By Ingram Osigwe
Nigeria’s leading Indigenous households manufacturing company, Evans Industries Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of Ekulo Group of companies, has launched its latest luxury soap, Idole Lightening Exfoliating Soap range to the Nigerian market.
Held at the prestigious Marriott Hotel Ikeja, the ambiance was electrifying. It was an evening of panache and glamour as gaily dressed, quintessentially beautiful ushers swarmed the arena to make sure guests were comfortable and served their choice of drinks and finger foods.
The product unveiling and launch were kicked off with a welcome address by the General Manager of Evans Industries, Engr. Dan Nwaiwu. He expressed gratitude to the guests for squeezing out time to grace the occasion.
According to Engr. Nwaiwu, Evan’s quest to enrich and dominate the luxury soap sector in Nigeria necessitated the company’s decision to partner with the original owners of the brand, Jarbones of Spain, to manufacture it at Evans Industries.
He stated that Evan’s watchword was quality, hence “we have invested time, effort, and resources to ensure that our facility is equipped with the latest technology and adheres to the highest quality standard with ISO 9001-2015, allowing us not only to meet but surpass the expectations of our consumers on an international stage.”
Essentially, Ekulo Group has been the franchise holder of the brand in Nigeria but in a bid to expand employment opportunities in Nigeria and cement Foreign-Direct Investment, it decided to partner with the parent company to begin the production of the soap first time outside Spain.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Ekulo Group, Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo said he was committed to exploring ways to end unemployment in Nigeria.
The business mogul expressed his resolve to continue to make available to Nigerians, quality luxury products that can favorably compete with foreign brands.
“As our companies’ motto clearly states, “We are proud of Nigeria and we want Nigeria to be proud of us”.
I’m glad to note that not only Nigeria but the global community is proud of us, and we are extremely proud to be Nigerians. This is why it gladdens my heart whenever I travel to Europe and America and see Ekulo products, especially our cosmetics brands, on the shelves.
“It is an honor to note that goods manufactured in Nigeria have such global acceptance”, Sir Okokwo said.
The Ekulo boss was full of effusive praises for Evans distributors whom he described as loyal partners. He assured them of all-round production, an unbroken supply chain, and increased incentives.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Jabones Pardo, Mr. Ramon Pardo, said he was elated that Idole soap was a widely accepted brand in Nigeria. He expressed delight that his company was partnering with Ekulo to have the soap produced in Nigeria, saying that was the first time the product would be manufactured outside of Spain.
According to him, one of the factors that played a role in his company’s decision to partner with Ekulo to produce the brand in Nigeria was the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy with rich market potential.
Pardo also cited Nigeria’s stringent regulatory measures as a reason for partnering with Ekulo for the production of Idole soap in the country. He gave kudos to SON and NAFDAC for their unwavering effort in ensuring product standardization in Nigeria.
After the unveiling and launch, the Export Manager of Jabones Pardo, Reuben Pardo who is the fourth generation Pardo, said they were glad to partner with Ekulo. He disclosed that Jarbones started in 1927 and has remained formidable since then, a feat he attributed to good management and administration.
The event attracted a galaxy of industry stakeholders and captains of industry across the country.
Senior managers from NAFDAC and SON attended the product launch, a pointer to the fact that Ekulo and its subsidiaries are regulations compliant in the production of their products.
The colorful event was capped up with a vote of thanks delivered by the Group Head, Commercials, Evans Industries, Anselem Ikeotuonye. Ikeotuonye was full of praise for distributors, who came from the six geographical zones of the country to grace the event.
He also thanked guests and all those who contributed to making the event a huge success.
Besides other guests, dignitaries from the Ekulo Group who graced the event include the wife of Sir Emma Bishop, Lady Ngozi Okonkwo, Director, Ekulo Group of Companies, Chief Sunny Okonkwo, Directors of Evans Industries Ltd, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo and Mr Frank Okonkwo. GM, Ekulo Group, Mr. Joseph Okonkwo, Marketing Manager Ekulo Group of Companies, Mr Emeka Oramadike, Mrs Blessilda-Head of research, Evans Industries Ltd.
Other notable guests include Sir Orji Okoye and Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuka.
Notedly, aside Idole Soap range, Evans Industries manufactures other brands like the Hawaii whitening soap Range, Eva Complexion Soap Range, Blossom Soap Range, Unik Four Seasons soap, and Meditol Medicated and Antiseptic soaps.
Meanwhile, industry watchers think that the Ekulo Group deserves commendation for standing firm and expanding the frontiers of product manufacturing at a time when indigenous companies are shutting down and multinationals are exiting the country all due to an adverse business environment.
– Ingram Osigwe is the MD of Full Page Communications Ltd.