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KFC tenders apology, as Nigerians differ on FAAN shutdown of outlet

Published

1 month ago

March 29, 2024

By Seun Ibiyemi

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the shutdown of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a global fast-food restaurant chain, facility in the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) over alleged discriminatory treatment of a passenger.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday in a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, and made available to newsmen in Lagos, said that the shutdown would be effective March 28 in line with the Lagos State law on people with Special Needs, Part C,Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

She stated that the law stipulated thus: “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disability of that person.”

Orah said that the shutdown was as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the MMIA, Lagos According to the statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, intervened.

It stated that Kuku had swiftly deployed a management team comprising Orah, the Regional Manager South-West, Mr Sunday Ayodele, Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo, and the International Terminal Manager, Mr Kerri, to investigate the allegation no.

Orah said that it was based on the findings of the team that FAAN had shut down the facility where the incident occurred.

She said that the Authority had instructed the KFC Management to tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM.

Also, a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.

“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected PRM and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon,” it read.

Reactions

KFC Nigeria in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressed its commitment to inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of their values.

“This recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action,” it said.

“We have embarked on efforts to address the situation. We deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest and extend sincere apologies to those affected.”

KFC had also announced plans to urgently implement inclusivity training for all its employees to prevent similar incidents.

Also the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned the discrimination against Mr Debola Daniel, a rights advocate, by a fast-food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, due to his physical state.

Daniel, son of a former Ogun State Governor and serving senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, shared his ordeal in a series of tweets on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

Daniel recounted how he, along with his family, was publicly humiliated when the manager of the KFC outlet declared to them when he entered the facility, ‘NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED.’

The FCCPC, in a statement by its acting Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, in Abuja, on Thursday, said the commission would work with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate redress for the aggrieved consumer.

Abdullahi said the commission would also ensure that the KFC outlet took full responsibility for their action.

He said that Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), emphasises the obligation to eliminate practices detrimental to competition and consumer welfare to safeguard consumer interests.

Abdullahi said that discriminatory actions, such as those witnessed at the KFC outlet, undermined their principles and would not be tolerated.

“Discrimination against persons with disability is not only unlawful but also inhumane and contrary to the values that we, as a society, hold dear.

“The FCCPC commends the swift action reportedly taken by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in shutting down the KFC outlet.

“We fully support its directive for the restaurant to issue a written apology to the affected individual and implement a clear non-discrimination policy displayed prominently for all customers.

“We will closely monitor developments and take appropriate actions in accordance with the provisions of the FCCPA.

“This incident serves as a reminder to all businesses operating in Nigeria that consumer protection laws apply equally, regardless of a customer’s ability,” he said.

Abdullahi said the commission remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all consumers, irrespective of their physical abilities, were treated with dignity and respect.

The commission encouraged consumers who had faced similar discriminatory practices to come forward and report them through their designated channels.

“We stand firm in our commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive marketplace for all Nigerians.

“The commission will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of consumers, including those with disability, are upheld and protected,” he said.

Some other reactions from the social media platform considered the closing of the KFC outlet too stringent.

According to @ayampeky, “Emotional blackmail! What happened to you have been happening to many other Nigerians. Some have been beaten and kicked like dogs, you’ll see but ignore because it’s none of your business. Someone told you to leave because of a company rules and you’re making it about yourself.

“You would’ve left quietly and looked for another spot if really you do not like clout as you say. Every Nigerian is disabled, you’re not more special than those dying of hunger everyday due to bad politicians of which your father is a coven member.”

@NDrAgwoTurumbe, on the other hand, noted, “ I am sorry for what you experienced. The question that needs answering is how many other Nigerians who were ‘nobodies’ have been denied the simple act of taking a meal from that outlet?

“I commend your speaking up and use of ur influence to make a difference. We can do better.”

@tosinsofolarin said, “I do not condone what kfc did. It must not be acceptable in our society. But shutting kfc down because of the incident is a bit OTT.

“If it happened to an ordinary man’s son, would u av shut it down ? But because it happened to Gbenga Daniel’s son, u had to shut it down!”

News

Shettima departs for 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to depart Abuja for Dallas, United States of America, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit.

The summit is organised by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice-President, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nkwocha said Shettima would join other political and business leaders across Africa, the USA and beyond for the summit.

According to him, the summit will feature high-level dialogues, networking business sessions and the plenary, all scheduled for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

He said that the African leaders expected at the summit include, the President, Republic of Liberia; Joseph Boakai, President, Republic of Malawi; Lazarus Chakwera and the President, Republic of Angola, Joao Lourenço.

