traveling or at home, Kaci helps monitor your safety. If you’re in an emergency, your location and details can be sent to your trusted contacts or authorities via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.

– SOS & TravelSafe Features: Keep your loved ones informed with travel check-ins and emergency alerts. Even if your phone is lost or stolen, your journey’s details will be sent to the people who need to know.

– Engage with the Government: Share your concerns, complaints, or suggestions directly with ministries and agencies via the app. Start conversations that can lead to meaningful change!

– Multi-Language Support: Kaci Help is available in 11 local and international languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Pidgin, Chinese, Portuguese, and Fula. This ensures that users from different backgrounds can easily access the app’s functionalities and stay informed on climate action and emergency alerts.

Kaci Help: Unmatched Trio Climate Projects to Support on www.kaci.help/projects

Kaci focuses on three impactful climate change solutions: restoring ecosystems, promoting green technology, and empowering communities.

1. Conservation: Support forest preservation and ecosystem restoration to combat carbon emissions. Nature’s own solution, trees, are key to capturing CO2.

2. Technology: Invest in renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promoting solar and wind power for cleaner energy alternatives.

3. Community: Improve lives and reduce emissions through energy-efficient cookstoves, cutting firewood usage and harmful air pollution.

Visit the Kaci website to explore, add to cart, and support these life-changing projects.

COP29 and the Global Effort Against Climate Change

The global community has recognized the urgency of addressing climate change, and platforms like the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are central to these discussions. COP29, known as “The Finance COP,” was focused on ensuring that developed countries provide at least $300 billion per year to developing nations by 2035 to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Some of the key topics discussed included:

– Climate Adaptation: Initiatives like building sea walls to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels.
– Climate Mitigation: The need for transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to replace fossil fuels.
– Just Transition: Ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift to low-carbon economies.

Conclusion

The impact of climate change is not a distant issue for Africans; it’s already here. From unpredictable rainfall affecting crops to rising temperatures worsening health conditions, the effects of climate change are deeply intertwined with daily life. While much of the population may not yet fully understand its implications, raising awareness and taking action — both individually and collectively — can help mitigate its worst effects.

As we move forward, it’s crucial that African nations, with the support of international bodies like the UNFCCC, build resilient systems that allow us to adapt to a changing climate and reduce our carbon footprints. The Kaci HelpMobile App is one step in the right direction, offering a simple yet effective way for Africans to understand and reduce their environmental impact.

Climate change may seem like a distant threat, but it’s already shaping the future of Africa. The question is: How will we respond?

Social media is a unique blend of open conversations and hidden identities. While some users proudly display their names and photos, others prefer to remain anonymous or create fake profiles. This anonymity often intrigues me — why do people feel the need to hide behind a mask in a space that celebrates connection?

As someone dedicated to promoting truth and combating misinformation through the FactCheck Initiative, I’ve encountered numerous instances of online anonymity. Navigating this digital landscape has revealed that the reasons for anonymity range from protective instincts to deliberate manipulation. In response to these challenges, we’re developing a feature in the Kaci Help app called “Beep,” where users can share posts either openly or anonymously.

In this article, I’ll examine 10 aspects of online anonymity, sharing real-life examples and personal insights to uncover this intriguing phenomenon.

1. “I Don’t Want Anybody Tracing Me” — Protecting Safety and Career

In today’s world, being outspoken can come with risks. Many people choose anonymity because they fear being traced to their comments or posts.

I remember a journalist who anonymously joined a Twitter Space to discuss corruption within a major government agency. Though they had firsthand knowledge of the misconduct, revealing their identity could have jeopardized their career and personal safety. Using a pseudonym allowed them to share critical information and spark a broader conversation without fear of retaliation.

This isn’t just limited to Nigeria. Globally, people who challenge societal norms or fight for change often rely on anonymous accounts for protection. In these cases, anonymity isn’t a mask — it’s armor.

2. “Please, Hide My Identity!” — Anonymous Advice Seekers

One of the most heartwarming and relatable reasons for going anonymous is when people share personal stories seeking advice. Singles and couples often send their experiences to blogs I follow, asking them to post anonymously so they can receive feedback without judgment.

A woman once sent a story about her struggling marriage to a popular relationship blog, pleading for anonymity. She wanted to hear what others thought about her situation but didn’t want her husband or in-laws to recognize her. The blog posted her story without revealing her identity, and she silently read through the comments, gaining fresh perspectives from strangers.

This shows that anonymity isn’t always about hiding — it’s about creating a safe space to learn, grow, and understand. Sometimes, people just want honest advice without the fear of being exposed.

3. “It’s Just Politics” — Creating Fake Accounts for Propaganda

Politics has always been a game of strategy, and in the digital age, anonymity has become one of its most powerful tools. Politicians and their aides often create fake accounts to manipulate public opinion, spread propaganda, or discredit opponents.

During Nigeria’s last election season, I noticed a strange pattern on Twitter. A particular candidate’s post was flooded with negative comments, accusing them of corruption and incompetence. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that many of the accounts were fake — created by the opposing camp to stir distrust among the candidate’s supporters.

It doesn’t stop there. Politicians sometimes use these fake accounts to comment positively on their own posts, pretending to be ordinary citizens endorsing their views. This tactic creates an illusion of widespread support and can sway public perception.

One chilling example involved an anonymous account spreading false allegations about an opponent, claiming they were involved in criminal activities. The goal was clear: plant seeds of doubt and distract voters from the real issues.

Through FactCheck Initiative, I’ve seen firsthand how these tactics can polarize communities and amplify misinformation. Anonymity in politics isn’t just about protection — it’s often a weapon used to manipulate, deceive, and control narratives.

This highlights the darker side of online anonymity, where it becomes a tool not for safety or exploration but for exploitation. It’s a reminder that in the digital age, not everything we see or read can be trusted.

4. “Boosting My Business” — Fake Accounts for Engagement

In the competitive world of social media marketing, engagement is king. For some business owners, the pressure to appear successful and active online leads them to create fake accounts to follow their pages and leave comments on their posts.

I once stumbled upon a small business page that seemed too good to be true. Every post had glowing comments like “Wow, amazing quality!” or “Highly recommended!” Yet, after a quick check, many of these accounts had no profile pictures or real activity. It turned out the business owner had created multiple fake profiles to make the page look more popular than it actually was.

This tactic isn’t unique to one business. A friend running a boutique admitted to doing the same. “When people see others engaging with your brand, they’re more likely to trust and buy from you,” she said. She’d created a few accounts just to like her posts, leave positive reviews, and reply to inquiries to simulate a bustling online store.

While this approach might give the illusion of success, it raises ethical questions. Fake engagement may attract genuine customers initially, but if the product or service doesn’t match the hype, the truth will eventually come out.

As someone who creates content for brands, I understand the importance of real engagement. Authenticity always wins in the long run. Business owners who rely on fake accounts risk damaging their credibility and losing the trust of their audience. Social media success should be built on genuine relationships, not fabricated interactions.

