Mirror Newspaper to Lead National Conversation on Salt Intake, Honour Nigeria’s Silent Heroes
The Mirror Newspaper has announced plans to host a National Conference and Awards Ceremony aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits and recognising Nigerians whose contributions to national development often go unnoticed.
The event, themed “X-raying the Salt: Safeguarding National Health,” is scheduled to hold on April 23, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the organisers, the conference will bring together policymakers, public health experts, industry leaders, and civil society organisations to address the growing health risks associated with excessive salt consumption and its impact on the nation’s wellbeing.
As part of the programme, the management and editorial board of The Mirror Newspaper have invited the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, to deliver the keynote address.
In a formal invitation signed by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Mr. Stanley Ihedigbo, Oluwafemi was selected in recognition of his longstanding commitment to public health advocacy, corporate accountability, and citizen participation across Africa.
He is expected to speak on the topic “X-raying the Insidious Sweetness of Salt,” offering insights into how excessive salt intake contributes to hypertension, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and beyond.
The organisers noted that the conference is designed to stimulate informed discussions on preventive healthcare, responsible food production, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to safeguard consumers.
“Salt consumption remains one of the silent drivers of preventable illnesses in our society. This conference represents our modest contribution to national development by drawing attention to an issue that affects millions of Nigerians daily,” Ihedigbo said.
Beyond the conference, the event will also feature the Mirror Newspaper Excellence Awards for Silent Heroes, an initiative created to honour individuals whose impactful contributions across various sectors rarely receive public recognition.
The Silent Heroes Awards will celebrate teachers, health workers, community leaders, social advocates, innovators, and professionals whose quiet dedication continues to strengthen communities and institutions nationwide.
“These are people who may never make the headlines, yet their impact is deeply felt in homes, schools, clinics, and communities. It is time to bring them out of the shadows and celebrate their service,” the organisers stated.
The awards ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries from government, civil society, the private sector, and the media, further reinforcing The Mirror Newspaper’s role as a platform for public enlightenment and social recognition.
With its combined focus on public health advocacy and social appreciation, the 2026 National Conference and Awards Ceremony is set to be a landmark event—addressing a critical health challenge while restoring honour to Nigeria’s unsung heroes.
