Ilorin – Prof. Saka Nuhu of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, says the consumption of cow skin, locally known as “Ponmo”, is not dangerous to human health.
Nuhu gave his opinion in Ilorin while fielding questions from newsmen on Monday.
He said that though eating Ponmo adds no nutritional value to man’s health, it does not have any negative effect on the body once it is perfectly boiled.
He, however, said that considering the economic implication, the consumption of Ponmo as meat substitute by most Nigerians may not be good enough.
“Cow skins can be processed into leather and subsequently into leather products such as shoes, wallets, leather jackets and other leather products,” he said.
The foremost professor of the Ilorin emirate, however, appealed to the government to enlighten citizens on the best way to make use of cow skins.
He added that in so doing, many job opportunities would be created for Nigerians, thus going on to boost the economy of the country.
The veterinarian also appealed to Nigerians to always keep a clean environment in order to prevent diseases, adding that a healthy environment is central to increasing the quality of life.
“I urge the government agencies in charge of maintaining healthy environment to always do their job diligently.
“They should make sure that the abattoirs in every part of the country are always clean so that Nigerians can consume healthy meat,” he said.
He also condemned the habit of consuming “junk foods”, especially by the youths, saying such food items kill faster than the known diseases.
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He flayed the practice of solving industrial disputes especially by medical practitioners through strikes.
Nevertheless, the don advised the government to make the welfare of medical doctors a priority in order to stem the tide of incessant trade disputes. (NAN)
