News
Chioma Okoli: CEO Omeofia In Danger As 300 Women Groups Order Immediate Boycott Of Erisco Products
A coalition of of over 300 women organisations under the aegis of Womanifesto has called on all Nigerian women to boycott all products of Erisco Foods Limited with immediate effect.
The demand was sequel to the continuous incarceration of Tomato Paste reviewer, Chioma Okoli following a complaint by the CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Omeofia, in 2023.
He had alleged that a negative product review by a customer, Chioma Okoli, negatively impacted his business when she claimed that the Nagiko Tomota Mix she bought had too much sugar.
Okoli was eventually arrested by the police in September 2023 with her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, raising alarm that the fundamental rights of his client was being breached by the police and Omeofia.
Okoli is standing bordering on conspiracy and cyberstalking leveled against her.
Upon her arraignment before Justice Peter Lifu of a Federal High Court in Abuja, Okoli pleaded not guilty and was remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre till today, Friday May 31 2024 for ruling on her bail application.
While human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, along with S. M. Oyeghe appeared for her, Abdulrashid Isyaku-Sidi appeared for the Inspector-General of Police.
Effiong told the court that his client suffered miscarriage in the course of the case and eventually lost her baby.
Womanifesto in a statement by the Executive Director of Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi and other signatories on behalf of the over 300 women organizations also called on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as its silence is deafening and “loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money.’
Other signatories included Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Women Aid Collective (WACOL), ActionAid Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Christian Women in Nigerian Politics, Christian Association of Nigeria, Women’s Wing (WOWICAN), 100 Women Lobby Group (100WLG), Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Women In Politics Forum (WiPF), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NTWF) and Nasrul – Lahi-L- Faith Society (NASFAT).
The statement titled, “Womanifesto Demands Release of Chioma Okoli”, reads: “We call on all Nigerian women to join us to #BoycottErisco products with immediate effect, for the following reasons:
“The continued harassment & detention of Chioma Okoli. The insufferable stress and trauma that has been inflicted on Chioma Okoli since September 2023 to date, which has also led to the loss of her pregnancy.
“Loss of earnings and livelihood due to her inability to work and provide for her family as a direct consequence of the ongoing persecution and psychological molestation.
“The apparent risk and threat to her life and flagrant abuse of her human rights.
“For being subjected to constant litigation for exercising her freedom of speech and expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference as granted to her under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.
“We are concerned about her ability to get justice in a country with a reputation for compromised justice.
“We salute Chioma’s continued courage, bravery and tenacity in the face of intimidation and threats. We will continue to support her quest for justice.
“It is worthy to note that in other countries where the health and nutritional well-being of the citizens are paramount, relevant government agencies would be at the forefront of the investigations into all Erisco products and the corresponding labels, instead of leaving this landmark issue in the hands of those who prioritise profit to the lives and general well-being of 200 million Nigerians.
“We call on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as your silence is deafening; loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money. Is it silence or suffer?
Like it or be locked up? Purchase tomato paste, next stop prison. #ReleaseChiomanow!”
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.