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FG cautions Nigerians against excess salt consumption
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians against excess intake of salt and sodium, saying it could cause hypertension and other heart diseases.
Pate said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, with the theme: ”It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt”.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ms Daju Kachollom, Pate said the Federal Government would step up public awareness on the dangers of excess intake of salt.
The minister said that not less than 10 per cent of cardiovascular diseases deaths is attributed to the burden of excess sodium consumption in Nigeria.
He said that there were varying estimates of the average daily intake of dietary sodium among Nigerian adults, ranging from 2.3 to 10 grams per day, while the intake of dietary salt ranged from 5.8 to 25 grams per day.
Pate said that this figure was significantly higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations of daily intake of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.
He said that this figure was significantly higher than the WHO recommendations of daily intake of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.
Pate said that reducing sodium intake was crucial for controlling blood pressure, adding that this would help to prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
According to him, salt is a hidden adversary in people’s diets, and it contributes to the burden of cardiovascular diseases that afflict many of the loved ones.
He said: “Nigeria is not immune to the global epidemic of hypertension and heart diseases.
“The choices we make at our dining tables, the ingredients we stir into our pots; and the snacks we consume at a moments of leisure; all contribute to the silent escalation of health risks, associated with high salt intake.
Citing a WHO report, Pate said that about 17.9 million lives were claimed, as salt intake had a far-reaching impact on the death, through High Blood Pressure, heart attack and stroke.
He said that implementing sodium reduction strategies could lead to significant healthcare savings, and also prevent costly medical treatments for diseases caused by high sodium intake.
Pate said that the federal government had embarked on several initiatives to curtail excessive salt intake and bring about healthier Nigeria.
WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, also said that excess salt consumption was linked to gastric cancer and kidney disease.
Mulombo, who was represented by National Progressional Officer on Nutrition, WHO, Dr Pindar Wakawa, said the global average intake of sodium was more than the double what WHO recommended.
He called for urgent public health message to enable people take precaution against salt and sodium consumption. (NAN)
The Sir David Osunde Foundation (SDOF) has announced that
His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Abuja, and His Grace Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja will preside over its 33rd annual Thanksgiving celebration for persons with disabilities, taking place this Easter Monday.
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, revealed that this year’s event will be held simultaneously in Abuja and Benin City, Edo State.
This strategic move, he said, is designed to ease travel for participants across Nigeria by offering a venue in both the northern and southern regions.
According to the organisers, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Abuja, will officiate the Thanksgiving Mass in Benin City, where he is also expected to formally declare the Foundation’s annual activities open.
Simultaneously, His Grace Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, will lead the Mass in the nation’s capital.
Thousands of guests are expected to attend the ceremonies in both cities, marking a significant return to Benin City — a location that last hosted the Foundation’s event 19 years ago.
The annual gathering is a central part of the Foundation’s mission to honour and empower Nigerians living with disabilities.
The event includes not only spiritual reflection but also an empowerment programme that distributes assistive devices and other forms of support to individuals across the country.
Speaking on the empowerment efforts, Anuniru Emmanuel O, the Programme Manager Officer of SDOF, commended the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“We distribute items through our state coordinators, and we ensure proper follow-up through video and pictorial evidence,” he explained.
“When we receive images and videos of beneficiaries using the aid provided, we know the support is reaching the right hands.”
He recounted one such instance, in which a man with a physical disability in Akwa Ibom received a tricycle sent from Abuja. A video showed the man using the tricycle to fetch and transport water from a borehole — a powerful testament to the impact of the Foundation’s work in promoting independent living.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.