In what can be described as an approval of the initiative of Consumers Value Broadcasting Limited, the four regulators in attendance at the maiden edition of the Consumers Value Awards (CVA) remarked that the award is a commendable programme that would enhance the conversation of the consumers within the eco-system.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta said that the commission is delighted to be part of the event, especially bearing in mind the impact that awards such as the CVA have on organisations.
He said that the commission champions consumer-centric initiatives to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights and how to protect those rights when they are infringed.
For the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Babatunde Irukera SAN, it was gratifying that the CVA aims to validate what gives consumers value and address certain misdemeanours in the marketplace.
He added that FCCPC is in support of the Awards on the premise that in a developing society, it is critically important to help people recognise and demand what is appropriate as he hopes that the CVA could stimulate people’s interest to demand the type of quality they are entitled to in the marketplace.
In her message, the Director General of the National Food Drug Administration Control Agency (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye congratulated Consumers Value Broadcasting Limited on the maiden edition of the award and urged that the efforts be sustained and improved on towards attaining greater heights.
She also said that the choice of the theme, “The Power of the Consumers” is apt and germane as a proactive measure to enlist mass awareness of consumers to their right as consumers.
She added that NAFDAC is proud to be associated with the initiative because it is as a regulatory agency that prides itself in promoting consumer confidence by ensuring that the regulated products for consumer consumption are of good quality, safe and wholesome.
The Registrar Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Dr Lekan Fadolapo corroborated the other regulators in commending the organisers of the award.
He added that as advertising regulator, it is appropriate to ensure that the messages of the product owners match the experiences of the consumers.
“The consumers’ expectation is derived from the messages from the manufacturers and thus the Consumers Value Award is a welcome attempt to also provide feedback to the manufacturers”, he said.
Whilst welcoming guests to the event, Chairman of Consumers Value Broadcasting, Chief Adedayo Ojo said that in Nigeria’s business environment, consumers are already inundated with too much hype, publicity and promotions, some of which are not approved by the regulatory authorities.
This situation, he said, throws up an opportunity for some guiding light to help navigate through the labyrinth. “It is our mission to provide the required guiding light and deliver value that will make brands, products and services more accountable to consumers”, he explained.
“What sets the Consumers Value Awards apart is that consumers decide on who wins. Therefore, our role as organisers is restricted to facilitating the conversation between products, services, brands and consumers. More importantly, we are committed to doing these transparently, ethically and with integrity”, he further said.
Over 25 brands were rewarded by consumers with the badge of honours as the Best Value for Money brands in various sectors of the economy.
