Friend dealing with infested plants - help ID the culprit?

Hello plant lovers,

My friend and neighbour has just discovered an infestation in her plants. She has provided the following pics, and says these are large white eggs. She has also noticed "fruit flies" around one of her plants recently (sounds like gnats?). Does anyone know for sure what these are, so that we may tackle this with the right means?

Thanks!

 

mealy bugs: Mealybug - Wikipedia

 

Thank you so much! I will forward this info to her. You've been a great help.