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FG Proposes Ban On ‘Ponmo,’ Consumers Kick

Published

3 years ago

September 24, 2022

Some Nigerians have kicked against the proposed plan by the Federal Government to ban the consumption of cooked cow skin, popularly known as ponmo.

Recall that the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria, Prof. Muhammad Yakubu, recently said the institute and other stakeholders would be approaching the National Assembly and state governments to establish a legislation to ban the consumption of the cow skin.

According to him, the decision is aimed at reviving the moribund tanneries and leather industry in the country.

He said it had no nutritional value and should be proscribed to save the industry and boost the nation’s economy.

However, some consumers, traders and experts who spoke to our correspondent in separate interviews, said banning ponmo would further increase economic hardship on the poor masses.

A consumer, Rukayat Ishola said she was substituting beef and fish with ponmo as a result of the high cost of the protein.

She said, “Personally, I like ponmo. It’s something many of us eat now since meat and fish are costly. It’s also good for elderly people. If you have N200, you will buy ponmo which can serve five people whereas the least you can get is beef that will be N1,000 and it’s just five pieces or less.

“If the government decides to ban it, they want to inflict hunger on the people because the person that does not have money for meat will buy ponmo. I buy in large quantities, fry and keep it for cooking later, and sometimes, my children take it to school.”

Another consumer based in Ibadan, Titilayo Oyinlola, also said, “I will advise them not to ban it because a lot of us can’t do without eating it, not only because we enjoy it but because it saves money.

“For example, I came to this market to buy things, my initial plan was to buy N2,000 fish, but when I saw the size of fish they offered me, I had to change my mind. So, I decided to buy two Titus fish at N700 each then and one ponmo at N300, making a total of N1,700. My brother, things are tough and one needs to work with budget.”

A caterer and Chief Executive Officer of Bimras Catering Services, Rasaq Balikis, said when planning for events, it was advisable to mix ponmo with meat or fish in order to save cost.

“Most occasions, if you don’t garnish vegetables with ponmo and dried fish, people don’t like it. People want to feel a different taste when eating vegetables and this is what ponmo and dried fish does.

“It also helps with cost reduction when planning for events because instead of serving two meats, you can serve one ponmo, one meat or fish.

“Assuming you are having a party and you bought a meat of N100,000, if you realise that it’s not enough, you can buy one bag of ponmo which is around 60 pieces to substitute it and it will be okay. So, banning it will affect Nigerians a lot,” she added.

Another caterer, Fatimah Sulaiman, stressed that eating cow skin was mostly required by the elderly people, adding that medical doctors would always recommend it for the elderly people who were at risk of eating beef.

She maintained that such banning would leave such people with no alternative.

On his part, Kabiru Agbon, a cow skin trader, said banning the consumption of ponmo would mean taking away his livelihood.

“Ponmo, as far as I know, is for eating; there is the white one they call bokoto. Why will the government want to ban this now? Don’t you know banning it is an attempt to cause problems and taking away the source of income of many of us? It’s just not possible.”

In the same vein, the Chairman, Butcher and Meat Sellers Association, Bola Ige International Market, Ibadan, Ishola Olalekan, stated that any attempt to ban the consumption of cow skin would not only affect the consumers, but also take away jobs from some Nigerians.

“In olden days, cow skin was mainly used by our fathers for praying mats and some other leather forms. No one ate it before but when civilization set in, people began to process it for consumption. Now that lots of Nigerians are eating it and it has become a daily job for many, banning it will have an effect on a lot of people.

“There are people that depend on the processing and another set in charge of the sales before you now talk about those consuming it. What will they be doing after the ban,” Olalekan queried.

An expert and dietician at Diadem Nutrition and Dietic Consult, Queen Orji, said banning ponmo to revitalise the leather industry is not justifiable, stressing that though it did not contain protein, it served many Nigerians as food.

According to her, the ban of the food item, which is used by people from the eastern and western part of the country, is an attempt to deny the majority of poor people the opportunity of having the cheap cow skin.

“Ponmo is cheap and affordable, and for many, eating it with food is more like they have taken beef. Though it doesn’t add any protein or fat to the consumers, people enjoy it. I’m sure if they ban it, many people will not be happy,” Orji said.
PUNCH

News

Full List: FG Releases Names Of 68 ambassadorial Nominees Sent To Senate For Confirmation

Published

7 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a list of 68 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for approval, signalling a major reshuffle of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

The list, read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comprises 34 career diplomats, 31 non-career appointees, and three candidates previously cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The President is seeking swift confirmation to enable Nigeria to fill several key foreign missions.

