COVID-19: Funke Akindele Not Our Brand Ambassador, Says NCDC

Femi Ashekun/

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has distanced itself from Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, after she reportedly contravened the lockdown order in Lagos by hosting a house party.

The actress had reportedly organised a party at her residence in Lekki yesterday to celebrate her husband’s, AbdulRasheed Bello, birthday.

She was arrested and detained by the police this evening, while her husband and other guests at the party have been asked to turn themselves in latest by tomorrow.

Members of the public have been berating the actress, who is believed to be a COVID-19 campaign ambassador for the NCDC, after she appeared in adverts for the agency and Dettol, calling on Nigerians to observe social distancing and hygiene.

But the NCDC in a tweet via @NCDCgov, denied appointing anyone as brand ambassador for the COVID-19 campaign.

The agency tweeted, “As an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, NCDC has not engaged brand ambassadors as part of our response to #COVID19.

“We continue to emphasise that all Nigerians maintain #socialdistancing to prevent the spread of #COVID19StayHomeStaySafe.”

Also, the company that sponsored the campaign advert, Dettol Nigeria, has expressed concern over the reported actions of the actress.

The company in a series tweet via @DettolNigeria, reiterated the fact that the actress is not a brand ambassador of the NCDC.

The company tweeted, “We have been made aware through social media that Funke Akindele recently, acting in her personal capacity, had a celebration which is against the caution to the public on social distancing during the covid-19 pandemic.

“The NCDC partnered with Dettol on a public service message to educate our communities about preventive measures against COVID-19. Funke is not a brand ambassador of the NCDC.

“As a responsible organization and brand Dettol does not condone any breach of the guidelines on Covid-19. As an organization we are concerned at the turn of events.

“We will continue to support NCDC and the Nigerian govt to fight COVID-19.”

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