Sterling Bank Plc has apologized to the public for putting up a post that compared the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the rise of Agege bread on its social media page and subscribers’ mail.
In celebrating Easter, the bank had shared a post with the quote, “Like Agege Bread, He Rose” which met serious reprisal by many Christians.
Describing the post as one that is insensitive and insulting to Christians, social media users demanded that the post be brought down immediately and an apology be tendered by the bank.
What the bank is saying
In their reaction, the bank pulled down the post on its social media page, replacing it with another post and tendered an apology.
Referencing the Bible verse, John 8:7, it quoted on its new post, “…Let he who has never sin cast the first stone” whilst stressing that it sincerely apologises for its recent error.
“Forgive us in the spirit of easter!” It added.
Emphasizing on the post, it wrote, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. We humbly celebrate His resurrection, the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.”
What people are saying about the apology message
A user identified as @Macsaltech said, “Its okay you acted on the feedback even though the header in the apology seem coloured and quite cheeky. May we all experience the blessings of the resurrection of CHRIST as we celebrate Easter!”
@Oyoyonwa said “Seriously? Let him who has not sinned cast the first stone? And this is suppossed to be some kind of apology ? Who approves these things?”
@Willifmoore said, “I really liked that copy with the bread, and I think it speaks more to African self-hate that we consider a “local” bread somehow unworthy of serving as a metaphor for the same Jesus that came to liberate the masses (locals). I bet you if it said ‘after three days in the oven, he rose’ – no one would complain. It is the mention of Agege causing all this uproar and I think Jesus himself wouldn’t have been nearly as offended as Nigerians. But alas, copies are aimed for market-fit and not audience education. I also felt bread referencing money and the bread of life was a nice memetic touch too. But oh well, respect for the response and listening to your audience even if it is a tyranny of majority.”
@unicodeveloper said, “Agege bread is actually an affordable meal. And in this reference, it’s great because Jesus came down to make salvation affordable & accessible to all of us. We have Jesus now because he’s the real Agege bread. If classism was involved, only the Levites will have access.”
If you want to apologize. apologize without any qualification. Did you “sin” because others sinned first.
KUDOS! to @Oyoyonwa and @unicodeveloper for the more enlightened take on the advert. Doubt Jesus was as contemptible of bread when he fed multitudes with it.
Why must they sent it before reading it
that was very insensitive of them to post that and if someone is to post something like that about mohammud their prophet it will be a whole diffrent story.