Governor Sanwo-Olu bags Consumer Advocate Governor of the Year by BrandXchange

By Amos Oladele

In recognition of his personal and governmental commitment to protecting consumers in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State was conferred with the Consumer Advocate Governor of the Year award at the third edition of the Consumers Value Awards which held recently at Radisson Blue Hotel, GRA Ikeja.

According to BrandXchange, the organisers of the awards, Governor Sanwo-Olu was singled out for the recognition and honour because of the exemplary credentials of his person and his administration in not only creating the environment for quality products and services to thrive in the state, but also creating and strengthening various platforms that advocate for and guarantee consumer protection in such a cosmopolitan state as Lagos State which is home to not less than 24million Nigerians.

He was applauded particularly for the great works being done by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) under the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment; and the inspiring record of achievements of the agency in its statutory calling of engendering consumers’ protection; ensuring that they (consumers) in the state get value for their money; while educating them on both their rights and responsibilities; giving them a voice through various avenues; attending to their complaints promptly and professionally; and inspiring confidence in them at all times.

In accepting the award, Mr. Governor, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, who Barr. Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of LASCOPA also represented, commended the organizers of the awards, emphasizing that the theme of this year’s edition of the Consumers Value Awards, “Empowering Consumers”, “resonates profoundly with the work we have been committed to in Lagos State”.

According to him, “At its core, the concept of empowering consumers is not just about protection or regulation; it is about giving every individual the tools, knowledge, and assurance to make informed decisions and access quality products and services. It is about building trust between the government, businesses, and consumers to foster an environment of fairness and integrity”.

Continuing, Mr. Governor said: “We recognize that consumer protection is a critical aspect of governance. In Lagos State, we have always placed the welfare of our citizens at the forefront of our policies. Over the past few years, we have embarked on several initiatives aimed at protecting consumer rights and ensuring that businesses uphold ethical standards. These efforts have been guided by the belief that consumers deserve nothing less than fairness, transparency, and accountability in all their transactions”.

He disclosed that through various regulatory reforms, his administration had strengthened institutions like the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) under the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle consumer grievances effectively.

The government, he added, had also worked tirelessly to improve the standards of goods and services across sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and more. Our commitment is to ensure that residents of Lagos State are protected from exploitative practices, and that businesses operate in an environment that rewards ethical behaviour and consumer satisfaction.

Sanwo-Olu, however, reiterated that Government cannot do it all alone; and that the private sector, civil society, and individual consumers must work hand in hand to foster an ecosystem where consumer rights are prioritized, and businesses understand the value of trust.

He concluded by declaring that “This award is not just a recognition of the work we have done; it is a reminder of the work that still lies ahead”, adding, “We remain committed to doing more, ensuring that Lagos State continues to lead in the protection and empowerment of consumers, not only in Nigeria but across Africa”.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Mr. Akonte Ekine, Chief Analyst, BrandXchange and the promoter of the Consumers Value Awards, disclosed that the Awards were to “recognize not just the excellence of brands, but the power and voice of the consumer in shaping the marketplace”.

According to him, “This year’s theme, “Empowering Consumers,” is a call to action and a reflection of the pivotal role every consumer plays in today’s economy. Over the past months, we have seen the heartbeat of this empowerment in full display. Following one month of nominations and three months of voting, you—the consumers—have made your voices heard, endorsing the brands that have stood the test of trust, quality, and value”.

While congratulating both the organizers and the winning brands in a goodwill message, the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, who was represented by the Council’s Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, Mrs. Susan Agbo, stated that awards “are not just a testament to great brands, but a celebration of hard work, passion, and dedication of all persons behind the scenes”.

He reiterated that the consumers’ belief in the brands has continued to “drive them to innovate, evolve, and deliver the very best, and most importantly, delivering exceptional value to you – the Consumers”, adding, “Your choices drive businesses to continually raise their standards, and this recognition reflects your voice in the marketplace”.

Fadolapo enthused that “In an ever-changing marketplace, staying true to their core values and mandates, while evolving to meet new challenges is no small feat for these brands. But with each challenge, they have had the opportunity to learn, grow and refine their vision”; and he advised them (the brand owners) to keep building, improving and delivering brands that continue to meet and exceed expectations.

The DG assured that on its part, ARCON, as Regulator, would continue to “deliver Standard Advertising Regulation with global best practices that will engender consumers’ confidence and protection”.

Among the brands which were voted by consumers as winners (in offering satisfactory values) in their various categories are: MTN (MNOs); Spectranet (Telecomms ISP Data); Haier Thermocool (Electronic Home Appliances: Refrigeration and Washing Machine); Samsung (Electronic Home Appliances: Television); Lontor (Electronic Home Appliances: Air Conditioner); Trophy (Alcoholic Beverage); Pepsi Cola (Carbonated Drinks); Power Oil (Cooking Vegetable Oil); Colgate (Toothpaste Regular); Dabour Herbal (Toothpaste Herbal); Viva (Detergent); Always (Sanitary Pad); Ice Cream (Just Delight Non-dairy); Dangote Sugar (Sugar – Cubes/Granulated); Lafarge/Elephant (Cement); Leadway (Insurance); CWAY (Table Water); Malta/Malta Guinness/Amstel Malta (Malt Drink); Dettol (Bathing Soap); Cowbell (Skimmed Powdered Milk); Peak (Full Liquid); Golden Penny (Pasta-Spaghetti); Indomie (Noodles); among many others.