Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Anambra State Area 1 has organised a one-day sensitisation workshop for all stakeholders in Anambra State.
The sensitisation workshop which took place in Awka with theme “SON Requirements and Compliance Monitoring Activities,” was to curb the influx and sale of substandard products in the state.
Delivering his address, Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi chukwunonso Okeke stated that the event was not only to enlighten operators on the provisions of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, but to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement and collaborations.
Okeke, represented by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, added that SON Act enacted into law by the Seventh National Assembly is a revolutionary Document which they are deploying to carry out massive steps toward delivering on their mandate to sanitise the Nigerian landscape, markets, everywhere, of unwholesome products.
He urged the participants to board the standards voyage and ensure strict adherence to standards and quality assurance for their businesses to grow, reminding them that the work of the organisation is to grow micro, small and medium scale enterprises, promote agro-allied sector, ensure safety of lives and property as well as ensure industrial and economic development.
Okeke said SON has continually updated its training programmes to suit the latest international standards, practices, principles and in-depth knowledge, stressing that as operators, they should always certify their products quality with SON in order to make made-in-Nigeria products and services good to go anywhere in the world.
He re-assured consumers of the quality and safety of either locally made or imported goods, hinting that all regulated products must pass through their certifications and comply with applicable mandatory national and international standards.
In his good will message, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry and Commerce, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, lauded SON for the event which he said is in line with the vision and programmes of Governor Soludo to make Anambra State a livable state.
He assured that State Government will have synergy with Standards Organisation of Nigeria in order to actualise potentials of the citizens and to encourage both micro and medium scale enterprise in the state.
Also in her good will message, the Enugu state branch of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Uche Emeka Ekwe, said that NAFDAC and SON are working in tandem to promote originality and safety of products.
She noted that NAFDAC and SON will continue to collaborate to fight and win influx of fake and substandard products in the country.
