A viral message circulating on WhatsApp and social media claims that the Federal Government of Nigeria is distributing free solar cookers to over 10 million households across the 36 states. The message includes a link asking people to click and apply for the supposed “Solar-Power Clean Cooking Initiative.”
The message reads in part:
“Over 10 Million Nigeria residents across all 36 States will receive Free SOLAR-COOKER each; as FG targets 10 million households with solar power clean cooking initiative. This Portal is Opened for Citizens who are yet to receive from this ongoing solar-power cooking initiative or who is yet to Apply.”
Verification
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has made no announcement regarding a “free solar cooker program”. Neither the Federal Ministry of Power, nor the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, nor any other relevant agency has confirmed such a scheme.
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The link attached to the viral post (solar-power.get-orfferme.online) is suspicious and not an official government website. Official Federal Government websites end with .gov.ng, not strange domains like get-orfferme.online.
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Similar scams have circulated in the past, using fake “free government programs” as bait to harvest personal details or trick people into sharing the fraudulent links further.
The Facts
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There is no ongoing Federal Government initiative to distribute free solar cookers to 10 million households.
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The viral link is a scam designed to mislead citizens and potentially steal personal information.
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The Federal Government has repeatedly warned Nigerians that all official programs and recruitment exercises are free of charge and announced through official channels.
Verdict: Fake News
The claim that the Federal Government is giving out free solar cookers to 10 million Nigerian households is false. Nigerians should disregard the message and avoid clicking the fraudulent link.
