A Nutrition and Media expert, Goddie Ofose, has described as untrue and a myth, the common belief, especially among Nigerians, that protein is for the affluent, due to its cost.
Ofose, in a paper titled: 'From Farm to Feast: The Protein Advantage for Every Nigerian', argued that rather than being seen it as reserved for the highly privileged, with the right choices, proteinous diets should be within the reach of every family.
He described protein as the foundation of growth and vitality, capable of fueling children as they learn and play; sustaining adults through busy workdays; and supporting good health as human beings age.
According to him, while human meals remain the source of their everyday living, one nutrient that stands behind the aromas, colours, and flavours and powers them all is protein.
"Protein is the foundation of growth and vitality. Yet too often, protein is overlooked or thought to be out of reach for the average family. The truth is different: Nigeria's farms and markets are rich with affordable, homegrown sources of protein waiting to be embraced.
"Across the country, Nigerian farmers grow and raise foods that carry the strength in protein. In the North, soybeans and groundnuts thrive in wide fields. In fishing communities along the coast, nets are pulled in heavily with fresh catches.
"Poultry farms produce eggs and chicken daily, while the fertile Middle Belt yields crops like cowpeas and other legumes," he stated.
The Public Affairs Analyst believed all these are not distant luxuries, but are everyday products of the people's soil and waters, and which can be harvested by hand to keep the food culture, in this part of the globe, alive.
"A walk through any local market tells its own story. Sacks of soybeans, trays of eggs, smoked fish dangling in rows, and baskets of groundnuts waiting to be scooped, protein is everywhere. It is woven into the rhythm of daily trade, offered at prices that suit both big and modest household budgets.
"Think of soy-milk drinks made from locally grown soybeans, eggs sizzling in tomato stew, smoked fish in a bubbling pot of soup, or groundnut sprinkled over roasted plantain. These meals are familiar, comforting, and nourishing, each one proof that protein already lives at the heart of Nigerian cuisine," he added.
Ofose called on Nigerians to begin to make space for protein in every meal, since doing that also makes space for stronger children, healthier families, and a more productive nation.
He insisted that protein should not be seen as a luxury, but rather as something available for all; in the cities, in the villages, and in every household. He added that with the abundance of farms in the country, and the diversity of the nation's markets, Nigeria has everything it needs to make protein part of every citizen's daily life.
Ofose concluded by describing "From Farm to Feast: The Protein Advantage for Every Nigerian", as telling a story of nourishment, possibility, and strength.
"And with every meal incorporating protein, we take one step closer to a healthier Nigeria," he added.