JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The federal government, Wednesday, issued a severe warning to the Nigerians on the dangers of excessive salt consumption, reproaching recent controversial claims by the founder of the Embassy of Christ, the shepherd Chris Oyakhilome, who invited the followers to embrace more rooms in their diets.
In a viral video published on social media, Oyakhilome said that Africans were manipulated to avoid salt so that they could become dependent on sodium -based pharmaceutical products.
He said that the salt was beneficial and that the health consultancy against his hiring were part of a wider conspiracy.
But the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Wellness quickly contrasted the statements of cleric, describing them as misleading and potentially harmful to public health.
In a declaration signed by the deputy director of information and public relations of the Ministry, Alaba Balogun, the Government stressed that while sodium is essential for body function, not controlled consumption, especially through salt, imposes serious health threats including hypertension, stroke, kidney failure and heart disease.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Wellness observed a widely widespread video in which a respected religious leader discourages the Nigerians from the point of view of medical advice on the consumption of salt. It is not only misleading but dangerous”, reads the note.
Balogun added: “We recognize and respect the role of religious leaders in modeling social values.
However, when this influence is used to spread disinformation that jeopardizes life, it must be urgently corrected. The intake of excess salt is a silent killer. “
He clarified that the sodium found in some drugs is scientifically formulated and differs significantly from dietary salt.
“The presence of sodium in medicine is not equivalent to the consumption of table salt. The medical prescriptions undergo rigorous regulatory control to guarantee safety,” he said.
Citing the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the Ministry reiterated that the daily intake of recommended rooms should not exceed five grams, approximately a teaspoon. However, studies show that the Middle Nigerian consumes more than double this amount.
In response, Balogun revealed that the government is destined to launch the national sodium reduction guidelines, a strategic policy aimed at reducing salt levels in processed and packaged foods throughout the country.
“Doctors do not lie. Our health professionals are trained to provide advice based on the evidence based on science. We urge the Nigerians to ignore the untreated statements and instead are based on a credible medical guide,” he said.
Even public health experts have weighed, warning that disinformation, especially when they come from influential figures, can significantly undermine health interventions in a country already struggling with increasing diseases that are not transmissible.
The Ministry of Health urged the Nigerians to remain vigilant, to reduce the consumption of salt, to carefully read the eating labels and to adopt healthier food habits to prevent potentially lethal conditions.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We commit ourselves to an investigative journalism of great impact for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell other stories. Please give any amount HERE
