The Nation Newspaper

Category: Consumer Watch

  • Fake wiper blades everywhere: Buyers beware!

    Fake wiper blades everywhere: Buyers beware!

    One of the most valuable accessories you cannot do without in a vehicle is a wiper blade. But the irony, however, is that this must-have item is now a source of nightmare to many out there.

    Enter Mr. Cyril Anyaefune:

    In the past two months, he has wasted money buying vehicle windshield wipers for almost five times without succeeding in getting suitable ones for his car. He was so frustrated that he contacted Consumer Watch seeking for advice.

    According to him, “The first pair I bought did not even work in my car for a minute. One of the metals broke as the mechanic tried to fix it. The second one lasted for one week before the rubber blade started breaking up. The third one I bought was not removing the water and slush well enough and the fourth pair lasted barely one week while the fifth one though is scratching my wind screen has lasted up to two weeks and am still managing them.”

    Probed on the brands and where he has been making the purchases, Mr. Anyaefune said that he bought three pairs of the wipers along the Oshodi-Abeokuta Expressway on different occasions.

    “I cannot drive with malfunctioning wipers when it’s raining and there is no way to know the state of the wipers except they are in use. So on those occasions I just park and buy a new set from those traders daring enough to brave the rain,” he explained.

    While adding that he bought the remaining two pairs at Alaguntan market along Alimosho road, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, he disclosed that “the three pairs I bought on the highway are unbranded though looking superior but the other two wipers have ‘Soft wiper’, ‘Jap’ printed on them though I can see now that they are not the original ones.”

    Investigations in the various motor spare parts visited by the reporter, shows that there are so many brand of vehicle wipers in the market but there are brands that the traders themselves counsel customers to buy brands like the original Bosch.

    The rainy season has set in and there is no way, one can drive under the rain with a malfunctioning wiper though the best wiper blade is the one that fits your vehicle and performs well throughout its service life.

    Windshield shapes vary a lot, however, especially with newer cars, and even the best quality blade may perform poorly if it does not fit but so long as it fits your car.

    Bosch wiper blades are recommended by the shops the reporter interviewed more than other brands. Though it has the fake ones in the market but it seems to be the most popular brands and the icon is consistently among the highest-rated models by users and sellers.

    Speaking with Chief Executive Officer of Sam Davs Motors, Mr. Kolawole Solomon, at 8A, Alimosho Road, Alaguntan Bus stop Iyana-Ipaja Lagos, he confirmed that the most popular vehicle wiper is Bosch, followed by Jap.

    “While a pair of the original Bosch wiper sells for N1,200 and Jap N1,000, a pair of the fake ones sell between N400-N500. I usually ask buyers which ones they prefer, informing them that I have the original ones and the substandard ones,” he explained.

    “However, the substandard ones sell faster as most customers demand for it because it is cheaper. In some cases, when vehicle mechanics come to buy even when the vehicle owners have paid for the original they still buy the cheaper one in other to maximise profit.”

    When to replace your wiper blades 

    Wipers should smoothly clear water, snow, and slush from your windshield with no squeaking, chattering, skipping, or grabbing. If you notice these signs, or if a wiper is leaving streaks or bands of water, it may be time for new ones.

    Investigations found that a wiper will typically provide good performance for about nine months to a year, although this can vary, depending on conditions and the composition of the “rubber” element. Wiper blades have a finite service life, as they perform a hazardous duty in harsh conditions. Dirt, debris, and road grime abrade wipers, and sunlight breaks down their rubber edges.

    Sometimes that is all it takes to get a few more weeks or months from your existing wipers. Dip a clean paper towel or cloth in a little water, washer fluid, or rubbing alcohol and wipe along the edge of the blade. Also, look at it closely and feel for any adhered debris or roughness. The edge should be sharp and smooth without any nicks, chips, or gaps, and the rubber should be pliable, not cracked or brittle.

    In the winter, thoroughly scrape ice off of the windshield before using the wipers, as ice can abrade the rubber and dull or damage the edge.

    Replace both wipers. Once one blade wears out, the other won’t be far behind.