5. “I’m Here for the Drama” — The Trolls and Scammers

On the flip side, some people hide their identities for all the wrong reasons. Scammers, trolls, and troublemakers thrive in anonymity.

A close friend, Blessing, once told me about how she was almost scammed by someone claiming to be a foreign investor. They had a profile full of luxury, charm, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Thanks to some quick fact-checking, she dodged the trap.

Then there are the trolls — those faceless accounts that love to stir trouble. Hidden behind their fake profiles, they spread hate and misinformation without fear of consequences. Through FactCheck Initiative, I’ve dealt with several cases of these anonymous accounts spreading fake news, especially during elections.

6. “It’s for Personal Privacy” — Securing Digital Footprint

In an era where personal data is constantly at risk, anonymity can be a form of protection. From cyberstalkers to hackers, privacy concerns are growing, and many people choose to shield their identities to protect their safety.

I spoke with a cybersecurity expert who explained how easily personal information can be exploited. From location tracking to identity theft, the risks are very real. For some, anonymity isn’t just a choice — it’s a necessity.

Consider the case of whistleblowers who expose corruption or corporate misconduct. Without anonymity, their safety and credibility could be compromised. Their contributions, however, have been instrumental in fostering accountability and driving change.

7. “It’s Just a Game” — Avoiding Accountability

Not all uses of anonymity are benign. Some people use it as a tool to avoid responsibility for their actions, from spreading hateful rhetoric to cyberbullying.

A notable example is the infamous “Twitter trolls” who target public figures with harassment campaigns. Hidden behind fake profiles, they unleash vitriol without consequence.

Through FactCheck Initiative, I’ve worked to expose such accounts and advocate for stronger measures to hold them accountable. While anonymity is a right, it should not be weaponized to harm others.

8. “I’m Just Bored” — Exploring Different Personas

For some, creating an anonymous account is simply about having fun. People may not be looking to manipulate or hide something; they’re just playing with different personas or exploring new aspects of their personality.

I once came across a friend who created a fake TikTok account to try out comedic skits and impressions without worrying about being judged. Over time, the account gained a small following, and he discovered a passion for comedy that he hadn’t realized before.

Sometimes, anonymity is just about trying new things and exploring different aspects of yourself that might not fit into your regular, everyday life.

9. “I’m Just Exploring Myself” — Self-Discovery Through Anonymity

Sometimes, anonymity is about self-discovery. People use fake accounts to explore parts of themselves they’re too shy or scared to reveal.

A guy I met during a media literacy training shared his story about starting an anonymous Instagram account to post his art. He feared his peers would judge him for not pursuing a “serious” career, so he created a safe space for himself. To his surprise, the account gained traction, and the positive feedback gave him the confidence to post under his real identity.

For many, anonymity is a stepping stone — a way to test the waters before diving in fully.

10. “I’m Reinventing Myself” — Fostering Personal Growth

For some individuals, anonymity offers the unique opportunity to reinvent themselves or create an entirely new persona that aligns with their aspirations. It provides a space to experiment with different identities without the constraints of real-life expectations or judgments.

I recall meeting a woman at a workshop who shared her experience of creating a fake Twitter account where she portrayed herself as a tech entrepreneur. This anonymous account allowed her to step into a world of opportunity she hadn’t yet been able to access in her real life. By connecting with influential industry leaders and gathering crucial business insights, she gained the confidence and knowledge to eventually launch her own successful startup.

This kind of anonymity isn’t about trickery or false representation. Instead, it’s about envisioning a future version of oneself, testing the waters, and gathering the necessary tools and connections to make that vision a reality. It’s a reminder that sometimes the digital world can serve as a stepping stone to real-world success.

Balancing Anonymity and Accountability

Anonymity is a double-edged sword. It can empower and protect, but it can also harm and deceive. The challenge is finding a balance. Through FactCheck Initiative and tools like Kaci Help, I’m committed to promoting responsible online behavior while respecting people’s right to anonymity.

Very soon, we will release a new feature in the Kaci Help app called “Beep,” where users can share posts both openly and anonymously. This feature will allow users to see, comment on, and like posts while maintaining their privacy. We will be testing the anonymous options to ensure a safe and balanced environment within the app.

Screenshot of the Kaci Help App in development, showing the Anonymous Beep (Post).

Conclusion: The Mask We Wear

The reasons people hide their identities online are as diverse as the digital world itself. Whether it’s for safety, exploration, or deception, anonymity reflects the complexity of human nature.

For me, Temitope Adeoye, this journey of unmasking anonymity is both professional and personal. By understanding why people choose to hide, we can create a digital space that values both freedom and responsibility.

What’s your take on online anonymity? Share your thoughts — I’d love to hear them!

Every day, lives are disrupted by insecurity, accidents, and emergencies, leaving countless people trapped in fear and uncertainty. From the harrowing experiences of “one chance” kidnappings to the glaring inefficiencies in emergency and ambulance response systems, the lack of reliable safety measures has become a persistent nightmare.

This failure to act swiftly often leaves victims and their families in a desperate struggle to trace incidents, report emergencies, or access vital help when it matters most. As someone deeply committed to solving systemic issues, I see these challenges not as distant problems but as immediate threats to our collective well-being.

In this article, I will delve into the harsh realities of one chance crimes, the gaps in emergency response, and the inadequacies of ambulance services. I will also spotlight the transformative role of technology, particularly the Kaci Help App, as a practical solution to these pressing challenges.

The Perilous World of One Chance

In Nigeria, one chance is the term used to describe a form of robbery that occurs when unsuspecting passengers board public or private vehicles, believing they are simply catching a ride. What starts as a regular journey often turns into a nightmare. As soon as the passengers are inside the vehicle, the criminals, who may be posing as fellow passengers or even the driver, take control, robbing their victims of all their possessions, sometimes violently. The victims may be physically harmed, thrown out of speeding vehicles, or even killed in extreme cases.

Having lived in Abuja and Lagos for several years, I’ve seen the devastating impact of one chance firsthand. One of the most chilling experiences I can recall was when a close friend of mine, who was heading to work in Abuja, was abducted by one chance criminals in a taxi cab during rush hour. She was picked up by what seemed like a regular taxi, but as soon as she got inside, the situation quickly turned dark. The gang demanded her valuables, including her phone and money, before callously tossing her out on a highway, a few kilometers from where she boarded. By the time she regained her bearings and sought help, she was left stranded with no way to report the incident to the authorities. Her family was left frantic and unable to trace what had happened.

This is the true pain of one chance, not just the loss of material possessions, but the complete lack of a way to trace what happened or seek justice. These attacks often leave victims feeling isolated and vulnerable, unable to report or trace the criminals involved.

Kaci Help as a Solution to Curb One Chance

To help mitigate this problem, we’ve introduced the TravelSafe feature in the Kaci Help App, ensuring that your journey is always tracked and that help is just a tap away in case of an emergency.

