News
Rate Your Leader Will Eliminate Fake News, Myths About COVID-19, Says Popoola
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Democracy Project, Mr. Joel Popoola, has said that the use of its app, Rate Your Leader will eliminate the myths and fake stories associated with the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
In the last couple of weeks, Nigerians have lived in absolute carefulness owing to the fact that someone brought in the dreaded Coronavirus disease otherwise known as COVID-19 into the country. The importer, an Italian citizen, had flown in via a Turkish airline on February 25 before he was discovered two days later and quarantined. His contacts were as well isolated though one has tested positive to the virus, bringing the number of infected persons to two.
Ever since, the cyberspace has been inundated with myths and conspiracy theories about the Coronavirus disease, and as a result social media experts, led by Digital Democracy Project originators and owners of the prolific Rate Your Leader app, are calling on politicians to take the lead in stopping the spread. This is by complete engagement with their electors one on one to disabuse their minds regarding these myths. Some of them are that it can be cured by keeping clean shaven or by covering yourself in sesame oil and that it was created as a weapon by the Chinese or CIA. These myths need to be rapidly rebutted by credible sources to keep people safe, and Rate Your Leader app is the veritable avenue.
Echoing world leaders’ advice that “the media has a very important role in this, particularly the social media and electronic media of all types,” the Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Rate Your Leader, Mr. Joel Popoola, said that the app will allow the free flow of accurate information concerning the virus from those who should know. He noted that dependence on unfiltered communication channel will be eliminated thereby giving electors access to only the truth.
He said:
“Social media timelines are being taken over by stories about the virus with myths about what you can do to fight it spreading almost as quickly as the virus itself.
“People might tell you that they don’t trust their representatives, but in reality, they are high credibility sources with a unique power and reach to promote crucial health messages through their networks.
“Networks like Rate Your Leader have a vital role to play in allowing accurate information to be communicated unfiltered from reliable sources to the people who might otherwise be panicked into listening to less reputable advice and taking steps which might actually be dangerous or damaging to their health.”
Rate Your Leader, a free app, was created by the Digital Democracy project to bridge the gulf between people and their elected representatives with phones and other handheld devices – whilst blocking malicious or offensive communication in a way that other social media platforms do not.
The abuse-proof Rate Your Leader app confirmed voters in specific electoral divisions to communicate directly with the elected representatives, as well as rating them for responsiveness.
The Rate Your Leader app is available from the Apple and Google Marketplaces. The app has a five star rating on the Google market, with one reviewer writing “This is the new level of politics…better communication of leaders with the electorates and accountability”.
The app, which is already making waves in the United Kingdom, is due for launch in Nigeria in the coming weeks. It is worthy of note that the launch has received the unequivocal support of not only the Nigerian government, but the generality of the public, including the oppositions
At launch, representatives of the people at all levels will take advantage of the free democracy app to stay in touch with the people who elected them and to get their messages out to confirmed voters in their constituencies, helping them truly understand what matters most to them.
Popular socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has lost the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial primary election for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
She lost the election to a chieftain of the party, Amanda Pam.
The activist-turned-politician had said her ambition to represent the FCT in the upper legislative chamber was driven by the desire to solve problems in the nation’s capital and give residents a stronger voice in government.
Aisha Yesufu is a staunch supporter of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Federal government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid ul Adha.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
It said the declaration affirms the Federal government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing this sacred occasion.
“The minister conveys the warm felicitations of the Federal government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and throughout the Diaspora. Eid ul Adha is a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for one’s fellow man.
“The Federal government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” Ajani said.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the Permanent Secretary added.
Africa’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, is commemorating the life and legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, marking the 21st consecutive year of its sponsorship of the cultural event.
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is taking place at the Festival Pavilion opposite the royal palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The celebration pays glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the late monarch, who transited on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.
The departed monarch ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and during his reign, the profile and prestige of the Ojude Oba Festival grew tremendously, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom posited that Oba Adetona’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture, traditions, and values was a major factor behind the company’s continued support for the festival.
According to the company, “This year’s celebration goes beyond our traditional role as sponsor over the past two decades. It is an opportunity to honour the exceptional legacy of the revered monarch, Oba Adetona, whose vision and commitment elevated Ojude Oba to its present status.”
Globacom recalled that the late Awujale played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a unifying platform that brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, regardless of religious affiliation.
This inclusive vision and royal leadership, said Glo, inspired the company to begin sponsoring the festival 21 years ago. Over the years of Globacom’s sponsorship, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognized cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its support for the festival as part of its broader objective of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
