Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom stirred controversy last Thursday, asserting that impoverished individuals do not include eggs in their diet.
This statement emerged during the state executive council meeting, where he ratified a bulk purchase agency bill aimed at alleviating economic hardship.
Once a common source of protein to most Nigerian homes, the skyrocketing price of eggs has made it unaffordable to many indigents.
MUK TV’s recent market survey shows a crate of egg now sells between N4,000 to N5, 000, depending on the size; with one egg retailing at N130 to N150
The bill, championed by Eno, establishes a Bulk Purchase Agency to procure food staples like rice, beans, and garri in bulk.
These items will then be sold at subsidized rates to vulnerable residents enlisted in the state’s social register.
During the meeting, a woman raised concerns about the selected food items, questioning their nutritional balance.
According to the Cable, she suggested including eggs, especially for malnourished children.
“What modalities did you use in selecting the food items? I have seen beans, rice, and garri — two carbohydrates-based. Beans are protein.
“I am asking, can we not include eggs? Especially for the malnourished children in the society,” suggesting that “they will prefer eggs if it eggs can also be adde.”
Responding to the query, Governor Eno defended the choice of staples, stating, “Poor people don’t eat eggs.”
He emphasized the need to address hunger by providing affordable staple foods, underscoring the agency’s role in intervention efforts amid soaring food prices.