The app’s TravelSafe feature is designed with your safety in mind, allowing you to check in with your travel details. This makes it possible for your loved ones to track your progress and be instantly alerted if something goes wrong. If an emergency occurs or if you forget to check out, Kaci automatically sends alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and email to your designated contacts, ensuring they can take swift action and dispatch help when needed.

The Crisis of Emergency Reporting

Emergencies can happen at any moment, an accident on the road, a sudden medical emergency, or even a violent crime. However, in Nigeria, the challenge is that it’s often difficult to report these emergencies effectively. Many Nigerians have faced the frustration of not being able to reach the right authorities or emergency services, either because the phone numbers are outdated or the agencies are not responsive. This problem becomes even more acute when victims are unable to communicate due to trauma, loss of phone, or other factors.

One such incident stands out in my memory. A few months ago, in Abuja, a relative of mine was involved in a car accident. The vehicle was severely damaged, and the victim was unconscious at the scene. Despite several calls to emergency services, the response time was so delayed that it took over an hour for an ambulance to arrive. In the meantime, we struggled to reach him, and the lack of coordination made an already stressful situation even more chaotic. His condition worsened during that time, and sadly, he passed away before help could arrive.

This is a harsh reality for too many Nigerians, emergencies are often met with a lack of efficient response, and the gap between a crisis and the help needed is too wide.

Kaci Help: Bridging the Gap in Emergency Reporting

The Kaci Help App offers a transformative solution to this widespread issue through its Emergency feature. With a simple tap of the SOS button, users can send immediate alerts to emergency responders, including precise location details and the nature of the crisis. This ensures that help can be mobilized swiftly and directed to the exact location without unnecessary delays.

The Kaci Help App bridges the critical gap between emergencies and the help needed, providing a lifeline for those caught in life-threatening situations. It empowers users to report crises effectively and ensures responders can act quickly, potentially saving countless lives.

The Crisis of Ambulance Services in Nigeria

In a country where every second counts during emergencies, Nigeria’s ambulance system often falls short. The inefficiencies range from delayed responses to the unavailability of ambulances when they’re most needed. In many cases, even when an ambulance does arrive, it may lack the necessary equipment or trained personnel to provide critical care.

One harrowing experience comes to mind: a friend of mine in Abuja suffered a cardiac arrest at home. His family frantically called for an ambulance, only to be told that none was available at that moment. In their desperation, they resorted to using a personal car to rush him to the nearest hospital. Sadly, the delays in receiving proper medical attention proved fatal. The lack of an effective ambulance system left his family grappling with grief and frustration, knowing that a quicker response could have made all the difference.

This story isn’t unique. Across Nigeria, countless lives are lost daily due to delays in emergency medical services, leaving families to deal with the heartbreaking consequences.

Kaci Help: Revolutionizing Ambulance Services

To address this crisis, we’ve introduced the Ambulance feature in the Kaci Help App. This feature empowers users to request an ambulance with just one tap. It eliminates the need to search for phone numbers or navigate unresponsive lines during critical moments. Instead, Kaci streamlines the process by immediately connecting users with emergency medical services while providing their precise location and situation details.

The Kaci Help App ensures that ambulance delays are minimized, providing a seamless way to access critical medical services during emergencies. By bridging the gap between victims and responders, it offers hope and timely assistance in moments when every second matters. With Kaci, no one should have to face the frustration and heartbreak of delayed medical care again.

Kaci Help: A Digital Ally for Safety and Security

As someone who believes in staying to solve Nigeria’s problems, I am deeply encouraged by technological innovations that bring tangible solutions to our everyday challenges. The Kaci Help App is not just another app; it’s a powerful ally in ensuring safety and security. With features like TravelSafe, Emergency SOS, and Ambulance Services, Kaci helps users navigate through the dangers of our urban landscapes with confidence, knowing that help is always within reach.

Kaci fosters collaboration between security agencies, ensuring that critical information is shared in real time to facilitate a coordinated and swift response to emergencies. The app is also available in 11 languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users across Nigeria and beyond. Whether you speak English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, Kaci ensures that language is never a barrier to safety.

In Conclusion: The problems we face in Nigeria, from one chance kidnappings to the inefficiencies of our ambulance services, can feel insurmountable. However, with tools like Kaci Help, we can begin to take control of our own safety. As we continue to face these challenges, it is important for each of us to embrace technology as a means of solving the issues that plague our nation. Nigeria’s future depends on our ability to stay and solve these problems together.

For me, staying back to solve Nigeria’s issues is a commitment, and with the right tools, solutions like Kaci Help can help us make our country safer, one journey at a time.

As a Nigerian citizen, I am deeply committed to staying back in my country to help solve the challenges we face, rather than leaving for greener pastures. Unfortunately, one of the major challenges we confront as Nigerians is the inefficiency of government agencies, the lack of response to public concerns, and the absence of clear communication channels between the government and the people. This has led to a rise in social media callouts, an alternative platform for expressing frustration and demanding accountability.

Social media has become an outlet for people to voice their concerns when they feel that traditional routes, such as directly reporting issues to the relevant authorities, go unheard. This article explores how the lack of government responsiveness has led to the rise of callouts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and how innovations like the Kaci Help App are bridging the gap to foster more effective citizen-government engagement.

The Problem: When Governments and Agencies Fail to Respond

Nigeria is no stranger to issues of mismanagement and inefficiency in its institutions. Whether it’s a lack of response to complaints, failure to implement policies, or simply a delay in addressing public needs, citizens often find themselves turning to social media to make their voices heard. Some personal and real-life examples illustrate the frustration citizens experience:

1. Police Brutality and Misconduct:

One of the most common complaints that Nigerians air on social media is the behavior of law enforcement agencies. The #EndSARS movement, which erupted in 2020, was a powerful demonstration of how social media can be used to call out police officers who engage in brutality, illegal phone searches, and extortion.

For instance, a young Nigerian might tweet a video of a police officer unlawfully stopping them on the road, demanding bribes, or searching their phone without a warrant. This video, once shared, quickly gains traction, attracting attention from influential activists, organizations, and the general public. Eventually, the authorities are forced to react, but not always because they are genuinely concerned about the issue. Often, it’s because they fear the damage to their reputation that a viral tweet can cause.

2. Bribery at Airports:

Another persistent problem in Nigeria is the culture of bribery, particularly in airports. I have personally witnessed how airport officials frequently demand bribes for services that should be provided without charge. Passengers traveling through Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, for example, often report being asked to pay bribes for checking in luggage, getting through security, or clearing immigration.

Rather than reporting this issue to the airport authorities, many Nigerians take to Twitter or Instagram, tagging relevant government accounts like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). It is only when these complaints go viral that the authorities make any significant attempt to address the problem. One viral post about an airport official asking for a bribe led to a quick response from the authorities, but this approach, though effective, is not sustainable.

