STOP THE BRAND BASHING!
Recently, a brand of sugar took its turn of bashing through an audio message circulated in the social media that its consumption is dangerous to health.
Of course, too much sugar is bad for the health. At least so the health experts say!
But i urge social media users to please ignore such spurious claims as contained in those messages until they are confirmed by the relevant authorities.
One of the products i have interest in, “Dewluk” water has had its turn of brand attack. When the propaganda about a certain ‘Dew’ water purportedly imported from Tanzania and was “killing people in Lagos” broke out in 2011, we quickly reported to NAFDAC since the name bore similarity with our brand name.
NAFDAC investigated the matter and found out that it was a blatant lie. They then did an elaborate disclaimer in both the print and electronic media, assuring Nigerians that no water was ever imported into the country, talk less of killing anyone.
Even an Australia based internet watch company Hoax-slayer which specialises in investigating internet bogus claims (www.hoax-slayer.com), also came out to disclaim the message as a “hoax and arrant nonsence”after it went viral on the internet.
Today, some people still gullibly circulate the same false news – now about six years old! – that has long been debunked by authorities.
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON ) eventually visited the premises of DEWLUK to assess our processes. At the end of their visit, they were satisfied and even gave us an award of good performance. Hence, the water is now SON certified. The whole propaganda therefore turned out to be a blessing for DEWLUK brand afterall.
I therefore urge us all to please not join circulators of falsehood on social media or elsewhere. Be cautious about any message that tends to run a product or person down. It might just be another demarketing strategy by their detractors. We should take the pains to at least report or confirm from the many regulatory agencies and credible sources from whom we can get immediate alert of any bad product in town. Sources like NAFDAC, SON & credible media houses should be able to address our concerns if we take the trouble to inquire.
