By John Umeh
The Federal Government has issued a public health advisory warning Nigerians against the excessive consumption of salt, following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome reportedly made claims about the health benefits of high salt intake.
In the video, which has circulated widely on social media platforms, the founder of Christ Embassy allegedly suggested that consuming more salt could provide certain health or spiritual benefits. The video sparked widespread debate and concern among health experts and the general public.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare released a statement urging Nigerians to be cautious about misinformation, particularly when it relates to health and nutrition. The statement emphasized that excessive salt intake is linked to serious health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
“While freedom of speech and religious expression is respected, public health must remain grounded in scientific evidence,” the ministry stated. “We strongly advise Nigerians to follow recommendations from licensed medical professionals and global health authorities like the World Health Organization.”
Health experts also weighed in, warning that misinformation from influential figures could have dangerous consequences if left unchallenged. They encouraged the public to rely on verified medical advice and nutrition guidelines.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to promoting public health awareness and combating the spread of misleading health information, especially on social media.
