Chioma Iruke

Journalist, Fact-Checker, AWiM fellow 2023.

All Opinions are mine😶‍🌫️

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

In my debut research report, I explored the challenges confronting women in Nigerian politics. One key obstacle I highlighted was gendered information disorder, which greatly hinders women engagement in Nigerian political spheres. #genderequity #NigerianPolitics #Womeninpolitics

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

For this #CDDReport, @irukechioma1 highlights the complexity of the challenges faced by women politicians in the past and present, as well as their underrepresentation since the country's transition to democracy in 1999. Click the link for more insights:https://t.co/58wrZk9mSI

[Hauwa 🌟🌬 @Hauwa_L]

They are going to schools to kidnap girls so they can rape virgins. Raped through the night. We need to sit with uncomfortable truths. We should not be allowed to block out the horrific stories.

From wearing school uniforms to being married off, pregnant, dying in childbirth.

[The LIGHT☄️ @Adasu_d_gr8]

Ochanya would have been 20 years this year studying Medicine and Surgery to save lives but Winifred's Family deprived her that dream.

Their last born, Ihotu, same age with Ochanya is living that dream now.

This case was swept under the carpet in 2018 because Winifred's Father had taught some politicians' children and he used their influence to cover up the family's atrocities.

Don't ask me how I know this much. We are from the same state, the same local government.

Their village is just a stone-throw from my village. A small river separated the two villages.

The news is everywhere within the communities. The communities want justice too but they are helpless since they are not as influential as the Andrew's family.

As we keep protesting online, Mr. Andrew is also calling some notable politicians too.

If we relent, this case will still be swept under the carpet like it was in 2018.

If this case goes away without justice, do you know how many children of her age would go through the same process?

Injustice to one is injustice to all.

Yesterday, Ochanya was the victim of cruelty.

What about tomorrow? It could be you, it could be me, it could be our sisters, it could be our daughters.

Please add your voice.
Ochanya d!ed in a cruel manner. She deserves justice.

#JusticeforOchanya

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

🧠 “I stayed home because I believed the rumor of violence — and lost my democratic right.”

This powerful reel from one of our Anambra creators Nwodo Chinasa reminds us how misinformation doesn’t just mislead, it silences.

When fear won the day, democracy lost a voice. But your voice matters.

🎬 Watch: https://t.co/y0VU6H2dzC

Let’s champion stories that say:

➡️ Verify before you share.

➡️ Don’t let rumours steal your vote.

➡️ Show up, belong, participate.

At Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD‑West Africa), we believe empathy, truth and action go hand-in-hand. Big thanks to the creator for showing how staying home is sometimes the real story of exclusion.

#CDDWestAfrica #FightFakeNews #VerifyBeforeYouShare #AnambraVotes2025 #AnambraDecides2025 #EmpathyDrivenStorytelling #Democracy

[𝐿𝑜𝓁𝒶 ᥫ᭡ @OyinLadun0]

All we want is for this case to be reopened,and justice to be served.

#justiceforochanya

#justiceforochanya

#justiceforochanya

Please help tag 👇
@FIDANigeria @hm_womenaffairs

[OLUWAFEYISAYO ❤️❤️ @Feyisparkles]

Gosh, this is actually so so sad

[Dr Ola Brown @NaijaFlyingDr]

SpaceX runs on the discoveries of thousands of PhDs in physics, materials science, and propulsion -people who never made any money from their work, and whose names remain unknown.

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

As we mark World Press Freedom Day, it is essential to reflect on the state of media freedom in Nigeria. There is a widening gap between political promises and the lived realities of journalists, who continue to face harassment, censorship, and legal intimidation.

From the weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act to rising cases of arbitrary detention, this piece sheds light on the growing risks confronting press freedom in the country.

Read the full article to understand why protecting journalists is crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
🔗https://t.co/dOsEEp4uZ6

#PressFreedomDay
#WorldPressFreedomDay
#DigitalRights
#MediaRightsNG

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

Nigeria’s press freedom story is one of resilience in the face of repression. From colonial-era crackdowns to military-era decrees, and more recently, the misuse of cyber laws and digital censorship, the media continues to navigate complex challenges.

This visual timeline sheds light on the country’s historical journey, current ranking, and future outlook for press freedom, including the rise of AI, shifting media landscapes, and ongoing threats to journalistic safety. As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we are reminded that defending the rights of journalists is not just about media, it’s about protecting democracy itself.

