Salt Is Silently Killing Nigerians, Experts Warn

As Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2026, a coalition of leading health advocacy organisations have raised the alarm over what they described as a growing public health emergency driven by excessive salt consumption and unhealthy diets.

The coalition comprising the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa called on the Federal Government to urgently implement stronger sodium reduction policies to curb the rising cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and other non-communicable diseases across the country.

In a joint press statement issued to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026, themed: “Salt It Out,” the organisations warned that Nigerians are consuming dangerously high levels of sodium, largely due to increasing dependence on ultra-processed foods packed with salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
According to the groups, Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium, equivalent to about 10 grams of salt, daily, nearly double the World Health Organization recommended limit of two grams of sodium or five grams of salt per day.

Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excessive salt intake as a major driver of Nigeria’s worsening hypertension and cardiovascular disease burden.

“Excess salt consumption is no longer a silent issue. It is now a major public health emergency contributing to the alarming rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases across the country,” she said.

Fagbemi stressed that sodium reduction must become a national priority backed by enforceable regulations, including mandatory sodium limits in processed foods, front-of-pack warning labels and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

Also speaking, Technical Adviser of NHED, Jerome Mafeni, warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system could face devastating long-term consequences if urgent preventive measures are not introduced.

He noted that the growing burden of non-communicable diseases was already stretching the nation’s fragile healthcare system and increasing social and economic pressures on families.

On his part, Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, cautioned against nutrition policies that may inadvertently encourage the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

“As Nigeria responds to nutrition challenges, we must also ensure that food policies do not unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to rising cases of diet-related non-communicable diseases,” he said.

The organisations urged the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, to take decisive steps to protect Nigerians from unhealthy food environments.

They called for mandatory salt reduction targets for processed foods, clearer warning labels on unhealthy products, stronger nutrition education campaigns and increased support for healthier food choices.

The coalition also advised Nigerians to reduce the use of added salt and seasoning cubes, consume more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, and adopt healthier natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, curry and fish powder.

“As we mark World Salt Awareness Week, we must recognise that healthy diets are not just a matter of personal choice but also of public policy.

“The government has a responsibility to create food environments that protect health rather than undermine it.”

World Salt Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 11 to 17 and focuses on reducing dietary salt intake to prevent hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney damage.

  

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Lagos Sanctions 15 Money Lending Companies For Unethical And Sharp Practices

Lagos State government has sanctioned 15 money lending firms for violating operational guidelines and engaging in practices considered detrimental to residents of the state.

Speaking, on Friday, during the 2026 ministerial press briefing to mark the third year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said the action formed part of the government’s efforts to sanitise the money lending sector and protect Lagosians from exploitation and fraudulent financial practices.

He added that the state government would continue to enforce strict compliance among money lenders operating within Lagos. “The firms were sanctioned to ensure strict adherence to guidelines and to protect Lagosians from sharp practices by financial firms,” he said.

The commissioner also said money lending remains a critical component of the economy because it provides quick access to credit for petty traders and small-scale business operators who often struggle to secure loans from commercial banks due to stringent conditions and requirements.

“Moneylending business is one of the vital parts of the economy which allows people in the small-scale industry and petty traders to have stress-free access to quick loans to finance their businesses,” Layode stated.

He explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for processing applications, issuing and renewing licences for money lenders operating in the state, while also monitoring and supervising their activities.

The commissioner said the government regularly organises stakeholders’ forums for operators in the sector to expose them to global best practices and strengthen professionalism within the industry.

“We also conduct stakeholders’ forums for Moneylender operators in order to bring them up to speed on the latest world best practices,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the ministry works closely with federal regulatory agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Layode further explained that the ministry profiles and monitors money lending firms to ensure that residents are protected from dubious operators and fraudulent schemes.

“In addition, the Ministry registers, profiles and monitors the viability of such companies with a view to ensuring that while the money lenders are in business, the general public is also protected from being scammed by fraudulent people of questionable characters,” he said.

He added that the activities of licensed money lenders have contributed significantly to the growth of micro and small businesses in Lagos by providing alternative financing opportunities outside conventional banking institutions.

“This partnership has greatly assisted small-scale business owners in Lagos to keep their petty businesses afloat without having to contend with high interest rates and clauses of the big commercial banks,” Layode said.

