The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called for increased consumption of eggs because of its immense health benefits.
PAN Alimosho Zone reiterated the importance of eggs to human diet as it commemorated the international World Egg Day in a road show on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Egg Day is held annually on the second Friday of October, and it is a time to cherish and celebrate the versatile, affordable, delicious, and nutritious food item that provides sustainable nutrition to help feed the world.
PAN Alimosho Zone celebrated the day in a road show and the distribution of boiled eggs to residents in the community.
Mr Oluwole Fayefunmi, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Alimosho Zone, said it is pertinent that people eat more eggs to live healthier.
According to him: “Today World Egg Day is being celebrated globally and the importance of eggs in our diets cannot be over emphasised.
“Through our road show we want everyone to know that eggs are good for adults, old and young ones. It is an integral part of balance diet for all age groups.
“We want to encourage more people to eat eggs as it is still the cheapest and healthiest form of protein compared to fish and beef.
“The only problem we are having in the industry presently is the high cost of inputs, and raw materials when factored into cost of production,” Fayefunmi said.
He said that these increments affected the production costs and as a result the prices of eggs would definitely go up.
“Also a lot of farmers have closed shops hence we are putting in extra efforts to meet up growing demands so as to feed the nation.
“The state governments have especially come to the aid of poultry farmers through its APPEALS palliatives but we believe they can do more to boost productivity in the sector.
“If we have more palliatives I believe before the end of the year the cost of eggs will drop significantly,” the chairman said.
On his part, Mr Tony Okegbuwu, Vice Chairman PAN Alimosho, said that eggs are important for developmental growth in children.
“Every October as an association, we come together to celebrate our produce and let people know the importance of eggs for the family, for society and for the nation at large.
“We want Nigerians to know that at least eating one egg per day will help stay healthier and foster developmental strides in children,” Okegbuwu said.
Mr Iyiola Mojeed, Treasurer, PAN Lagos Chapter, also recommended egg consumption for the elderly as against popular opinion.
“Our commemoration of the World Egg Day with a road show and the distribution of eggs to residents are to showcase the importance of eggs to infants, nursing mothers, youths, adults and the elderly.
“All requirements necessary for human development can be found in eggs, it is also integral in helping to renew human body cells.
“It is an anomaly to discourage the aged from consuming eggs it is good for all age groups. Through the road show we are sensitising Nigerians on the importance of continued egg consumption,” Mojeed said.
The former Secretary-General, PAN Lagos State chapter, Mr Stephen Olufemi, said the road show was the association’s way of giving back to the society.
“World Egg Day is the day poultry farmers globally take out time to promote their major produce (eggs) and the importance of regular consumption.
“People must understand the importance of eggs to their diets. We are willing to give everyone we meet during the road show a free boiled egg.
“They are permitted to eat as much as they can contain, it is our way of giving back to the society through the sensitisation and the giveaway,” Olufemi said.
The state Patron of PAN Alimosho chapter, Mr Adewale Balogun, also reiterated the affordability of eggs compared to other protein sources as he encouraged more consumption of the produce.
“People must understand the importance eggs to their diets, despite the increasing price of the produce. Its relevance cannot be substituted.
“It is much beneficial to the health to spend N1,000 on eggs than on rice, cassava or other carbohydrate food sources because of its high protein content.
“Virtually every component necessary for good health is contained in an egg. We want to encourage people to eat more eggs,’’ he said.
Balogun said that it may be costly now but it is the cheapest of all proteins when you access the value, the more eggs we eat, the healthy we become. (NAN)
