Brands/Products
CPC to Investigate Safety of Blue Band ‘Spread for Bread’
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The management of Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has announced opening an inquiry into the controversy surrounding safety of Blue Band ‘Spread for Bread’ produced by Unilever Nigeria Plc.
There have been reactions to a video posted on social media showing how the Blue Band ‘Spread for Bread’ reacts under certain heat conditions.
The video gave the impression that the product was unsafe for human consumption because the butter seems not to melt under heat as it should do.
Reacting to this, the CPC, in a statement issued on Sunday, April 1, 2018 by its Director General, Mr Babatunde lrukera, stated that it would look into the matter and give appropriate verdict on the issue.
Commenting on concerns raised about the product not melting or dissolving when subjected to high temperature in boiling water, the council said “available scientific information confirms that, though butter, margarine, and spread appear analogous, and share similar components, characteristics and uses, they are different products available to consumers.”
It admitted that “butter and margarine share a particular similar characteristic; low resistance to heat and as such, both are likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat.”
“Spreads however, have varying heat resistance, depending on intended use, and production process.
“As a result, it is not necessarily unsafe that a spread does not melt under similar heat conditions as butter, or margarine,” the council averred.
The CPC explained that, “Spreads are produced in part by adding emulsifiers which are additives used in stabilizing and binding processed foods.
“They are not inherently unsafe or uncommon.
“The specific emulsifying agent and amount used, largely depends on many factors including shelf life, storage, handling and climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity,” it explained further.
According to the DG of the council, “The manufacturer of this product has made a statement seeking to address public concern by differentiating its products and explaining the purposes of the two different products.”
He said, “Regardless, the council has opened an inquiry to determine product safety, and clarify some aspects of the manufacturer’s statements.”
Mr lrukera emphasised that, “The purpose of the inquiry is to ensure their products, differentiated or otherwise, are safe and subjected to proper processes, and ‘in- trade’ handling consistent with the different properties and characteristics of each product.”
He assured members of the public that the CPC will continue to collaborate with NAFDAC and SON regarding applicable safety standards.”
However, he advised that “consumption of butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.”
Brands/Products
MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum
MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its dealer network at the MultiChoice Dealer Enterprise 2.0 forum held on Monday in Lagos.
The forum brought together the company’s mega dealers across Nigeria to discuss evolving market realities, customer expectations and new initiatives designed to support long-term business growth.
In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, described dealers as critical partners in the company’s growth journey and customer experience delivery.
“Our dealers remain the bridge between our business and millions of customers across the country. As the market evolves, it is important that our partnership model also evolves to ensure sustainable growth and shared value across the ecosystem,” she said.
The company unveiled enhancements to its dealer engagement across its DStv and GOtv businesses, reinforcing its commitment to supporting dealer profitability, operational growth and long-term sustainability.
Speaking on the initiatives, Chimaobi Eluigwe, Vice President, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the move reflects MultiChoice Nigeria’s intention to build a stronger and more rewarding partnership while positioning the dealer network for future growth.
“We are intentional about creating opportunities that allow our dealers to grow sustainably with the business. This is about strengthening partnerships, improving value creation and ensuring our dealers remain well-positioned for the future,” he said.
Dealers at the forum welcomed the initiatives, describing them as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and improving business confidence.
According to Cordelia Ikeanyi, Managing Director at Eastland General Resources, the renewed engagement and enhanced benefits structure demonstrate MultiChoice Nigeria’s commitment to recognising the value dealers bring to the business.
“This is a step in the right direction for dealers. The improved communication and engagement from MultiChoice have made partners feel more valued and included, and the new initiatives will support business expansion and help us explore untapped opportunities,” she said.
Also speaking at the forum, Ifeanyi Onyibo, CEO of Radac Communications Limited, noted that dealers have experienced more engagement and clearer communication in recent months, describing the renewed approach as a positive development for the dealer ecosystem.
“There has been a noticeable improvement in communication and engagement, and initiatives like this give partners greater confidence in the direction of the business,” he said.
The forum also featured a feedback session where dealers shared market insights, customer trends, and recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening customer experience across the country.
Awards were presented to top-performing dealers in recognition of their sales performance, customer service excellence and commitment to growing the MultiChoice business nationwide.
With the Dealer Enterprise 2.0, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with dealers to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration and drive shared growth across the country.
Brands/Products
Choose Milk Campaign: FG, Others Urge Nigerians to Prioritise Real Milk for Healthier Families
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians have been advised to prioritise the consumption of real milk, not creamer, because of its nutritional value.
