Caption:Debola,son of ex- Gov.Senator Gbenga Daniel
KFC,the fast Food franchise has begged the government for mercy after its outlet at Muritala Muhammed Airport ,MMA,was shut down for discriminstion against Debola,a disabled son of ex- Governor Daniel.
Debola,Wheel chair bound ,it will be recalled was prevented from using the outlet of KFC.
This apology came after Nigerian authorities shut diam the outlet .
After news of the incident broke out on Wednesday, the discriminating branch at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos was promptly shut down by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
A statement by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director, of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, said that this was in connection with the discriminatory treatment received by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) at the airport on Wednesday from the outlet.
The statement said that the closing down of the company was in line with Lagos State Law on People with Special Needs, Part C, Section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination.
The statement hinted that Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director, FAAN, immediately intervened by deploying a management team comprising the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, the Regional Manager South West, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr. Kerri, to investigate the allegation of discrimination against the physically challenged traveller.
Orah emphasised that the shutting down of the facility at the MMIA, where the incident occurred, was based on the findings of the team deployed by FAAN to investigate the matter.
FAAN also directed the KFC management to tender an unreserved apology, in writing to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination written and pasted conspicuously at the doorpost of their facility at the airport before it would be allowed to resume operation.
“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected passenger with reduced mobility and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon,” the statement said.
Conforming with the directive to apologise, KFC issued a statement, saying”
“KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.
“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.
“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.
“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”
