By Samuel Igbavboa
In commemoration of the World Egg Day, a day set aside to celebrate the benefits of eggs, the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Edo State’s chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN); Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) and the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has observed October 14th, 2022 in Benin City, the State capital.
The 2022 World Egg Day celebration which was aimed at pushing the narrative of the benefits of regular consumption of eggs has as its theme “Egg for a Better Life.”
According to the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Stephen Idehenre, the benefits of egg consumption abound as they improve human health for a better life.
In his words, “The importance of eggs cannot be over emphasized as it is cheap, affordable and a portable means of nutrition which is rich in protein and other basic minerals.”
Mr. Idehenre said that it is the State Government’s desire to ensure a boost in livestock production in the State through collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure healthy animal-based diet for Edo residents, and to make the State a hub for livestock production.
He added that the State Government has concluded plans to vaccinate poultry in the State in order to rid it of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and NewCastle Disease, saying that the Ewu Feed Mill would also be inaugurated as new machines are currently being installed for it to take off.
The Commissioner revealed that the State Government had set up a security outfit called the Agro-Rangers to safeguard farmers and that it is strategically situated in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
He further said that the new Agricultural Hub located in the premises of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) is open to agricultural organizations in the State, explaining that the State Government is boosting hatchery in Uwa Farms at Ugbor area of Benin City, to enable it meet the demand for healthy hatchery.
The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Chairman of ASAN, Mr. Peter Aikhuomoghogbe, in his goodwill message, stressed the need to make eggs available to all by boosting its production and to also make its benefits popular in the State through public sensitization as the State Government is poised to boost egg production through various modalities it has put in place.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr. Kingsley Imasuen, in his keynote address, stated that the World Egg Day celebration is a yearly event, and since egg is of great importance to man in various parts of the world, it is addressed in several ways such as “The most nearly perfect food.”
“This is because eggs have all the necessary nutrients and minerals needed by man,” Imasuen said, adding that recent research has debunked the belief that eggs contain a high amount of cholesterol and the claim that it is dangerous to human health.
Prof. James Imasuen, in his lecture at the event titled “The Myth and Facts of Egg Consumption”, debunked the claim that eggs have a high percentage of cholesterol which is associated with cardiovascular disease. He asserted that rather, eggs contain essential nutrients and minerals needed in the human body, which help to improve the sight, aid the development of healthy embryos and boost brain development, but advised on the need to be cautious about egg consumption, especially if one has been diagnosed with high cholesterol.
The climax of the event was the public rally held by the Ministry to sensitize members of the public on the essence of World Egg Day which is devoted to reminding people of the importance of egg in their diet.
The rally, which featured the distribution of boiled eggs to the public, began from Ezoti Street through Airport Road, Ring Road to Project ChariLove in Benin City, and from there to the Sickle Cell Center, Central Hospital, Golf Course Road, Vegetable Market, Airport Road and back to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Benin City.
