The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II on Tuesday reaffirmed that the capability of Nigeria to lead the continent of Africa to compete healthily in the global market with standard goods particularly when it comes to carbonated drinks, beverages and its likes.
Flanked by his queen, Olori Mariam Anako-Ogunwusi, the Ooni who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) made this known while unveiling Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric; a Flavoured Carbonated and Energy drinks respectively, produced by Tingo B.V. PLC; a spin off company from Ojaja Pan Africa Limited, explaining that Nigeria has a lot to offer the world.
“It has been my dream from childhood to have a brand that will satisfactorily produce quality drinks that will serve Nigerians, present the country as a leader in the African market and at the global stage.
“Currently, we have the license under which we are producing Tingo Cola, Tingo Electra, Tingo Twist (Cucumber and Cranberry) and Tingo Booze Fruit Mix. All these are produced and packaged in Nigeria with recourse to our values and standards. All to be properly integrated with Ojaja bitters, Orange, Lemon/Ginger/Orange drinks. Also most importantly, we should all work towards elevating our home grown brands instead of demarketing them. Ooni Ogunwusi said.
About his involvement in commercial activities through these products, Ooni Ogunwusi stressed that, “I have taken it upon myself to step into the market not as businessman but as a pathfinder who will show our people how to add value for international standard in production to distribution and consumption. It is new model which will be a win- win for everyone.
“This product is 100% made in Nigeria. This product is an exportable product that will be accepted anywhere in the world. It’s a dream come through and I knew that one day, I would be a part to an establishment the would design, conceptualise and produce a drink that would be fully the pride of Africa.
“With this, I am targeting a total of five million direct and indirect jobs for the youths particularly through retailing, recycling and other forms of distributorship fully driven by technology. The youths are the drivers of this initiative and we are determined to achieve this through a very unique proven technology and innovation. Under our Unified ecosystem of “dmore we are together, the happier we shall be”
Speaking in the same light, Ayoola Olaide; the Group Managing Director, Tingo Foods, explained that the products which are certified by concerned regulators in the country led by NAFDAC, are safe for consumption and beneficial to the entire body system with its uniqueness.
“For instance, the Tingo Cola is laced with Lemon flavor and other beautiful contents while we have others dignified with cucumber, cranberry and other natural ingredients. This amplifies our originality and stands us out in the highly competitive market.
“The peak of it is our father, the Ooni of Ife who has taken over and now taking the operations beyond what people used to know. Kabiyesi has recreated a new order through which excellence is assured.” Ayoola said.
In their separate testimonies, Dr. Reuben Abati (Veteran Journalist), Hon. Desmond Elliot (Lagos State Assembly Member) and other top personalities described the drinks as unique and perfect with no blemish whatsoever.
The event was attended by notable Yoruba Traditional Rulers and other dignitaries including the Nasarawa State governor, Alh. Abdullahi Sule represented by the state Anthony General, Abdul Kareem Abubakar Kana, The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, The Alara of Ilara -Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, The Ateyese of Aramoko Ekiti, HRH Olusegun Aderemi, The ERELU Oodua, Princess Dr. Abiola Dosumu, Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade (Iyalaje Oodua), ace broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati, member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, members of the Ife Royal family led by the Sooko Laekun, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi and a host of others.
