Fact-check: Is this an authentic Facebook page for Minister Josephine Lagu?

No, this is an example of social media scams that steal personal information from unsuspecting public members.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

A Facebook page in the name of Hon Josephine Lagu has sponsored a post and published two advertisements on 23 March 2023 inviting farmers to apply for “funding,” but this is false.

The page with 513 likes and 519 followers was created on 23 March 2023 and is being managed from Kenya according to its transparency information, but claims that the Ministry of Agriculture in South Sudan has received funding to improve agricultural development and mechanisation in a joint venture with the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the  World Food Program. Hon Josephine Lagu is the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. 

“This program aims to modernise agriculture and increase productivity. The funds will be used to purchase agricultural machinery for farmers to increase mechanisation and productivity. Farmers are invited to indicate the necessary agricultural equipment to modernise their farming operations and mechanize for agricultural productivity. Enterprises that hire farm equipment to farmers are also encouraged to apply,” partly reads the sponsored Facebook advertisement

Investigation:

The advert is linked to a Google Form, which requires the applicant to fill in his /her details and the type of assistance needed.  The personal information required is the applicant’s name, contact details and location. 

This advert is a typical example of social media scams that intend to steal people’s details for them to use for their personal gains. Hackers use this trick to dupe people into giving out their personal details. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security does not run such programs. Recently, similar adverts have been running using government ministries and individuals claiming to be giving loans and assistance in many ways, as seen here,  here, and here.  

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Josephine Lagu, South Sudan’s minister for agriculture and food security through her Facebook page, is calling for the public to apply for farming assistance false. The Facebook page on which the advert is running does not belong to the minister herself hence the call for application is ‘just a social media scam’

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