Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has categorically debunked a report claiming that she plans to bring six multinational manufacturing giants to Nigeria by December.
The false report, which circulated widely on social media, particularly WhatsApp, alleged that Okonjo-Iweala was leveraging President Tinubu’s policies to attract these investors.
The erroneous post quoted Okonjo-Iweala as saying, “I am bringing investors to Nigeria using the president’s commendable policies as a bait. Is it too difficult to understand? President Tinubu’s reforms might be harsh now, but they would birth a new and prosperous nation. I have lost count of presidents, respected institutions, and investors that have called to congratulate me on Nigeria eventually having a focused leader since the reforms were rolled out.
At least six multinational manufacturing giants are coming with me by December later this year to see how their firms can have factories here. It’s all part of my contributions to the progress of Nigeria. I am not a politician.
I only desire the best for my dear country. It informed my visit to President Tinubu. The world has accepted him as our president, like it or not. May God heal us.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Denies Fake Report on Bringing Multinational Manufacturers to Nigeria
The message falsely claimed to be signed by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
In response, Okonjo-Iweala took to social media to refute the claims. She stated, “It’s been brought to my attention that another FAKE message has been manufactured and is being forwarded on WhatsApp in my name. I want to make clear that this fake message is not from me. I am pleased that those who know me instantly recognized this as fake. Thanks to friends who brought this to my attention.
Please be aware that I do not use WhatsApp broadcasts, thus anything forwarded to you purporting to be a WhatsApp message from me is FAKE. This is a bad example of the use of social media. I want to warn those in the business of manufacturing FAKE messages, that they will not succeed.”
Okonjo-Iweala’s clarification underscores the increasing issue of misinformation spread through social media platforms. Her statement serves as a reminder to verify the authenticity of information and be cautious of fake news.