As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: electoral integrity is not only about what happens at the polling unit.

The information people consume before they get to the polling unit also has a significant role to play in their choice of candidate.

A false claim about a candidate, a manipulated photograph, an old video presented as a recent event, a misleading statistic or a fabricated screenshot can influence how people perceive a candidate. So also can fake news instigate electoral violence. And with social media, messaging platforms and generative AI making it easier to create and distribute content, knowing how to verify information has become an important part of participating responsibly in public life.

This was one of the things that stood out to me during the Interactive Media Seminar for Electoral Integrity, organised by FIAP through FactCheckAfrica, in collaboration with Wikimedia Nigeria, as part of the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project.

I participated in the Abuja edition, held from September 28–30, 2026. The seminar brought together Wikimedia editors, newsroom editors and fact-checkers for practical sessions on information disorder, source verification, digital investigation and responsible use of information.

But for me, the most useful part was not simply learning that misinformation exists. I already knew that.

It was learning — and relearning — how to stop, investigate and verify before believing or sharing something.

Fact-checking is beyond asking, “Is this true?”

One of the lessons I took away is that fact-checking requires patience.

When we see something online, our first reaction is often emotional. We may agree with it, disagree with it, laugh at it or immediately want to share it.

That is exactly when we need to pause.

Who originally published this?

When was it published?

What is the original source?

Has the image or video appeared somewhere else?

Does the evidence actually support the claim?

Is the information being presented without important context?

These questions are especially important during elections, when political content can move very quickly and people can easily mistake repetition for evidence.

A post being shared thousands of times does not make it true. A screenshot does not automatically make something authentic. And even a genuine photograph can be used to tell a false story.

The connection between fact-checking and Wikipedia

Another aspect of the seminar that I found particularly interesting was the connection between fact-checking and open knowledge.

As a wikipedia editor, I found it quite insightful. Wikimedia contributors are not simply trying to make knowledge accessible. We are also interested in ensuring that people can find reliable, properly sourced information when they search for a topic.

During the practical edit-a-thon, we applied some of the lessons from the training to Wikipedia articles, improving existing content, adding references and creating information that can remain accessible beyond the life of a social media post.

This is important to me because misinformation is often temporary, but information gaps can be permanent.

If reliable information about an election, electoral technology, a political process or an important public institution is missing from the internet, someone else can fill that gap with speculation, propaganda or poorly sourced information.

That is why documenting verified information matters.

It also reinforced something I have learned through my work with indigenous languages and cultural heritage: knowledge needs to be documented properly if we want people to find, evaluate and use it.

Fact-checking tools you should know

You do not need to be a professional fact-checker to start verifying information. There are several tools that can help ordinary internet users, journalists, researchers, students and content creators investigate what they see online.

Here are some of the tools I was introduced to during the training.

1. Google Reverse Image Search

If you receive a suspicious photograph, don’t immediately believe the caption attached to it.

Upload the image or use Google Lens to search for where else the image appears online.

This can help you discover whether an image is old, whether it has been used in a different country or event, or whether the current caption is misleading.

Reverse image search is particularly useful when someone claims that a photograph was taken during a recent political event.

2. TinEye

TinEye is another reverse image search tool.

It can help you find where an image has appeared online, including modified versions of the same image. It can also be useful for finding older versions or higher-resolution copies of an image.

For example, if someone posts a photograph claiming to be the original source, TinEye may help you discover that the photograph existed online years earlier.

3. InVID-WeVerify

This is one of the tools I found particularly useful for investigating videos.

InVID-WeVerify can help you extract keyframes from videos and run reverse image searches on those frames. It also provides tools for examining metadata and analysing images and videos.

This is useful because a video can be difficult to search as a whole. Breaking it into individual frames can reveal that the same footage appeared online much earlier or was originally associated with a completely different event.

4. Wayback Machine

Sometimes the information you need has disappeared from the internet.

A webpage may have been deleted. A politician may have changed a statement. A news article may have been updated. A website may have removed a particular page.

