The Ekiti State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria donated 175 crates of eggs to three Government Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centres.
This donation was made to mark the celebration of World Egg Day, a global event dedicated to promoting the benefits of eggs as a nutritious food source.
The gesture, which took place in Ado-Ekiti, was a part of a larger initiative aimed at giving back to the community and supporting vulnerable groups, especially children with special needs.
The donation was received by Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion to the Ekiti State Government.
She praised the association’s efforts, calling it a remarkable way of ensuring that children with disabilities are not forgotten in society.
Princess Agboola expressed her deep appreciation for the Poultry Association’s act of kindness, saying, “I am thankful that the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State chapter, has remembered children with disabilities on a day like this. This generous gift underscores the positive impact of Governor Oyebanji’s initiatives on the poultry sector, benefiting those who truly matter to the governor.”
She highlighted the importance of this kind of support to families and institutions that care for children with special needs.
According to her, the donation was not just about the food, but it was a sign of inclusivity and social support, which aligns with the Ekiti State government’s vision for a fair and equitable society.
This year’s donation was a huge improvement compared to the previous year.
Alonge Oluwasetemi, Chairman of the Poultry Association’s Ekiti chapter, was present at the event and shared how the initiative had grown over time.
“Last year, during our World Egg Day celebrations, we donated about 50 crates,” Oluwasetemi said.
“This year, we’re distributing over 1,000 crates, with 175 specifically for the special schools and rehabilitation centers in Ekiti.”
He attributed this growth to the intervention of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in supporting the agricultural and food security sectors in the state.
Oluwasetemi explained that the governor’s policies have created a better environment for poultry farmers to thrive, which in turn enabled them to expand their charitable contributions to society.
He further emphasized that eggs are not only affordable but also a highly nutritious food, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for children’s development, especially those with special needs.
“Eggs are the perfect food, packed with nutrients, and we are proud to be contributing to the well-being of these children,” he added.
World Egg Day is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of eggs in diets around the world.
The day is marked on the second Friday of October each year, and it is an opportunity to educate the public about the nutritional value of eggs.
In Ekiti, this year’s celebration was significant not only because of the large donation but also because it represented the collaboration between private agricultural bodies and the state government in addressing food security and health.
Eggs, which are affordable and easily accessible, have been recognized by nutritionists as one of the best sources of protein for growing children.
According to experts, regular consumption of eggs can improve brain development in children, build strong muscles, and even enhance the immune system.
These benefits are especially important for children in special schools and rehabilitation centres, many of whom require proper nutrition to support their physical and cognitive growth.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on agriculture and food security as part of its developmental goals.
Under his leadership, the state has introduced several policies aimed at empowering farmers, especially those in the poultry industry.
Governor Oyebanji has frequently mentioned that food security is a priority for his administration, recognizing that agriculture is one of the largest contributors to the state’s economy.
Through various initiatives, including financial support and subsidized farm inputs, poultry farmers in Ekiti have been able to increase their production capacity.
This, in turn, has allowed them to give back to the community, as seen with the recent egg donation.
Oluwasetemi, the Chairman of the Poultry Association, praised the governor’s efforts, saying that the success of the association’s charitable programs is directly linked to the support they have received from the state government.
“Without the governor’s agricultural policies, we wouldn’t have been able to scale up our production like this,” he said.
“We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to the agricultural sector.”