According to the commissioner, within the 2025–2026 period under review, the ministry received 112 new applications from money lending operators, while 214 existing licences were renewed.

On naturalisation and special immigrant status applications, Layode said the ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior, continued to process applications from foreign nationals seeking Nigerian citizenship or permanent residency status.

He explained that naturalisation is granted to foreigners who have lived continuously in Nigeria for at least 15 years and have established investment interests in their states of residence.

“The objective of the exercise is to grant citizenship rights to foreigners who have lived in the country continuously for fifteen years and above with investment interests in their states of residence,” he stated.

Layode added that special immigrant status is designed for foreign nationals married to Nigerian citizens as part of efforts to promote integration and economic development.

He disclosed that applicants undergo screening and verification processes involving agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.

According to him, 68 applications for naturalisation and special immigrant status were received during the period under review, while 20 applicants were cross-examined and screened for onward transmission to the Federal Ministry of Interior for final clearance.

  

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Lagos Postpones 2026 Public Service Examination

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the State Examination Board, has rescheduled the earlier stated Public Service Examinations slated for 14th May to 16th May, 2026.

The statement which was issued by the board, also stated that the afternoon sessions that were previously affected would now commence by 08:00am.

Candidates affected by the readjustment include those with examination numbers ADM5001-6000, EXT0751-1500, CA0001-0200, CSII, CSIII and CSIV.

The examination scheduled for Friday, 15 May has been moved to Tuesday, 19 May, while that of Saturday, 16 May will be written by Wednesday, 20 May, 2026 at 8.00am respectively.

  

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Popular Influencer Blessing CEO Remanded In EFCC Custody Over N36 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday said a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, had remanded social media influencer, Okoro Nkiruka,

popularly known as Blessing CEO, in its custody over an alleged N36m fraud.

In a statement, the commission said the defendant was arraigned by its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 before Justice D.I. Dipeolu

on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

The commission stated that during the proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24m to the nominal

complainant and sought a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24m out of the N36m.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail

on the EFCC to drop the case,” said the statement.

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, told the court that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and that the prosecution was

not aware of any arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner.

The statement noted that the court held that any discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the proceedings and directed

that the defendant takes her plea.

The EFCC in the statement says “One of the counts alleged that the defendant, between July 14 and 17, 2024, obtained N36 million from one Ifeyinwa Nonye

Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos, which representation she allegedly knew to be false.

“Another count, according to the commission, accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum to personal use,”.

Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Defence counsel, however, urged the court to remand her in EFCC custody, noting that she had just been served with the charges and was still perfecting

her bail application.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial, the statement added.

  

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Alexx Ekubo: Why Do WE Clap For People Only At Their Grave - Singer Kcee

Singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has led tributes to Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, following his death at the age of 40 after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Ekubo’s family confirmed that he passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Evercare Hospital in Lagos and requested privacy as they mourn the late actor.

In his tribute through his Facebook account, Kcee said “we are all guilty,” noting that people are often “too good at eulogies… and too late with love,” as appreciation is frequently expressed only after death.

He questioned why people reserve their kind words for funerals, saying: “A lot of people have beautiful things to say about you, but they save it for your funeral.”

The singer further asked why people often remain silent when others are alive and struggling: “Why do we clap for people at their graves, but stay silent when they’re struggling, building, doubting themselves right in front of us?”

According to him, appreciation and encouragement should be expressed while it still matters, adding: “Can we start telling people ‘I’m proud of you’ while they can still smile back?”

He urged more compassion and human connection in everyday life, saying, “Let’s be human to each other… let’s say the nice things now… because the best ‘RIP’ is a life well-loved before it ends.”

Kcee, who featured Alexx Ekubo in his 2018 music video “Bullion Squad,” also used the moment to call for more intentional expression of care among loved ones.

“If this speaks to you, call someone today. Text them. Visit them. Tell them what you’ve been holding back. Speak life. Because one day, all we’ll have left are memories. Don’t wait for the funeral. Goodbye, Alex, sleep well,” he said.

Kcee’s tribute comes amid a wave of condolences from other colleagues in the industry.

  

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I Am Sorry, Desmond Eliot Apologizes To Political Godfather Gbajabiamila

Nollywood actor turned politician, Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to his political godfather and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying he may have offended him in the course of his political engagements.

