Imo CPC embarks on sensitization visit to Owerri Markets on need for traders to use Standard Cup Measurements
By Peter Dibia
In a bid to stop permanently the cheating of consumers by producers and sellers of goods and services in Imo State, the Director-General of Imo State Consumers Protection Council, CPC, Hon. Mrs. Obioma Okafor, together with her team, has visited some popular markets within the state capital to sensitize them on the need to get Standard Cup Measurements in selling their goods and services to consumers.
Speaking immediately after her visit to these markets, Obioma explained that the essence of the visit was to sensitize, create awareness on the need for traders in Imo markets to get the Standard Cup Measurements, as well as to educate the consumers on knowing their rights.
She noted that the introduction of the SCM is to protect consumers of goods and services in Imo State, explaining that the move is in line with the 3Rs Mantra and vision of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery championed by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Furthermore, the visionary appointee did not mince words as she advised the marketers to ensure that they get the Standard Cup Measurements at CPC Office, New Owerri, Opposite ISOPADEC building, ISAMATA Office and Imo state market executives.
It may be recalled that the World Consumer Rights Day Celebration held on 15th of March, 2021, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, launched the first Indigenous Measurement Cup targeted at beating corruption in Imo markets.
The provision of this Indigenous Measurement Cup marked a historic step towards the goal to ensure that consumers in Imo State are adequately protected from being shortchanged by grain dealers. The delivery of these cups to CPC Office for onward distribution to all the grain dealers in Imo State for the measurement of rice, beans, garri among others is part of the promise made and fulfilled by Senator Hope Uzodimma to Imo people.
There is no doubt that Okafor’s leadership in CPC has made tremendous impact by leading efforts to procure and supply these Standard Measurement Cups to grain dealers on behalf of the State Government to reduce the rate of malpractices among the grain dealers at the detriment of unsuspecting consumers.
These measurement cups have undergone rigorous regulatory processes at both state and federal levels and had been approved and confirmed to be standard by Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja, under the Department of Weight and Measures.
By this feat, Okafor has practically demonstrated her commitment to complement the efforts of the present administration in Imo State towards ensuring that consumers’ interests are firmly protected.
According to the DG, Imo CPC, the arrival of these measurement cups marked a milestone for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s unprecedented effort to ensure that citizens get value for what they purchase with their money which is encapsulated in the 3R Mantra. “No more, I bought two cups of garri or rice, when I get home, it was one and half”, she said.
As a result, Imo State Consumer Protection Council by this publication has commenced the distribution and enforcement of the use of measurement cups by grain dealers to sell all kinds of grains in Imo State.
This is a landmark moment for consumers in Imo State and a clear proof of CPC’s mission to end all forms of sharp practices associated with grains selling. Perhaps, it is expected that all grains dealers will henceforth sell their goods with these approved measurement cups, as any body who fails to comply with the directives will face severe punishment.
However, some traders, when interviewed, cheerfully thanked Imo State CPC for such a milestone feat which they described as wonderful and commendable, vowing that they will effectively comply with the directives to move forward.
Markets visited included Nkwo Orji Market and Relief Market all located in Owerri.
