The management of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Peak Milk, on Tuesday, tendered an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over its “offensive” Easter advert.
The company used the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote its product on Good Friday.
The organisation said the advert has been withdrawn.
It acknowledged the sensitivity of the social media post, “considering the sobriety of the season,” saying “it was neither intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
The apology was contained in a letter by the Executive Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc (Corporate Affairs), Ore Famurewa, and addressed to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
In the letter, which was dated April 10, 2023, titled, “Apology for the Good Friday social media post by the Peak Brand”, Famurewa expressed remorse over the advert.
“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”, Famurewa said.
CAN’s General Secretary, Joseph Daramola in a statement, described the advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable.”
CAN also warned all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products.
The Christian body said it was considering serious sanctions on the firm, including a boycott of their products by Christians.
According to it, it would not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect “our faith.”
Since the advertisement, there had been a public outcry among Christendom which described it as “blasphemous.”
Daramola said the advertisement was not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond.
He had said, “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 organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products. We will not tolerate any attempt to trivialise or disrespect our faith. Be warned!”
In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina says the appointment of service chiefs is not subject to ethnic balancing and the principle of federal character.
Adesina stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
He said his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari has the prerogative to appoint those he feels are competent and can do the job of securing Nigeria against terrorist and bandit attacks.
