World Egg Day: Alaafin Calls For Increased Egg Consumption, Backs Poultry Farmers In Boosting Economy
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – THE Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has on Friday led calls for improved nutrition and economic empowerment through poultry farming as Oyo State joined the rest of the world to mark World Egg Day 2025.
The 2025 celebration, themed “The Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition,” was organized by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Oyo State Branch, which paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Oba Owoade highlighted the health and economic importance of egg consumption, urging residents to make it a regular part of their diet.
“Today, we are flagging off the celebration, and my prayer is that it will be a hitch-free event that brings more growth to our poultry farmers,” the Alaafin said.
“I implore the public to consume more eggs because they are very good for the body. Eggs nourish both children and adults, helping us grow well and stay healthy.”
The monarch also described poultry farming as a vital source of livelihood and economic growth, calling it “a gift of nature that sustains life and supports livelihoods.”
“Egg is another good source of income,” he added.
“By engaging in poultry business, people can create jobs and sustain their families. Let us embrace egg production and let the world know that Oyo is celebrating the egg and the value.”
Oba Owoade commended members of PAN Oyo for their resilience and innovation despite the challenges confronting the poultry industry.
He pledged royal support for the association and called for stronger collaboration to boost production and promote local consumption.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of PAN Oyo State, Pastor Oyekunle Omidokun, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to innovation and cooperative growth in the sector.
He also unveiled a new premium egg brand, EggXotic™, designed to improve quality assurance, market access, and consumer confidence in Oyo State’s poultry products.
“EggXotic is more than a brand; it is a promise, a promise that Oyo State eggs will be safe, nutritious, and globally competitive,” Omidokun said.
“Through this initiative, we are building consumer trust, supporting certified farms, and positioning Oyo as the poultry capital of Nigeria.”
He appealed to the government for targeted interventions in feed production, access to affordable credit, and youth empowerment to sustain poultry farming across the state.
“Our farmers are resilient, but they need structured programmes for feed production, soft loans to stay afloat, and youth-focused incentives to make poultry farming attractive again,” he added.
After the palace ceremony, the PAN Oyo delegation visited the Oba Adeyemi Primary Health Care Centre, Oyo, where they distributed eggs to staff as part of an awareness campaign on egg nutrition.
Speaking during the visit, the PHC Coordinator, Mrs. Oladeji Gbenjo Abosede, commended the association’s effort, describing the outreach as both “thoughtful and impactful.”
“This visit is timely, many people don’t realise that eating eggs regularly can prevent malnutrition, especially among children and pregnant women. We appreciate PAN Oyo for bringing not just eggs, but awareness that can save lives.” She said.
Other dignitaries present included Dr. Adigun Olufemi, Tewogbade Bukola, Pastor Lawal Bayo, and Feyisetan Samson, Ayooluwa Okediji, Founder/CEO of AgroInfoTech Africa who also doubles as one of the technical assistant of PAN, officials of Doorcas Africa, among others.
Similar celebrations were held simultaneously across the 10 zones of Oyo State, highlighting the nutritional, economic, and social value of eggs in strengthening food security and improving rural livelihoods.