Abia Government Launches Statewide Sensitization Campaign Against Fake and Substandard Consumables, Beverages

The Abia State Government has launched a comprehensive statewide sensitization campaign against fake and substandard consumables and beverages as part of its continued efforts to protect the health and safety of residents.

The event, themed “No to Fake, Yes to Quality,” took place at El Dorado Hotel, Aba, and was organized by the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA) under the supervision of the Abia State Ministry of Information. The campaign aims to raise public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit products and promote a culture of integrity and quality assurance among traders, manufacturers, and consumers across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the campaign as a proactive measure by the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to ensure that every Abian has access to safe and genuine products.

“This sensitization campaign reflects our government’s commitment to protecting consumers, promoting integrity in trade, and restoring confidence in our local markets,” Prince Kanu stated.

He lamented the growing circulation of fake and substandard consumables, which he said have posed serious threats to public health, productivity, and the moral fabric of society. He warned that under the present administration, such practices would no longer be tolerated.

“This campaign seeks to awaken our consciousness as consumers and citizens. It is a call to action for traders, manufacturers, and distributors to uphold standards, embrace honesty, and ensure that what we sell and consume is safe and beneficial,” he said.

The Commissioner further emphasized that the fight against fake products is a shared responsibility, calling for collaboration between government agencies, market associations, and the public. He assured that the Ministry, in partnership with ABSOA, would intensify public enlightenment and ensure that the message, “No to Fake, Yes to Quality,” echoes across communities, markets, and media platforms throughout Abia State.

Prince Kanu commended the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Hon. Urenna Abazie, for her creativity and dedication in driving the initiative. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and civil society organizations for supporting the government’s efforts toward ensuring a healthier and safer Abia.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Otti-led administration remains committed to strengthening regulatory frameworks, supporting awareness campaigns, and taking decisive actions against anyone or group involved in the production or sale of fake products.

“When you sell fake and dangerous products, you or your own may end up consuming them,” he cautioned, citing a local proverb: “When you shoot a catapult into a market, the stone may end up hitting your own.”

Earlier in her remarks, Hon. Urenna Abazie, the Director-General of ABSOA, reiterated the agency’s resolve to champion the campaign through grassroots mobilization and strategic partnerships. She emphasized that the fight against fake products requires sustained enlightenment and cooperation between all sectors.

Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, highlighted the severe health implications of consuming fake and adulterated products. He urged consumers to always verify the authenticity of what they buy and report suspicious items to relevant authorities.

The event was attended by the Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area Hon Timothy Kalu Iheke, representatives of various government ministries, market unions, consumer protection agencies, traders’ associations, civil society organizations, and members of the public, transport union.

The campaign, which will continue across the 17 LGAs of the state, reinforces the Otti administration’s commitment to building “a new Abia where quality, integrity, and safety define every pr oduct sold in the market.”