It wasn’t just another workshop. For the journalists gathered in Lagos, it became a call to purpose.
At the heart of the event was Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). His message was clear, urgent, and emotional: “Journalists must be more than messengers. They must become champions of quality—because lives depend on it.”
Speaking to members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (CICAN) during a capacity-building workshop, Dr. Okeke reflected on the far-reaching consequences of substandard goods in Nigeria—from failed building structures to toxic products in homes.
“Behind every fake product is a story of loss—a child harmed by contaminated food, a home ruined by faulty wiring, a small business crushed by unfair competition,” he said.
The workshop wasn’t just about policies and certifications. It became a shared space for reflection, where the battle against fake goods and poor-quality manufacturing was framed not just as an economic issue—but a deeply human one.
A Pen with Power
Dr. Okeke acknowledged the vital role the media plays in shaping public understanding. He called on journalists to use their platforms not only to report but to educate, advocate, and influence change.
“Your pen is powerful,” he said. “It can shape consumer behavior, push manufacturers toward compliance, and hold defaulters accountable. You are essential to building a national culture of quality.”
He urged CICAN members to spotlight both the progress and the lapses in Nigeria’s industrial landscape—giving voice to manufacturers who follow standards and exposing those who don’t.
Standards That Save Lives
Dr. Okeke gave an overview of SON’s wide-ranging activities—from internationally accredited laboratories that test food, chemicals, and building materials, to Management Systems Certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 22000. These services, he explained, don’t just protect consumers—they also help Nigerian products compete internationally.
He highlighted tools like the Product Authentication Mark (PAM), which empowers consumers to verify product authenticity using mobile phones—a direct weapon in the fight against counterfeits.
“Standards are not just technical tools. They are safety nets. They save lives, build industries, and open doors to global trade,” he said.
Media as Partners in Progress
In a shift from traditional regulator-media dynamics, the SON DG extended a hand of partnership.
“You are not outsiders. You are co-drivers of our national quality infrastructure,” he told the journalists. “We want deeper collaboration, regular engagement, and storytelling that connects standards to people’s everyday lives.”
For many in the room, the address hit home. Reporters later admitted they hadn’t fully grasped the emotional weight behind standardization. One journalist said, “It made me rethink how I cover industry stories. It’s not just business—it’s about people’s lives and futures.”
Moving Forward
Dr. Okeke encouraged the journalists to highlight SON’s flagship initiatives like MANCAP (Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme), ISO certifications, and ongoing enforcement drives. He also asked them to humanize the stories—digging deeper into the people behind the products.
“Let us walk together on this journey. Let’s promote a Nigeria where quality is a national value and not just a regulatory requirement,” he concluded.
As the session ended and conversations buzzed around the room, one thing was clear: the fight for quality in Nigeria isn’t just SON’s responsibility anymore—it’s a shared mission, and the storytellers now have a new story to tell.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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