The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine allows you to look at archived versions of webpages and compare how information appeared at different points in time.

This can be particularly useful when investigating claims about what was previously published online.

5. OSINT tools

OSINT means Open-Source Intelligence — gathering and analysing information that is publicly available.

OSINT is not one particular tool. It is a way of investigating information using publicly accessible sources.

It can involve search engines, social media, maps, public databases, archived websites, satellite imagery and other sources.

The important thing is to cross-check information rather than relying on one source.

6. Google Fact Check Tools

Google also provides tools that can help you search for claims that have already been fact-checked.

If a claim looks familiar, searching for it through fact-checking databases can help you determine whether reputable fact-checkers have previously investigated it.

This does not mean you should stop your investigation there. A fact-check is a useful starting point, but understanding the evidence behind the conclusion is still important.

7. WITNESS verification resources

WITNESS has developed resources for verifying images, videos and other user-generated content.

One useful principle from digital verification is simple: don’t just ask whether something looks real. Ask whether the evidence surrounding it makes sense.

Where was it supposedly recorded? When? Who first posted it? Is there independent evidence supporting the claim?

These questions can help separate authentic content from misleading context.

In Conclusion

The biggest lesson for me is that information integrity is everyone’s responsibility.

Fact-checkers have an important role, but they cannot investigate every post that reaches millions of people.

Journalists have a role. Wikimedia editors have a role. Researchers have a role. Content creators have a role. And ordinary social media users have a role too.

Sometimes, contributing to information integrity can be as simple as refusing to share something until you have checked it.

The 2027 elections will not only be contested at polling stations. They will also be contested in our timelines, WhatsApp groups, comment sections, videos and search results.

We therefore need to become better at asking questions before accepting information as fact.

Pause. Check the source. Verify the evidence. Check the context. Then decide whether it is worth sharing.

That may seem like a small action.

But when millions of people do it, it can make a difference to the quality of information available during an election, and ultimately to the quality of democratic participation itself.

But what nobody tells you about Adulting is, sometimes with all the acquired freedom and willpower, you’d be at crossroads where you’d wish you were a child and didn’t have to make any descisions for yourself.

The irony of life. Life is beautiful even with it’s detours.

No wonder my 2025 Spotify Wrapped tagged my listening age as 46. It's giving young body, old soul vibes.

Lately, I've started listening to Osadebe again, this time by choice. These songs are tied to years of subconsciously listening to my father's early morning jams on our old CD player when we were kids.

He had most of the songs on repeat, which we hated at the time, especially "Morning Sun Social Club" by Osadebe.

Those jams influenced my music taste. I caught myself recently searching Spotify for one of those tracks. Young Umasoye would never believe it.

Maybe I listen to these songs now because of nostalgia or the sentiment attached to them.

I've grown to love them. I once called my father to get a list of his favourite songs, and I created a playlist of him. I play it whenever I want to feel him close.

The playlist reminds me of my childhood days and helps me soak up the memories.

Music is a love language, a vessle of memory. Most times, when I listen to a song, the melody takes me back to a moment with someone, or to a place where I heard it the most or first listened to it.

Whenever I listen to "Toast" by Koffee, I remember that she was one of Amaka's favourite artists back in our university days. I loved the song so much that I made it my ringtone.

Lucky Dube reminds me of mornings when my father had reggae on repeat, so much that I and my brother would fastforward to the next track when he wasn't looking.
Whenever I listen to Asa, I remember meeting Dr. Gaz for the first time in Port Harcourt, after COVID 19 lockdown. I had just discovered that we both vibed to Asa. Afterwards, she allowed me copy two of Asa's album from her PC to my flash drive.

And whenever I come across old gospel songs, I think of my mother. She had this "You Must Obey Jesus Christ" song on repeat. I don't remember the name of the artist. I want to, and maybe create a Spotify playlist of those songs too. They help me reminisce.

I haven't yet figured out my grandfather's music taste, but he loves the news and radio so much. So whenever I turn on the radio, I'm reminded of him. It's one of those rituals I now associate with him.

