The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent Easter advert of Peak Milk, manufactured by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, as offensive and urged the brand to retract the advert, and tender an apology to Christians to avoid litigation.
The Peak Milk advert used the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product but it did not go well with some Christians and CAN.
The association in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Daramola, said the company should be ready to face legal action and boycott of their products by its members if they fail to fulfill their demands
“We find this advertisement to be utterly unacceptable, disrespectful, and inconsiderate. Christians all over the world observe Good Friday as a sad day to remember the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was killed on the cross in recompense for our sins. The statement reads, “It is not a day to be used for crude commercial endeavors.
Affronting millions of Christians in Nigeria and around the world, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC’s move was said to be disrespectful to the Christian faith by CAN.
“We are shocked that a reputable firm would go to such lengths to take advantage of its customers’ religious beliefs in order to make money.
We demand that the business immediately remove the offending advertisement and extend an unqualified apology to the Christian community, it said.
When promoting their products, businesses are asked by CAN to take into account the religious and cultural sensibilities of their target market.
“Therefore, we implore all businesses and organizations to take into account the religious and cultural sensibilities of their clients when making product promotions. Any attempt to minimize or belittle our faith will not be accepted. “Beware,” it admonished.
Remember how Sterling Bank Plc was criticized similarly last year. In the advertisement, Jesus Christ’s resurrection was contrasted with “Agege Bread.”
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