Olúyẹmí Fásípè

With deep gratitude and humility, I formally acknowledge my appointment by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. @LuckyAiyedatiwa, as the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA). I am deeply grateful to my Principal for the confidence and trust reposed in me. For me, this is more than a title. It is a responsibility to the people of Ondo State and an opportunity to contribute to a fairer marketplace where consumers are protected and businesses can compete, operate and grow. I will approach this assignment with fairness, transparency, accountability and professionalism, while respecting the rule of law. To everyone who has celebrated with me, called, prayed and sent messages, thank you. Your goodwill means a great deal to me. Most importantly, I return all glory to God. There is work to be done. And I am ready to serve. Oluyemi Fasipe (Yemie Fash) Executive Chairman, ODCCPA

Today is undoubtedly my best day at work so far! Just a few days after officially resuming as the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA), the Ondo State House of Assembly passed the Ondo State Consumer Protection Bill, 2026, which was subsequently assented to by the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Today, I received an official copy of the law establishing the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency and providing for other matters connected therewith. This represents a major milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen consumer protection, promote fair competition and ensure that the rights and interests of consumers are protected across Ondo State. It is a significant step forward, and I am grateful to be part of this historic journey. The work has only just begun!

I received the Ondo State Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), led by its State Coordinator, Bishop Prophet Adesegun Owolabi, on a courtesy visit to my office today. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest, particularly the intersection between human rights and consumer protection, the promotion of fair competition, and the need to protect citizens from exploitative business practices. I appreciate the delegation for their thoughtful engagement and commend IHRC for recognising the importance of consumer protection as an essential part of safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens. I look forward to a fruitful working relationship with the International Human Rights Commission in Ondo State.

There is nothing wrong with correcting people when they make mistakes, but when you only show up to criticise, condemn and point out what they have done wrong, yet never acknowledge or applaud them when they get things right, then something is definitely wrong with you. Some people will watch you get 99 things right and ignore all of them, only to make noise about the one thing you got wrong. At that point, it is no longer about correction. You simply have a problem with that person. Not everyone who criticises you wants you to grow. Some people are just uncomfortable seeing you get things right.

As you begin another business week, remember that profit should never come at the expense of public safety or consumer rights. Producing fake and substandard products, manipulating expiry dates, underfilling packages or misleading consumers is not entrepreneurship; it is exploitation. Every business has a responsibility to maintain quality standards, comply with regulations and ensure that consumers get value for their money. At ODCCPA, we understand that consumer protection goes beyond public enlightenment. It requires continuous market surveillance, routine inspections, investigation of complaints and firm enforcement of the law. We will continue to strengthen our monitoring mechanisms and take appropriate action against businesses found violating the law. Our goal is to promote a marketplace where honesty, accountability, fair competition and consumer safety are non-negotiable. Do legitimate business, respect consumer rights and play by the rules.

On today’s episode of Sunday Uncomfortable Conversation, let’s address a reality many people enjoy but rarely want to discuss: Collecting money from someone you know you will never date! Let’s get one thing straight: accepting money, gifts or financial support from someone does not automatically mean you owe them affection, intimacy or a relationship. Nobody should feel entitled to your body or romantic attention simply because they have been financially supportive. However, knowingly entertaining someone’s romantic expectations, making them believe there is a future when you know there isn’t, simply because of the financial benefits, is dishonest and exploitative. There is nothing wrong with receiving from someone who genuinely wants to give, but there is everything wrong with deliberately manipulating someone’s emotions for personal gain. Let generosity remain generosity, not a tool for emotional blackmail, and let honesty remain the foundation of every interaction. You don’t owe anyone love because they gave you money, but you owe people honesty about your intentions.

Please bring the proposal to the agency so we can review it and discuss further. Thanks.

One of the reasons I wrote The Voices of Ondo was to acknowledge that nobody's story is entirely their own. We are shaped by people, places, experiences and moments that leave lasting impressions on our lives. As I serve at ODCCPA, I am reminded that the impact of our lives should also be measured by the people we stand up for, the institutions we strengthen and the positive changes we leave behind.