    While a lot of people wait for these problem signs to appear before buying new wipers, it is better to be proactive and replace them before you need to. Not being able to see clearly in a sudden downpour can be a challenge not to mention dangerous.

    So, how often should you replace your wipers? Wiper manufacturers and a couple of the shops we talked to suggest replacing them every six months. But once per year may be a reasonable interval for you

    Types of wiper blades

    There are several types of wiper blades available for today’s cars, including traditional bracket blades, low-profile beam blades, and newer hybrid blades that combine those designs. Each has its own advantages, and the one that is best for you depends on your vehicle, your budget, and climate.

    Research has however shown that no wiper works well on all windshields.

  • Consumer seeks redress from Mouka foam

    Consumer seeks redress from Mouka foam

    While the giant foam manufacturer, Mouka Foam, insists that her dealers and sub-dealers are trained by the company to enlighten consumers on the need to buy mattresses which conform to their body weight in order to get value for money spent, Mrs. Esther O, an aggrieved consumer, said her son was not given such information prior to his purchase of Comfy Mouka mattress.

    According to Esther O, as she insists to be referred to, if she had known, she would not have bought it. “I sent my son to make the purchase on my behalf based on the good experience I have had using other Mouka mattress. Nobody informed him that Comfy/Sunrise Mouka mattress has no warranty and was for children with body weight of 0-35kg.”

    The son, Mr. Dipo O,  in a telephone interview also confirmed that he was not told by the dealer that the mattress was for children and can collapse if people that weigh above 35kg keep using it. “Nobody said anything about warranty and I never asked, taking it for granted that mattress from Mouka would stand the test of time.”

    However, the company’s Customer Service Manager, CSM, Ugochi Nkwopara, said that none of the company’s approved dealers will sell mattress to a customer without weighing them to confirm their actual body weight in order to know which mattress suits them best.

    Esther O, however, understands the importance of a good solid mattress. She recognises that the backache, body pains we often complain about can be avoided by sleeping on a good mattress.

    The over 76 years’ old pensioner appreciates that human beings spend roughly about 30 per cent of their life time sleeping, which means mattress is one of the most important furniture in the house and as such must be given priority.

    All these accounted for why she alerted Consumer Watch after she noticed that the N18,000 Comfy Mouka Foam her son bought on her behalf  was collapsing just months after using it. Not just that, the pensioner claimed that she wakes up with pains and body aches after sleeping on the mattress.

    According to the distressed woman, her son helped her to make the purchase from an approved Mouka Foam dealer.

    The reporter nevertheless encouraged her to take her complaints to the seller, which is the first step in problem resolution. Speaking with her son, Dipo, who went back to the seller, he said the dealer complained that many customers had criticised the mattress.

    He, however, weighed the mattress and valued it for N2,000 and asked Dipo to pay extra N26,000 to upgrade to a Mouka mattress of N28,000, which he refused, saying it was above the mother’s budget.

    To confirm the development, the reporter pretending to be a prospective buyer visited the dealer’s outlet where she was attended to by a sales lady, Kehinde, who informed her that the dealer was not around but obliged the reporter with his telephone number.

    In a telephone chat with the dealer, he denied asking Dipo to come for an upgrade but said he asked him to come for an exchange.

    However, throwing more light on the issue, the CSM, Mouka Foam, Ugochi Nkwopara, said the mattress is not of low quality but that “Comfy/Sunrise is made for children and not adults. It is for people who weigh between 0-35kg. People within that body weight can use that mattress for years without it collapsing.

    “We have various mattresses of different weight ranges. Unfortunately, because of the poor economic situation, consumers most times consider the money at their disposal before their comfort. For such people, even if you explain that the mattress is far below their body weight they insist on buying it if it is cheaper,” explained Nkwopara.

    Blaming consumers for buying mattresses which do not conform to their body weight, she stressed that “we educate all our dealers and sub-dealers about body weight and they are trained to get the actual body weight of buyers so as to advise customers on products which are suitable for them.”

    Dismissing suggestions that Esther O’s son may not have been informed as he said, Nkwopara said that the company’s dealers have body weighing machines in their shops and as such will check the weight of prospective buyers before selling to them.

