Fake and expired goods or items have been attributed for being responsible to 80% disease suffered by residents of Imo State, hence the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has taken action to fish out those who produce adulterated goods with fake or expired NAFDAC number and label.
This anomaly was identified by the Director General of Consumer Protection Commission, Imo State, Hon Mrs Obioma Okafor, while addressing a gathering during the End of the Year Thanksgiving Party and Consumer Compliance Award Ceremony, held at the commissions conference hall, Owerri, yesterday, 10th December, 2021
Advising consumers to check manufacturing date, label and NAFDAC number of any goods or products before buying or consuming them to avoid the consumption of rotten or fake items for healthy living, Okafor identified that producers and manufacturers of fake drugs, biscuits, drinks, food, sachet water, selling of expired items have been minimally reduced as the commission was able to fish out culprits and destroyed many seized items from them.
According to Okafor, “80% disease or illness adversely affecting people in Imo State today is mainly caused by fake and expired products consumed. Hence we stand against fake manufacturer or producers and those who sell or deal on expired goods and illicit services. A lot of such products have been seized and destroyed. So, consumers have the right to expose and report any fake product manufacturer or expired goods seller or promoter. With the help of Governor Hope Uzodimma CPC is able to change the ugly narratives experienced in the commission prior to the coming of the Shared Prosperity administration. We commend government”.
She added that “consumer protection is our collective responsibility and should not be left in the hands of government alone. This underscores the need for all and sundry to join hands with government to fight adulteration in every form. Of course when products and services are faked, it impacts negatively on the integrity of the genuine products and business goodwill of the producers”.
Okafor who also thanked awardees and others for protecting the rights of consumers in the state, advised those who produce or manufacture and sell fake items in the state to stop or be fished out and penalized in accordance to state law to deter others, vowing that the commission will not rest on any oars to nip at the bud those who indulge in crimes and illicit activities of manufacturing of fake goods and products in the state.
Highlights of the event was the recognition of Consumer Friendly Award, Consumer Compliance Award on some distinguished manufacturers and producers for partnering with CPC in protecting rights of consumers in Imo State. Among these awardees is the CEO of Europoint Liquor Mart, Echefu Charles who hails from Mbeke Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State, who expressed delight for the honor as he assured CPC of his continued effort in protecting rights of consumers.
With Governor Hope Uzodimma who was represented by the member representing Oru West State Constituency in Imo Assembly, Hon Ezerioha Dominic, stating that CPC is doing well in protecting rights of consumers because the right person is heading the commission, saying government will always support CPC to fish out fake producers, manufacturers of goods and services in the state. “Consumer Protection Good Governance Award” was presented to the Governor.
Comments 1
Peter Dibia you are doing great