News

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

A cross-section of concerned Nigerians has called for the local and international boycott of all products from Erisco Foods over the alleged continuous “witch hunting” and prosecution of Chioma Okoli by Chief Eric Umeofia, the founder of Erisco Foods Limited.

Erisco customer Mrs. Chioma Okoli, who gave a review of the tomato paste brand, was re-arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, despite court orders.
Okoli was arrested around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

She was previously arrested and detained in September 2023 over her review of a tomato product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.

Chioma Okoli, on September 17, 2023, made a post on her Facebook page, highlighting the high sugar content in the tomato mix and inviting her followers who might have used the same product to share their opinions. Her post reads:

“I went to buy tin tomatoes yesterday that I will use to make stew. I didn’t see Gino and Sonia, so I decided to buy this one (Nagiko). When I opened it, Omo! I decided to taste it. Sugar is just too much. Haa biko (please) let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is like gwuru (tiring) situation.”

A review that has since led to her incarceration has caused an uproar among Nigerians.

Reacting to Chioma’s situation, Lara Miles on X stated that “Erisco Fiasco highlights the negative mentality of top personalities and brands in Nigeria.

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“We just hate criticism as a people. Criticize a big person, and you get labeled “enemy of progress” or “bad belle. It’s why we never grow.”

In his reaction, Obehiegu Akhide argued that “Eriscoe Foods’ CEO is simply bullish and needs to understand that acts like this do not stand.

“Chioma has done nothing wrong. He can make claims about others, but others can’t make claims about him or his products.

“Why do I need a NAFDAC report to confirm my review of a product that I consume? Nigeria Police, Una useless die.”

Edu Ojoi noted that following Chioma’s arrest, his family had boycotted all Erisco Foods products.

“We have already boycotted it right from day one in our house. The MD arrested her. I no longer buy it as a gift to people I do give in every celebrating season. My supplier kept begging.”

While George Inimfoh urged Nigerians to “give me a list of their products; even if it’s that which I had at home, I’m going to pour it and burn the container,” Nzubechi on X stated that “I have boycotted them since last year.”

He added that he “can’t patronize an abuser.”

Another X user, Edidiong Otton, said, “I already told my wife she shouldn’t buy any of their company products.”

Calling the CEO of Erisco Foods “an evil man,” Jasper Izuchukwu stated, “as for me and my family, we are done with Erisco products.”

Another Nigerian identified as Obrian the Great argued that “the fact I know about Erisco foods from this debacle shows the product is not for me.

“How the man is addressing the issue seems to indicate he has no case against her. Intimidating her is all he has done since. A lawless country indeed.”

For Mez Unic Nwapa, she noted that “Seeing the owner on TV swear that he would rather die than not see the lady go to prison is a low moment for me and a very bad PR for the company.”

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

News

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

The American International School, Abuja, on Saturday, provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to transfer the school fees paid by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Contrary to some media reports suggesting that the institution was still in the process of turning over the funds, the statement clarified that it had actually done so, as recently confirmed by the EFCC Chairman.

In a brief statement signed by Head of School, Greg Hughes, the international co-educational institution, which was established in 1993, stated that “our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria”.

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It explained further: “Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

The statement did not name Bello directly but the reference to “a family with children enrolled at the school” was clear enough in the light of recent media reports.

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

News

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 50 outlets in Kaduna State due to the sale of edible oil in unhygienic conditions.

The action was taken as part of a sensitization workshop aimed at educating dealers on Registration Procedures and Food Management. This information was shared in a statement released on the agency’s official handle on Saturday.

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The statement partly read, “NAFDAC has sealed fifty outlets in Kaduna for dispensing edible oil under unhygienic conditions, aiming to prevent potential health risks associated with contamination.

“The Director, North-West Zonal Office, Mrs. Josephine Dayilim highlighted the dangers of consuming oil processed in unsanitary environments, emphasising the risks of food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and even cancer due to inadequate processing and corrosive equipment.”

News

Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has expressed concern over the detrimental impact of medical practitioners emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, revealing that 72,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors failed to renew their practice licenses in 2023.

The MDCN highlighted that only a meager 58,000 have renewed their licenses, emphasizing that such a trend will not only strain healthcare services but also overwhelm the limited available personnel.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the body, conveyed these sentiments on Friday during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue.

“The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.

“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country,

“However, the doctors must meet the requirements to earn those increases in quota. We will partner with them to ensure that they meet those requirements, and as we try to ensure that, standards must be upheld,” he added.

Kyari, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr Victor Kolawole, noted that the induction of the 20 newly qualified doctors would add to the existing workforce in the health sector which is being depleted by the day.

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She, however, admonished the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, warning that the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, while speaking, explained that the upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to a teaching hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifting the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

While commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for the university, he enjoined the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, saying he is confident that they would bring honour to the institution and MDCN.

“I urge the state government to sustain efforts towards improving facilities at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”

However, the acting Provost, of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, said 20 medical graduates from the college are the second batch of Batch B inductees.

He advised the newly qualified medical graduates to uphold the ethical standards of a medical professional, saying, “You must internalise the values of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.

“These virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.

“By embodying these values, doctors not only fulfil their professional obligations but also contribute to the maintenance of public trust in the medical profession.”