    However, investigations by the reporter after the inquiry from Nkwopara revealed that unlike what she claimed, a majority of Mouka Foam dealers and sub dealers are only eager to sell their products but not to counsel consumers on mattresses that are suitable for their body weight.

    None of the Mouka outlets visited by the reporter, who pretended to be a prospective buyer, has weighing machine and none of the shop attendants bothered to ask or even enlighten the reporter about the right mattress to use.

    The few that volunteered useful information to the reporter did so because she engaged them in discussion and those were the shop owners or the dealers.

    As at June 5th when the reporter visited the Mouka Foam outlet where Dipo bought the mattress for the mother, the sales attendant, Kehinde, did not check her weight or make reference to it. She was only keen to sell the Comfy mattress which the reporter pretended she wanted to buy.

    At 39-43 Shasha Road, Akowonjo junction, ‘John The Best’, another approved distributor of Mouka Foam, there was no sight of body weighing machine and none of the two male and female attendants attempted to discourage the reporter who weighs over 70kg from buying a comfy mattress even when she made it known that she was the one who will be sleeping on the mattress.

    It was the same story at Adebisi Bus stop, Shasa Road, where there is a big Mouka Foam outlet. The reporter requested to check her weight before making any purchase, but of course the attendant said there was no body weighing machine and could not even comprehend why the reporter needed to weigh herself.

    But at Mouka outlet at 84 Capitol Road, Agege, the reporter was lucky to meet the shop owner, Mrs. Lee Nwaigwe. Just like the rest, she was all too keen to sell, but when the reporter started questioning her on the best foam she could use, Nwaigwe advised her not to buy Comfy/Sunrise but to buy Legend, exquisite etcetera.

    On whether she has a body weighing machine in the shop, the amiable lady explained she had to take it home as most customers were suspicious of using it and most times refused to confirm their weight on it.

    At another approved Mouka distributor outlet at No. 90 Oniwaya Junction, Agege, again the dealer was available but did not advise the reporter till she started asking questions. On the issue of body weighing machine, the dealer admitted to having it in her shop before but had to take it somewhere else.

    While the leading foam manufacturer in Nigeria insists that its dealers and sub dealers are trained on the importance of consumers using the foam that is right for them, is that training passed to the sales attendants who spend more time in the shops dealing with customers?

    There is need for the company to monitor their approved dealers. From the above, we can see that the body weighing machines are not being used for what they are supposed to be used for. Moreover, the company should put more efforts into enlightening consumers more on their products and on how best to enjoy it so that the unpalatable experience of Esther O can be avoided.

  • Hollanda Yoghurt introduces Gogurt

    Since it was introduced into the Nigerian market, Hollandia Yoghurt has strived to keep to its brand promise of nourishing goodness for every moment. It is a feat that has seen the brand become the most preferred and generic name for drinking yoghurt amongst consumers. Of the many pack sizes available to address varying consumer needs, one pack size that has become immensely popular is the 315ml Hollandia Gogurt pack.

    Gogurt is a special pack designed for on-the-go consumption. Nicknamed “Ajala” because it goes with you everywhere you go. Hollandia Yoghurt Gogurt provides an easy and convenient way for lovers of the brand to enjoy its delicious goodness, while in transit. Offering the same nourishing goodness, Hollandia Yoghurt 315ml Gogurt pack is adequate for individual consumption and is the right drink to satisfy your hunger and thirst on the go.

    According to Jennifer Dike, a nurse, “Commuting daily from my house at Egbeda to my hospital at Victoria Island means I would be constantly stuck in traffic to and fro. Spending long hours in traffic can sometimes be frustrating and challenging and requires a daily beverage companion to keep me nourished and refreshed for the day. I had seen the Hollandia Gogurt pack with some commuters in previous transit situations but did not know what to make of it until I got a pack for myself. The product stands way above other beverages offered in transit because of its refreshing, healthy, filling and delicious taste. It is simply nourishing goodness on the go.”

    Bursting with goodness inside and out, the various packs of Hollandia Yoghurt are filled with healthy nutrition, nourishing vitamins, power of proteins, strength of calcium, revitalising energy.

    Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Deepanjan Roy, stated that “For us at Chi Limited, we have always been keen on offering products designed to satisfy the needs and expectations of our consumers. The Hollandia Yoghurt’s Gogurt 315ml pack has earned its place of pride in the minds of consumers who have made it their favourite companion because of the nourishment it provides on the go.”

    Hollandia Yoghurt ‘Gogurt” 315ml pack is currently available in traffic, road kiosks, bukas, supermarkets, Chi Shoppe, departmental stores and neighbourhood shops across Nigeria. It is produced in plain sweetened, pure ‘N’ plain and strawberry flavours.

  • Creative adventure of local shoe manufacturers

    Creative adventure of local shoe manufacturers

    Consumers laud the ingenuity of local shoe manufacturers just as research has revealed the inferiority complex of most of the manufactures which they exhibit by putting foreign labels on locally produced wears.

    A visit to Balogun market, Lagos, Arena shopping complex Oshodi, Arai Arai market Aba, Ogbaette market, Enugu and even closer looks at shoe hawkers along the road reveal that local shoe manufacturers relish in putting foreign labels on shoes made locally.

    Sitting round a big work table at Arena Shopping complex Oshodi were about 10 men very busy working on foot wears all in various stages of completion. While some were tracing, cutting and filing the soles, others were measuring and shaping leather strips while some still were applying gum and tacking the foreign labels on.

    They were so busy and hardly looked up when our correspondent approached them. Observing them, one can see that there is division of labour amongst them. Watching them as they concentrate on their work, it was obvious they had a target to meet. They were all swiftly working with their hands without any visible machine on sight.

    Soon after, three smartly dressed men walked in, demanding to know if their sandals and slippers were ready. As one of the artisans handed them a nylon bag containing their foot wears, they pulled them out examining if they met their specifications. Drawing closer to have a closer look, our correspondent observed that the labels had the inscription, ‘DINI DINI shoes, made in Italy.’

    With a satisfied smile on their faces, one of them handed money to the shop manager, thanking him as they turned to leave. Hurriedly following them outside as they walked towards a clean Sports Utility Vehicle [SUV] our correspondent introduced herself and asked them why they prefer patronising local shoe manufacturers and if they were impressed with the work?

    One of them who entered behind the wheel of the SUV said that, the fact that he gets exactly the size, quality and design he wants and at a very good prize were enough reasons to patronise the shoe maker.

    “The quality of most Nigerian-made sandals are very high. I pay N3,000-N4,000 for each of the leather foot wears and the Italian equivalent will cost about N10,000-N15,000.” Adding that though he travels to Europe and the United States, that he has never contemplated buying sandals and slippers though he buys shoes.

    At the Balogun market, Lagos, the idea of attaching foreign label to local product is very common. Foreign labels are attached openly. At the Mandillas part of the market, tailors are seen very busy sewing both known and unknown foreign names to well tailored male clothings.

    Shoe manufacturers and also sellers, in the market also engage in the fraudulent practices. Andrew Okoli, a Shoe manufacturer in the market said they engage in the act because consumers have more confidence in Italian made foot wears and clothings.

    “If you confess to them that it is Aba-Made, they price it very low, so we devised this method of getting them to buy from us at a not to exorbitant price.”

    However, Mr. Thank God Injiman of Nwadiche Shoes Aba, called on local shoe buyers and marketers to have confidence in local manufactures by being proud of locally made goods. He condemned the use of foreign labels on Aba-made products which he attributed to inferiority complex and urged them to be proud of what they produce.

    “If we cannot be proud of our own products, then we are encouraging our Artisans and local manufacturers to use foreign labels on their products,” he noted.

    “I was surprised to hear a Senator confess in Abuja in one of the trade exhibitions I attended recently that he booked for some bags to be imported from China but a friend of his informed him that he could source those items in Aba, which he succeeded in getting but instead of being proud to say that the items were produced in Aba, he claimed that he sourced them from China, thereby depriving Aba and the country of the credit,” he lamented.

    Meanwhile a Lagos based, Mr. Ayotola Oluwaseun, has lauded the Aba made products adding that emphasis should be placed on improving the quality and consistency of the products.

