Ogun Students decry exclusion from noodles companys outreach programme
…ask product vendors to vacate campus environment
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Student bodies in Ogun State have flayed the management of De United Foods Industries Limited, the makers of Indomie Noodles for allegedly excluding students in the state from its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of distributing the companys products to the students.
The bodies including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Axis; the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS); National Association of University students (NAUS) and Progressive Students Movement (PSM) Nigeria, in a statement jointly signed by their respective chairmen, at the weekend in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, observed that the food company based in the state has failed to factor students into their charitable distribution of products and outreach programnes.
The statement described the recent event where the company distributed cartons of noodles to the senior citizens, including prominent figures leaving out students as “insensitive to the plight of students”.
The student bodies, however, declared the company “persona non-grata” within 100 meter radius of all school campuses in Ogun State in light of recent developments surrounding the companys consumer outreach endeavors.
They also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to wholesalers and retailers selling the companys products in and around campuses to vacate or risk their stores being destroyed by the students.
The statement reads further: “A recent news report broadcast by Ogun State Television highlighted Dufil Prima Foods community outreach programme, showcasing charitable distributions of meals and cartons of noodles to senior citizens, including prominent figures, is commendable
“While the student bodies recognize the companys dedication to social responsibility, concerns have emerged regarding the lack of similar initiatives targeting students in Ogun State.
“Students constitute a significant portion, approximately 70 percent, of noodle consumers, particularly products of Dufil. Despite this substantial representation, there has been an apparent deficiency in gestures of appreciation or support towards students in Ogun State.
“Furthermore, a report had indicated that the majority of our elders have one health issue or the other which makes it inappropriate for most of them to consume foods like noodles. Notwithstanding this feedback, Dufil Prima Food proceeded with the distribution of same noddles to the elderly ones without addressing the specific preferences or needs of its student consumer base.
“In a sharp contrast, during the 2020/2021 COVID-19 lockdown, several noodle companies in Lagos State extended support to students across various campuses, collaborating with student bodies such as NANS and indigenous student bodies. Regrettably, Dufil Prima Food has failed to initiate similar collaborations or outreach programmes in Ogun State.
“Ogun students perceive the companys occasional campus visits predominantly as sales-driven endeavours rather than genuine attempts to engage with students. Given the pivotal role students play in the noodles market, it is imperative to ensure equitable consumer engagement.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ogun JCC Axis, National Association of Ogun State Students NAOSS, National Association of University Students (NAUS), Ogun CMC, Progressive Students Movement (PSM) Nigeria and other student bodies in Ogun state are student representative bodies steadfastly dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of students in Ogun State, Nigeria.”