This piece of advice was given by the federal government and some of its partners at the launch of the Choose Milk Campaign in Lagos.
This is a strategic national initiative focused on helping Nigerian households make informed dairy choices by strengthening consumer education and awareness on the nutritional benefits of milk and the differences between real milk and creamers.
According to the Senior Project Manager from the Danish Dairy Board, Mr Lars Jensen, the initiative seeks to address widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption while drawing a clear distinction between dairy milk and creamers commonly found in the Nigerian market.
He said at the unveiling that, “Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value,” noting that, “It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk. This campaign is about clarity, transparency, and better health outcomes.
“We are taking this message directly to communities, schools and nutrition advocates because education at the grassroots level is key to driving lasting behavioural change,” he added.
Also speaking, the Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Ms Jette Bjerrum, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving nutrition awareness and improving health outcomes.
She noted that sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy development can only be achieved through partnerships among governments, healthcare institutions, development organisations, and responsible industry stakeholders.
Echoing this call for collaboration and shared responsibility in improving nutrition outcomes was the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who, in a video message played during the event, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving nutrition and strengthening the dairy sector in Nigeria.
“This ‘Choose Milk’ campaign strongly aligns with the Ministry’s objectives to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption, and strengthen the local dairy value chain,” he said. “By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation.”
In her remarks, the Director of Food and Drugs Services of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Olufowolabi-Yusuf Adeola, described the campaign as timely and aligned with the federal government’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes across the country.
“Nutrition remains one of the most important public health priorities for any nation seeking sustainable growth and development. Consumers are faced with numerous food options and varied information about nutrition.
“Therefore, people must understand what to consume, why it matters, and how it contributes to their health and well-being. Campaigns like this help bring the nutrition literacy gap by empowering consumers with accurate information that enables them to make informed dietary choices for themselves and their entire families,” she stated.
The Choose Milk Campaign is expected to run for three years, driving sustained nationwide awareness efforts designed to help Nigerian consumers better understand authentic dairy products and make informed nutritional decisions that support healthier families and communities.
The campaign will reach consumers across the country through community engagement initiatives, school educational sessions, social media campaigns, TV and radio awareness programmes, and other public education activities.
The launch was attended by several personalities, including Funke Akindele, Dr Ayodele Renner (Noisy Naija Paediatrician), several senior government officials, respected media personalities, digital creators, and lifestyle influencers.
Brands/Products
bPOWERd Launches Cheap Solar Battery Rental Service Across Lagos Mobil Stations
By Adedapo Adesanya
Clean energy tech startup, bPOWERd, has expanded into Nigeria to offer solar solutions to businesses and homes for as low as N1,500 per day.
The startup has established operational presence across seven initial sites in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with 11 Plc, which now operates the country’s famous Mobil service stations.
According to a statement, the bp-developed startup is utilising these locations to deliver its solar-powered battery rental “business-in-a-box” infrastructure.
It comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face a significant energy access deficit. According to the World Bank data on global energy access deficits, 43 per cent of the population lacks grid access.
According to the company, powering a small, entry-level generator (0.9 kVA to 1.2 kVA) costs Nigerians an average of N10,000 daily, but a bPOWERd battery delivers up to 12 hours of power for just N3,000, a 70 per cent cost reduction.
bPOWERd offers an on-demand, solar-powered battery rental model for urban households and small business owners. Portable, solar-charged batteries are available to rent with a refundable N15,000 deposit. Daily rates are small battery (300Wh): From N1,500 per day, with larger battery (1,000Wh): From N3,000 per day.
These units power essential appliances like lighting, TVs, fans, refrigerators, and small business equipment.
The Nigeria expansion will seek to replicate the first phase, which was launched in South Africa in 2025, where it claimed it facilitated 125,000 rentals in its first 12 months of operations.
According to the Managing Director at bPOWERd, Mr Jonathan Lule, “Small businesses sit at the centre of everyday economic activity, yet many continue to operate against the backdrop of unstable and expensive power. At a time of continued grid instability, bPOWERd is helping households and small and medium-sized enterprises access dependable pay-per-use power they can rely on”.
On his part, Mr Oluwole Ogidan, Head bp Global West Africa, said, “Our focus is on delivering diversified energy solutions that are affordable, resilient, and adaptable to how people live and work. Beyond expanding access to reliable power, this rollout also supports the growth of a local green workforce through on-site sales roles and partnerships with Nigerian solar technicians.”
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