    According to Oluwaseun, some of the artisans he interacted with produced very limited quantities because they did their productions manually and called for the procurements of machinery that would help them to be consistent at every point and to enable them improve on the quality of their products.

    “I am impressed with their products because it shows some level of craftsmanship, but emphasis should be placed on improving the quality and consistency of their products, which is a key part.”

    Oluwaseun also advised the artisans to create their own designs instead of copying the signatures of foreigners. “Let us make products that scream Nigeria so that when we take it to the outside world, they would see that the products are different.”

  • PML and ITC partner on local manufacturing

    Philip Morris Limited (PML), the national affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI) in Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with International Tobacco Company Limited (ITC) to manufacture one of PMI’s leading brands in Nigeria.

    Under this agreement, PML will be investing in technology and capacity building at ITC’s factory, creating additional employment opportunities and contributing to the local as well as national economy of Nigeria.

    An official launch event to mark the start of local manufacturing was held at ITC’s factory at Ilorin, Kwara State recently. Coskun Kagan Dicle, PML’s Managing Director, said, “We strongly believe that investing in local manufacturing is the right thing for the future as it contributes to the Nigerian Government’s efforts to strengthen the economy and reduce the dependency on oil. It will also benefit all parties: Our consumers will have their preferred brand readily available at the highest quality standards, our partners will enjoy improved capacity utilization of their facilities, and the local community will benefit from the micro-economy boost and new employment opportunities.

  • Consumers get a breather with proposed CPC code of compensation

    In a move to provide more succour to aggrieved consumers of beverages and food, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Association of Food, Beverage and

    Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) recently agreed to raise a technical committee to develop a mutually acceptable compensation code to address consumer abuse in the sector.

    The decision to set up the technical committee was taken during the courtesy call of the association on the new Director General of CPC, Mr. Tunde Irukera, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Mr. Irukera, while commenting on the decision, observed that the code would modify the attitude and responses of the 100 industries that are members of the association to complaints of aggrieved consumers in the sector.

    The director general hinted that “the reality is that we have an aggressive consumer protection agency which frankly we must have, regardless of whatever approach one must take to protect the consumer and we have a responsibility to protect the consumer, to the extent of coming up with an approach that is in the interest of those consumers.

    “So having to use a compensation policy as an example, if a consumer were to complain about a product, claiming that it made him ill, we could obviously come together and work with an acceptable methodology that would be fairer and more predictable across the board, rather than when a complaint occurs and gets out of hand… if we work together, we can come up with something that would be acceptable across the board and you can go and percolate it as a kind of voluntary guide, and whoever does not want to abide by it, that’s ok, but at least we should have something that we can work with. And in that regard we will be happy to work with you on mutually acceptable implementations and come up with key issues in respect to consumer protection,” he said.

    The CPC’s director general said the Council would be willing to collaborate effectively with the association because of its widespread influence in almost every home, noting that “I have found that professional and trade associations like this, when they are very strong, are perhaps the best partners because you can affect consumers far more when you come to some understanding with the association and they go back to enforce it within themselves than dealing with each member.”

    While asserting that he would always respect individual brands and their prerogative to protect themselves, he emphasised that “integrity of your brand is also in the interest of Consumer Protection Council because anything that affects the integrity of your brand also affects consumer confidence.

    “Certainly, one thing the Council will want to promote is consumer confidence. We want consumers to be confident of choices they make and the products they consume. It will be helpful also when there are issues to work on to recognise that we are on the same page with respect to brand confidence.”

  • Aqualis Feed debuts with micro extrusion technology

    Olam International, the leading agri-business group operating from seed to shelf in 70 countries recently launched the best in class and latest micro extrusion technology fish feed, ‘Aqualis’ in South South and South East Markets.

    Aqualis, the first offering from the animal feed investment from Olam International, has a high nutritional content and the right balance of protein that ensures better growth and high fish yield.

    Olam International, in reaffirming their mission of supplying food and industrial raw materials to customers worldwide have launched a fish feed that will be truly revolutionary to the development of fish farming in Nigeria.

    The latest technology used in the manufacture of Aqualis is a very recent an innovation that delivers a fully floating feed which is best suited for the feeding behaviour of the African catfish.