Maybe that's what music really is, a catalogue of people. Some leave songs behind and years later, all it takes is a melody to bring them back.

In 2024, I attended the Global Voices Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, as one of the Nigerian participants invited for the summit. In this post, I’ll be sharing how I got my Nepali visa as a Nigerian , step by step. You’ll learn how to prepare your documents, where to submit your application, and what to expect during the process.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Purpose of Travel

Before applying, determine why you’re traveling to Nepal. Is it for a business trip, a conference, tourism, or a short stay?
Once you’ve clarified your purpose, gather documents that support it.

For example:

If you’re attending a conference or business meeting, get an invitation letter from the host organization.

For tourism, provide proof of travel history, proof of funds, and your travel itinerary.

If someone is inviting you, an invitation letter from them will strengthen your application. In my case, I got an invitation letter from the conference organisers.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Together

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

International passport (valid for at least six months)

Invitation letter (if applicable)

Proof of accommodation in Nepal

Booked flight tickets

Visa application fee — about USD 50 at the time of application

Completed online visa form, which you can fill out on the Nepali visa portal and download after submission

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If you live in a country that has a Nepali Embassy, simply visit the embassy with your documents to apply.

However, since there’s no Nepali Embassy in Nigeria, I first emailed the Embassy of Nepal in Cairo to confirm that I could send my application by courier. Thankfully, the conference organizers assisted me throughout the process. We used DHL to ship the documents to Cairo.

Processing took about two weeks, and including travel and delivery time, the entire process took roughly three weeks.

Visiting Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful country filled with rich culture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth exploring. It’s also home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

I visited in December, and it was quite cold — so if you’re traveling during that period, make sure to pack warm clothes.
Overall, Nepal is a great country to visit. Enjoy your stay and make the most of the experience!

“June 25: My Joy is Full.”

I scribbled this on a sticky note and placed it on the calendar above my work desk.

Every morning, I’d look up at it, smile, and say it out loud, before going on to recite my other affirmations. I had waited months for June. It was meant to be a defining moment.

And when it finally arrived, I was so overjoyed I could barely sleep. Two long-awaited things were coming together, over a year in the making:

1. A girls’ trip with my friend.

2. The outcome of my Chevening interview (my third time applying, by the way).

Then, on the 18th day, I received an unexpected email.

Not the “Congratulations” I had imagined, but a message of regret. I hadn’t been selected for Chevening—again.

June turned out to be one of the most heartbreaking months of 2025… and yet, also one of the most fulfilling.

Proof that joy and sadness can coexist.

On the 19th, with puffy red eyes and a heavy heart, I still joined my friend for our trip, and we had an amazing time.

This time, I handled the rejection differently. My heart still aches as I write this, but I’ve found peace knowing that God’s timing has never failed me.

Before now, rejection would knock me out completely, leaving me drained, depressed, and questioning my worth for days, sometimes weeks.

Whether it’s rejection in relationships, missed job opportunities, or dashed dreams, it hits harder when you’re a creative.

But I've learned that rejection, when understood and accepted, doesn’t have to break you. It can build you. It can prepare you.

Here’s what works for me now: I don’t overthink it.

Because overanalyzing what you’ve lost only drains you further.

You might find these tips helpful too:

📌 Try not to dwell on it too long
📌 Laugh about it if you can, make light of it
📌 Use it as fuel to seek better opportunities
📌 Remind yourself of your worth often
📌 Know that everyone experiences rejection, even the best of us

Rejection or redirection? The perception is ours.

Here’s to sending a thousand more applications, regardless of the outcome.

With joy,
Umasoye

I have always been fascinated by folk stories and the culture, thanks to my grandmother who ignited this passion through her songs, anecdotes, and epic conversations.

On certain occasions, she would hum or mimic the sound of the Ekwe, its echoes reaching us from the village square whenever something big was happening — especially cultural events like the Eta or Owu. Those moments stayed with me and spurred my interest in people's way of living — folklife.

