The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kwara Chapter, successfully organized a two-day event in commemoration of the 2024 World Egg Day on the 10th and 11th of October. The theme of this year’s celebration, United by Eggs, highlighted the crucial role of eggs in promoting nutrition and health across the state.
The series of activities kicked off with a radio sensitization program on October 9th, which aimed to educate the public on the nutritional importance of eggs. This was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kwara Poultry Village at Awoniyi near Elerinjare-Ibobo Oyun Local Government, a significant project that will feature a new secretariat, processing plant, and community poultry pens. The village is expected to boost the poultry industry and create numerous opportunities for farmers in the state. The association has already secured over 18 acres of land.
On October 10th, PAN executives paid a courtesy visit to the Olofa Palace and conducted a roadshow in Offa. After the courtesy visit, students and teachers from various secondary schools across Offa were invited for a field trip to Yammfy Farm. During the visit, they were educated and sensitized on the poultry process, they were enlightened on egg production and the significance of poultry farming in promoting nutrition and food security.
The Day 2, October 11th, the Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture, Toyosi Thomas, flagged off a second roadshow from the Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin, where eggs were distributed to the public as part of the awareness campaign.
The two-day celebration culminated in a grand dinner where newly elected members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) were inaugurated. During the dinner, the Chairman of the PAN Kwara Chapter, Mr. Adeniyi S.O., delivered a keynote speech. He expressed gratitude for the success of the event despite the economic challenges facing the poultry sector. He also reiterated the association’s commitment to enhancing egg production in the state and called for increased support from the government and private stakeholders for the realization of PAN’s vision of establishing the Kwara Poultry Village.
In his speech, the chairman also emphasized the significance of the occasion: “Despite the economic situation of the country and the series of adverse conditions militating against the sustainability of the poultry industry in Nigeria, we can celebrate this year’s World Egg Day. We give glory to God. Some of the activities lined up for World Egg Day include the sensitization of citizens, the groundbreaking of the Kwara Poultry Village, a roadshow, and this dinner where our Board of Trustees members will be inaugurated.”
The dinner event was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, Representatives of Olofa of Offa and Olupako of Share, and also the representative of Senator Saliu Mustapha, Kwara Central Senator and the chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Toyosi Thomas, commended the association for its relentless efforts to promote egg production and availability in Kwara State. She said: “I am congratulating us all on another successful celebration of World Egg Day. Your dedication and commitment are commendable and contagious. I want you to know that the government is committed to supporting you, and we will continue to do so.”
As the event wrapped up, the attendees were urged to continue supporting PAN’s initiatives, particularly the realization of the proposed PAN Village, which is poised to revolutionize the poultry industry in Kwara.
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