Eyo Charles, Calabar
Cross River – Calabar- An international vegetarian group led by a prominent Nigerian traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Evans Okileanyanchukwu Nwansi, Eze of Akabo Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, has called on Nigerians to embrace veganism as a way of life, citing its health, spiritual, and peace-building benefits.
The monarch said plant-based living strengthens health, promotes longevity, and fosters harmony between humanity and nature.
He urged government authorities and the wider society to encourage and respect vegetarians, describing their lifestyle as economically sustainable and spiritually enriching.
Vegetarians abstain from meat, poultry, and fish but may consume animal products such as eggs, dairy, and honey.
Vegans, however, strictly avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, and often extend this ethic to clothing and cosmetics, avoiding leather, wool, silk, and animal-tested products.
The advocacy took place at an international convention in Calabar, Cross River State, themed “Veganism: A Sacred Path to Wholesome Living and a Better World.”
The event attracted nutritionists, vegans, and vegetarians from Uganda, Europe, and the United States.
In his keynote address, HRM Nwansi, a lawyer and long-time vegetarian, referenced Genesis 1:29, noting that God’s original instruction was for humanity to subsist on plant-based foods.
He argued that the killing of animals for food deviated from divine intent and has contributed to human suffering, ill health, and conflict with nature.
According to him, early generations practiced vegetarianism even after the fall of man, a practice he said contributed to their long lifespans.
He maintained that a return to plant-based living would help restore peace, improve health, and promote coexistence with other creatures.
Guest speaker and founder of Vegan Journey Advocacy, Joy Eyesan Mong, delivered a paper titled “Sustainable Choice: How Veganism Heals the Earth.”
She described veganism as a spiritual, ecological, and moral response to environmental and climate challenges, emphasizing that plant-based diets reduce harm to both human health and the planet.
“Veganism nurtures the body, spirit, and ecological balance. Choosing plants is a choice for peace, responsibility, and a better world,” she said.
Another speaker, Constantine Aporu, founder of Eco Space Uganda, presented “Compassion in Action: Ethical Living for a Peaceful World.”
He highlighted compassion, ethical living, animal rights, and coexistence with nature as vital steps toward achieving global peace.
The event also featured a practical demonstration on preparing alternative plant-based protein foods to help vegans meet their nutritional needs. The session was led by Eno Isaac.
Convener of the event and international organizing committee chairperson, Archbishop Nnanna Mong, alongside Eminence Augusta Obot, reinforced the message, stating that a plant-based diet is key to a rancour-free and peaceful world.
Chairman of the occasion, Archbishop (Dr) Iwora Agara of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, welcomed the hosting of the conference in Calabar. He dismissed claims that vegetarianism is expensive or difficult to adopt.
“Vegetarianism is affordable, promotes good health, and enhances spiritual growth. More Nigerians should embrace it,”
Agara said.
The advocates added that their umbrella body, the Brotherhood Vegetarians Fellowship, which sponsored the event, would continue to promote veganism as a lifestyle aimed at reducing tension between humanity and nature.
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