Yemisi Izuora
LG Electronics, a global leader in home and appliances, has reiterated its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility drives to develop solutions that positively impact the planet through its support of the growth and development of the cleaning industry.
General Manager, Home Appliances, LG Electronics, Mr Brian Kang, made the remarks at the two-day inaugural Clean Africa Show conference and exhibition, at the Landmark Centre with the theme: Positioning Africa’s Frabricare and Hygiene Industry for Excellence: Adopting World class Practices.
Kang noted that the cleaning industry is vital in maintaining public health, productivity and overall well-being.
“We recognize the importance of this sector and are dedicated to supporting its growth and development.
Let us come together to shape the future of cleaning technologies and create a more sustainable tomorrow.”
At the clean show, LG Electronics showcased its new innovative one-body form of laundry washing machine.”
LG also presented its state-of-the-art Residential Air Conditioners and living appliance lineups at the show.
LG’s modern design and advanced technology of the company’s latest appliances were exhibited while highlighting the personalized convenience they provide by adding ThinQ and smart pairing.”
In his address, Chairman, FPDA, Eniibukun Adebayo, noted that it is a new dawn for Africa’s fabric care and drycleaning industry.
Adebayo said the day was a twin program as the association was celebrating its first anniversary and also the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that promise to redefine the industry.
He noted that the advancements are not just milestones but stepping stones towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
Adebayo pointed out that the Cleanshow Africa Conference and Exhibition is a testament to the association’s collective commitment to progress and excellence.
“This event brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts from around the globe to showcase the latest advancements in fabric care technology, sustainable practices and business strategies.
It provides a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate and inspire each other to achieve greater heights.
“We celebrate not only the growth and achievements of the FPDA over the past year but also the unity and collaboration of industry professionals who share the common goal of elevating the standards and practices within the fabric care and drycleaning industry across Nigeria.”
He encouraged participants to take the opportunity to learn from each other, to build lasting connections and to embrace the future with optimism and determination, saying: “Together, we can transform the fabric care and dry-cleaning industry in Africa as we set new standards of excellence and sustainability.”
On his part, the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu who spoke on the topic, “The imperative of constructive feedback and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in the dry cleaning industry,” applauded the theme of the event, noting that the quest for excellence is unending.
He challenged the exhibitors to keep reinventing to become better.
Dwelling on his topic, Obegolu questioned the participants on how they resolved issues with customers.
“As we drive towards excellence, we must begin to ask ourselves that which is commonly found within our industry, which is customer disputes, customer complaints, how do we resolve them?”
He pointed out that today, the dry cleaning industry in Nigeria plays a significant role in meeting the demands of customers who seek professional care services in ensuring effective and customer-centric service delivery.
“Your industry, like every other industry, must embrace constructive feedback and discipline resolution mechanisms that meet the unique needs of the industry.”
Explaining, he said constructive feedback means or helps businesses understand customers’ needs so they can continuously improve on their customer service and address any of their shortcomings in areas that there may be need to.
He also emphasised the need for getting insurance cover over claims and damages of customer’s products.
So this conference provides us with a platform to discuss all this and fashion out ways to effectively deal with claims and customer complaints.
He noted that effective dispute resolution mechanisms are very essential as they provide a structured approach to resolving and addressing customer complaints, adding that it does not only help in maintaining customer trust and loyalty, but also mitigates the risk of negative publicity.
“Implementing a robust dispute resolution process ensures that conflicts are handled promptly and fairly, thereby upholding the reputation of your business.
“In an industry where personal belongings are involved, people value their items of fashion.
So where personal belongings are involved, the ability to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently is a key determinant of success and long-term customer relationships.
The Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chinyere Almona believes that the clean industry sector contributes significantly to the economy of Nigeria, and facilitates business across other sectors.
She said it was laudable to attract attention to the investments in the sector.
Almona advised players in the sector to understand that they can’t play small anymore and that they needed to expand, “they need to grow, they need to professionalize even their little establishments for the growth that is coming.
“Because as you attract attention in this direction and investments come looking for you, you have to be ready.”
She urged the practitioners to join the chamber so that their voices can be heard over issues bedevilling the sector.
“At the chamber, we have about 26 sectoral groups, because we believe in capacity building and advocacy, as there are some things that you can do alone as a small business.
That means that this sector needs to build critical mass within the chamber so that you have a strong sector for yourself because that’s the way you can appropriately engage with governments and speak with one strong voice over policies affecting the sector.
“You have a right to speak, but sometimes as a small business, you can’t stand up and speak against something that the regulator has put out there.”
President, the Cleaning Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CPAN), Tunde Ayeye, told the exhibitors that they owe themselves the duty of making the best of the profession.
On the size of the cleaning industry which he said was $5 billion, he charged the players to understand and come together to create structure, form and order to lay a foundation for the future.
He reiterated the commitment of CPAN to join hands with the fabric care association to take the frontiers of the hygiene industry forward.