Lagos State Chapter of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged Nigerians to consume more egg because cholesterol in egg can help prevent heart disease and breast cancer.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the poultry farmers made this call during a programme held in Lagos to mark the World Egg Day.
Oba Tijani Akinloye a traditional ruler while outlining the importance of Egg said “Nigeria is blessed with the resources to provide a child with a plate of food, which will include an egg.
“There is no food with protein that does not have cholesterol. An egg in every diet is the road to good health that will keep the doctor away.”
He recommended four eggs per week for primary school pupils and six eggs per week for secondary students.
He said “That way, we are building a healthy Nigeria and poultry farmers are ready to work.”
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Olajide Basorun also added that the state produces about 500,000 eggs daily.
He said “We have realised the importance of egg consumption and that is why we are part of the programme of the Federal Government’s “one egg and meal per day’’ initiative.
“With the scarcity of egg presently, poultry farmers should take the advantage and expand their farms and do more businesses in egg production.
“This will promote food security and healthy living at the same time.”
Dr Olawumi Funso, an agriculture expert emphasised that egg is responsible for healthy living.
She said “Eggs provide the solution to a healthy living; millions of Nigerian children are malnourished because they lack necessary nutrients.
“Egg is one of the most affordable solutions to problems associated with vitamins A, B2, B12, D, Folate, protein, selenium, choline and iodine.
“So, egg is an important vitamin pill for all ages both old and young.”
Nigeria is one of the seven African countries that celebrates WED, every second Friday in October.