CPC, Imo Orientation Agency sensitise residents on fake products

… Hold Roadshow
By Chioma Obinna

Ahead of the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), in collaboration with the Imo State Orientation Agency, on Friday embarked on a roadshow to sensitise residents about the dangers of fake and unsafe products.

During the awareness campaign, which was held in Owerri, the state capital, officials moved around the city educating traders, motorists, and pedestrians on the health risks associated with consuming fake drugs, adulterated food, and other unsafe products.

The exercise also aimed to inform residents about activities planned for the upcoming World Consumer Rights Day, scheduled for March 15, 2026.

Residents who interacted with the team shared several concerns about unsafe practices in the market. Some reported that individuals pick up empty bottles from the roadside and reuse them to package drinks, while others noted that some food vendors use nylon bags to prepare local delicacies such as okpa, which could be harmful to consumers.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council, Dr. Obioma Okafor, urged residents to report anyone caught engaging in such practices immediately.

Okafor also informed residents about their consumer rights, noting that if someone buys a product, such as a charger, and it turns out to be fake, the seller should either replace it or refund the money.

She added that if the seller refuses, the matter should be reported to the Consumer Protection Council, which will take the necessary action to ensure that the buyer receives a replacement or refund.

She further revealed that the council is currently handling a complaint involving a woman who bought spoiled garri.

According to her, when the council intervened, the seller agreed to replace the bad garri with a good one.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Mass Mobilization and Political Education at the Imo State Orientation Agency, Mrs. Nkechi Akubuiro, explained that the campaign was aimed at creating awareness among residents about the dangers of fake consumable products.

According to Akubuiro, the initiative is part of efforts by the Consumer Protection Council to educate the public on how to identify fake goods and protect themselves from harmful products.

“Like the name implies, the Consumer Protection Council is all about protecting consumers. We are trying to sensitize people against buying fake drugs and other consumable products. Anything people consume that is fake can be dangerous to their health,” she said.

Akubuiro further noted that the roadshow was also organized to inform citizens that a special day has been set aside to promote consumer rights and protection.

“This awareness is to let the citizens of Imo State know that there is a day dedicated to consumer protection, which will take place next week, Monday, March 15,” she added.

The organisers urged residents to remain vigilant, check product labels and regulatory approvals, and report suspicious or fake products to the appropriate authorities.

The roadshow forms part of ongoing efforts to promote consumer safety and ensure that residents of Imo State are protected from harmful and substandard goods.

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