•Advocates patronage of Made in Nigeria products
By Merit Ibe
Erisco Foods Limited has awarded its distributors with #100 million for their performances and efforts at making the products of the company circulate to every part of the country.
Presenting the awards at a forum, President and the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr Eric Umeofia, noted that the award was a statement that it can create more wealth, urging Nigerians to believe in themselves, the country and patronise made in Nigeria goods for a better economy. Umeofia noted that the company was striving to meet up despite the harsh economic situation, believing that the present government will make things right.
“We are making a statement that we can create more wealth. Believe us, believe in Nigeria and patronise made in Nigeria products and this country will move forward.
“We are not making so much money with the situation of the economy, but because we are committed to contributing our quota, we strive to meet up believing government will make things right. We don’t want to cut corners, we want to feed the nation with good food, that is why some who can’t meet up are fighting this company.”
He urged the awardees to work harder and get more awards, adding that the company’ s target is to make sure Nigerians get satisfied with good food, “then we can export, if the company is supported.
We hope to give out more than #100 million. Our target is to make sure Nigerians get satisfied with good food.” He lamented that as a manufacturer, he has not been able to access any loan to run his business for over six years, pointing out that the Federal Government’s loans to manufacturers were gotten by pseudo manufacturers, who were not real.
Umeofia said he was hopeful that the new administration was working out policies that can better the business environment.
“For the past 6 years I’ve not been able to get any loan to run my business. Even with the loan meant for manufacturers, I think it’s pseudo manufacturers that are getting the loans meant for real manufacturers.
The government has good policies but some departments are frustrating the implementation.
I’m confident that this administration, as I can see the reforms already, will do better for the business environment.
We want to see the action on ground. I have hope that things will be better. But sometimes government talks more than action.”
Reacting to the awards, Blessing, representing Blessed Anchor investment Ltd, who won #3million, commended Erisco’s made in Nigeria products, especially the tomato category, saying the products are high quality products . The company keeps improving on their products by the day.”
On the negative review making the rounds, she noted that the “the negative story did not affect sales at all. The products are tested and trusted by customers.
For Juiz Ltd, from Onitsha, Anambra, who won #5, 225, he was awarded based on his performance.
He said the products are good for the common man.” Despite the state of the economy, the ordinary Nigerian can still afford the products. I encourage the CEO to continue to add more products to its items.”
Ikedi Uzoma owner of IK Uzoma Ventures won #6,250 million. He said the Erisco products are the best in the market. “They are cheaper than foreign products. The quality is good I encourage Nigerians to buy the products.