The governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been recognized as the “Consumer Rights Advocate Governor of the Year 2023” alongside 54 other Brands across industries and categories carting home the 2023 Consumers Value for Money Awards at the second edition of the fast-rising awards in Lagos.
The awards organized by BrandXchange at the Radisson Blue, Ikeja is the climax of 4 months of consumers’ nominations and actual voting exercise designed to recognise brands providing value for money satisfaction to the delight of the consumers across industries and categories. Brands that emerged atop their categories at the 2023 CVA include Glo, Leadway Assurance, Lafarage, Checkers Custard, Haeir Thermocool, Fearless, MedPlus, Lipton, Apple Smartphone, Indomie, Dulux Paint, and Mastercard among others. They earned the Consumers’ “Satisfaction” Value for Money badge at the awards.
Speaking at the awards, the Governor, who was represented by Mrs. Adetutu Oluremi Ososanya, Lagos State Permanent Secretary of Min. of Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, commended the organisers for an initiative at protecting the interests of consumers through advocacy and raising awareness on consumer rights.
According to Governor, the overriding responsibility of governments in ensuring the welfare and security of the citizens, especially in protecting them against exploitation and ensuring that they receive value for money spent to procure goods and services cannot be overemphasized.
In view of this, he revealed that Lagos State has in place an agency that would be charged with the responsibility of ensuring that people are not shortchanged or exploited and receive the satisfaction expected from the goods and services purchased.
“This recognition, which aligns with global best practices, informs the establishment of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), the first of such in Nigeria, during the tenure of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our tireless team and our shared commitment to protecting consumer rights, which has led to real, tangible change in the lives of our fellow citizens. I dedicate this award to all the hardworking and committed team at LASCOPA.”
He commended some residents for taking good advantage of the opportunity provided by the state government through the agency to seek redress whenever their rights as consumers are violated.
According to him, LASCOPA has successfully resolved 8,098 out of 8,337 complaints received from Lagosians, leading to the recovery of over N264 million to the credit of consumers, adding that “This is a good measure of the confidence reposed by the people in the agency”.
“It is worthy of mention that over the years, we have continued to witness the successful implementation of numerous laudable advocacy programs by the state protection body that have empowered countless individuals across Lagos State and have brought redress to numerous complaints. From being careful about the personal decisions they make, to procure products and services, from taking responsibility to ensure that they do not participate or allow illegal practices to be carried out within their sphere of influence, to speaking out when any such acts that infringe the rights of individuals are observed.”
The Governor further promised, “We will not rest on our oars. We will continue to strengthen the capacity of LASCOPA to do more, especially in ensuring that our advocacy campaign is sustained for more effectiveness and wider reach.
“As we accept this prestigious award, we renew our pledge to continue advocating for consumer rights, fighting against injustices, and striving for a marketplace where every consumer is treated fairly and with respect.
“Once again, I commend the organizers for initiating this award to reward commitments to consumer satisfaction and promoting healthy competition, which will lead to continual improvements in the quality of goods and services.”