In this piece, I’m sharing my own POV on one of the Ekpeye people’s most iconic cultural traditions: Owu.

Ps: Ekpeye is a distinct ethnic nationality, with most of its people residing in Ahoada East and parts of Ahoada West in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria.

Owu Dance

‘Owu’ is an Ekpeye term for ‘facial mask’, Owu dance, is a vibrant masquerade performance deeply rooted in the Ekpeye culture. Performers, range from energetic youths to elders, wearing carved masks paired with fabric, raffia, leg rattles, and other costumes. These masks, often worn on the face, bring different characters to life through their unique designs and movements.

Owu is one of the material cultures the Ekpeye people inherited from their Benin ancestry, with Benin widely regarded as the cradle of mask carving. This heritage reflects the Ekpeyes’ ancestral connection to Benin and its rich material culture.

Each performance tells a story of a past event or figure represented, with the dancer’s movements embodying the essence of the character represented by the mask — whether it’s a bird, a mammal, a person, or a mythical creature. This tangible cultural heritage of the Ekpeye people blends culture, art, tradition, and nature in a mesmerizing display. Below are some common Owu characters explained.

Owu Types— Description of ten notable Ekpeye Masquerades

From my own POV, Ekpeye masks are of two major categories, humans and creatures. Here are some examples:

1. Owu Anakani (The Old Lady Mask)

Owu Anakani is an Ekpeye mask crafted to embody the essence of old age, symbolizing the final stage of womanhood. This is shown in the details of the costume, from the way the mask is worn at the back of the head, the faded clothing, and its deliberate movements, reflecting the wisdom and fragility that come with old age.

During the performance, the masquerade moves slowly, imitating the unsteady gait of an elderly woman. At times, it staggers as though about to fall, a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities of old age. However, the masquerade is never left unsupported — an escort walks alongside, holding and steadying it when needed. This act of assistance highlights the communal care and respect for elders within the Ekpeye culture, serving as a visual metaphor for the importance of supporting elders. The performance is both a tribute to the resilience of aged women and a celebration of the intergenerational bond that sustains the community.

2. Ogbumadube — One who kills to live

Oral history has it that this character ‘Ogbumaube’ kills for a living. I am always caught running during its performance because of the chaos that happens whenever this mask makes an entrance.

Ogbumadube is one of the most iconic and feared masks in Ekpeye culture, earning its reputation as both a symbol of terror and a centerpiece of masquerade performances. The mask is designed to embody the essence of a feared and strong man, with exaggerated features that amplify its intimidating presence — a large nose, wide mouth, big head, piercing eyes, and leg rattles that jingle with every step. Its costume, draped in striking red and white fabric, adds to its commanding aura.

When Ogbumadube makes its grand entrance, the atmosphere shifts. Women scream and quickly warn their children to keep their distance, while even the men instinctively step back, acknowledging the mask’s formidable energy. Yet, amid the fear, Ogbumadube ignites a surge of excitement and anticipation. Its performance is a highlight of the masquerade display, as the crowd erupts in rhythmic chants: “Ogbumadube… Ogbumadube… Owubaa… Owubaa!”

This mix of fear and thrill is what makes Ogbumadube unforgettable.

3. Nwala

Nwala is a masquerade that brings the humble yet heroic figure of a gardener or laborer to life. Nwala’s costume tells his story: a practical outfit fit for hard work, complete with a bag (holding his snuff-box) a hoe, and a machete in hand, ready for the task of clearing grass.

As illustrated in his performance, the masquerade suddenly encounters a snake. Startled, Nwala recoils in fear, retreating as if unsure of his next move. The tension builds as he reaches for his snuff-box, inhaling deeply for courage. Nwala summons his bravery and finally overcomes the snake, triumphing over his fear.

4. Krowu

Krowu is a spirited seabird brought to life in this masquerade performnce. Unlike the duck that simply floats on water, Krowu dives beneath the surface, skillfully catching fish with precision. This daring nature is vividly portrayed during its performance.

