The management of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Peak Milk, has apologized to the Christian Association of Nigeria for using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, saying the social media’ advertisement has been withdrawn.
While acknowledging the sensitivity of the social media post “considering the sobriety of the season,” the organisation said it was neither intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
The Executive Director of 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 this 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.
Recall that CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, had described the advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable.”
While warning all companies and organizations 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. said it would not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect our faith.
Since the advertisement, there had been a public outcry among Christendom which described it as “blasphemous.”
Daramola said the advertisement was not only disrespectful to the Christian faith 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.