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Facebook Prioritises Content Originality, Removes 20m Fake Accounts

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Facebook has removed more than 20 million accounts impersonating major content creators on the platform in 2025.

The platform said this was targeted at promoting original content and curbing copycat posts. It stressed that impersonation reports related to large content creators dropped by 33 per cent in the year under review.

The social media platform, owned by Meta, which announced this yesterday, said the action is part of a broader push to ensure creators, who produce original videos and posts, gain greater reach, stronger protection and more opportunities to earn money.

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Checks by The Guardian showed that as of early 2025, Nigeria has one of the largest Facebook audiences in Africa, with estimates indicating over 38 to 48 million active users. The platform remained a dominant social media force, with users mostly aged 25–34, and the user base is skewed slightly towards men (approx. 57 per cent).

Further, the company said impersonation reports linked to large creators dropped 33 per cent in 2025 following the crackdown.

READ ALSO:Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

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The Mark Zuckerberg-owned firm said it has been increasing its focus on original content over the past year, particularly on its short-video product, Reels.

According to the company, both views and time spent watching original Reels nearly doubled in the second half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.

The platform said the growth shows that efforts to highlight authentic content while reducing the spread of copied material are starting to reshape how videos are discovered and shared.

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As part of the latest update, Facebook has introduced clearer guidelines defining what counts as original content, helping creators understand which posts are eligible for recommendations in Feed and Reels and which can qualify for monetisation.

Under the updated rules, videos filmed or produced directly by a creator are considered original. Content that simply republishes another creator’s video, or makes only minor changes such as adding captions, borders or speed adjustments, may be classified as unoriginal and see reduced distribution.

READ ALSO:Meta Deletes 1,600 Facebook Groups Linked To ‘Yahoo Boys’

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Further, accounts that repeatedly post duplicated content could also lose eligibility for recommendations or monetisation, the company said.

Facebook said it will continue to allow creators to remix or use third-party clips if they add meaningful creative input, such as analysis, commentary, storytelling or new context.

Alongside the policy changes, the platform is expanding tools aimed at protecting creators from content theft and impersonation.

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READ ALSO:Facebook, Instagram Users To Pay $12 Monthly For Verification

A content protection feature introduced last year can automatically detect matches to a creator’s original Reels across Meta’s platforms. The company said it is now testing improvements that will also flag potential impersonation accounts, allowing creators to submit reports and take action from a single dashboard.

The upgraded tools will gradually roll out to more creators, who can check availability through their professional dashboard.

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The changes come as major social media companies compete to attract video creators and viewers in the rapidly growing short-form video market, where platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts have driven intense competition for attention and advertising revenue.

By tightening rules around copied material and impersonation, Facebook said it aimed to create a platform where original creators receive more visibility, stronger protections and better financial rewards for their works.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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