President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Erisco Foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia, has appealed to Nigerians to support Nigerian businesses through patronage.
He said it is only through their patronage that the businesses can be encouraged while developing the country’s economy.
He spoke in Lagos yesterday when Erisco unveiled a new product into the market called “Jollof Rice: Ready-to-Eat-Meal”.
He said the meal pack, which was specially created for the Nigerian military, has been in production since the 4th of December 2018.
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The meal pack containing 250g jollof rice with meat was designed to last for a year while still retaining its taste and colour.
Due to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Bornu State, the company, Umeofia disclosed, has extended helping hands to Maiduguri by providing the ready-to-eat jollof rice to victims of the flood.
About 11,300 packs were sent to Maiduguri alongside other products which included 3,359 cartons of tomato paste and 225 cartons of seasoning cubes.
In all, the company has equally donated N100m to stakeholders in Maiduguri to relieve the victims of flood.
Umeofia who implored other companies whether big or small to send helping hands to Maiduguri as well called on Nigerians to continue to support indigenous manufacturers.
He said, “I thank Nigerians from all my heart for still believing in us. I call on Nigerians to support and continue to patronize made in Nigeria products. That is the only way the naira will get more strength. If you want this country to go forward, buy Made-in-Nigeria products, don’t blame the government.
“The government is trying its best. I blame you for not making sure we’re self-sustaining in this country. If you want the economy to move forward, you should buy anything made in Nigeria to support us.”