According to the letter, the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation and reposition its diplomatic engagements. The Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to screen the nominees and submit a report within one week.

Among the non-career nominees are former Chief of Naval Staff and ex–Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), former presidential aide Ita Enang, former Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim, and former Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.).

Others include former Lagos Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, former Edo lawmaker Abbasi Brahma, media personality Reno Omokri, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and former Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.

The career nominees, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, are serving diplomats and senior foreign service officers recommended for ambassadorial postings.

The appointments follow ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to bolster Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and ensure representation in critical foreign missions.

The full list, as transmitted by the President, includes nominees for all states, with details of career and non-career appointments as well as the three candidates cleared earlier by the Senate Committee.

CAREER AMBASSADORS (34)

1. Abia – Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka

2. Adamawa – Maimuna Ibrahim

News

9 Common Resume Mistakes Graduates Make – And How To Avoid Them

Published

7 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

Graduates entering today’s job market face intense competition, and the first challenge is often getting their resume noticed.
Many employers spend only a few seconds scanning each application, which means even small mistakes can cost candidates valuable opportunities. Unfortunately, a large number of graduates unknowingly submit resumes that are poorly structured, unfocused, or not aligned with the roles they’re targeting.

Understanding the most common resume errors is the first step toward creating a document that truly reflects your strengths and potential. This guide by the experts at ResumeWriterDen highlights these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Using a Generic Resume for Every Job

Many graduates make the mistake of using one generic resume to apply for every job. Recruiters can easily spot a one-size-fits-all application, and it often signals a lack of genuine interest in the role.
Each position has unique requirements, preferred skills, and keywords that employers expect to see. When your resume doesn’t reflect these details, it becomes less relevant and may be filtered out early in the process.

To avoid this, graduates should tailor their resume for each application by aligning their skills, achievements, and summary with the job description. Personalization consistently increases interview chances.

Mistake #2: Overloading the Resume With Personal Information

Most graduates mistakenly believe that adding plenty of personal details makes their resume look complete, but it actually distracts employers and wastes valuable space.

Information like age, state of origin, religion, marital status, or home address adds no value to your application and may even introduce unconscious bias.
Recruiters care about your skills, education, and achievements, not personal details that don’t relate to the job. A professional resume writer ensures your resume remain strictly professional and focused on what you bring to the role.
How to Avoid It: Keep personal information minimal and stick to contact details, location (city only), and professional links.

Mistake #3: Poor Resume FormattingMistake #3: Poor Resume Formatting

A lot of graduates underestimate how much resume formatting affects first impressions. Recruiters often skim documents in seconds, so a cluttered layout, unusual fonts, or inconsistent spacing can make your resume look unprofessional or difficult to read.
Poor formatting also confuses Applicant Tracking Systems, causing important details to be missed. A clean structure helps your strengths stand out quickly.
To avoid this mistake, use a simple, modern layout with clear headings, consistent spacing, and readable fonts. Keep sections well-organized and avoid unnecessary graphics. Good formatting doesn’t just improve appearance — it increases your chances of getting noticed.

Mistake #4: Not Highlighting Relevant Skills

Most graduates either list too many unrelated skills or fail to showcase the ones employers actually care about.
Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for specific skills that match the job description, so a generic list weakens your chances. Instead of filling the skills section with every tool or software you’ve ever used, focus on abilities that align directly with the role. Prioritize skills that demonstrate problem-solving, communication, technical proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge. Through presenting the right strengths clearly, you make it easier for employers to immediately see your value.

Mistake #5: Weak or Vague Career Summary

Several jobseekers and graduates fill their resumes with generic statements like “Hardworking and motivated” without showing real value.
A weak summary fails to grab an employer’s attention and doesn’t communicate why the candidate is a strong fit. Recruiters often spend seconds scanning this section, so vague phrases are easily overlooked.
How to Avoid It: Craft a concise, results-oriented summary that highlights your key skills, achievements, and career goals. For example, instead of generic words, describe your expertise, relevant experience, and what you bring to a prospective employer.

Mistake #6: Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

The error of simply listing what they did in previous roles or internships, rather than highlighting what they accomplished is common amongst many graduates. For example, stating “Handled customer inquiries” is vague and unimpressive. Employers want to see results, impact, and measurable contributions.
How to Avoid It: Frame experiences as achievements using action verbs and quantifiable outcomes. Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write “Increased social media engagement by 30% in three months through targeted campaigns.” This approach demonstrates value and sets your resume apart from the competition.

