Varsity don faults doctors’ warning on much consumption of animal protein

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

A Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Uma Kalu Oke, has faulted the warning by medical doctors on consumption of too much animal protein in the country.

Professor Oke faulted the doctors’ warning on protein consumption while delivering the 66th Inaugural Lecture of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

In downplaying the warning from medical doctors on too much consumption of animal protein in Nigeria, Professor Oke said Nigerians have not even reached the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommendations level on animal protein consumption.

“I make bold to fault the warning by medical doctors on too much animal protein consumption in Nigeria because Nigerians have not even reached the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommendations level on animal protein consumption,” he said.

Professor Oke was worried that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu on 9 July 2024 has not solved the animal protein crisis in the country.

While acknowledging that the establishment of the Ministry was a good policy, he regretted that it has not achieved the desired goal of availability of quality protein.

He also called for unbundling of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Kaduna State, and the establishment of a research centre in the South East for development of local animal species.

“The goals for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock can only be achieved when there is collaboration between the farmers, the researchers, the University and the government.

“NAPRI, which is the only animal research institute, should be unbundled to allow for the development of other animal species.

“They can allow the development of poultry or piggery research institute in the South East and also finance breeding research,” he said.

Professor Oke said the development of indigenous animal species was the panacea for the quality protein crisis in the country.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, lamented that many Nigerians can no longer buy quality chicken because of lack of money.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed delight that for the past five years, the Inaugural Lecture has been gaining strength by the year and prayed it would continue.