From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
Poultry farmers in Anambra State, under the umbrella of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Anambra State Chapter, Friday, October 14, marked the 2022 World Egg Day in Awka, the state capital.
The event, which took place at Prof Kenneth Dike Library, Awka, attracted poultry farmers from across the state and beyond.
In marking the day, members of the group went round major roads and streets in the state capital, sharing and distributing eggs to passersby and commuters. They also stopped over intermittently at major points and locations to sensitize people on the importance of eating eggs everyday, for people of all ages.
They bore fliers and banners bearing different inscriptions such as “Egg is good for all ages;” “Let’s celebrate eggs, the king of breakfast;” “Eggs contain 13 essential minerals and vitamins;” “Egg is a better source of protein;” “Eggs are linked to a reduced heart disease;” “Eggs for a better life;” among other things.
Speaking during the event, the state chairman of the association, Dr Onyekachukwu Eyisi, said that the World Egg Day is celebrated on the 2nd Friday of October, every year, to raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of eggs, and the role they play in feeding families all over the world.
He said the day honours the significance of eggs, and encourages everyone to consume this super food to improve their health.
He said, “The World Egg Day is a day set aside to educate and sensitize people on the importance of egg to the human body.
“We also use the occasion to encourage people to invest in poultry farming; because, it is poultry that produces eggs. Egg is good for your body. It promotes healthy body, and cures malnutrition.
“If you’re a poultry farmer, egg is good for your pocket. It’s a source of income, and employment.”
While commending Governor Charles Soludo;
the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor; as well as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, Dr Nelson Omenugha; for their interests in farming; especially for poultry farming; Dr Eyisi also urged the trio to assist poultry farmers, whose poultries were destroyed by the flood that affects several council areas in the state.
He also begged the state government to reduce the burden of tax being levied on their members – ranging from personal income tax, pay as you earn, sanitation levies, and a myriads of others; saying that multiple taxation affects their profit, and further leads to cost push inflation.
The Secretary General of PAN, Mr Simon Ikechukwu Orakwe, expressed satisfaction at the commemoration of the World Egg Day, and emphasized that Anambra people; especially Awka residents, by reason of the sensitization, have come to realize the importance of egg in everyday life.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2022 World Egg Day, Mr. Joshua Ifezue, also emphasized the economic and nutritional importance of egg; and urged individuals, corporate bodies and government to invest in poultry.
Mr Ifezue, who is also the Treasurer of PAN in the state, encouraged people to consume eggs everyday for a healthier life.
Highpoints of the event include cutting of cakes to commemorate the day, refreshments and other side attractions.