Nkwocha said other African leaders that would grace the summit are the President, Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, President, Republic of Cabo Verde, José Maria Neves, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho, Nthomeng Majara.

He said besides the summit’s plenary, Shettima would speak at the Roundtable on African Infrastructure Investment with a focus on impact and returns.

” He (Shettima) is also scheduled to speak on a high-level panel on agribusiness, focusing on transiting “from food insecurity to thriving agribusinesses.

” Additionally, the Vice-President will speak at a plenary session on Navigating Africa’s Energy Future as well as chair a session dedicated to promoting the ‘invest in Nigeria’ initiative.

” He is also expected to attend other meetings and engagements on the sideline of the summit.”

Nkwocha said that Vice-President Shettima is expected back in the country at the end of his engagements in the US.

News

Israeli to close Al Jazeera’s operations in the country – PM Netanyahu

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet has unanimously voted to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.

The move came after Israeli lawmakers recently approved a new media law widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law” that gives the government powers to ban foreign broadcasters if they are deemed a risk to state security.

Netanyahu announced the Cabinet decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in which he called Al Jazeera “the hate channel.”

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said on Sunday that he had signed the closure order and that it would be implemented immediately.

According to Israeli reports, this means that offices in Israel could be closed, broadcasting equipment confiscated, the station removed from cable and satellite television channels and its website blocked.

The Israeli government had accused Al Jazeera, which is based in the Gulf emirate of Qatar and has a wide reach in the Arab world, of biased reporting on the ongoing war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Al Jazeera has reported extensively on the catastrophic situation in the Palestinian territory and shown images of death and destruction that are rarely seen on Israeli television stations.

The channel also regularly shows videos of attacks on Israeli soldiers by Hamas’ military arm, the Qassam Brigades.

The channel has rejected allegations of bias and, in the past, accused Netanyahu of spreading “new lies and inflammatory slanders” against the network.

Al Jazeera has also accused the Israeli military of deliberately targeting journalists on several occasions.

Netanyahu has accused Al Jazeera of “damaging Israel’s security, actively participating in the massacre on October 7 and inciting against Israeli soldiers.”

Al-Jazeera was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Doha. It was one of the first Arab TV stations to publish critical reports on the region and quickly gained popularity.

The Israeli government’s efforts to ban Al Jazeera have drawn criticism from some of the country’s most prominent allies, including the United States and Germany.

The U.S. State Department expressed irritation of the decision and reiterated support for the free press all over the world.

A German Foreign Office spokesman also criticised the so-called Al Jazeera law last month: “A free and diverse press landscape is the cornerstone of a liberal democracy.”

News

OTC 2024: PETAN leads stakeholders on sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has led delegates to the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas U.S. to discuss sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future.

Mr Kevin Nwanze, Executive Secretary, PETAN, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Nwanze said that PETAN’s Nigerian pavilion at OTC 2024 would be hosted under the theme, “Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa’s Future”.

He said that the conference would have more than 200 hours of multidisciplinary discussions and networking events, including a wide range of topics, suited for every participant.

PETAN scribe, however, called for stakeholders’ participation at the 2024 OTC, holding between May 6 and May 9 at the NRG Park, Houston, Texas, US.

According to him, PETAN has been responsible for hosting stakeholders at the OTC for many years.

“The association is calling on government agencies, stakeholders, oil and gas companies, and Nigerian investors to participate at the Nigerian pavilion at the prestigious event in Houston, U.S.

“Participation in the Nigerian pavilion shall deliver a unique opportunity for exhibitors and delegates to interact with global professionals

“As they share their insights on technological advances, energy transition, safety, environmentally focused solutions, and economic and regulatory impacts of the offshore energy sector,” he aded.

Nwanze said: “It allows organisations to engage with world leaders, CEOs, and government officials from around the world, with the chance to create and develop business relationships.

“And also tap into emerging regions vital to offshore development and obtaining recognition necessary for growth and visibility to thousands across the globe.

“Showcase your company’s capabilities to over 1,000 delegates and over 250 companies in the industry.

“Promote products and services to operators and contractors in the local region.

“Gain access to the latest industry news and access to networking opportunities with professional contacts from across the world.

“Network with the upstream, midstream, and downstream organisations and high-profile government officials and key decision-makers in the industry.

“Build and establish new leads as well as entrench a global presence in the industry.

“Get familiar with competitors’ capabilities to stay ahead in the industry,” the statement read.

The OTC 2024 expects over 31,000 energy professionals as attendees, 45 technical sessions, 450 presentations and over 1,300 exhibitors drawn from different countries, including Nigeria.