FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak Milk has tendered an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Christians in Nigeria over the association’s displeasure of the company’s Good Friday offensive advertorial.
Christians in Nigeria over the weekend of Easter had reacted to Peak Milk’s advert saying: “BRUISED AND PIERCED FOR US”, with a picture of a dented tin of peak milk, a nail and spilled milk.
In a swift reaction, the Christian Association of Nigeria through the association’s General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Daramola, had warned the company to retract the advert and tender apology to Christians or face legal action and a boycott of its products.
“We find this advert to be insensitive, offensive and totally unacceptable. 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 are deeply disappointed that a company of such repute would stoop so low to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit,” he said.
With a background of what happened about this time in 2022 when an organisation made a similar blunder in its Easter advertorial, CAN however warned all companies ahead of future blunder which it said would not be tolerated.
“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,” the statement ended.
Meanwhile, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC has however tendered its apology over the incident.
Executive Director (Corporate Affairs) of the dairy company, Ore Famurewa, who sought for forgiveness on behalf of the company has announced the removal of the advert online and pledged its commitment to good service delivery.
“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,” the statement read.
