BY OLORUNFERANMI ODOFIN
March fifteen of every year is set aside to commemorate world consumer rights day.
The day is aimed at raising awareness about consumer rights, needs and protection against market abuse among other social justices.
World consumer rights day was inspired by the 35th president of the united states of America, John Kennedy who sent a special message to the U.S Congress on the need to protect consumer rights.
This was approved by the Congress and the first consumer rights day was marked on March 15, 1962.
Speaking on the essence of the day in Nigeria, the General Manager, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council, FCCPC, in Ondo State, Mr Ayo Mesileya said the day reawakes consumers of their rights.
Mr Mesileya who said FCCPC had greatly addressed series of drifts, including digital finance between consumers and the sellers also cautioned against production of fake and substandard products in the global market.
Corroborating the FCCPC Boss, an economic expert, Pastor Gbenga Atunramu said digital finance had encouraged secured patronage but advised financial institutions to guard against online fraud
Also speaking, a constitutional lawyer, Dr Doyin Odebowale who solicited accurate value for items purchased by consumers called on concerned authorities to ensure that the rights of consumers remained protected thereby enhancing national and global economy.
Meanwhile, a retired Chief Judge in Ondo state, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu has urged consumers to always seek redress in the court of law whenever their rights were trampled upon.
The theme for this year’s consumer rights’ day is, “fair digital finance for the consumers.”