Elliot made the apology during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on Friday, where he said any misunderstanding was unintentional and insisted he remained committed to party unity and development in his constituency.

His apology comes amid previous political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila had revealed

that he nearly lost his position at the Presidency due to allegations tied to Elliot’s political activities.

Gbajabiamila had said President Bola Tinubu confronted him over intelligence reports suggesting Elliot’s involvement in moves around the Assembly speakership tussle, a claim he denied at the time.

Speaking on the programme, Elliot said he grew into politics under the guidance of a senior colleague he described as his “egbon”, adding that emotions

and misunderstandings may have contributed to past friction.

“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said.

He added that human error could not be ruled out in political relationships.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” he said.

Elliot also extended his apology to who he described as the “matriarch of Surulere”, saying he regretted any offence caused.

“To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he said.

Despite the apology, he maintained that he remains focused on strengthening the party and delivering on his mandate.

“But I will keep keeping the party strong. And to all Surulerians, my scorecard is there. You know the things I’ve done to make Surulere a better place,”

he added.

The Lagos Assembly crisis, which involved leadership tensions within the All Progressives Congress, had triggered internal disputes before it was eventually

resolved through high-level interventions.

  

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Desmond Eliot Saga: How President Tinubu Nearly Sacked Me - Gbajabiamila

For those who have been wondering why the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, is opposed to the return of Desmond Eliot to the Lagos State House of Assembly, an explanation has been given. Gbajabiamila has narrated how his principal almost sacked him because of Desmond Elliot.

He said he almost lost his job during the Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa impeachment saga.

Recall that lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly had said that Obasa was impeached to save the integrity and sanctity of the House of Assembly and Lagos State.

The lawmakers, while jointly addressing journalists at the Assembly Complex, said: “It’s just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant, so change is inevitable.”

However, with President Tinubu against the impeachment, the Speaker was restored and peace returned to the Assembly.

Addressing members of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said, “I almost lost my job as Chief of Staff last year because of Desmond Elliot. Mr President called me to his house in Abuja during the Lagos Speaker Obasa saga.

“He said, ‘I hear this Desmond is your boy, the one we gave you,’ and I said, ‘Yes, sir. He is one of the people causing problems in the Lagos House of Assembly.’

“Immediately, I told the president that Desmond wasn’t part of them, but the president replied and said that, from the intelligence he received, Desmond was part of them.

“After that meeting, I called Desmond and told him what the president said, and asked him to leave the group if he was part of them. Three days later, the DSS DG called me and said there was a problem.

“He said your name is being mentioned, that you’re the one behind the impeachment saga and that you’re supporting Desmond.

“I spoke to the DSS DG and told him I had spoken to Desmond and he denied being part of the group. I then asked Desmond to make a public statement denying his involvement in the impeachment saga, but till today, he hasn’t done it. If not for the kind of relationship I had with the president, I wouldn’t be here today.”   

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YABATECH Will Soon Become A University - Rector Assures, As Institution Matriculates 17,100 Fresh Students

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has assured students and stakeholders that the institution’s transition into a full-fledged university remains on course.

Abdul spoke on Thursday during the matriculation of 17,130 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He said the Federal Government’s approval for the conversion of the 79-year-old institution into a university of technology and vocational education had reached an advanced stage, with legislative processes ongoing at the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of YABATECH into a university in February 2025.

According to the rector, the announcement was a reaffirmation of the President’s approval and commitment to the process.

“The announcement is not new. I am just reiterating it to the new students that the President has approved our conversion to a university. The minister himself made the announcement last year and I want to assure everyone that it is on course,” he said.

Abdul, however, clarified that the institution would continue operating as a polytechnic pending the completion of regulatory and accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission.

“These are not our last set of students as a college because there are still processes to follow. The NUC has to approve our courses before degree programmes can commence. We will continue our admissions as a polytechnic while the transition progresses,” he said.

The rector also unveiled infrastructure expansion plans aimed at preparing the institution for its proposed university status.

According to him, the President approved a N5bn take-off intervention fund for the construction of a 13-storey building within the institution and another N2bn for faculty development projects.

He added that the institution was expanding its Epe campus while also developing additional hostels and academic facilities in Yaba.

Abdul disclosed that the Federal Government recently approved a Presidential Initiative hostel project expected to provide 1,500 bed spaces for students.

