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Malicious Facebook Post: Erisco Foods fingers ‘powerful syndicate’

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1 year ago

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Eric Umeofia, Chioma Egodi

Malicious Facebook Post: Erisco Foods fingers ‘powerful syndicate’

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods Ltd., Chief Eric Umeofia, says that a powerful syndicate keen on killing his company is behind the “false and malicious’’ social media post against the company.

Speaking to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos on the raging Facebook controversy, Umeofia said that the syndicate, whom he identified as importers of tomato paste had been pulling such pranks over the years.

“Their ultimate goal is to discourage Erisco Foods as Nigeria’s major local tomato paste maker and force Nigeria to depend on imported tomato paste,’’ Umeofia said.

He vowed, however, that he would continue to forge ahead, to make tomato paste locally and discourage importation of the product to save the Nigerian economy.

Umeofia, who is described as Africa’s top tomato paste maker, said that the purported review of ‘Nagiko Tomato Mix’ by a Facebook user, named Chioma Egodi, was apparently another attempt to smear a local brand that had put a Nigerian manufacturer on the map.

Records show that Erisco Foods has had a dominant presence in the tomato paste sector in Angola and Liberia over the years, positioning itself as the fourth largest of its type in the world.

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He lamented that the offensive Facebook post had a tendency to impact negatively on the company, describing the development as “one of the painful experiences of engaging in manufacturing in Nigeria’’.

According to Umeofia, the so called review of ‘Nagiko Tomato Mix’ by Egodi, showed her total lack of knowledge of the ingredients used in the making of tomato paste.

Describing Egodi’s post as baseless and malicious, he said that the write-up was clearly meant to drag Erisco Foods to the mud and destroy one of its flagship products.

“She showed her determination to kill our brand and products so why should I let her go scot-free?

“For the past five years, I’ve not received any credit facility in Nigeria – no loan. For the past three years, I’ve not received one dollar as foreign exchange.

“I’ve been sustaining my local production from my foreign investments in Angola and the United Arab Emirates.”

Narrating how the incident unfolded, Umeofia said that after Egodi’s product review on social media, he reached out to his staff to find out if any complaint had been filed by Egodi.

“I found out that there was none — no product, no batch number, no production number – but a claim that our product is killing people.

“We released a statement that we would not allow our efforts of over 40 years of production to be destroyed by a syndicate of importers who had been fighting our products.

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“We decided to defend our corporate identity by tagging her to the statement.

“Some people advised her to pull down the post that she’s destroying someone’s business but she refused.

“She abused those that had positive comments about our products but made thumbs up for those that criticised it. Then we knew she had a hidden agenda.

Umeofia added: “we had fought tomato paste importers for years because we believe that producing products locally was the best way to support economic growth.

“Should I now sit back and allow someone to destroy what we’ve spent over 10 years building?”

The chief executive officer said that efforts to reach Egodi proved abortive, necessitating Erisco Foods to petition the inspector-general of police to investigate the allegations.

“If my product has been killing people, I should be killed.

“I have over 3,000 workers in my factory and pay over 20,000 people indirectly. How can I allow syndicates to destroy my hard work?”

Umeofia clarified that the product under scrutiny was a tomato mix and not tomato paste and that the former always had sugar as an active ingredient, stressing that the product was certified by NAFDAC.

He displayed an apology letter, purportedly written to Erisco Foods through the Nigeria Police Force, regarding the product review Egodi had posted.

Malicious Facebook Post: Erisco Foods fingers ‘powerful syndicate’

(NAN)

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Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

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8 hours ago

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December 27, 2024

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Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam

Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.

Rev Fr Okonkwo, who is also a pharmacist, was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day.

The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.

A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu said Fr. Tobias was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

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The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.

Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.

At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family.

The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.

 

Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

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Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us

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8 hours ago

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December 27, 2024

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Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us

The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu had not disappointed Nigerians.

The cleric said this during the Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, with President Tinubu in attendance.

“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns.

” We thank God that you have not disappointed us.

“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.

“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us.

” May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and be patient during adversity.

He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith were essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.

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He assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of Muslim faithful as he governed the nation.

The cleric urged the president to remember accountability and responsibility to the people, saying responsibility was to the people while accountability was to Allah.

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ” The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’

“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.

“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy.

” This name has been reflected in your past actions and we hope it will reflect in your actions now.”

The Juma’at prayer was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque on Dec. 20.

The president arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on Dec. 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.

In honour of victims of the stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed lives, Tinubu had cancelled his public engagements.

On Dec. 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.

As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.

Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us

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Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)

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14 hours ago

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December 27, 2024

By

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the CEO of Dangote Group

Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)

The New African magazine has unveiled a list of 100 individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society in 2024.

This year’s edition takes an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the individuals who are both on the continent and abroad, explained Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine.

Her statement reads, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.

“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.

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“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”

See full list and categories below…

Politics and Public Service

  1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye
  2. Kemi Badenoch
  3. Muhammad Ali Pate
  4. Claver Gatete
  5. Ali Mohamed
  6. King Mohamed VI
  7. Ronald Lamola
  8. Yemi Osinbajo
  9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
  10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong

Business

11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng

Civil Society

34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee

Science & Academia

43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane

Opinion Shapers

53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard

Creative

66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani

Sports

90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan

Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)

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