By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
In Nigeria, protein deficiency among under-five children remains a pressing public health concern.
Many families struggle to access affordable animal-based protein, leaving young children at risk of stunted growth, weakened immunity, and long-term developmental challenges.
Across rural communities, malnutrition quietly shapes futures, often invisible to policymakers and city dwellers.
According to UNICEF report on malnutrition, Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent of children under five.
An estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with treatment.
Dr Phorbee Olapeju’s Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Food Agricultural Nutrition Network (FANN) is confronting this challenge head-on.
Based in Abuja, but operating nationwide, FANN bridges gaps in food, agriculture, and nutrition by combining research, community engagement, and strategic interventions.
Through evidence-based programmes, the NGO is redefining how communities address malnutrition and ensure children receive the nourishment they need.
FANN’s approach includes research and practical implementation, baseline surveys, focus group discussions, and dietary studies that provide crucial insights into local nutrition challenges.
These data-driven approaches allow FANN to design interventions tailored to community realities, and ensuring solutions are both relevant and impactful.
The organisation’s flagship programme, Egg-a-Child, targets under-five children in rural communities around Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative addresses protein deficiency by providing children with eggs, an affordable, nutrient-rich source of animal protein.
Eggs are nutritional powerhouses for kids, providing high-quality, complete protein that supports growth and development.
They also contain choline, which is essential for brain development, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote overall health.
In addition, eggs are rich in iron, helping prevent anaemia, and packed with vitamins A, D, B12, and E, which strengthen immunity, bones, and vision.
Easily digestible, eggs help children feel full and focused, supporting healthy development and daily energy needs.
Eggs, Olapeju explains, offer an accessible and practical alternative to costlier protein sources like fish or meat, making them ideal for rural households.
Before rolling out Egg-a-Child, FANN conducted extensive baseline surveys.
“Mothers and caregivers completed questionnaires detailing children’s dietary patterns and protein intake.
“These assessments revealed shocking gaps. Many children had never eaten eggs regularly, in spite of some families keeping chickens.
“Ignorance, low prioritisation, and economic constraints all contributed to insufficient protein intake,” Olapeju explained.
She said community engagement was critical.
“FANN worked closely with local leaders, healthcare workers, and caregivers to build trust, ensure transparency, and encourage participation.
“Community mobilisation was essential to overcome initial scepticism and logistical hurdles. By involving locals, FANN ensured the programme was embraced and owned by the communities it serves,” Olapeju said.
Olapeju said registered children received seven vouchers each, redeemable for eggs at primary healthcare centres.
She said caregivers brought their children and wards to designated centres where eggs were consumed on-site, preventing diversion and maximising nutritional benefits.
“Mothers prepared the eggs, boiled or fried, at the centres, contributing firewood, pots, and water.
“This participatory approach strengthened community ownership while delivering practical nutrition education.