#WorldPressFreedomDay
#NigeriaPressFreedom
#ProtectJournalists

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

Happy Workers’ Day to the exceptional team at CDD-West Africa!

Today, we honour your unwavering dedication to strengthening democracy, advancing human rights, and promoting good governance across the region. Your hard work, passion, and resilience are the driving force behind the impact we make every day.

Thank you for your service, your spirit, and your commitment to a better West Africa. We celebrate you today and always.

#WorkersDay
#TeamCDDWestAfrica
#HappWorkers

[Nigeria Health Watch @nighealthwatch]

Youths play a crucial role in fostering healthy governance, informed decision-making, and combating misinformation.

Yesterday, @ZikokoCitizen, in partnership with Luminate, hosted the 2025 Citizen Townhall aimed at exploring inclusive ways to enhance youth engagement in politics and development. #CTH25

[The Republic @republicjournal]

How effective has fact-checking been in debunking conspiracy theories and biases, with the increase in disinformation on online platforms?

Our #LatestOnline via @irukechioma1

https://t.co/B6Y1j9NiWX

[The Republic @republicjournal]

Get The Republic delivered straight to your mailbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter. It’s free!

Out 8 a.m., Mondays-Fridays. In today’s edition:

The politics of fact-checking, Africa’s fake news crisis, the information war and more.
https://t.co/BQkZo6fZEb

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

My article for @republicjournal explores the impact of fact-checking grant withdrawal and how fact-checking is increasingly weaponised for political & ideological gains. #Disinformation #FactChecking

https://t.co/SvFaLwObMQ

[Akíntúndé Babátúndé @olorunwababs]

There seems to be a general lack of understanding about how organizations grow and how society functions. The recent controversy surrounding USAID and the NGO sector has sparked a lot of disjointed discussions, with many missing the fundamental role of nonprofits in our society.

To have a meaningful conversation, we need to examine how different sectors operate and are funded. Governments generate revenue primarily through natural resources and taxes, which they use to deliver public services. Businesses, on the other hand, rely on savings, investors, or grants to create value, ultimately earning revenue from their products or services.

Nonprofits are different by design. They are not established to generate profit but to solve societal problems that governments either cannot or do not effectively address. This is why they rely on grants and donor funding.

Have some organizations misused grants? Absolutely. But the same can be said for government agencies that have exploited state resources for personal gain and businesses that have engaged in financial misconduct. Does that mean we should shut down governments or businesses because of the unethical actions of a few? No. Society must continue to function while addressing and fixing these issues.

The idea that NGOs and nonprofit media are unnecessary is a simplistic and shortsighted perspective. Our public discourse should be more nuanced, allowing for constructive discussions that educate rather than mislead. If we truly want to build a better society, we must focus on strengthening institutions, improving accountability, and ensuring that every sector - government, business, and nonprofit - serves its intended purpose effectively.

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

"Never complain, Never explain policy".

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

✨ Happy New Year from CDD-West Africa!

As we step into 2025, we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the progress we’ve made, and the partnerships that have strengthened our mission. Together, we’ve worked to advance democracy, foster development, and amplify voices across West Africa.

This year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving change, shaping policies, and building resilient communities across the region.

To our partners, supporters, and the incredible people we serve: thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to a year filled with progress, unity, and impactful actions for a brighter future.

Let’s make 2025 a year of transformative impact!
#HappyNewYear #CDDWestAfrica #Democracy #Development #2025

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

In my latest blog for @CDDWestAfrica, I explored the need to make the fight against information disorder more inclusive, highlighting factors that make the deaf community especially vulnerable to dis/misinformation.

https://t.co/NNkbZ5ApyO

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

I captured these reflections in a blog for the @CDDWestAfrica. As I look towards 2025, I’m eager to build on these experiences, deepen collaborations, and work toward a world where facts prevail and every voice is heard. Here’s to a new year filled with purpose and impact!

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

As 2024 comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect on one of the most profound experiences of my year. Being selected alongside other brilliant African media professionals for the @GERinNigeria Visitors Programme through the #goethinstitut.

[Chioma Iruke @irukechioma1]

collective fight against disinformation. One moment that left a lasting impact was sharing the stories of how #disinformation affects persons with disabilities, particularly those with speech and hearing impairments. Hearing similar heartbreaking stories was both eye-opening.