A 40-year-old Nigerian man, Adeleoye Adekunle Babatunde, has captured hearts online after a video of his corporate-style ponmo business went viral. He was a former banker who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic layoffs. Now, he sells peppered cow skin on the streets while dressed in a formal shirt, trousers, and bow tie.
Educational Background and Job Loss
Babatunde holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and another in Estate Management from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. He secured a banking job in 2013 but was laid off in 2020 during mass downsizing. After that, he received underpaid offers from foreign-owned companies, and at age 40, he felt his age worked against him.
Decision to Start Ponmo Business
Instead of succumbing to depression, Babatunde decided to support his family. He said, 'Depression almost killed me at home. My wife and children were there. We have rent, school fees, and food to take care of. Why would a grown man like me sit at home doing nothing?' With small capital, he began selling spicy cow skin. After deducting costs, he makes a net profit of at least N5,000 daily.
Public Reactions
The video sparked reactions. Johnson commented, 'I think conductor is better than kpomo.' Blessing Amudipe said, 'I feel we need to support him with whatever we can as a fellow man.' Olosunde added, 'God will change your story, my brother.'
Babatunde's story highlights resilience amid unemployment and the lengths people go to provide for their families.