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ashish Pande, Business Head, Olam International said that, “The micro extrusion technology also ensures the delivery of the right feed size thus minimising wastage of the feed and maximising profits for the farmers.”

    The launch events were attended by, farmers, fish farm business owners distributors and representatives from the government, particularly Mrs. Onimim Jacks, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Rivers State.

    Mrs. Onimim Jacks showed admiration with the quality of Aqualis and also the scale of investment that Olam International has made in Nigeria especially in the adoption of the most modern and first-rate technology for the production of high quality feed.

  • Myths and facts about red palm oil

    Myths and facts about red palm oil

    Since the last story we published on Palm oil, we have been overwhelmed with many questions on the health benefits and other nutritional contents of red palm oil. I hope this piece addresses the questions raised by the likes of Nneka Udokwu, Hajia Damilola Odisille, Eno Essien and the others.

    Not too long ago, I walked into a Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic shop on Opebi rd, Ikeja  and on the shelf were bottles of Red Palm Oil [RPO] food supplement capsules. Though I have heard of its existence since 2013 but it was my first time of coming across it in Nigeria.

    I checked the containers of the supplement and saw that they originated from the US. The three different brands. ‘Natural red palm oil concentrate softgels’, ‘Red palm oil capsules Juka’s Organic Co.’, ‘Red Palm oil, the new super food of the year’, by Botanic Choice’

    Stopping in my tracks I pondered ‘red palm oil in capsules, I thought some people advertise that palm oil is bad for our health especially the heart and now is being promoted as a food supplement’. I know a few people with health issues who will not touch red palm oil even with a pole.

    However, the stories are changing. Recently, in the US, a very popular American television host, Dr. OZ  referred to RPO as the miracle oil for longevity and the new weight loss miracle. Dr. Oz is an accomplished and still active cardiovascular surgeon. He is an academic and a research scientist who has hundreds of scientific publications to his name

    For years Scientists from the so called developed world especially the United States have campaigned relentlessly against the consumption of RPO. It was a target of massive advertising campaign including widely published allegations that it was hazardous to health.

    It was attacked as ‘saturated’ since it contains 44% palmitic acid and 5% stearic acid thereby allegedly raises blood cholesterol and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

    Because it was comparatively new to many of the so called developed countries, it was judged solely on the basis of its saturated fatty acid content while its numerous benefits were over looked.

    Those days, especially before the 1990s, food producers in US had to state ‘No red palm oil’ in food labels for consumers to patronize them.

    However, many reputable Scientists both abroad and Home have conducted more than eighty research studies in order to help dispel these inaccurate myths and share the truth about palm oil.

    The positive results of these nutrition studies have persuaded many to reconsider their previous judgments on palm oil. A major milestone for the positive reputation of palm oil was when the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] announced in 1994 that it would no longer permit the use of ‘No red palm oil’ labeling.

    That helped reinforce that “Facts’’ rather than “Myths” will prevail in regards to palm oil.

    A sizable and growing body of scientific evidence indicates that palm oil effect on blood cholesterol is relatively neutral when compared to other fats and oils. A recent study comparing the effect of palm oil and olive oil enriched diets on 21 healthy, free living normocholosterolemic subjects found no difference in total and LDL cholesterol levels. There appears to be several explanations. Palm oil contains a high percentage of monounsaturates[40%]. Palm oil saturated fatty acids are palmitic [44%] and stearic[5%] which do not appear to elevate blood cholesterol in people with cholesterol within normal range.

    Recent animal studies found that palm oil stimulates the synthesis of protective HDL cholesterol and removal of harmful LDL cholesterol.

    It also appears that palm oil, compared to polyunsaturated oils, poses a reduced risk for cancer. This may be due to the tocotrionols in palmoil.

    Infact, Professor KK Carol of Centre for Human Nutrition at the University of Western Ontario and David Kritchevsky of the Wister Institute recently concluded that evidence indicates that tocotrienols in palm oil are effective anti-cancer agents and provides adequate justification for clinical trials in human cancer patients.

    Recently at the International Conference Centre Birmingham at the Biomedical Science Congress, Dr. Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, South Africa further elucidated the potential of the red palm oil in the healing process.