Mistake #7: Typos and Grammar Errors

Underestimating how critical a flawless resume should be is common among graduates. Even minor typos or grammatical mistakes can make a candidate appear careless or unprofessional, often causing hiring managers to discard the resume immediately.
Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each application, so errors stand out instantly.
How to Avoid It: Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider using grammar tools like Grammarly. Asking a friend or a professional to review it can also catch mistakes you might overlook. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

Mistake #8: Making the Resume Too Long
Many fresh graduates think more is better, but overly long resumes can actually hurt their chances.
Recruiters often skim resumes in seconds, so unnecessary details bury key achievements. Including every course, internship, or extracurricular activity makes the document cluttered and hard to read.
How to Avoid It: Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills. One well-structured page is usually enough for a graduate.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your value, and remove anything that doesn’t directly support your application. Concise resumes leave a stronger, more memorable impression.

Mistake #9: Not Including Keywords for ATS

This is highly underestimated. Many graduates don’t realize that most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them.
If your resume lacks the right keywords such as relevant skills, job titles, or industry terms, it may be automatically filtered out, no matter how qualified you are. To avoid this, carefully review each job description and include the exact terms employers use.

According to experts at https://www.resumewriterden.com tailoring your resume with targeted keywords significantly increases the chances of passing ATS filters and landing interviews.

Final Thoughts
A well-crafted resume can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Graduates should avoid common mistakes, tailor their content, and highlight achievements clearly.
For those seeking expert guidance, executive resume writers can provide the structure and insight needed to stand out in a competitive job market. Remember, your resume is often the first impression an employer has: make every word count.
(GUARDIAN)

News

Food Security: 14,000 Smallholder Farmers To Benefit From N4bn Smart Agriculture Training In Bauchi

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Editor

The Heineken Africa Foundation, through Nigerian Breweries Plc is investing N4 billion to train 14,000 smallholder farmers on smart agriculture across seven Local Government Areas of Bauchi state for three years.

Mr Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, Head of Public, External and Government Affairs, Nigerian Breweries Plc, disclosed this in Bauchi on Thursday during the official Launch of the ‘empowerment of Smallholder farmers to thrive and build climate resilience through regenerative agriculture’.

Aniukwu, who explained that the foundation is in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), added that the investment builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene across Africa.

“Our decision to invest in Bauchi is both deliberate and strategic. Bauchi is home to resilient, resourceful, and industrious smallholder farmers whose contributions are essential to Nigeria’s food security.

“The strength of your farming communities, combined with the natural potential of this land, gives us confidence that meaningful and lasting impact can take root here. We are here because we believe in the people of Bauchi.

“This project is designed to strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, by enhancing their capacity to generate sustainable income.

“It will deliver training, access to quality inputs, stronger market linkages, and opportunities across the agricultural value chain,” he said.

Also, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, Executive Director, Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), explained that the farmers would receive hands-on training through Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots in.

According to him, out of the 14,000 smallholder farmers, 60 per cent were women and 40 per cent of youth.

The farmers, he said, would also be trained on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, crop diversification and post-harvest handling, among others.

“The project supports the restoration and protection of natural resources by promoting regenerative farming that rebuilds soil fertility, efficient water management and irrigation practices, and adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties.

“We are here to make smallholder farmers big players and our target is to increase incomes by at least 30 per cent, but our dream is bigger.

“This programme spans seven Local government areas of Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki, and Gamawa. Women and youth are not an afterthought, they are at the heart of this intervention because the future of agriculture depends on their strength, creativity, and leadership,” he said.

The Executive Director commended the Bauchi state government for its partnership, support and provision of an enabling environment and promised that the programme would be effectively implemented.

In his address, Mr Iliyasu Gital, Bauchi state’s Commissioner for Agriculture commended the foundation for bringing the programme to the state and expressed the state government’s commitment to support the training in every capacity.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the gesture, adding it would transform agriculture and encourage productivity towards achieving food security in the country.

Maimunatu Sani, a farmer, who had benefited from the programme in Kano state, said that she learnt how to recycle farm residues and transform it into an effective organic fertilizer, calling smallholder farmers in the state to key into the programme.

She said she acquired practical skills to improve her farming activities and increase output.

Another farmer from Kano, Mama Mairam, said the introduction of new techniques assisted farmers to significantly reduce wastage and increase yields per hectare.