3. Infrastructure and Public Services:

Another area where government inefficiency is glaring is in the neglect of public infrastructure. Roads in many parts of Nigeria are riddled with potholes, posing serious risks to motorists and pedestrians. In my own experience, I have had to navigate roads that have been under construction for years, with little to no visible progress. Citizens often take to social media to highlight these issues, uploading pictures and videos of dangerous roads and urging the government to take action.

For example, a user might tweet a video of a collapsed road in a major city, tagging the Ministry of Works and Housing or the relevant local government authorities. These callouts, when they go viral, attract the attention of politicians who quickly respond, sometimes in an attempt to save face, but rarely with long-term solutions.

The Rise of Social Media Callouts

Social media has evolved into a powerful tool for Nigerians to hold both government agencies and private companies accountable. What was once a platform for socializing has become a space for activism and public engagement. Over time, social media callouts have become the go-to method for Nigerians to expose issues, from police misconduct to the inefficiencies of government services, and have led to rapid mobilization of support and action.

As a Nigerian, I’ve witnessed the growth of this powerful tool firsthand. The callout culture has gained significant momentum over the years because traditional reporting channels, whether for government failures or poor customer service, have often been ineffective. Social media is now the quickest way to get authorities’ attention and demand change.

One clear example is the case of the collapsed bridges in Lagos. The Lagos government had long neglected several bridges that were vital for daily commuters. After months of frustration from citizens, individuals began sharing images and videos on Twitter and Instagram, highlighting the dangerous state of these roads. Once the callout started gaining traction, local officials responded with an immediate plan for repairs. The public pressure, fueled by viral social media posts, led to swift action that likely wouldn’t have occurred without the online outcry.

Influencers and Activists

One of the key drivers of this trend is the role of activists and ordinary citizens on social media. Many Nigerians, including myself, have seen how individuals with significant followings can amplify grievances, often becoming catalysts for change. These people act as intermediaries, using their platforms to shed light on corruption, poor governance, and human rights violations.

For example, when an individual reports a case of police harassment or a bribery incident at the airport, it’s common for them to tag or message individuals who are known for advocating for justice and public accountability. These individuals help to draw attention to these matters, often sharing them with their followers or directly contacting authorities.

I recall an experience when my friend was illegally detained at a police station in Lagos. After several failed attempts to resolve the matter through official channels, they decided to tweet about the situation. Within hours, the tweet gained traction, and others who had faced similar issues began sharing it. This collective online pressure led to my friend’s release and eventually prompted an investigation into the officers involved. Without the power of social media and the support of those willing to amplify such issues, it’s likely the situation would have dragged on without resolution.

“What I Ordered vs. What I Got”

Social media is not only a platform for holding government accountable, but it’s also a powerful tool for holding businesses and brands to their promises. The phrase “What I ordered vs. what I got” has become a common refrain on Nigerian social media, especially on Instagram and Twitter, where customers post about receiving substandard goods or services. This phrase illustrates the frustration of Nigerians who feel misled by businesses that fail to deliver as promised.

A friend of mine, Chika, ordered a pair of shoes online that were advertised as high-quality. However, when the package arrived, it was clear that the shoes were nothing like what was promised. Chika took to Twitter, posting a side-by-side comparison of the shoes she ordered versus the ones she received. Within hours, the post went viral, with many others chiming in with similar complaints. Realizing the potential damage to their reputation, the company reached out to Chika, offering a refund and an apology to resolve the issue.

This phenomenon isn’t limited to fashion. I’ve seen Nigerians call out eateries for serving substandard food or for not adhering to advertised menu items. A popular example was when a fast-food restaurant in Lagos was called out for delivering meals that looked nothing like what was shown in their promotional ads. Again, the post went viral, and the brand had to apologize and take corrective action.

These callouts are not just about customer frustration; they also reflect the larger issue of inadequate consumer protection. The lack of proper channels for resolving complaints, whether related to businesses or government services, forces Nigerians to take their grievances to social media, where the visibility and reach can force businesses to act more quickly. If there were more robust consumer protection mechanisms and government oversight, many of these issues could be solved before they escalate into viral callouts.

Why Callouts Work:

While the rise of social media callouts is a reflection of citizens’ frustration, they have proven to be effective in some cases. Why do they work?

1. Public Pressure

Callouts on social media have a unique ability to generate significant attention, forcing authorities or organizations to act swiftly. From personal experience, I’ve witnessed how public pressure is often the catalyst that drives change.

A striking example is when my friend John highlighted the deteriorating state of a major road in his neighborhood. The road had been neglected for months, causing accidents and severe traffic delays. John took to Twitter, posting pictures and sharing his frustrations about the situation. His tweet quickly gained traction, with others chiming in to share their own stories of inconvenience caused by the same road. The growing momentum of the callout placed immense pressure on the local government to act. Within hours, the authorities responded, promising to fix the road.

This example demonstrates how social media callouts, driven by public pressure, can force those in power to respond more urgently and effectively to issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Reputational Damage

Reputational damage is a powerful motivator for both government bodies and businesses. When organizations are called out online, they risk losing public trust and credibility, something no institution wants, especially in a country where public opinion is volatile. For instance, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has long been criticized for poor service delivery in the power sector, faced backlash after citizens shared images of power outages lasting for days in major cities. As the posts went viral, the regulatory body was forced to respond publicly, promising to investigate the issue and improve service delivery.

Similarly, a few months ago, a bank in Lagos faced social media outrage after several customers posted pictures of their unfulfilled transactions, claiming their funds had been deducted, but their accounts remained unchanged. The viral nature of the callouts led the bank to issue a public apology and quickly refund the affected customers. The reputational damage caused by these callouts was significant, compelling the bank to take immediate action to repair its image and restore trust. This is a classic example of how social media can shine a light on issues that would otherwise be ignored.

3. Direct Access to Decision-Makers

Social media has democratized communication, allowing ordinary citizens to bypass bureaucratic channels and directly reach decision-makers. In a country like Nigeria, where reaching government officials through traditional means can be time-consuming and frustrating, social media provides a faster and more effective avenue for engagement. One example is the way Nigerians use Twitter to engage with politicians. If you tag the Ministry of Works or the Governor of Lagos State about a collapsed road, it is not uncommon for the official to acknowledge the tweet and promise to take action within hours, or even days.

When a Nigerian hospital was exposed for treating patients poorly during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media activists and concerned citizens flooded platforms like Instagram and Twitter, tagging health officials, the Ministry of Health, and even the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Within a matter of hours, the Minister of Health publicly responded, ensuring an investigation was launched into the allegations. This direct engagement with decision-makers happens because most of them are now online, monitoring public sentiment and actively engaging with their constituents.

