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Debo Omilani has been practicing journalism for about seven years. He is a committedand dedicated journalist with a passion for reporting newsworthy events without bias.
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The Lagos State Government on Thursday destroyed a truckload of toxic “ponmo” which was seized a few days ago at Ijegun by the Igando/Ikotun Police Command.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, made this known at the Medical Dumpsite, Ewu Elepe, Ikorodu, where the destruction of the toxic Ponmo took place.
Dr. Onasanya, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Dr. Adeyemi Michael Olufemi, reiterated that the state government would continue to apprehend importers of toxic and unwholesome products into the country and will prosecute the perpetrators of such criminal acts.
He further explained that the cowhide had been prepared with formalin and slate lime which is carcinogenic (can cause cancer), therefore unfit for human consumption.
While noting that the hide was supposed to be used as leather but was imported by unscrupulous people as consumable “ponmo”, Onasanya encouraged the public to report any suspicious and unwholesome product to the government for appropriate action.
He revealed that information available indicates that there are more unscrupulous elements involved in the dubious activities of selling the toxic ponmo mostly in the Ikotun and Igando axis, adding that the Police are already on their trail and that they would soon be apprehended.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated the support of other agencies such as the Primary Health Care Board, Lagos State Waste Management Authority and other agencies of government in the destruction of the poisonous “ponmo”.
This post was written by Debo Omilani.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.