The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in a statement signed by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the permanent secretary (PS) of the ministry, has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding their beloved delicacy, ponmo. The ministry has advised the population to refrain from consuming ponmo for the time being, citing concerns about its safety. Recent outbreaks of Anthrax in neighboring West African countries have prompted this cautionary measure. Anthrax, a bacterial infection, presents symptoms similar to the flu, such as cough, fever, and muscle aches. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock, and even death. The ministry's statement emphasized the potential risks associated with consuming ponmo and urged the public to prioritize their health and well-being by temporarily abstaining from this popular food choice.