I personally saw this firsthand when I tweeted about an issue at Nigerian immigration where my friend was unfairly delayed at the airport because of bribery demands. Within minutes, the tweet garnered attention, and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) issued an apology and promised to address the corrupt officials involved. This kind of swift response would not have been possible without the accessibility that social media provides to those in power.

Kaci Help: Bridging the Gap

While social media callouts can bring temporary results, they don’t address the underlying problem: the lack of proper channels for citizens to engage with government and businesses. This is where Kaci Help comes in, offering a structured and effective way for Nigerians to report issues, make suggestions, and stay informed.

Transforming Citizen Engagement

The Kaci Help App leverages Artificial Intelligence and mapping technologies to help citizens engage directly with government agencies. The app’s features, such as iReport, Suggestion, and Alerts, empower Nigerians to share their concerns and ideas in a more organized and impactful way.

iReport:

Citizens can report issues, such as police misconduct, poor infrastructure, or environmental pollution, using the app. Reports are geo-tagged, making them precise and verifiable.

Suggestion:

Kaci allows citizens to express their opinions on governance, public policy, and other issues, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Alerts:

Kaci provides timely updates on important news, public safety, and government initiatives, keeping users informed and engaged.

Conclusion: Building a Better Nigeria

As a Nigerian committed to contributing to the solution of our nation’s challenges, I understand the importance of having effective communication between citizens and government. While social media callouts have proven effective in some cases, they should not be the only avenue for holding authorities accountable.

With tools like Kaci Help, we can create a more structured and accountable system that benefits both citizens and government agencies. By using the app’s features to report issues, offer suggestions, and stay informed, we can take a more proactive role in shaping our nation.

I believe it is our collective responsibility to stay and solve Nigeria’s problems, and with the right tools and mindset, we can create a more transparent, responsive, and accountable government. Join me in using Kaci Help to build the Nigeria we deserve. Together, we can make a difference.

Misinformation is not just an abstract issue, it is a daily reality that influences lives, communities, and even national decisions. Living in Nigeria, I witness firsthand how the circulation of fake news through WhatsApp groups, Twitter trends, and other platforms has incited fear and, at times, violence. One memorable incident was during the 2020 #EndSARS protests when misinformation about military actions spread online, leading to panic and unrest. It’s a stark reminder of why combating misinformation is crucial.

In 2019, FactCheck Initiative (FCI), an organization I founded, conducted research revealing that over 70% of young Nigerians couldn’t differentiate between sponsored posts and authentic news articles. This finding was alarming. For me, it meant that the tools to detect misinformation weren’t just necessary; they were urgent.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what misinformation is, how it spreads, and its far-reaching effects. I’ll also share 43 essential Fact-Checking Tools, including a WhatsApp chatbot developed by FCI, and techniques I use daily through the FactCheck Initiative. To make it even more relatable, I’ll provide practical examples from my own life, showing how misinformation can be spotted, verified, and tackled. Let’s dive in!

What is Misinformation?

Misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false or incomplete information. Unlike disinformation, which is deliberately misleading, misinformation is often the result of fear, bias, or ignorance. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, messages circulated in my community suggesting that drinking hot water could cure the virus, a classic example of misinformation fueled by fear.

How Does Misinformation Spread?

1. Social Media Virality: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter amplify sensational headlines. A neighbor once forwarded a Facebook post about a fake government-imposed curfew, which caused unnecessary chaos in my area.

2. Closed Loops: Social media platforms often deliver content that aligns with users’ biases, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. In some WhatsApp groups I’ve encountered, members continuously share and affirm false claims, perpetuating cycles of misinformation.

3. Low Media Literacy: Many people lack the ability to critically evaluate sources or verify claims, making it easier for false information to spread unchecked. For example, I’ve encountered individuals who accept and share content solely based on its emotional appeal or because it aligns with their beliefs, without questioning its authenticity.

Misinformation impacts communities deeply by:

– Fuelling Violence: In 2018, misinformation about herder-farmer conflicts in central Nigeria escalated violence.
– Damaging Reputations: During my work at FCI, I’ve seen how false allegations spread online can ruin careers overnight.
– Undermining Public Trust: Fake news erodes trust in legitimate media and institutions.

What Are the Effects of Misinformation?

Misinformation, or false information, can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to things like health, politics, and climate change. Here’s how misinformation can affect us, in simple terms:

1. Distrust in the Media:
When people are fed false information, they start to lose trust in the media. In Nigeria, for example, many people turn to social media influencers, celebrities, or politicians for news, thinking they’re more trustworthy than traditional news sources. This makes it harder to convince people that real news is accurate, because they believe that the media might be controlled by powerful groups with their own agendas.

2. Undermining Democracy:
Misinformation can create confusion about what’s really happening in the country. For example, when people don’t trust the government because of fake or conflicting stories, it can make it hard to solve important issues like climate change or health problems. When misinformation spreads, people become divided, and this weakens the way the country works together.

3. Spreading Hate and False Beliefs:
Misinformation also helps spread hate and false beliefs. When people start believing lies, they often share them with others, and soon entire communities are talking about things that aren’t true. This creates a dangerous cycle where these false stories keep spreading, sometimes leading to bullying or attacking people who try to speak the truth.

4. False Science:
Misinformation can also make people believe things that are scientifically wrong. For example, fake news about vaccines or climate change can spread very quickly, especially on social media. In Nigeria, where the government encourages people to use cleaner energy, misinformation could convince people that these actions are unnecessary or even harmful. This can stop people from making decisions that are good for the environment or their health.

5. Distorted Memories:
Misinformation can mess with how people remember things. If you keep hearing false information, it can change your memory of events. For example, if people are constantly told that climate change isn’t real, they might start to forget or change their memory of past environmental problems. This makes it harder for them to take action when it’s needed.

Misinformation can have a big impact, and it’s important that we learn to recognize it and stop it from spreading, especially when it comes to important issues that affect our lives and our future.

How to Check if Information is Reliable: A Quick Guide

When you come across information, especially online, it’s crucial to evaluate its credibility. Here are some quick tips:

1. Check the Source
– Where is it from? Reliable sources include trusted news outlets, universities, or known organizations. If there’s no source, be cautious.
– Can it be trusted? Verify if the source is reputable and contactable. Be wary of anonymous sources or sites with odd URLs.

2. Check Relevance and Timing
– How current is it? Old information might not be relevant anymore, so check the publication date and look for updates.

3. Assess Reliability
– Is it reliable? If the language seems biased or emotional, it might not be trustworthy. Check references and verify the facts.
– Proof? Reliable information cites credible sources. The more evidence, the better.

4. Check Originality
– Who’s the author? Trust articles with clear authors and credentials. If it’s anonymous, be cautious.
– Who published it? Reputable publications are more likely to provide accurate information.

5. Understand the Purpose
– What’s the goal? Is it to inform, persuade, or entertain? If it seems overly dramatic, it might not be reliable.
– Fact or opinion? Separate facts from personal opinions. Watch out for bias.
– Is it selling something? Be careful if the article is promoting a product, especially if it seems suspicious.

