World Egg Day looks at two sides of the egg…Says it holds huge business, health benefits

According to the Food Agricultural Oganisation (FAO), 870 million people including children do not have good food.  The UN agency estimated that 171 million children under the age of five are malnourished. To improve their health, this population needs an egg each, a day.The International Egg Commission (IEC) is the Global Network for the egg […]

According to the Food Agricultural Oganisation (FAO), 870 million people including children do not have good food.  
The UN agency estimated that 171 million children under the age of five are malnourished. To improve their health, this population needs an egg each, a day.
The International Egg Commission (IEC) is the Global Network for the egg industry with members in over 80 countries around the world. It was established at the second International Egg Conference held in Bologna, Italy in 1964.
 The commission believes eggs are the most important and affordable animal protein available for families across the world. For example, an egg- which costs N25- a day will give a person protein, which meat, fish or milk that is more expensive cannot provide.
  International Egg Foundation (IEF), a new global charitable foundation, assists in providing people living in developing countries with greater access to eggs as part of its goal to combat malnutrition.  
Julian Madeley, Managing Director of the International Egg Foundation (IEF), in a press statement states that egg, apart from “being an excellent source of high quality protein, and containing all the essential vitamins and minerals required for a healthy diet, has two key advantages when it comes to helping to improve diets in developing countries; they are one of the most accessible forms of high quality protein, and they are a truly sustainable option.
“Sustainability is critical; our aim is to help people by giving them the support and the knowledge to be able to continue helping themselves.
As well as providing access to food, small scale egg production schemes have been proven to help people in developing countries achieve financial independence, increase their social standing and encourage a sense of community.  
“The IEF works from the ground roots up, to create a sustainable, self-sufficient food supply.”
Nigeria is the largest producer of eggs in Africa, according to the president, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Dr Ayoola Oduntain. With a population of 177 million people, the industry employs over three million people in the country.
If an egg a day policy, which health experts and poultry farmers are canvassing receives the light of the day, Nigeria will have to produce at least 96 million eggs a day! If an egg is sold at N25, that will translate into billions of Naira daily and will attract more investments in the industry.