Organisers of the Consumers Value Awards (CVA) said the platform has recorded over 38,000 votes and engagements, with more than 500 brands nominated, since its inception, five years ago.
Disclosing this at this year’s edition of the awards, held in Lagos, convener of the awards, Mr Akonte Ekine, described the figures as representing the increasing confidence of the public, especially the consumers, in the Awards, since it allows them pick and recognise the brands of their choices.
He explained that the awards, organised by BrandXchange, a consumer-focused brand and reputation platform, were founded on the belief that consumers and citizens deserve a stronger voice in the marketplace and in the delivery of public services.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, congratulated the organisers for creating a platform that allows consumers pick the brands that have earned their trusts over the year.
Sanwoolu, who was represented by the General Manager, General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo, who also stood in for the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, described customer satisfaction as no longer sufficient, stressing the importance of trust, empathy, accessibility and sustainability in defining value.
He stated that today’s consumer represents a buyer and curator, whose choices are increasingly shaped by access to information, social media and economic realities.
A major highlight of this year’s awards is the Citizens’ Scorecard, through which participating citizens assessed selected government institutions on their service delivery, responsiveness and public impact.
Another major highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Sola Salako- Ajulo Award for Consumer Reporting Journalism, won by the Brand Editor of the Nigerian Tribune, Akin Adewakun.
The award , named after Sola Salako Ajulo, a prominent consumer rights advocate and long-standing mentor to the Consumers Value Awards, recognises journalism that contributes to consumer awareness and strengthens the voice of consumers in the marketplace.