By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The desire to protect consumers and eventually reduce property damage, fire, injuries and sometimes loss of life from the use of counterfeit electrical products has inspired a leading power management company, Eaton, to consider launching an anti-counterfeit campaign.
The Marketing Manager for Eaton in West Africa, Mr Kunmi Odunoku, stated that, “The counterfeiting of well-known brands and products is a growing, worldwide issue.
“Using counterfeit electrical products can result in a higher risk of failure or malfunction, potentially leading to injuries, loss of life, equipment failure, property damage or fire. This is why we feel there is a need for an anti-counterfeiting campaign.”
It was gathered that this campaign will kick start at an event tagged Electrician’s Day fixed for Thursday, September 2, 2021, at D’Podium Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
The programme seeks to build capacity amongst electricians in the country and will feature training, demonstration and networking opportunities, while thought leaders across the industry will discuss product counterfeiting and collective approach to electrical safety standards.
“We will use the opportunity of this event to kick-start the campaign aimed at educating electricians on fake products and the harm they cause.
“Some end users do not have knowledge about these products, so it is important for the electricians to help them on that front,” Mr Odunoku further said.
“We believe electricians play a vital role in electrical installation safety and adherence to relevant standards, which has led to Eaton bringing up the concept Electrician’s Day with the aim of creating a safe space where electricians, electrical wholesalers and dealers have the opportunity to learn, discuss, share their thoughts and opinions on key industry issues with experts and thought leaders,” he added.
It was learned that the event is targeted at both members of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) as well as independent electricians who do not belong to the association.
The availability and use of electrical power is key to development in any society and Eaton believes those at the forefront should have the opportunity to constantly evolve.
