Eze Cyril Ogbenna, the traditional leader of Uzi Amizi in Umuahia South, Abia State, has voiced significant concern regarding the widespread distribution of imitation honey throughout Nigerian markets. He highlighted that this issue endangers consumer health and compromises the reputation of legitimate beekeepers.
Speaking during National Urban Beekeeping Day, the monarch noted that fraudulent honey products often contain additives that cause severe organ damage. He urged organizations like NAFDAC to heighten market surveillance and aggressively prosecute those manufacturing counterfeit goods. He specifically denounced the deceptive practice where sellers place dead bees into containers of artificial syrup to mimic authentic products.
Eze Ogbenna advised the public to buy only from verified sources and registered cooperatives to help eliminate dishonest vendors and reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related organ failure. He also highlighted beekeeping as a viable, sustainable career path for Nigerian youth that benefits both the economy and the environment.