‘Salt Is Good’ Sermon: FG Counters Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Tells Nigerians What to Do
- The Federal Ministry of Health has warned Nigerians against excessive salt intake after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's controversial comments
- Oyakhilome claimed in a viral video that limiting salt intake was a ploy to push sodium-based drugs, contradicting global health guidelines
- Reacting, the ministry reaffirmed the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of a daily salt limit of 5 grams for adults, citing serious health issues
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
Abuja, FCT - The federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has issued a public health advisory.
The ministry warned Nigerians against excessive consumption of salt following a viral video by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Loveworld Incorporated, popularly known as Christ Embassy.
Source: Twitter
In the video, which has stirred widespread reactions on social media, Oyakhilome urged members of his congregation to increase their salt intake.
The preacher claimed that Africans had been 'deliberately discouraged' from consuming salt to make them reliant on sodium-based medications.
“They told you not to take salt so that you can buy their drugs; drugs that contain sodium,” the cleric said, addressing a packed church. "Salt is not your enemy.”
FG alerts Nigerians on salt consumption
Reacting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the federal government cautioned Nigerians to heed professional medical advice, warning that indiscriminate salt consumption posed serious health risks.
In a press statement signed by Alaba Balogun, deputy director of information and public relations at the ministry, the government reiterated the importance of moderate salt consumption, even as it acknowledged the influential role of faith leaders in national discourse.
“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 read.
Source: Twitter
"Salt can kill, follow medical advice" - FG
Balogun noted that while salt contains sodium, an essential mineral required for nerve and muscle function, excessive intake contributes to a range of non-communicable diseases.
“High salt consumption is associated with high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease, among others,” he warned.
He also cited global health standards, saying:
“The World Health Organisation recommends a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day - roughly one teaspoon - for adults.”
As reported by Vanguard, Balogun urged the public to remain cautious and follow medically grounded dietary guidelines.
“The ministry advises Nigerians to be wary of health advice not backed by science or endorsed by certified health professionals.”
The video of Pastor Oyakhilome's comments on salt is below:
Doctor clarifies when salt can aid health
A Nigerian doctor has warned that salt may temporarily support health in rare medical contexts, but it should never replace medicine or be taken without supervision.
Dr. Olorunfemi Oluwaseun, speaking with Legit.ng, responded to a recent sermon by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome promoting salt intake. He clarified that while salt can help in certain low blood pressure cases, it is not a blanket solution.
“One that comes to mind is people with low BP for a particular reason, not all people with low BP,” he stated.
He explained that usage should be limited and closely monitored even in such cases.
Olorunfemi warned against self-medication and emphasised the dangers of taking salt without expert advice.
“Taking without the input of medical personnel is very detrimental."
High salt intake linked to HBP in Nigerian men - Study
Meanwhile, Nigerian male hypertensive patients who consume high amounts of salt show significantly higher diastolic blood pressure levels, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology.
The study, led by Oduola Abiola, examined the habitual discretionary salt intake of 114 hypertensive patients – 52 men and 62 women – aged between 26 and 80 years. Researchers assessed salt consumption through interviews and questionnaires, categorising participants into low, moderate, and high intake groups.
Findings showed that diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in males was significantly higher in those with high salt intake compared to those with moderate and low intake. Mean DBP among high salt consumers stood at 123.5 mmHg, compared with 108.3 mmHg and 99.3 mmHg for moderate and low salt groups, respectively (P<0.02 and P<0.009). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) also increased with salt intake, but the difference was not statistically significant.
No female participant reported high salt intake, leaving unclear the relationship between salt consumption and blood pressure in women. The study also found no correlation between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure.
The researchers suggest that reducing salt intake may benefit black hypertensive patients, particularly given the late stage at which many seek care.
"Reduced salt intake might, therefore, be beneficial in black hypertensive patients, in the setting of common presentation at the stage of cardiac decompensation," the study concluded.
Read more about Pastor Chris here:
Pastor Chris to rebuild church
Legit.ng also reported that Pastor Chris announced plans to rebuild the Loveworld Convocation Arena (LCA).
Reacting to the fire that damaged the structure, he said the church would build a bigger and better facility.
Pastor Chris also presented the new design of the Loveworld Convocation Arena in a video to his congregants.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a public health expert for this report.
Head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed insights from a research study to this report.
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Source: Legit.ng