By following these steps, you can avoid misinformation and ensure you’re sharing accurate, trustworthy information.

Suggested Action Steps to Combat Misinformation

1. Report Unverified Content: If you come across suspicious or unverified posts online, report them to the platform. Most social media platforms have options to flag false information.

2. Educate the Public: Teach people how to identify fake news and verify information. Sharing practical tools and resources for fact-checking can empower individuals to think critically about the content they consume.

3. Create Locally Relevant Content: Tailor fact-checked information to address local issues. For example, in Nigeria, content debunking false claims about fuel subsidies or health remedies can resonate better with the community.

4. Leverage Technology: Use tools like fact-checking apps and chatbots to quickly verify information. I rely on tools like the Fact Check Chatbot, which allows users to verify news instantly through WhatsApp, helping to curb the spread of false information

Fact-Checking Tools You Can Use

1. Dubawa.org: Nigeria’s first independent verification project. Frequently used to verify claims during election seasons.

2. Bot Sentinel: Detects bots spreading false information on Twitter. Useful for analyzing suspicious trending hashtags.

3. Hoaxy: Visualizes how misinformation spreads, making it ideal for workshops demonstrating the virality of fake news.

4. Factitious: A game to identify fake news by swiping left or right. Recommended for youth literacy campaigns.

5. Adblock Plus: Beyond blocking ads, it filters harmful sites to safeguard against disinformation.

6. Climate Feedback: Scientists annotate climate-related articles. Essential for ensuring accuracy in climate-related writing.

7. ExifTool: Extracts metadata like timestamps and editing history from images, helping debunk fake visuals.

8. First Draft Verification Curriculum: A media verification resource tailored for journalists to enhance fact-checking skills.

9. MediaBias Ratings: Web-based platform providing media bias ratings and identifying questionable or conspiratorial sources.

10. MediaBugs: Reports and facilitates corrections of errors in media coverage through neutral, moderated discussions.

11. Metapicz: Web-based verification tool offering insights into source, timestamp, and editing details of digital content.

12. Misinformation Detector: Blockchain-powered tool that tracks content credibility by analyzing linked sources and dissemination.

13. News Literacy Course Pack: Media literacy curriculum teaching students how to assess and analyze media content effectively.

14. NewsCheck Trust Index: Uses journalistic standards and blockchain to evaluate content credibility and identify bias.

15. NewseumED: Free online resources and activities promoting media literacy for everyday use.

16. Newstrition: Browser extension offering information on news sources and assessing article accuracy.

17. OpenSources: Database categorizing websites as fake news, satire, conspiracy theories, credible, and more.

18. Our.News: Crowdsourced fact-checking platform allowing users to rate news content for bias and trustworthiness.

19. PolitiFact: Fact-checking platform rating statements as True, False, or degrees in between, using rigorous research methods.

20. PolitiTruth: Game-based tool teaching users to identify false information by swiping on claims.

21. Polygraph: Web-based platform analyzing credibility of government and high-profile statements with additional context.

22. Pro-Truth Pledge: Initiative encouraging individuals and organizations to uphold truth-sharing behaviors.

23. Project Look Sharp: Educational program promoting media literacy through curriculum materials and workshops.

24. Public Editor: Crowd-sourced tool allowing users to annotate articles for credibility, bias, and errors.

25. rbutr: Online platform linking rebuttals to webpages, offering users diverse perspectives.

26. Reveal Image Verification Assistant: Image verification tool analyzing metadata, geolocation, and tampering detection.

27. Schema.org Claim Review: Tagging system allowing search engines to display verified fact-check information.

28. Share the Facts Widget: Highlights fact-checked claims within articles, making them more accessible via search engines.

29. Snopes: Extensive fact-checking website classifying content as True, False, Mixture, and more.

30. The Factual: Rates news content based on source quality, journalist expertise, and neutrality of language.

31. The Trust Project Indicators: Transparency standards for journalism, focusing on practices like sourcing and diverse voices.

32. Trive Verify: Crowdsourced fact-checking platform using blockchain indexing with built-in incentives for accuracy.

33. Trust and Verification: Online course teaching how to build trust and verify content in an era of misinformation.

34. Trusted Times: Browser extension classifying articles as verified, fake, or unreliable while analyzing bias.

35. Truth Goggles: Web-based tool engaging users with fact-checked claims and analysis to improve comprehension.

36. TV News Fact Check: Archive of political ads paired with fact-checking from sources like PolitiFact.

37. Twitter Trails: Analyzes how stories spread and measures user skepticism on Twitter.

38. Verification Tool: Comprehensive resource for verifying content, including reverse image search capabilities.

39. Video Verification Plugin (InVid): Toolkit for video verification, offering metadata analysis and contextual insights.

40. Web Literacy: Mozilla’s resource promoting responsible online reading, writing, and participation.

41. Whitelist Manager: Browser extension allowing users to whitelist trusted sites, blocking others.

42. Who Targets Me: Tracks political ads targeting users, creating a database of targeting data.

43. YouTube Data Viewer: Amnesty International’s tool for verifying YouTube videos using upload times and reverse image searches.

FactCheck Chatbot: Making News Verification Simple and Quick

The Fact Check Chatbot is a smart, user-friendly tool designed to help you verify news and get information right from your WhatsApp. It’s an easy way to make sure the news you see is accurate and trustworthy. Here’s how it works and some of its helpful features:

Features of the Fact Check Chatbot:

– Verify News: If you come across a news article and aren’t sure if it’s true, the chatbot can verify it for you in seconds. Just send the article or a link, and it will check the facts.

– Ask Questions: Have questions about current events? The chatbot can give you quick answers and useful information on almost any topic.

– Read Top Stories: Want to stay up to date with the latest news? The chatbot will send you the top stories, all from trusted sources, right to your WhatsApp.

– Nigeria Info Bank: Get essential info about Nigeria, like the national anthem, history, and constitution, whenever you need it.

– Self-Assessment: The chatbot can also help you do a basic health check by asking simple questions. This helps you monitor your health with just a few clicks.

– Donate & Support: If you find the service helpful, you can donate to support the chatbot’s development so it can improve even further.

– SOS Feature: In case of an emergency, send “SOS” to the chatbot, and it will send an SMS to the police and your emergency contact.

– Give Feedback: The chatbot is here to serve you, so your feedback is really important. Share your ideas to help improve the service.

– Learn About Us: Want to know more about the creators behind the chatbot? You can learn about us and our mission.

– Update Profile: Need to update your personal information or emergency contacts? The chatbot lets you do that easily.

How to Use the Chatbot:

1. Save this number: 081 400 400 81 as FactCheck Chatbot on your phone.

2. Search for “Fact Check Chatbot” on WhatsApp and start a new chat.

3. Send “Hi” or “Hello” to get started.

4. The chatbot (named Zuri) will introduce itself and ask a few questions to set up your profile (like your name, location, and emergency contacts).

