FG Warns That Ponmo Consumption Threatens Nigeria’s $5 Billion Leather Industry

The Federal Government has raised alarms over the growing consumption of hides and skins, commonly known as ponmo, warning that it threatens Nigeria’s $5 billion leather industry. At the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo held on Thursday in Abuja, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, highlighted how diverting hides for food deprives local industries of crucial raw materials needed for leather production and export. “The Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033,” Ikemounso said. “The continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.” He described cowhides as one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials, with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP. Globally, the leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with the right policies, infrastructure, and raw material supply, Nigeria could significantly expand its share. Ikemounso clarified that the campaign is not aimed at opposing cultural practices or personal dietary choices but is intended to channel hides and skins toward productive industrial use for the nation’s benefit. “This campaign is a strategic intervention to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification,” he said. The DG also warned of serious health risks associated with ponmo, noting that it offers little nutritional value, being mostly collagen with negligible protein or micronutrients. He further cautioned that many hides used for consumption are treated with harmful chemicals such as formalin and diesel, which can cause organ damage and increase cancer risk. “From a nutritional perspective, ponmo offers very little value. More worrisome, many hides processed for consumption are subjected to harmful substances such as formalin and diesel, posing serious health risks, including organ damage and higher cancer risk,” he added. The government’s campaign aims to protect both public health and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s leather industry.

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Three Nigerians Arrested In Kenya Over Alleged Cyber Fraud

Three Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Mwaliko Estate, Mwea Town, Kenya, on suspicion of running a cyber fraud operation. According to Tuko News, the suspects—identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwe—were apprehended on Wednesday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Residents reportedly alerted authorities after noticing unusual late-night activities at the suspects’ apartment. The DCI confirmed that the arrests were part of “a multi-agency raid targeting a cyber fraud ring” in the area. In an official statement, the DCI said, “Three Nigerian nationals nabbed in Kirinyaga multi-agency raid. A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.” The suspects, who claimed to operate an online business, were living in Kenya illegally without valid work permits. This incident is part of a broader trend of Nigerians being arrested abroad for offenses including cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes. In June 2023, 19 Nigerians were detained in Nairobi for electronic fraud targeting Kenyan citizens. The DCI noted that the suspects, aged between 19 and 33, used social media to lure victims by posing as sellers offering deliveries from abroad. “The fraudsters start by befriending you on social media (Facebook), and once you accept the friend request, they initiate a friendly chat that promises the victim goodies to be sent through DHL at the airport,” the agency explained.

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“My Officials Were Attacked” – Wike Explains Confrontation With Naval Officer Over Disputed Land

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed his recent confrontation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed plot of land allegedly owned by retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Speaking to journalists before the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike condemned the retired officer for allegedly deploying military personnel to guard the property. Responding to criticism over his site visit, the minister said he could not remain passive while government officials were being attacked. “How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday at No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja. Wike accused the retired naval officer of carrying out illegal construction on the land and said he confronted Lieutenant Yerima after staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were allegedly assaulted while trying to stop the development. Wike also criticized the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement activities. “Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo simply calls me, and I help resolve it. General T.Y. Danjuma does the same. They never send soldiers to attack anyone; they just call,” he said. He further condemned the naval officer for reportedly insulting police officers on the scene, calling them “bloody police.” Wike said, “A security officer should never speak like that. The same officials you are assaulting are the ones who made you what you are.” The minister, however, emphasized his respect for the Nigerian military, insisting that his issue was with a private individual, not the armed forces. “I respect the military and will continue to do so. Anyone suggesting I have a problem with them is wrong. This is a private matter, not a conflict with the government or the military,” he stated.

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Abuja Airport Briefly Shut After Private Jet Nosewheel Damage

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja experienced a temporary shutdown on Thursday after a private jet ran into trouble on the runway. The aircraft, a Gulfstream 400 with registration 5N-PZE, suffered nosewheel damage while landing around 2 pm. Sources revealed the jet had departed from Enugu Airport and was carrying 10 passengers alongside four crew members. The exact cause of the incident is still unknown, but the plane was safely evacuated from the runway. “There was an aircraft incident today on Abuja Airport’s runway. The plane, coming from Enugu, had a nosewheel issue on landing. All 14 people onboard are safe, and the airport closure was minimal,” a source said. Attempts to get comments from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) spokesperson, Henry Agbebire, were unsuccessful.

