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FG counters Oyakhilome’s salt claims, urges Nigerians to follow medical advice

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians to avoid excessive salt consumption, refuting Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s claims discouraging adherence to medical advice on salt intake.

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Health Ministry Salt Warning

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians to avoid excessive salt consumption, refuting Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s claims discouraging adherence to medical advice on salt intake

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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a strong warning to Nigerians regarding excessive salt consumption, directly addressing claims made in a viral video by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Also read: First lady Oluremi Tinubu advocates for maternal, newborn health on World Health Day 2025

In the video, the president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy) allegedly discouraged Africans from limiting salt intake, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to boost sales of sodium-based medications.

Responding to the cleric’s assertions, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Laba Balogun, emphasized on Wednesday that while sodium, a key component of salt, is essential for bodily functions, it must be consumed in moderation, aligning with established medical guidelines.

The ministry’s official statement firmly countered the misinformation: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption.

While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.”

The statement clarified the role of salt and sodium in the body: “Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance.

However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.”

The ministry highlighted the alarming rate of excessive salt intake in Nigeria: “Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake.

This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.”

To combat this growing health crisis, the ministry outlined its national strategy: “To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy.

“While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health,” stated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors.

This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public to lower sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.”

The ministry directly addressed the credibility of medical professionals: “We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care.

The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.”

The statement concluded by emphasizing the potential for collaboration between faith and science for public well-being: “The ministry reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people.

We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the Ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases.”

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GFF@25 Medical Mission Begins October 9 Across Ogun LGAs

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The Gateway Front Foundation’s GFF@25 Medical Mission will begin on October 9 and run through October 24, 2026, bringing free specialist medical services to residents across Ogun State as part of activities marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary.

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The 14-day intervention is being organised by the Gateway Front Foundation in partnership with Sharing Hope Medical Mission from the United States, Sharing Hope and Care Foundation and Redeemer’s Health Village. The programme is sponsored by Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The mission is expected to provide free major and minor surgeries, eye care, gynaecological procedures, orthopaedic treatment, plastic and burn surgery, as well as other specialist medical services. Organisers say more than 15,000 patients are expected to benefit from the programme.

More than 50 doctors from the United States are expected to participate in the mission, while local healthcare practitioners are also expected to receive training as part of the broader programme.

Ahead of the main intervention, the foundation has already begun medical screening and clinical assessments in parts of Ogun. On September 21, residents in Sagamu were screened across four centres, while another exercise was held on September 30 at Redemption City and Simawa to identify cases requiring specialised and surgical treatment.
The screening exercises covered conditions including cataracts, pterygium, dental cases, tumours, lipomas, ganglions, hernias, fibroids, vesicovaginal fistula, prostate conditions, orthopaedic problems, fractures, dislocations, amputations, diabetes and gastroenterology-related ailments. Selected beneficiaries are expected to proceed to the surgical phase of the programme.

To widen access and reduce pressure on a single location, the foundation has scheduled screening and medical interventions across several Local Government Areas, according to the programme schedule released by the organisers.

The listed locations include Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Remo North and the RCCG City area.

The schedule is as follows:

October 9: Ijebu North, Kabiesi Solaja Hall and Bojowa Street, Ago-Iwoye
October 10: Ijebu North East, GFF Care Centre, Erunwon
October 12: Sagamu, Asoludero Hall and Ogijo
October 13: Ijebu Ode, Obalofin Hall
October 14: Ogun Waterside, Abigi Community Town Hall
October 15: Ikenne
October 16: Odogbolu
October 17: Ijebu East, Hazelway Hotel, Ijebu Mushin
October 18: Remo North, Ode-Remo Main Market
October 9, 10 and 12–16: RCCG City/Health Village area

The Redeemers Health Village in Mowe, Redemption City, will serve as the main location for cases requiring surgery, according to the organisers. This arrangement is intended to provide sufficient space and facilities for surgical procedures.

Monitoring officers have also been assigned to the various locations to coordinate activities, manage the flow of beneficiaries and support the smooth delivery of the medical services.

The GFF@25 Medical Mission is one of the major programmes marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary. The Gateway Front Foundation, established by Daniel, has over the years undertaken healthcare and other community-focused interventions, including medical outreaches and eye-care initiatives.

Residents requiring medical attention have been encouraged by the organisers to visit the nearest designated venue on the appropriate date for screening and assessment.

The foundation said the anniversary programme is intended to extend its humanitarian activities to more communities, with healthcare forming a major part of the GFF@25 interventions.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 95% Salary Increase for Health Workers

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The Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, has approved a 95 percent salary increase for health workers across the state.

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The approval, which adopts the Federal Government’s Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), is aimed at improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

The development follows an earlier increase by the state government to bring the salaries of medical personnel in Zamfara in line with those of their counterparts in the Federal Government.

With the new approval, a health worker currently earning ₦100,000 will now take home ₦195,000, while someone on ₦200,000 will earn ₦390,000. A worker on ₦300,000 will now receive ₦585,000, and those on ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 will earn ₦975,000 and ₦1,950,000 respectively.

In effect, the 95 percent increase means the existing salary of every affected health worker is almost doubled.

The approval is expected to boost morale, attract and retain qualified health professionals, and ultimately improve healthcare delivery across the state.

It also comes shortly after the state government recruited new health workers last week, with the newly engaged staff set to benefit from the new salary structure.

Health workers in the state have since expressed appreciation to Governor Lawal for the gesture, describing it as a major boost to the sector.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Zamfara State.

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NAFDAC urged to probe KissKids diaper claims

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NAFDAC

Consumer advocates call for an independent quality assessment after a viral TikTok video alleged foreign material was found inside a baby diaper

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