Under the leadership and clear directive of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, ODCCPA is set to fully discharge its statutory mandate of protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and ensuring accountability in the marketplace. As Executive Chairman, I am committed to executing this mandate with firmness, courage and unwavering dedication to the people of Ondo State. This is a new era, and it is certainly not business as usual. Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers involved in the production, distribution or sale of fake, counterfeit, adulterated, expired and substandard products, as well as those who manipulate measurements, engage in deceptive pricing or exploit unsuspecting consumers, should take this as a clear and serious warning. The agency will exercise its statutory powers in accordance with the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026, duly passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency, the Governor. Investigations, appropriate regulatory sanctions, sealing of offending premises where authorised by law, and prosecution through the appropriate legal process will form part of our enforcement actions. There will be no sacred cows, no preferential treatment and no immunity based on wealth, status or connections. Every business operating in Ondo State must comply with the law. The new sheriff is here. The mandate is clear, the authority is established, and the political will to protect the people is unwavering. Ondo State is open for legitimate businesses, not commercial exploitation. You are free to make profit, but you are not free to endanger lives, deceive consumers or violate their rights. Under my watch, ODCCPA will be visible, decisive, firm and uncompromising in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities. We will enforce the law without fear or favour. The consumer must come first.

Today, I attended the maiden meeting of the Forum of Chairmen of Boards, Agencies and Commissions in Ondo State. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow heads of government institutions, exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss ways to strengthen institutional effectiveness, improve service delivery and advance the development agenda of our dear state. I look forward to meaningful collaborations, stronger institutional relationships and collective efforts towards delivering on the mandate entrusted to us by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Yesterday, I led the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) at a stakeholder engagement with business operator and trade associations attended by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun. The engagement also had representatives of key regulatory and security agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting our consumer protection efforts. I disclosed the deployment of two environmental sanitation officers to each of the 18 Local Government Areas to strengthen market surveillance and identify fake, expired and substandard products. I charged manufacturers, distributors and traders to uphold ethical business practices, maintain transparency and prioritise public safety. Let me be clear: ODCCPA will engage, educate, monitor and enforce. Any business operator found endangering lives through fake, expired or substandard products will face the full weight of the law. Consumer protection is not negotiable. Public safety comes first.

Every product on a market shelf has a responsibility attached to it. Every manufacturer, distributor and trader has a role to play in protecting the final consumer. We cannot build a safe marketplace where businesses prioritise profit over human lives. The fight against fake, counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products cannot be won by government alone. It requires the active participation of everyone in the business value chain. Tomorrow's stakeholder engagement is an opportunity to reset expectations, strengthen collaboration and establish a common commitment to responsible business practices in Ondo State. Your attendance is important. Be there!

The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) hereby invites business owners, manufacturers, distributors, traders and relevant trade associations to a stakeholder engagement on the fight against fake, counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products in Ondo State. The engagement aims to foster collaboration, strengthen compliance and communicate the Ondo State Government’s position on the production, distribution and sale of unsafe and counterfeit products. The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and ensuring that businesses operate within the provisions of the law. Date: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Venue: SITA Hall, Alagbaka, Akure. ODCCPA: Safeguarding Consumer Rights.

On today’s episode of sunday uncomfortable conversation, I want to ask a question many people may find difficult to answer: Why Do We Celebrate People More When They Die Than When They Are Alive? Why do we wait until people are gone before acknowledging their contributions, sacrifices and impact? Someone can spend years supporting others, making a difference and adding value to people’s lives, yet receive little recognition. But the moment they die, everyone suddenly remembers how exceptional they were. Are we genuinely appreciating people, or have we become too comfortable taking their presence for granted? Why do we wait until funerals to say the beautiful things we could have said when they were alive? Do we truly appreciate people, or do we only realise their value when we lose them? Give people their flowers while they are alive.

Happy birthday, @Mr_JAGs, God bless your new age, brother.