    Scientifically known as Elaeis Guineensis, palm oil essentially, contains, rich balanced mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, providing a higher level of bioavaliable nutrients than any other vegetable source.

    Like coconut oil, palm oil is also rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which mobilise body fat stores, increase the metabolic rate and is a great source of energy.

    Palm oil is a rich source of antioxidants, especially Vitamin E. While the health benefits of Vitamin E are widely known, less widely known is the fact that Vitamin E is a complex of many constituents broken into two groups: tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta). And while alpha tocopherol is the form most commonly marketed as Vitamin E, the full spectrum of both tocoperols and tocotrienols are required for optimal assimilation.

    The super-antioxidant tocotrienols are particularly important for optimal health. These natural antioxidants act as free radical scavengers and are believed to play a protective role in cellular aging, atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

    Researchers now believe that the tocopherols and tocotrienols together provide constituents that help limit damage during a heart attack.

    RPO not only supplies fatty acids essential for proper growth and development, but it is packed with an assortment of vitamins, antioxidants and other phytonutrients important for good health.

    For instance, the red colour comes from carotenes such as beta-carotene and lycopene – the same nutrients that give tomatoes and carrots and other fruits and vegetables their rich red and orange colours.

    Carotenes are valuable nutrients and powerful antioxidants. They are also important because the body can convert them into Vitamin A, an essential nutrient.

    Vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness, weaken bones, lower immunity and adversely affect learning ability and mental function.

    Additional Reports, Better Health News Journal, US.

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  • Maltina Teacher of the Year opens with greater government participation

    Maltina Teacher of the Year opens with greater government participation

    On Tuesday last week, the Grand Ball room of Eko Hotel Victoria Island almost spilled over with hundreds of stakeholders in the education sector who came to witness the start of another search for the best teacher in Nigeria by the Nigeria Breweries.

    The event tagged Maltina Teacher Of the Year Award [MTOY] and which has been running for two years now seems set to have greater participation this year as over ten commissioners of Education from various states and many top Government officials in the Education sector graced the opening event.

    Stakeholders in the education sector emphasized the importance of teachers and the teaching profession in the quest for the nation’s growth and development, at the unveil of the 2017 edition of the Maltina Teacher of The Year in Lagos

    In a paper to flag-off the 2017 edition of the initiative on Tuesday, Aloy Ejiogu, a Professor of Educational Management at the University of Lagos maintained that teachers are unarguably extremely invaluable drivers of societal norms, values and growth and no other person can have such an overarching influence on the life of the young members of our society as the teacher.

    He noted that the teachers’ impact is not only outstanding by its success stories, but also by its potential and real time errors, while also arguing that whereas the medical doctor buries his mistakes, and the engineer dies with his mistakes, the entire society perishes with the mistakes of the teacher.

    Mr. Imoh Essien, 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year, a teacher from Special Education Center for Exceptional Children, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, called on government and other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture of the sponsors of the initiative to motivate teachers and improve the standard of education in the country.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, represented by Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Lagos state, described teachers as the most critical asset of the nation and thanked Nigerian Breweries for the initiative she described as a big boost to teachers and the teaching profession.

    In his remarks, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, represented by Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the Company’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, explained that in 2015, the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund expanded its intervention in education in Nigeria to teachers through the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative. The initiative, he disclosed, was hinged on the realisation that teachers seldom get the recognition they deserve in spite of the pivotal role they play in determining the quality of education. He declared that so far, the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative has produced 42 State Champions and two overall winners.

    Vervelde added that entries for the 2017 Maltina Teacher if the Year opened on Tuesday 9th May 2017 and will close on Friday 7th July 2017. Interested teachers are advised to download application forms from the Maltina website. Applications forms should be completed and uploaded to the website or sent by email  or post to P.M.B. 12632, Marina, Lagos. Mr Vervelde asserted that the company will maintain the focus adopted for the 2016 to include teachers from both public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.

    Like last year, each State Champion will get Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) and the Top 10 teachers will be recognized before the grand winners are announced. The 2nd and 1st runners-up will receive trophies and an additional Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750, 000.00) and One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000.00) respectively.

