BY DINMA BIGWA
IN a landmark move to protect consumer rights in Delta State and beyond, the Mazik Foundation For Consumer Rights (MFCR) has been inaugurated, giving hope to consumers amid growing exploitation and carelessness by service providers. Founded by Zik Igbadi Boniwe, the foundation vows to combat injustices faced by consumers at the hands of government and businesses through legal recourse and mediation. This initiative comes amidst rising concerns over consumer protection, aiming to bridge gaps in ensuring fairness and accountability in goods and services across the country. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Asaba, the Founder of MFCR, Zik Igbadi Boniwe said the sole purpose of the foundation was to fight against injustice meted out on consumers by the government, and business owners through litigation or mediation. He noted that some consumers suffer in the hands of manufacturers/ distributors of goods which is the reason for the birth of MFCR. “It is in light of the woes of the average Nigerian consumer, that MFCR came in to fill the yawning gap of protecting consumers”.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Chief Nathaniel Igbadi, urged the founder of Mazik Foundation not to relent in the journey. “You need to be on your feet and bring that much-needed awareness and not only the awareness but, the ability to make sure that you perform optimally to the standard you promised everybody” The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Okolie, while addressing the gathering urged everyone not to hesitate to report any bad products or services paid for to the MFCR as this would help curtail substandard products and the foundation would achieve its goals.
“Call on them (MFCR) and they will take up the matter from the roots and the result will be achieved” Representing the Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Ejiroghene Ada, urged MFCR to collaborate with security agencies and NAFDAC to protect consumers’ rights and, investigate any fraudulent activity that would harm a consumer. He assured consumers of a safe, secure environment for business owners to thrive to enable consumers to purchase goods without fear. “The Mazik Foundation and the NSCDC will work in collaboration in the area of investigating and prosecuting fraudulent activities that can harm consumers.
“We (NSCDC) help in combating cybercrimes/online fraud that will target consumers. We will also provide a secured environment for businesses to operate which helps to build consumers’ confidence”. Similarly, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Tracy Ikolomi, said the agency would mobilize and sensitize people through the use of jingles and special events to respond positively to the Mazik Foundation’s purpose. The high point of the inauguration ceremony was a road walk by ambassadors of Mazik across Asaba, the Delta State Capital, to sensitize the populace on the need to protect their rights as consumers.
