Manufacturers of Peak Milk, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, has apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over its use of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote the milk on Good Friday.
The company’s executive director of corporate affairs Ore Famurewa expressed remorse in a letter to CAN president Archbishop Daniel Okoh dated April 10, 2023.
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.”
“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.
While warning all companies and organisations 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.
The association said it would not tolerate any attempt to trivialise or disrespect the Christian faith.
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.
In 2022, Sterling Bank compared the resurrection of Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread’.
After attack from CAN and Christians, the bank apologised in its letter dated April 20, 2022, to CAN.