5. To use any service, simply reply with the number for what you need:

1. Verify a News 🔍
2. Ask a Question 💬
3. Read Top Stories 📰
4. Nigeria Info Bank 🇳🇬
5. Self-Assessment 🩺
6. Donate | Support 💡
7. Give Feedback 📮
8. Learn About Us 👨🏾‍💻
9. Update Profile 👤

6. The chatbot will reply with the information you need in seconds.

This service is completely free and available 24/7 to help you stay informed and safe!

Hands-On Experience: Using a WhatsApp Chatbot

During a recent FCI workshop, I demonstrated how to use a WhatsApp chatbot to verify stories. A participant shared a viral post about the federal government banning motorcycle riders in Abuja. The chatbot quickly flagged it as fake news. Seeing the participants’ reactions reminded me why this fight against misinformation is so critical, it empowers people to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Every day, misinformation influences lives, policies, and perceptions. As someone committed to combating this menace, I believe the solution lies in education, collaboration, and the smart use of tools. Whether it’s verifying a sensational headline, fact-checking a forwarded message, or training others to do the same, the road to truth is one we must all travel together.

By equipping ourselves with knowledge and resources like Dubawa, Hoaxy, and Adblock Plus, we can create a safer and more informed digital space for everyone.

Let’s fight misinformation — one fact at a time.

Countries have been brought to their kneels with careless statements that could have simply been avoided. The game of politics has never been fair to either parties. It has always come down to the survival of the fittest. It is dirty, requires mud-slinging and much more than a man’s average mind can phantom.

Fallacies, sometimes even regarded as truths have been told which eventually led to disastrous effects and much worse, collateral damage like never before. The truth has always and will remain bitter. But certain people have told seemingly bitter truths that eventually translated to bitter experiences for the parties involved.

The aim of this article is to enumerate instances where the so called ‘facts or truth’ turned out to be blatant lies. But this only happened after the damage had been done. Let us dive right in.

In 2001, after the 9/11 attacks, the President Bush-led administration launched a full scale war against Iraq after accusing Saddam Hussein who was the President of stockpiling weapons of mass destruction. This information was retrieved from an informant known as ‘curveball’ whose credibility was eventually rubbished. No single verified document was able to indicate the veracity of the claims of the informant who claimed Iraq was building nuclear war heads and WMD. However, the wheels had already been fast set into motion.

In a war that had trillions of dollars sunk in eight years, hundreds of thousands of Americans lost their lives with many others still bearing the consequences till today in form of injuries, addictions, life-threatening diseases and countless more.

Another is the story of the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes which for a long time was denied. This was as far back as the early 90s. In 1994 in USA, James W. Johnston, C.E.O of R.J Reynolds informed a congressional committee that “cigarette smoking is no more ‘addictive’ than coffee, tea or Twinkies.” Of course this was a gargantuan lie that was soon discovered for what it was.

In 1998, the four largest tobacco manufacturers in America reached a settlement with 46 states to pay $206 billion dollars spanning 25 years to cater for the medical costs of smoking-related illnesses. This could have been avoided if only these companies didn’t just care only for the profits and revenues derived from the sale of cigarettes.

Remember Joseph Stalin? In 1930, he hatched a plan to discongest certain areas in Ukraine and this he achieved by starvation and millions eventually died of hunger. Walter Duranty, a reporter with the New York times who had won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Stalinist Russia insisted that there was no famine. His comments allayed the fears of the international world and caused them to backtrack thereby preventing them to press for famine relief. In other words, the whole world quietly looked on as millions we’re imprisoned and starved to death in concentration camps.

What of the case of Libya? According to an online research site Global Research, America claimed that Ghadaffi had threatened to annihilate the people of Benghazi without mercy but the New York Times reported that his grouse was with rebel fighters and not civilians.

However this did not prevent the Obama-led administration from dropping bombs from high up in the air on Libya’s people and trying to overthrow the country claiming to be fighting a humanitarian war. Infact it is reported that the African Union had progressed in peace talks with Ghaddafi but this did not deter the continuous invasion of the US government on Libya at that time.

These cases go to show how a small twist of the truth can negatively impact a complete generation of people in worst cases. The truth, no matter how bitter it is has to be told. If the ‘truth’ ends up not being the truth then the parties should quickly own up and accept their errors rather than burying it and painting a rather deceptive picture for the world to see and perceive.

Over the years Politicians have been renowned for lying shamelessly even when they did not have to. We have a compiled a list of past American politicians who told certain lies. The list is endless but let’s consider these few.

 According to an article by the American  Conservative, President. Johnson promulgated a myriad of falsehoods and cover-ups surrounding Vietnam and so much more. Distinguished historian Robert Dallek, in Lyndon B. Johnson, summed things up by repeating a popular joke from the time: “How do you know when Lyndon Johnson is telling the truth? When he pulls his ear lobe or scratches his chin, he’s telling the truth. When he begins to move his lips, you know he’s lying.” 

And if infidelity equals a lack of integrity, then I’d argue that Johnson’s predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was one of the most dishonest presidents to have ever lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. JFK’s numerous affairs are fair game when assessing his character because, as historian Doris Kearns Goodwin put it, “Someone who refuses to deal honestly with his private life may well distort the reality he confronts in public office.”

In An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, details of six salacious affairs that Kennedy juggled while he was president is given. Among his alleged mistresses were three White House secretaries (one was his wife Jackie’s press secretary) and a 19-year-old college sophomore and White House intern.

JFK’s most shameful lie, though, concerned the Bay of Pigs fiasco when he promised the American people that there would be “no military intervention in Cuba.” Just five days later on April 17, 1961, the CIA-led and Kennedy approved covert invasion of the island not only cost the lives of many, but resulted in a breakdown of trust and communication with Cuba’s Fidel Castro and Russia’s Nikita Khrushchev—conditions that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis a year later.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt also struggled to maintain integrity, both in his personal life and in politics. For one thing, he and his administration went to great lengths to hide the extent of his health problems from voters during his New York gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Another lie came out repeatedly when he was trying to win a third term in the White House: “I have said this before, but I shall say it again and again and again: your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars.” He added at another campaign rally: “Your president says this country is not going to war.”

His words made for good campaign rhetoric as a peace candidate, but FDR was lying. Even as he made such assurances, he knew war with Germany and Japan was likely inevitable and he and Winston Churchill were secretly planning accordingly. It’s worth mentioning as well that, like Kennedy, FDR had an affair with his wife’s secretary, and that according to his biographer Jean Edward Smith, it was FDR’s mistress, not his wife, who was “the last face FDR saw before he died.”

Another lie was from President Obama who when defending the NSA mentioned repeatedly that “if you like your health care plan, you can keep it.” President Nixon tried to cover up his role in the Watergate scandal, President Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for lying under oath, and President George W. Bush out-fibbed them all when he said there was “no doubt” Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, falsely justifying America’s entry into yet another horrific war.

