The manufacturer of Peak Milk, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC has admitted guilt to the Christian Association of Nigeria for using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday.
The company while recognizing the sensitivity of the social media post and “considering the solemnity of the season,” noted that it was “not intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unrivaled sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
In a statement addressed to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, titled “Apology for the Good Friday social media post by the Peak Milk Brand,” and was seen by Golden Nation Blog on Tuesday morning, the company’s executive director, Ore Famurewa, expressed regret and said the social media advertising has been withdrawn.
According to Famurewa “We hereby reaffirm our unwavering commitment to nurturing Nigeria while upholding all religious laws, tenets, and guidelines.”
“Once again, please accept our heartfelt apologies and pledge to prevent a recurrence in the future.” Please accept my best wishes,” Famurewa stated.
This is coming after CAN had Threaten To Boycott the Consumption Of Peak Milk Over its Easter Advert.
The Christian Association accused the company of using an “offensive” advert to illustrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during the Easter celebration.
It was reported that on Friday, the company released an Easter message with a picture of a dented tin of Peak Milk pierced on two sides with a nail to portray the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Describing the advertorial in a statement, CAN general secretary, Joseph Daramola stated that the advert is “insensitive, offensive, and unacceptable.”
He said Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians all over the world, a day they commemorate the death of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour who was crucified on the cross for their sins.
According to him, “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.
Daramola said “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 organizations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products. We will not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect our faith. Be warned,” the statement added.
