As Commissioner flags off celebration, farmers decry high cost of feed
The Cross River State Ministry of Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development has joined the rest of the world to mark World Egg Day 2026, with a call for increased investment in poultry production to enhance nutrition, food security and livelihoods.
The celebration, held on Friday, October 9, in Calabar, brought together government officials, poultry farmers and stakeholders to examine the nutritional value of eggs and the challenges confronting the sub-sector. The event was themed "Protein that Powers and Protects."
Flagging off the event on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, the Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Chief Dr. Francis Edet Ekpenyong, described egg as an affordable source of high-quality protein essential for healthy growth, physical strength, immunity and food security.
Ekpenyong outlined key interventions by the state government to strengthen the poultry value chain, including support for hatcheries and feed mills through public-private partnerships, improved access to credit, enhanced veterinary and vaccination services, farmer training and stronger market linkages through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme.
He stressed the need to encourage more women and youths to venture into poultry production and urged farmers to adopt improved production practices and strict biosecurity measures, noting that a stronger poultry industry would boost nutrition, create jobs and drive economic growth.
Earlier, Director of Livestock, Mrs. Glory Ekpenyong, highlighted the nutritional benefits of eggs, describing them as rich in essential nutrients that support muscle development, brain function and overall well-being at different stages of life.
She noted that egg production not only contributes to nutrition but also provides livelihoods for thousands of farmers, adding that sustained collaboration among government, researchers, producers and industry partners remains critical to making eggs accessible and affordable.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Cross River State Chapter, Engr. Umagu Valentine, drew attention to the challenges confronting poultry farmers in the state, including rising cost of feed, flooding, limited access to finance and inadequate veterinary and extension services.
According to him, feed alone accounts for over 60 per cent of production cost, a situation that is threatening the sustainability of many poultry businesses.
He said the challenges are affecting farmers' ability to sustain production, pay workers and ensure steady supply of eggs to consumers, and appealed to the state government, financial institutions and development partners to urgently address high production costs and improve access to credit.
Umagu, however, commended Governor Bassey Otu for his support for the poultry industry and acknowledged the state's efforts to improve access to vaccines, extension services and development opportunities through L-PRES.
As part of activities to mark the day, the Ministry visited five schools in Calabar to sensitise pupils on the nutritional benefits of eggs and promote healthy eating habits.
At the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) School, pupils actively participated in an interactive session on egg nutrition. One of the pupils, Daniella, said eggs help children grow strong and contain vitamins and minerals. Others, including Greatness Osowo Okware Ogbey and Elizabeth Antoga Guim, also spoke on the health benefits of eggs.
Headteacher of the school, Mrs. Mary Okpene, commended the Ministry for extending the campaign to schools, describing it as a practical step towards promoting healthy eating habits among children.
She noted that regular consumption of eggs could enhance children's physical and mental development and urged parents to include eggs in their children's diets, while calling for increased egg production to meet nutritional needs.
The school outreach formed the highpoint of the celebration, reinforcing the importance of nutrition education and the role of eggs in children's growth and development.
By Arit Ubi