The lies told by these great men impacted lives. The effects of some even still exist till date. It is obvious these men may have failed the true test of integrity at different times yet they attained and many even maintained their esteemed position even after these lies were uncovered. A president should not need to lie. A lie told at such an elevated level is capable of remaining unverifiable as all checks to validate it may keep bouncing back due to the many forces that could end up being in play.

They say to beat a system you need to understand and must even have had enormous experience with that system. The aim of this article to scientifically look deeply into the art of lying. By doing so we can then be able to filter out fibs and information from people that are untrue. A greater part of this article has been culled from scientificamerican.com.

Electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex appears to improve our ability to deceive. This region of the brain may, among other things, be responsible for the decision to lie or tell the truth.

Most people have trouble recognizing false statements. Some polygraph tests are better at it yet are far from perfect. Researchers are trying to use imaging methods to distinguish truth from lies. Intensified activity in the prefrontal cortex may be an indicator of the process by which we decide to lie or not—but it tells us nothing about the lie itself.

A 51-year-old man had a strange problem. When he tried to tell a lie, he often passed out and had convulsions. In essence, he became a kind of Pinocchio, the fictional puppet whose nose grew with every fib. For the patient, the consequences were all too real: he was a high-ranking official in the European Economic Community (since replaced by the European Union), and his negotiating partners could tell immediately when he was bending the truth. His condition, a symptom of a rare form of epilepsy, was not only dangerous, it was bad for his career.

The man’s plight demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of even minor changes in the structure of the brain. But perhaps just as important, it shows that lying is a major component of the human behavioral repertoire; without it, we would have a hard time coping. When people speak unvarnished truth all the time—as can happen when Parkinson’s disease or certain injuries to the brain’s frontal lobe disrupt people’s ability to lie—they tend to be judged tactless and hurtful. In everyday life, we tell little white lies all the time, if only out of politeness: Your homemade pie is awesome (it’s awful). No, Grandma, you’re not interrupting anything (she is). A little bit of pretense seems to smooth out human relationships without doing lasting harm.

Of course, not everyone agrees that some lying is necessary. Generations of thinkers have lined up against this perspective. The Ten Commandments admonish us to tell the truth. The Pentateuch is explicit: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Islam and Buddhism also condemn lying. For 18th-century philosopher Immanuel Kant, the lie was the “radical innate evil in human nature” and was to be shunned even when it was a matter of life and death.

Current thinking about the psychological processes involved in deception holds that people typically tell the truth more easily than they tell a lie and that lying requires far more cognitive resources. First, we must become aware of the truth; then we have to invent a plausible scenario that is consistent and does not contradict the observable facts. At the same time, we must suppress the truth so that we do not spill the beans—that is, we must engage in response inhibition. What is more, we must be able to assess accurately the reactions of the listener so that, if necessary, we can deftly produce adaptations to our original story line.

And there is the ethical dimension, whereby we have to make a conscious decision to transgress a social norm. All this deciding and self-control implies that lying is managed by the prefrontal cortex—the region at the front of the brain responsible for executive control, which includes such processes as planning and regulating emotions and behavior.

It is quite obvious that lying involves so much hardwork and this is a major step towards detecting a lie easily. A lie will always have to best conceived to look and sound perfect. Tools used to detect lies have been in existence but they can’t always be guaranteed to be effective. Moreso, you can’t tell a politician giving a manifesto to randomly take a lie test before his statements are aired. That would be absurd.

However when we realise the sometimes small but significant changes that occur in our body system when we tell a lie it will enable us look for quick tell-tale signs of statements without veracity and enable us correct and fact-check to ensure we don’t peddle the wrong information.

We all know the popular saying “the truth will set you free”. That statement has never been truer than before. Truth gives life, changes lives and guarantees peace. Any truth need satisfy certain conditions that must have been pre-established. Once these elements are not present, it becomes questionable and the veracity will be in doubt.

What is truth? According to Wikipedia, “Truth is most often used to mean being in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original or standard. Truth is also sometimes defined in modern contexts as an idea of “truth to self”, or authenticity.”

Earlier this year, a mini-series was aired on Netflix “When they see us”. It told a story of how five teenagers tagged the ‘Central Park Five’ had their lives dramatically altered after they were wrongly accused of raping a white woman. At that time it was not discovered to have been a lie and incriminating evidence were conjured up to ensure they were convicted of the crime. A few years later the actual criminal who committed the crime owned up and thus they were vindicated. However, this was after they had spent a greater part of their early 20s in incarceration.

You will realise from this occurrence that a truth can be told in different ways. A truth can be backed up with facts and evidences and still end up being a hoax. A truth could also just be hearsay and yet end up as an undisputable fact. This also goes to show that a certain truth in a court of law may not be seen as a truth in a church.

Different bodies and organisations have standards for determining the authenticity of any ‘truth’. The media has proven ways to determine the actual facts of a case. However we won’t be going into that. But we will identify certain elements, any truth must have which cuts across anybody, organisation, religion, government and people.

One, the truth must correspond with an object of that truth. The claim that Aso Rock, (where the Nigeria’s president lives) is located in Abuja is true if and only if Aso Rock is in Abuja which we know to be a fact. If a claim arises that ‘Aso Rock’ is located in Lagos that becomes untrue. This is actually an easy one to identify since one aspect of the claim must be satisfy an already verified aspect of the claim.

Secondly, for any claim to be accepted as a truth it must be coherent. This means details describing a certain event must follow a sequential order or pattern. All facts pertaining to the truth must be consistent and blend to form a complete whole. Imagine a scenario where a traveller is robbed along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. In recounting it, he mentions certain details which may include their vehicle having a flat tire, and then they having to stop to fix it. And then suddenly from nowhere armed men appear and order that they all surrender their possessions. An in-depth analysis will show us that many parts of this story already give credibility to a robbery story.

This is because a robbery is best carried out in the night when there are few security officials around to prevent it. Also, stationed vehicles are more prone to robbery on a highway than a fast-moving vehicle. This is another aspect that makes the recount be believable. Finally, the fact that there was no announcement from the robbers before attacking also validates the story. If the passengers were alerted of their presence in time, some of them may have been able to escape into a bush and therefore would not have been robbed. All these facts happened in sequence that allows the truth to be remain unquestioned to a very large extent.

Finally, any truth must be pragmatic. To a pragmatist, if an idea works then it must be true. This is the basis upon which this third and final criteria stands on. So if I were to say a cure for HIV has been discovered, it will mean that when the cure has been found effective on a patient, then the above premise will be accepted as a fact. However, this criteria is not infallible and tends to produce false truths.

These theories of truth can be applied to many cases of unverified information, rumours and unfounded statements that tend to put people in a frenzy if allowed to go unverified. Next time you want to get carried away with that salacious piece of news, consider it critically again.