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By Sola Rotimi
Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients that support healthy growth, muscle development and overall well-being. They contain vitamins A, D, E and B12, as well as iron, selenium and choline, which support brain function, healthy vision and the immune system.
In commemoration of the 2026 World Egg Day, stakeholders in Kwara State have called for increased consumption of eggs and greater support for poultry farmers to improve access to affordable animal protein.
The call was made at a public enlightenment programme organised in Ilorin by the Animal Science Association of Nigeria, ASAN, Kwara State Branch, in collaboration with the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, I’m the state, to mark the 30th anniversary of World Egg Day.
The programme, themed “The Mighty Egg: Protein that Powers and Protects,” brought together animal scientists, poultry farmers, students and other stakeholders to discuss the nutritional benefits of eggs, healthy consumption and challenges confronting poultry production.
Chairman of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Branch, Dr. Samuel Akanbi, said eggs contain nutrients required for brain development, energy, growth and protection, urging Nigerians to consume eggs while paying attention to their source and quality.
“We are encouraging the students to eat two eggs per day; adults can also eat up to that, but the recommended is one egg per day for adults.
”Dr. Akanbi cautioned consumers against eating bad eggs and urged poultry farmers to maintain proper biosecurity and responsible practices in the use of antibiotics to protect consumers and reduce disease outbreaks.
Vice Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN Kwara State Branch, Mr Adedayo Gawati, said the nutritional value of eggs makes them an important source of protein, particularly at a time when the prices of many other protein sources have become unaffordable to many Nigerians.
“We are not saying egg is affordable because the price has increased too, but what we are saying is that it is still the cheapest. Everything has gone up. We need to preach the value of eggs.”
Mr. Gawati said there was a need to change public perception towards egg consumption through sustained enlightenment, stressing that eggs could contribute to healthier living among people of different age groups.
“I think our problem with eggs is more of the value we place on the eggs itself. It is right time for us to place value on eggs, to let people know that it extends life. It makes you live healthier.”
The PAN Chairman also called for government intervention in poultry production, particularly as the rising cost of day-old chicks, feed and other inputs continues to increase the cost of production.
He explained that intervention in the poultry sector could help cushion the pressure on farmers and eventually reflect in the price of eggs available to consumers.
The guest speaker, Dr. Victoria Chimezie of the Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, said the World Egg Day theme was timely, particularly against the backdrop of malnutrition and stunted growth among children.
“We see the problem of stunting growth among children. You see the hospital filled with children that are malnourished.”
Dr. Chimezie, an animal geneticist, said eggs contain essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed for growth, development and the repair of worn-out body cells.
“They are filled with all the essential amino acids, the non-essential amino acids, and apart from that, there are vitamins, there are minerals present in the egg as well.”
She also dispelled misconceptions about egg consumption, particularly the belief that eating eggs automatically increases blood cholesterol, stressing that responsible consumption and healthy preparation are important.
“The fact that cholesterol is present in egg doesn’t translate to the fact that the cholesterol in your blood will increase by taking an egg.”
Dr. Chimezie further noted that the egg industry provides employment opportunities through a wide value chain involving researchers, breeders, farmers, veterinarians, transporters, wholesalers and retailers.
Representing the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS-SUNN, Mrs Olufunke Bolaji, described eggs as an affordable and accessible source of high-quality animal protein and called for greater support for poultry farmers.
She urged government and private-sector stakeholders to consider subsidies on feed and other production inputs, saying such measures could help reduce production costs and make eggs more affordable to households.
The programme also featured secondary school students who said they gained new knowledge about the nutritional benefits of eggs and their importance to energy, concentration and healthy development.
One of the students, Blessing Adeogun of Glory Seed High School, Ilorin said the programme had taught her that eggs could provide energy and help students maintain concentration.
Another participant, Maryam Abdulakeem of Ansar-Ud-Deen Islamic Senior Secondary School, Ogbondoroko, said the programme had increased her awareness of the importance of eggs as a source of protein.
There were also goodwill messages from the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development; Youth Development and the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, ARMTI.
The stakeholders said sustained public enlightenment, improved support for poultry farmers and better production practices were necessary to make eggs more accessible while addressing nutritional challenges in the country.