As Krowu prepares to dance, a basin of water is brought into the arena, representing its natural habitat. The masquerade moves with a unique blend of grace and energy, mimicking the bird’s swift dives and soaring flights. With outstretched arms and sweeping motions, Krowu seems to take to the skies.

5. Nwaikwere

The Nwaikere mask is a representation of youth and beauty, symbolizing a woman in her prime. The mask is adorned with a mirror and comb in hand, tools that reflect self-care and confidence.

During its performance, Nwaikere is accompanied by two ladies holding a full-length mirror and an umbrella, allowing her to admire her own reflection, emphasizing the theme of self-love and vanity. The dance embodies the grace and charm of a woman in her prime, capturing the energy, confidence, and beauty of youth with every step in contrast to Owu anakani described in number 1 of this piece.

6. Eke-éte

Although this mask is called Eke-Ete, meaning “big ears,” its design is far more symbolic. Attached to its large ears are several faces — two on each side — creating a striking and multifaceted appearance. These additional faces may signify heightened awareness or the ability to perceive multiple perspectives. During its peformance, the drums are played with a rhythm that calls out the name Eke ete.

kiiridi… kiriidiii…. eke..ete..

7. Okidhikata / Ucha

This carved mask portrays the image of a he-goat mating with a she-goat, symbolizing the characteristics of a he-goat — bold, determined, and often likened to a womanizer. During its performance, the masquerade takes on this persona, moving through the crowd in search of women who are not wearing the traditional ijele (wrapper) around their waist.

In Ekpeye culture, it is customary for spectators to adorn themselves in this attire when attending such events, demonstrating a sense of tradition and respect. The mask’s playful yet symbolic performance adds an element of humor and cultural significance, reminding the audience of the importance of honoring customs while showcasing the spirited nature of the he-goat it represents.

8. Ebulu (Ram)

Ebulu depicts the characteristics of a ram, showcasing its bold and instinctive nature. During its performance, the masquerade mimics the behavior of a ram by sniffing and smelling as it approaches spectators, especially a group of women. This act vividly portrays the ram’s curious and territorial instincts, bringing its essence to life in a way that entertains and connects with onlookers.

9. Adaunwo Usali

Adaunwo-Usali symbolizes a pivotal phase in a woman’s life — the time dedicated to family life and motherhood. This mask embodies the virtues of nurturing, resilience, and the responsibilities that come with motherhood.

10.Ezhigbo

Ezhigbo represents a beautiful and mature woman, embodying grace, elegance, and gentleness. Harmless and welcoming, this mask is a symbol of poise and dignity.

During its performance, Ezhigbo draws women from the crowd who gather in groups to dance alongside her. Ezhigbo’s presence is a reminder of the beauty and strength found in womanhood.

More Owu photos?

Visit Wikimedia Commons and search the category “Ekpeye Language and Culture Resources” or simply click on the link below https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ekpeye_Language_and_Culture_Resources

Life would be boring if we woke up every day to eat, sleep and repeat the cycle. Life becomes meaningful and worth living if we have something to live and die for, a why, an Ikigai.

Ikigai is a Japanese term that means “the reason for being.” If you are yet to find what your Ikigai is, then finding it should be your Ikigai.

In this article, I want to share some valuable excerpts about this book which happens to be my first read for 2023.

Purpose is your best Antioxidant.

The first part of the book talks about longevity. How do you stay young while growing old? By finding your why, find your Ikigai. Finding purpose keeps your mind and body active. Studies show that we age faster when we have several moments of inactivity in our lives.

But on this journey of purpose, it is possible to have one or more Ikigai. Life is a journey and not a destination; multipotentialites may have different ikigai’s at other points in their life. Hence Ikigai is transient, it is bound to change or evolve from time to time, but you will find a link if you eventually end up with more than one Ikigai.

Find your purpose, and get obsessed with it until you reach your flow state.

Some anti-aging secrets

Run away from sugar!!!

