The Imo State Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Secretariat was filled to the brim as Imo people, ranging from relevant food agencies, consumers, producers of goods and services, and students, gathered to celebrate the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD). The event strongly emphasized promoting sustainability and fairness in consumer decisions.
The celebration, themed "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles," took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Imo CPC Auditorium, Area B, New Owerri, adjacent to ISOPADEC.
The Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, served as the Chief Host, underscoring the state government’s commitment to consumer rights and sustainable development.
According to the Director General of Imo CPC, Hon. (Dr.) Mrs. Obioma Okafor, the event served as a vital platform for consumers to gain deeper insights into their rights and explore practical ways to make informed, eco-conscious choices that contribute to a more sustainable society.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Honourable Commissioner for Digital Economy in Imo State, who explored how digital innovation could be harnessed to promote sustainable living and empower consumers to make choices that benefit both themselves and the planet.
“This year’s theme highlighted the need for fairness and sustainability in consumer habits,” Hon. Okafor said. “We encouraged consumers to adopt practices that not only enhance their personal well-being but also protect the environment and secure a better future for the next generation.”
All consumers and producers of goods and services in Imo State were encouraged to attend the event. In addition, top Imo State government functionaries, business leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public graced the occasion, lending their voices to the ongoing conversation on consumer rights and sustainability.
Notably, several key regulatory and enforcement agencies were present at the event, reinforcing the importance of consumer protection and safety. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), responsible for ensuring road safety and enforcing traffic regulations, emphasized the need for safer transportation practices. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) reiterated its commitment to quality control, ensuring that goods and services meet acceptable standards for consumer protection.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) participated actively, stressing the importance of regulating food, drugs, and other consumer products to prevent the circulation of substandard goods. Similarly, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) used the platform to sensitize consumers on the dangers of drug abuse and the need for responsible consumption habits.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) played a role in promoting consumer safety by highlighting their efforts in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring a secure business environment. Additionally, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) advocated against exploitative labour practices and human trafficking, urging consumers to make ethical choices that discourage forced labour and exploitation in business and industry.
The Imo CPC extended a warm invitation to all stakeholders to participate in this significant event, as collective action remained key to building a more just, responsible, and sustainable consumer landscape in Imo State and beyond.
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