    The Maltina Teacher of the Year 2017 will get an additional One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000.00) instantly plus One Million Naira every year for the next five years, a development training opportunity abroad and a block of classrooms built at the school where he/she teaches

  • LG launches Neochef microwave oven

    LG launches Neochef microwave oven

    There was palpable excitement in the LG Hall as Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa. Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri, unveiled the latest LG Neochef microwave oven which is set to take culinary and microwave oven cooking to a whole new level.

    Speaking at the event at the Ijaiye Ogba, LG brand store recently, Agnihotri explained that the ergonomic Neochef oven was designed to meet the needs of Nigerian consumers who desire tasty meals as well as innovative, smart energy-saving technologies and products.

    Noting the unique features of the product, the company’s marketing manager, Mr. Paul Mba, said the NeoChef features a simplified intuitive control interface to streamline operation and a range of hygiene-enhancing features such as anti-bacterial easy clean that help users keep their ovens as clean as possible.

    Explaining further, Mba said that the new microwave oven which is equipped with a unique smart inverter comes with a 10-year warranty on the magnetron, stressing that there is no cooking job the NeoChef can not handle.

    “Using linear power control between 300 and 1,200 watts to evenly cook or defrost food all the way through, the smart inverter effectively preserves nutrients while locking in flavour. The smart inverter also boosts efficiency, as its 1200-watt maximum power output gives the NeoChef the ability to cook dishes more quickly than conventional models,” emphasised the company’s marketing manager.

    While pointing out the features of the oven to media men, Mba, speaking unreservedly, said “the microwave oven eliminates trim and parting lines with its sleek, unified tempered glass front. This minimalist, glossy front combines with a refined matte exterior to allow the NeoChef to seamlessly blend in with the decor of any kitchen.”

    Commenting on the newly launched product, General Manager, West Africa Operations LG Electronics Mr. Jiung Park, said: “With a minimalist design that appeals to consumers of all stripes, LG’s striking new microwave oven represents the company’s dedication to creating appliances that can add both functionality and class to any kitchen.” He stated further that “the NeoChef is powered by LG’s unique smart inverter technology; the microwave efficiently and effectively reheats and defrost food, decreases cooking times and makes it easier than ever for users to prepare delicious, highly-nutritious meals.”

    Speaking in the same vein, MD, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani, MD Fouani Nigeria Ltd, said: “The NeoChef can be used for melting ingredients such as chocolate or cheese and precisely preparing a variety of foods with its specialised settings. LG’s advanced microwave can even be used to make healthy lactobacilli-infused yogurt more quickly than most home yogurt makers. The microwave’s healthy fry feature is even capable of preserving the distinct taste of each dish while making them healthier, with less oil and 72 percent less fat. Making pop corns at a home has never been this easy with the LG NeoChef microwave oven.

    Confirming that, Asika, a staff of the company demonstrated the microwave healthy fry feature and the less time it can take to cook by preparing popcorn in the presence of all. It came out tasty and fresh to the satisfaction of all present.

    Equipped with a number of convenience-enhancing features, the NeoChef makes it easy to prepare complex dishes. Its innovative hexagonal stable turntable offers increased stability to the turntable with its six points of support, solving the issue of possible spillage when the food being cooked is not exactly centred. With energy-efficient interior LED lamp that is three times brighter than conventional models, users can easily monitor the entire cooking process. With its compact exterior size, the microwave is at home in any kitchen while it is still able to accommodate large and tall dishes with its increased internal capacity.

    The NeoChef also packs a number of features designed to increase cleanliness and streamline the cooking experience. The anti-bacterial easy clean coating makes cleaning the microwave interior simple and straightforward. The microwave’s interior can be thoroughly cleaned twice as fast and with half the effort required for conventional microwaves. In fact, it takes just three wipes to thoroughly clean the NeoChef while conventional microwaves typically require seven. The coating also makes it harder for dangerous contaminants to take root, eliminating 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria.

    The microwave oven which comes in silver colour and black sells for N58,000.00 and N50,000.00 respectively. The introduction of LG NeoChef microwave oven would no doubt bring about newer and richer cooking experience while consumers try their hands on new delicacy for their respective families.