Poultry Association Demands Inclusion of Eggs in Prisoners, IDPs’ Diet

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has tasked government to institutionalise eggs and egg products as part of the Nigerian Prisons and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) feeding programme.

The call was made in Abuja by the Director of PAN, Onallo Akpa, on the occasion of the World Egg Day.

Akpa tasked government to ameliorate the health of prisoners and IDPs by feeding them with eggs as part of feeding programme.

He lamented that inmates are fed mainly with cassava derived foods that are deficient in protein, saying that prisoners may die of malnutrition or develop mental problem except egg is introduced into their feeding programme daily or three times a week.

“An egg a day as a deliberate policy of government will improve the health of inmates in the prisons. It should also be made available for IDPs and even soldiers defending our territorial integrity. Eating of egg boosts their health. It does not also cost much to buy an egg,’’ he said.
He faulted the stereotype that egg is associated with increased risk of heart disease, saying it contains important nutrients such as Selenium, Vitamin A and E, Folate, Riboflavin, Choline and Lutein.

A nutritionist at the National Hospital, Mrs. Sarah Abagai, said that though the way to consume egg is an individual preference, it is advisable to cook egg as a whole meal as the calorie density of fried egg will increase for those managing weight.

Abagai said the albumen is the best source of protein as it strengthens the eyesight and activates the brain against memory loss.