Eating Eggs for Children No Longer Taboo in Kebbi – Governor Idris

Kebbi State Governor, Nasiru Idris, has declared that the belief that children should not eat eggs is a longstanding taboo in his state. To address this cultural belief, his administration is partnering with the Enhanced Access To Safe and Nutritious Diets Project (ENDSAND) by the Global Alliance for Nutrition (GAIN).

During the official launch of the Enhancing Access to Safe and Nutritious Diets project in Abuja, the Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Attahiru Machido, expressed the state government’s readiness to work with GAIN to change this belief. The project aims to encourage children to consume eggs, improve their nutrition, and eliminate malnutrition in Kebbi.

Barr. Machido mentioned that the government would provide financial and human support to ensure the project’s success, emphasizing the state’s commitment to its sustainability.

The ENDSAND project is a 5-year initiative focused on increasing egg consumption among children in FCT, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, targeting both in-school and out-of-school children with the goal of reducing malnutrition by 30% in the pilot states by 2026.

In his remarks, the Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, Dr. Michael Ojo, highlighted the importance of improving dietary quality for vulnerable children, especially through the National Home-Grown School Feeding Program. He stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve this goal.

The Minister of Health, represented by Ladede Kulabah-Yebisi, praised the project for increasing children’s access to eggs, a rich source of protein. She believed that this initiative would contribute to better nutrition and overall well-being for Nigerian children.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, represented by Mrs. Nelson Chito, encouraged families to provide eggs to their children, considering it an affordable source of protein. He also called for the project’s expansion to ensure that all Nigerian children have access to nutritious foods. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, represented by Hon. Maggrette Prince, highlighted the potential of the Home-Grown School Meals program to enhance food and nutrition security. She called for support from domestic and international partners to enrich the future of children through initiatives like the ENDSAND project.