Fakoyejo Olalekan
Peak Milk has been forced to apologise after the firm was accused of profiting from an “offensive” advert posted on its social media page to celebrate Easter over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, the advert which showed a Peak Milk can with two holes on each side, was “insensitive, offensive, and unacceptable.”
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The general secretary of the Christian association, Joseph Daramola, condemned the producer of peak milk, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, stating the advert was for commercial purposes and also meant to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit.
CAN demand an apology from Peak Milk, warning that failure to do so will result in a call to boycott FrieslandCampina products among the millions of Christians in Nigeria.
“Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians all over the world, a day we commemorate the death of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross for our sins.
“It is not a day to be used for crass commercial purposes. FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC’s action is not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are deeply disappointed that a company of such repute would stoop so low to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit.
“We are considering sanctions against FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, including a boycott of their products by our members and all well-meaning Nigerians who share our concerns.
“We call on the company to issue an unreserved apology to the Christian community and withdraw the offensive advert immediately. We recall a similar incident in the past when Sterling Bank Plc. used crucifixion imagery to promote their product.
“We condemned it then, and we condemn it now. We, therefore, urge all companies and organizations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products. We will not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect our faith. Be warned,” Daramola said.
Following the rebuke from CAN, FrieslandCampina tendered an apology in a letter to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
In the letter dated 10 April 2023, the Executive Director of FrieslandCampina, Ore Famurewa, said the company has respect for all religious laws, tenets and guidelines.
“We hereby restate our commitment to our unwavering mission of nurturing Nigeria while maintaining the respect of all religious laws, tenets and guidelines.
“Once again, please accept our deepest apology and pledge to prevent a reoccurrence of such in the future. Do accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,” Punch quoted Famurewa.
