₦airaland Forum

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians to avoid consuming too much salt following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome encouraged increased salt intake.

Oyakhilome, president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), claimed in the video that Africans are intentionally discouraged from using salt to promote sales of sodium-based medications.

Reacting to the cleric’s claims, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, laba Balogun on Wednesday, emphasised that while sodium as a key component of salt is essential for body functions, it must be consumed in moderation.

The ministry’s statement reads: “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.

“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.

“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 address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy. 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 in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.

“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 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,” the ministry urged.

Source: https://punchng.com/health-ministry-slams-oyakhilomes-salt-consumption-claims/

Hh

No be this same pastor talk say 5g na him bring covid?

Some pastors gan sef......... They don't make research before preaching. Na wah oo

Risk of high blood pressure is higher with too much salt intake

Ok

Salt shud be taken in moderation and according to experts advice.
Though humans are generally selfish and manipulative and there may be some iota of truth in what he said but that shudnt make us begin to consume salt excessively

He should be arrested and prosecuted

I don't know what's going on but I think pastor Christ needs to change his weed supplier. Ever since he relocated to South Africa he has been capping nonsense.

I wonder why they always go off the rails

This man again? He still hasn't rested after his too many misinformation and gaffes on covid-19. My most fear about these people, is the high number of people who will believe whatever they say. We can be sure, after listening to his lies, some people will buy bags of salt and take it in excess, because their Pastor told them to do so.

When will the FG engage this man on his misleading statements about health and social life?

He should be arrested to curtail his falsehood and fake controversies. I dunno ppl still dey attend dz man's church

Anyone who wants to live long should cut down on anything Sugary, Carbohydrate and Salts consumption.

I dey follow

Same way they sell to us religion which you a leader in today

I thought he has a PhD in divinity! That education ought to count na...this one that he talks like a dibia

HeatSeeker:
I wonder why they always go off the rails

Oyakhilome has never been ON the rails.

How can one reduce blood pressure effectively

A useless man of Fraud

Mopolchi:
How can one reduce blood pressure effectively

Make some research on Beetroot 😎

It's well

Just another pastorprenual fraudster playing on the gullibility of the Nigerian Christians.

Salt is bad

Dogalmighty17:
Oyakhilome has never been ON the rails.

This particular one coming from him is really absurd Just like the 5G/COVID stuff, it's very far from conventional rationality.

Worst of it is that his followers (especially the medical practitioners) will have a hard time defending him.

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