The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that the Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, is not its brand ambassador.
The agency spoke on the heels of Funke’s arrest on Sunday for hosting a gathering to celebrate the 43rd birthday of her husband, JJC Skillz, despite a lockdown order prohibiting gatherings in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Despite issuing an apology, Funke was arrested at her residence in Amen Estate off Lekki-Epe Expressway and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.
The police have invited singer, Naira Marley; actress, Eniola Badmus; and JJC Skillz, for being part of the party.
Contracted by Dettol, a company, Funke had until her arrest campaigned for personal hygiene and social distancing as part of measures against the pandemic.
But the NDDC said in a tweet on Sunday that it has not endorsed any brand ambassador as part of its response to the pandemic.
“As an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, NCDC has not engaged brand ambassadors as part of our response to #COVID19.
“We continue to emphasise that all Nigerians maintain #socialdistancing to prevent the spread of #COVID19,” it said.
Dettol also said in a statement posted on Twitter: “The NCDC partnered with Dettol on a public service message to educate our communities about preventive measures against COVID-19. Funke is not a brand ambassador of the NCDC.
“As a responsible organisation and brand Dettol does not condone any breach of the guidelines on COVID-19. As an organisation we are concerned at the turn of events.
“We will continue to support NCDC and the Nigerian govt to fight COVID-19.”
Funke and others risk jail term of one month or N100,000 fine or both for hosting gatherings or flouting the lockdown order, according to the Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020 (the Regulations).
