By Our Correspondent
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, ODCCPA, has called for stronger partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ondo State Council, to intensify public awareness on consumer rights and combat fake and substandard products in the state.
The Chairman of the agency, Mr. Oluyemi Fasipe, made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the NUJ at the Press Centre in Akure.
Fasipe said the agency was prioritizing public education, stakeholder engagement and consumer awareness before commencing full regulatory monitoring and enforcement activities.
He described the media as indispensable partners in consumer protection, noting that their ability to inform the public through radio, television, newspapers and online platforms would help residents make informed purchasing decisions and seek redress when their rights are violated.
“Our purpose today is simple: to work with you to build a more informed and protected consumer community in Ondo State,” he said.
Fasipe explained that consumer protection covers virtually every aspect of daily life, including food, household products, petroleum products and services, adding that consumers deserve value for their money while businesses should operate fairly and transparently.
According to him, the ODCCPA law provides the legal framework for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and addressing unfair business practices in the state.
He stressed that the success of the agency would not be measured solely by inspections, shop closures or prosecutions, but also by its ability to prevent abuse, improve compliance and encourage responsible business practices.
“The success of this agency will not be measured only by inspections, closures and prosecutions. It will also be measured by our ability to prevent abuse, improve compliance and promote responsible business practices,” Fasipe stated.
He added that the agency’s approach is to first educate consumers and businesses, investigate complaints and enforce the law where necessary.
“An informed consumer is harder to exploit, while a business that understands its obligations is more likely to comply,” he said.
The ODCCPA Chairman urged the NUJ to support consumer education through public service announcements, awareness articles, media briefings and other programmes that would enlighten residents on their rights and responsibilities.
In his response, the Ondo State Chairman of the NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for strengthening the agency in the best interest of the public, describing the task before it as huge.
Adegbite charged the agency to work closely with other government agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and security operatives to rid the state of fake and substandard products.
He also called for proper funding of the agency to enable it deliver on its mandate.
