LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The manufacturers of Peak Milk has tendered an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria for using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product for the easter celebration.
The management of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc revealed that the social media advert has been withdrawn with a pledge not to repeat it, adding that it was neither intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Executive Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc (Corporate Affairs), Ore Famurewa, expressed remorse in a letter to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh dated April 10 2023, titled, “Apology for the Good Friday social media post by the Peak Brand,” obtained by the PUNCH on Tuesday morning (4:24 am).
“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.
In a prior statement by the General Secretary of CAN, Joseph Daramola, he described the WAMCO advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable”.
While warning all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products, CAN said it was considering serious sanctions on the firm, including a boycott of their products by Christians.
The organisation said it would not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect the Christian faith.
Since the advertisement, there had been a public outcry among Christians which described it as “blasphemous.”
Daramola said the advertisement was not only disrespectful to Christainity 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.
“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!”
