Mirror Newspaper to Host National Conference on Salt Consumption, Honours Unsung Heroes
In an effort to boost public health awareness and acknowledge the vital yet often unnoticed contributors to national progress, The Mirror Newspaper has announced its plans to host a National Conference and Awards Ceremony themed “X-raying the Salt: Safeguarding National Health” on 23 April 2026 in Lagos.
The event, scheduled to take place at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, will convene policymakers, health experts, industry stakeholders, and civil society groups to discuss the rising health concerns linked to high salt intake and its implications for the nation’s wellbeing.
As part of the programme, The Mirror Newspaper’s management and editorial board have invited Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), to deliver the keynote address.
In a formal invitation signed by Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Stanley Ihedigbo, Mr Oluwafemi was chosen in recognition of his notable contributions to public health advocacy, corporate accountability, and citizen engagement across Africa.
He is expected to present a keynote titled “X-raying the Insidious Sweetness of Salt,” which will critically explore how excessive salt intake quietly fuels hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable illnesses in Nigeria and beyond.
Organisers note that the conference aims to foster informed dialogue on preventive health measures, responsible food production, and the importance of stronger regulatory frameworks to safeguard consumers.
“Salt consumption remains one of the silent drivers of preventable illnesses in our society. This conference is our modest contribution to national development by drawing attention to an issue that affects millions of Nigerians daily,” Ihedigbo stated.
In addition to the conference, the event will feature the Mirror Newspaper Excellence Awards for Silent Heroes, a special initiative to honour individuals who have made significant yet largely unrecognised contributions across various sectors of national life.
The Silent Heroes Award aims to celebrate teachers, healthcare workers, community leaders, social advocates, innovators, and professionals whose quiet dedication shapes society without seeking recognition.
“These are people who may never appear on the front pages, yet their impact is deeply felt in communities, institutions, and families. We believe it is time to bring them out of the shadows and celebrate their service,” the organisers emphasised.
The awards ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries from government, civil society, the private sector, and the media, further establishing The Mirror Newspaper as a platform for both enlightenment and social appreciation.
With a dual focus on health advocacy and honouring unseen heroes, the 2026 National Conference and Awards promises to be a significant gathering—addressing urgent health issues while recognising the nation’s quiet contributors.