If you’re looking for a quick recap of August 2025 on Cycad Africa, you’ve come to the right place. We covered two big stories that grabbed a lot of attention: a sudden jump in Nigeria’s black market dollar‑to‑naira rate and a viral video that turned out to be a deep‑fake hoax. Let’s break down what went down, why it matters, and what you should keep an eye on.
On March 26, 2025, the unofficial exchange market in Nigeria blew up. Buyers were paying about N1,570 for a US dollar, while the official rate stayed far lower. The surge was driven by a tight supply of cash in formal channels and a rush of people needing foreign currency for imports, travel, and debt payments.
What’s interesting is that the black market didn’t just affect the dollar. Rates for the pound, euro, and even the Chinese yuan pushed upward too. That tells us the stress was broad‑based – it wasn’t just one currency but a general lack of confidence in the official system.
For everyday people, the impact is immediate: buying imported goods gets pricier, loan repayments in foreign currency jump, and businesses that rely on imports feel the squeeze. The government’s response so far has been limited, mostly tighter controls on official forex sales, which only pushes more traders into the black market.
Watch for any policy shifts in the coming weeks. If the central bank introduces new forex windows or relaxes controls, the black‑market premium could shrink. Until then, many Nigerians will keep using the unofficial rates, despite the risk of legal trouble.
Another headline that blew up this month involved a supposed orca trainer named Jessica Radcliffe. A video claimed she was killed by an orca during a show, but investigators quickly uncovered that the whole thing was a deep‑fake. There’s no record of a trainer by that name, and the footage was stitched together from real clips of past marine‑park incidents.
This hoax highlights how AI tools can weaponize real events to create believable false stories. The video spread fast on social media, prompting outrage and calls for tighter regulations on AI‑generated content. It also reminded us that not every shocking video we see online is real.
For readers, the takeaway is simple: before you share a dramatic clip, check the source. Look for official statements, verify the identities involved, and see if reputable news outlets have covered it. A quick fact‑check can stop the spread of misinformation before it goes viral.
Both stories from August underline a common theme – the need for critical thinking in a fast‑moving information landscape. Whether you’re watching currency rates or scrolling through viral videos, staying informed means asking the right questions and verifying the facts.
That’s the roundup for August 2025 on Cycad Africa. Keep coming back for updates, and let us know which topics you want us to dig into next.
Aug
On March 26, 2025, Nigeria's black market dollar to naira rate shot upwards, hitting N1,570 for buyers as the official rate remained much lower. With cash in high demand and official channels tight, these unofficial trades saw strong activity. Rates for pounds, euros, and yuan also followed this trend.
Aug
A shocking viral video claimed 'orca trainer Jessica Radcliffe' was killed during a show, but investigations revealed it was an AI-generated hoax. No records or evidence support the event or Radcliffe's existence. The clip borrowed details from real tragedies, fueling concerns over how deepfake technology spreads misinformation.
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