The rector also announced plans to establish new faculties, including the Faculty of Health Technology and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.

He further disclosed that the institution admitted 17,130 students from 24,655 applications received for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Abdul urged the matriculating students to embrace discipline, academic excellence and entrepreneurship while avoiding cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse and other social vices.

“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in Yabatech. Any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution,” he said.

  

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Nollywood Actress Foluke Daramola Picks APC Form For Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency

Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

The actress shared the development in a recent post on her Facebook page, where she uploaded photos of herself holding the forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Daramola is seeking to represent Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1 and had earlier announced her intention to contest for the position.

In one of her campaign messages, the actress pledged support for laws that would improve the welfare of workers if elected into office.

She also used the opportunity to encourage residents of Oshodi-Isolo to remain focused and ambitious.

“For the hardworking soul, weekend is not an idle day to stay still but active, reflecting and refining the past week’s activities,” she wrote.

“Take the moment to relax and embrace it to nurture your ambition with clarity of purpose for the week ahead.”

Addressing constituents, the actress described herself as a servant of the people and offered prayers for residents of the constituency.

“As your servant and potential aspirant for the House of Representatives, Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1, I, Hon. Foluke Daramola-Salako, lift you up in prayers: May Almighty God open doors of opportunities for us all and keep us safe.

“Together, we will build a stronger, better Oshodi,” she added.

Her declaration adds to the growing number of entertainers joining politics ahead of the next election cycle.

Socialite Cubana Chief Priest also purchased nomination forms to contest for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency seat in Imo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Likewise, actor Zubby Michael announced his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Foluke Daramola began her acting career in 1998 and has featured in numerous Nollywood productions over the years.

  

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You Cheated On Me While I Was Pregnant - Frank Edoho's Estranged Wife, Sandra, Finally Breaks Silence

Sandra Onyenucheya, estranged wife of media personality, Frank Edoho, has broken her silence following news that their marriage has ended, accusing the veteran broadcaster of infidelity, emotional abuse and financial irresponsibility.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Sandra shared a series of strongly worded posts detailing her experience in the marriage and alleging that Edoho cheated on her while she was pregnant.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim.

“Choosing to marry a man, raising our beautiful kids, single handedly building & growing a successful design business and giving my self wholly, undiluted and faithful through and through!

“Until you decided that while I am pregnant with our first child, you would rather have a prolonged affair that lasted years with an actress. Where do I even begin? The nights crying on the floor begging that you see me, with you walking out and not returning for days!”

Sandra also alleged that Edoho pressured her to terminate her second pregnancy.

“Or the days you tormented me to abort our 2nd child because you were in numerous relationships and not ready to be a father?!”

She went on to accuse the television host of abuse and neglect.

“Throughout the emotional, physiological, mental and physical torture and abuse, I stayed committed, faithful, shielding you, carrying like egg. But you are a shell. Washed up and dried out. You live for validation of the internet. So enjoy your 10 seconds of pity party.”

Sandra further described Frank Edoho as “a dead beat” and claimed she funded their lifestyle during the marriage.

“A dead beat! That is exactly what you are. I single handedly sponsored your lavish lifestyle. I single handedly paid all your bills, the trips, business class tickets, 5-star hotels, luxury trips, all the home bills including that of the other children from your previously failed marriage. I took your mom abroad to the United States, and she lived in my parent’s home for years! I tried to cover you.”

She also accused him of misusing her finances.

“Have you ever paid school fees? Have you ever? All you did was abuse the financial access you had to my funds. Squandering my money on prostitutes and loose women. So many numerous transactions in lekki hotels, air bnb, lounges and bars. Sold my property without my permission for chicken change and still squandered the earnings from it within one week! On different girls. Documented evidence dey! Chai!”

The allegations came shortly after Edoho, former host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, disclosed that he and Sandra had been privately separated for nearly two years and were in the process of divorcing.

“Over the past few days, I’ve received an outpouring of kind messages, prayers, concern, and goodwill regarding my separation and ongoing divorce proceedings,” he wrote.

“While I understand that the public is only just becoming aware of this chapter, I have lived through it privately for quite some time now (almost two years) and have since made peace with it emotionally.”

He added that he was focused, at peace and grateful for the support he had received.

As of the time of this report, Frank Edoho has not publicly responded to Sandra’s allegations.

  

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