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House Orders Immediate Halt To WAEC 2026 Computer-Based Exams Over Student Safety Concerns

The House of Representatives has ordered the immediate suspension of the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) plan to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Lawmakers warned that implementing the exams prematurely could trigger mass academic failures, psychological stress, and even endanger students’ lives. The directive followed a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu during Thursday’s plenary, who described the proposed rollout as a looming educational disaster. While noting the success of CBT in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nworgu highlighted that most Nigerian secondary schools are ill-prepared for a similar transition. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack computers, trained ICT teachers, stable electricity, and internet access. “Most of the over 25,500 schools nationwide, especially in rural communities, have no functional computer systems or trained teachers. Many students have never used a computer, yet they are expected to take up to nine subjects via CBT,” he said. Nworgu warned that rushing the initiative could result in widespread failure, frustration, and potential mental health challenges or substance abuse among students. He recommended that WAEC delay CBT implementation for at least three years, targeting 2029 or 2030 once adequate infrastructure and training are in place. The House directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately halt the planned 2026 CBT exams. It also urged the government to allocate funds in the 2026 budget for hiring computer teachers, building ICT laboratories, and installing standby generators in schools nationwide. Additionally, the House tasked its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage stakeholders and submit a detailed report within four weeks to guide future legislative action.

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Senate Approves Bill to Ban Recruitment of Under-18s into Nigerian Military

The Nigerian Senate has advanced the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 for a second reading, signaling a major step toward prohibiting the recruitment of individuals under 18 into the country’s military. The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of Katsina Central, proposes repealing the Armed Forces Act of 2004 and replacing it with a modern framework that aligns with Nigeria’s democratic values and current security needs. The legislation also brings Nigeria’s military laws in line with international and regional child protection standards, including the Child Rights Act of 2003, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Senator Yar’Adua said the reform was long overdue, emphasizing that the existing law, rooted in a military-era decree, no longer reflects democratic principles. “Our armed forces are a symbol of unity and pride, but the laws guiding them have not evolved with our democracy. This bill rebuilds the military’s legal foundation to reflect justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” he said. In addition to banning underage enlistment, the bill introduces significant reforms, including clearer definitions of military offences, fairer punishments, and stronger protection for courts-martial by criminalising interference from superior officers — a measure aimed at preventing abuse of authority within the armed forces.

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Atiku Abubakar Denies Gifting Lt. Ahmed Yerima SUV Amid Wike’s Land Access Confrontation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted claims that he gifted Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima a brand new Toyota SUV. The denial came on Thursday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, who described the reports as false and urged the public to ignore them. “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima—or any other individual—a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media,” Ibe stated. He emphasized that the story is entirely fabricated and should be disregarded by the public. The rumours followed a viral video showing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in a heated argument with military personnel over access to land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district, where soldiers reportedly blocked FCTA officials from entering the property.

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Obidient Movement Director, Morris Monye Resigns Over Unmet Goals, Harassment, and Lack of Support

Morris Monye, Director of Mobilization for the Obidient Movement, has stepped down from his role, citing structural issues within the movement, unfulfilled objectives, and personal harassment he experienced while in office. In a statement released on Monday, Monye said the movement’s poor performance in the recent Anambra governorship election made his position “untenable,” despite his passion and financial contributions to the cause. “Almost a year down the line, most of our short, medium, and long-term plans have not been met. I won’t be part of optics and no work,” he said. Monye revealed that he personally financed various mobilization efforts, including nationwide travel, support for local structures, voter awareness campaigns, and logistics, without any financial support from the movement’s leadership or its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. “No money was given to the Directorate of Mobilization. There’s no bank account even for the directorate. In fact, Mr. Peter Obi has never asked what we are doing in mobilization—no communication, nothing,” he added. He also noted that the financial and emotional strain, coupled with harassment from ruling party sympathizers, had taken a toll on him and his family. During his tenure, Monye said he achieved significant milestones, including creating online registration systems for Obidients, activating dormant support groups, establishing regional structures and local government offices, and launching the Obidient NextGen university campus network. He further claimed to have personally raised funds for Peter Obi’s campaign in the Anambra governorship election and initiated a project to provide polling unit agents with affordable body cameras for election accountability—a project he said should be completed by his successor. “The next director must follow up on this. We have not closed it out yet,” he said. Monye confirmed he had formally submitted his resignation to Peter Obi, the National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, and his state coordinator. Going forward, he plans to focus on his businesses and personal development, including pursuing a business course at Oxford or Cambridge University, while continuing to advocate for good governance and electoral reforms. On the future of the movement, Monye urged Peter Obi to engage professional consultants, provide adequate funding for directorates, and implement a results-driven structure for accountability. “You can’t run a campaign simply from general goodwill. This is not 2023. The element of surprise is gone,” he warned. He described his time in the Obidient Movement as a “privilege” but insisted it was time for someone else to “carry the mantle.”

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