Ooni Applaud Unveiling of Locally Sourced Tingo Cola, Tingo Electric Energy Drink

Olufemi Adeyemi

Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife Mariam Anako-Ogunwusi on Tuesday graced the launch of two beverages — Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric — at Tingo Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, on Tuesday reaffirmed the capability of Nigeria to lead the continent of Africa to compete healthily in the global market with standard goods particularly when it comes to carbonated drinks, beverages and its likes

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II described the launch of Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric energy drink as a dream come true, adding that the products will bring pride to Africa.

At an exclusive launch event, which was attended by captains of industry, media executives, senior government officials and traditional chiefs at Tingo Place, Lagos on Tuesday April 16, Ooni Ogunwusi congratulated Tingo BV Plc, makers of the beverages, on reaching a significant milestone for black-owned businesses.

L-R: Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; his wife Olori Mariam Ogunwusi; and Founder, Tingo Group, Dozy Mmobuosi, at the official unveiling of Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Drinks, in Lagos on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The Ooni, who served as the official host of the launch, noted that both Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric uphold local content principles. “Between 80 and 85 percent of the ingredients are locally sourced or manufactured in Nigeria. I’m very proud to say that this product is an exportable product that will meet any international standard all over the world,” he said.

Underscoring the fruitful collaboration that made these products possible, Founder of Tingo Foods, Dozi Mmobuosi, added that, "Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric represent not only a triumph of innovation but also a celebration of Nigerian ingenuity," adding that the team was "proud to showcase these exceptional beverages to the world and are deeply grateful for the support of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and all our esteemed guests."

Mmobuosi also hailed the plan by Tingo BV to distribute its products through Ojaja Malls, which is presently in two major cities and expanding to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as well as online platforms.

The Ooni, who is the Chairman of Tingo BV Plc, declared his staunch support for the Tingo drinks as the brand’s “number one ambassador” while promising to guard it towards success. “Today, I am telling the whole world that I have taken up the responsibility for these products because it is one of my passions. My dream was that one day I would be part of a team to design, conceptualize and put together a drink that would be the pride of not only Nigeria but the entire continent of Africa. Today, we celebrate the realization of that vision with Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Drinks,” he said.

Speaking in the same light, Ayoola Olaide; the Group Managing Director, Tingo Foods, explained that the products which are certified by concerned regulators in the country led by NAFDAC, are safe for consumption and beneficial to the entire body system with its uniqueness.

“For instance, the Tingo Cola is laced with Lemon flavor and other beautiful contents while we have others dignified with cucumber, cranberry and other natural ingredients. This amplifies our originality and stands us out in the highly competitive market.

“The peak of it is our father, the Ooni of Ife who has taken over and now taking the operations beyond what people used to know. Kabiyesi has recreated a new order through which excellence is assured.” Ayoola said.

In their separate testimonies, Dr. Reuben Abati (Veteran Journalist), Hon. Desmond Elliot (Lagos State Assembly Member) and other top personalities described the drinks as unique and perfect with no blemish whatsoever.

The event was attended by notable Yoruba Traditional Rulers and other dignitaries including the Nasarawa State governor, Alh. Abdullahi Sule represented by the state Anthony General, Abdul Kareem Abubakar Kana, The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, The Alara of Ilara -Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, The Ateyese of Aramoko Ekiti, HRH Olusegun Aderemi, The ERELU Oodua, Princess Dr. Abiola Dosumu, Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade (Iyalaje Oodua), ace broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati, member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, members of the Ife Royal family led by the Sooko Laekun, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi and a host of others.

The Tingo range of beverages will subsequently include more flavors, according to Tingo BV Plc. These varieties are Tingo Electra energy drink, Tingo Twist, Tingo Booze, Ojaja Bitters, and Ojaja Herbal Drinks, among others.