The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has expressed their disappointment towards a billboard advertisement for a brand of alcohol that portrays the people of Ilorin as drunkards.
The socio-cultural organisation issued a statement in Ilorin on Friday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Nurudeen Ibrahim, calling on relevant authorities to take immediate action by removing the advert from Offa Garage Road in Ilorin.
Mr. Ibrahim stated that the advertisement, which references Ilorin and the “omo Ilorin” as drunkards, is highly offensive and was deliberately crafted to provoke the people of Ilorin Emirate. He emphasised that the message was a deliberate attempt to stir up controversy and should not be allowed to continue.
The IEDPU called on concerned individuals not to resort to self-help, adding that the government and advertising agencies need to be more sensitive to the culture and beliefs of local communities.
In a predominantly Muslim community, the billboard advertisement is seen as a deliberate attempt to infringe upon the cultural sensitivities of the Ilorin people, and the IEDPU has demanded its immediate removal. The Union further encouraged members of the community to remain peaceful while necessary actions are being taken by government agencies.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has strict guidelines on the advertising of foods and drinks, and it remains unclear whether the alcohol company responsible for the billboard advertisement has followed these guidelines.
It is important for advertisers to be mindful of the content in their ads and to ensure that their messages are not misinterpreted or offensives to any group of people.
It is hoped that relevant authorities will take swift and appropriate action to remove the advertisement and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
NAN