When I got to the part of the book about dieting, I almost flipped through to skip it. Sticking to the dietary habits recommended in the book meant letting go of ice creams and other junk food, which I honestly think I can’t do without but will have to try because of longevity.

1. Walk to work. If it is not a walkable distance, dedicate at least 20 minutes of walking daily.
2. Eat only 80% full
3. Replace your junk food with fruits that are suitable suppliers of antioxidants. If you are from the African clime, you should look for fruits like Ube (African pear), garden egg, or apple.
4. Eat healthily, sleep healthy, and exercise daily.
5. Interact with people within your reach, and have real-time social interaction. Take a break from social media and look at the person next to you.

Antifragility

Fall as often as you fail, but always rise stronger, which is true resilience. In the last part of the book Ikigai, the authors talk about Antifragility, failing but gaining more. Every defeat should be a stepping stone, not the end of the road.

Here are some tips for Antifragility below:

1. Have control over pleasure
2. Envision the worst scenarios
3. Worry only about that which you can control. Just like Marcus Aurelius said, the things we love are like the leaves of a tree; they can fall at any moment with a gust of wind.

Overall, it was a great read tapping into the Japanese secret to a long and happy life.

As a writer or a digital content creator, if you're able to overcome distractions especially when surfing the web for resources, you've probably dealt with 70% percent of the challenges faced by many writers out there.

It's quite easy to get caught in the web of irrelevant content. The moment you turn on your mobile data, your attention drifts, from social media notifications to trending news on gossip blogs, or ads that divert your focus...you have to swim to stay afloat else get drowned and drained.

And if you fail to resist the urge you lose track of time and end up being unproductive, I'm sure you know how time consuming social media is. Yet as a writer, digital content creator or a social media manager, you've have to be active almost all the time if not 24/7.

I've had this happen to me a couple of times and the recommendations below are what helped me.

1. Turn off social media notifications and other notifications on your mobile device

2. Activate the "Do not disturb mode" on your device

3. Set a reminder on getting tasks done.

E.g If you have to deliver a task by 12pm, you should set a reminder to pop up every hour before 12pm, this would help you stick to the task whenever you feel distractions calling.

4. You might find scheduling apps helpful as a social media manager.

Know more useful tips that would be beneficial in curbing distractions? Do share below.

Naivety is the Beauty of Childhood.

On Mondays I took forever scrubbing my milk coloured teeth, It never got white anyway.

Mondays are for inspection and Mrs. Kosi was such a talented tooth inspector, she takes her time to inspect one tooth after the other, I ThankGod she never died of bad breath.

On one of such Mondays a tooth fell from my mouth straight into the muddy pool in front of me where I stood to brush.

I searched the black muddy pool as far as my iris could travel. No trace of my tooth.

I stood there staring into the muddy pool with a cup and brush in hand.

I lost my tooth!!!

It was a tradition to throw your tooth on the roof for recycling that’s the only way a new tooth will emerge.

Aloni told me throwing them on the roof top allowed God to see it and replace the lost one’s.

When I couldn’t find my fallen tooth, it meant God wont’t see my tooth and no Reminder will be sent for replacement.

That morning I cried, not of the pain of a broken tooth.

But the pain of losing a broken tooth.

The children teased me of the window in my mouth and how it will forever remain open.

Mr. Lumo, Papa’s friend asked me the following morning if I gave out my tooth in exchange for Akara.

I believed all the stories for as long as I could remember, I was depressed for quite sometime.

But… Today there are no windows, just a diastema sitting in front.

I’m an endangered specie
existing in a lawless habitat
hunted by friends and foes alike
hunted by a villain
who preys on civilians
here the fittest survive

Yesterday it was Chima
a helpless prey
today it’s Jimoh
Who’s next on death roll?
Tomorrow echoes my name in dirges

This is not war
This is a death sentence
For dress sense
and tasting Luxury

You can read this
Harry can’t
His only crime was growing a beard

Don’t tell me the police is my friend
When he treats me like a foe.