FOSAD rejects ethnic profiling of Igbos over fake products
… cautions against hate rhetoric
By Our Correspondent
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors, FOSAD, has strongly condemned what it described as the stigmatization and ethnic stereotyping of Ndigbo in discussions concerning the production and distribution of fake and adulterated consumer products in Nigeria.
The group made its position known in a press statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala, and Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, following a recent video by popular Nigerian food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, in which he discussed the dangers of counterfeit products and made allegations linking Igbo traders to the trade.
FOSAD said while it acknowledges the seriousness of the problem of counterfeiting and condemns every form of such criminal activity, it rejects any narrative that portrays an entire ethnic group as responsible.
“Our attention has been drawn to a recent video by popular Nigerian food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, in which he discussed the dangers of counterfeit products and made allegations linking Igbo traders to the trade. While FOSAD acknowledges the seriousness of the problem and condemns every form of counterfeit production and distribution, we reject any narrative that portrays an entire ethnic group as responsible for criminal activities,” the group said.
According to FOSAD, the production and sale of fake drugs, adulterated drinks, contaminated food and substandard consumer products constitute serious threats to public health and national wellbeing, exposing innocent Nigerians to avoidable illnesses, injuries and deaths.
The forum stated that it therefore supports every lawful effort to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and businesses involved in these criminal activities, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or regional backgrounds.
However, it warned that the fight against counterfeit products must not become a platform for ethnic profiling and collective blame.
“The fight against counterfeit products must not become a platform for ethnic profiling, collective blame or the promotion of prejudice against the Igbo people. Allegations against particular individuals or businesses must not be generalized to an entire ethnic nationality. The misconduct of a trader, manufacturer or distributor cannot reasonably be used to condemn millions of people who have no connection with the alleged offences,” the statement read.
FOSAD described the tone and implications of Famakin’s remarks as troubling, noting that they reinforce ethnic profiling and risk deepening existing prejudices against Ndigbo.
The group stressed that public figures, including social commentators, influencers and content creators, must recognize the influence of their platforms and exercise greater responsibility when addressing sensitive national issues.
“Public figures, including social commentators, influencers and content creators, must recognize the influence of their platforms and exercise greater responsibility when addressing sensitive national issues,” it said.
While acknowledging that Famakin had stated that his criticism was directed at those involved in counterfeit production rather than the entire Igbo community, FOSAD maintained that such clarification must be accompanied by careful language that avoids reinforcing stereotypes.
“It is possible to condemn criminal conduct firmly without attributing collective guilt to an ethnic group,” the group noted.
The forum also cautioned against the use of inflammatory rhetoric that could be interpreted as hate speech or contribute to ethnic hostility, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than a justification for suspicion, discrimination and division.
“We therefore call on Famakin and other individuals who use public platforms to discuss criminal activities to desist from statements that could incite ethnic resentment or create disaffection among Nigerians. Criticism should be directed at identifiable conduct, supported by verifiable evidence, and expressed in language that promotes accountability rather than prejudice,” FOSAD said.
The academic body further called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to remain resolute in discharging its statutory responsibilities by strengthening surveillance, inspections, laboratory testing and enforcement against the manufacture, importation and distribution of fake and adulterated products.
“Where evidence establishes that particular individuals or businesses are involved in these activities, they should face the full consequences of the law. Such enforcement must be impartial and must not be influenced by ethnicity, political connections, commercial interests or regional considerations,” the group added.
FOSAD reiterated that protecting Nigerians from fake drugs, drinks, food and other harmful products is a collective responsibility and a public health imperative that demands cooperation among regulatory agencies, manufacturers, traders, consumer protection groups, the media and citizens.
“The Igbo people, like every other Nigerian ethnic group, comprise individuals with different occupations, values and conduct. No community should be collectively stigmatized because of the alleged wrongdoing of some of its members. Equally, no individual should be shielded from investigation or prosecution because of ethnic identity,” the forum stated.