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The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday condemned Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak Milk, over an offensive Easter advert that has sparked outrage among Christians.
The corporation utilized the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor in the contentious advertisement to market their goods on Good Friday, a move that the Christian community deemed “totally unacceptable.”
Barrister Joseph Daramola, the General Secretary of CAN, issued a statement in Abuja warning the corporation to remove the advertisement, apologize to Christians, or risk legal action and a Christian product boycott.
Daramola said: “We find this advert to be insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable. 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”.
He added that FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC’s action was disrespectful to the Christian faith and an affront to millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are deeply disappointed that a company of such repute would stoop so low to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit,” he said.
The religious body said it was considering imposing sanctions against FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, including a boycott of their products by its members and other well-meaning Nigerians who share its concerns.
CAN said: “We call on the company to issue an unreserved apology to the Christian community and withdraw the offensive advert immediately”.
It recalled similar incident in the past when Sterling Bank Plc used crucifixion imagery to promote its product, stating that it condemned it then and now.
Daramola said: “We, therefore, urge all companies and organizations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products. We will not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect our faith. Be warned”.