Health
Expert blames sugary drinks for rising deaths, chronic diseases as Nigeria consumes 54 billion litres
A public health expert has raised serious concerns over the increasing health risks posed by the consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria.
The expert warned that the country is facing a growing crisis of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases.
Ekwutosblog in an exclusive interview with Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), said the widespread intake of sugary drinks commonly called soft drinks is silently fueling a health emergency, especially among young people.
“SSBs are drinks that contain added sugars such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners like honey and molasses,” Sarumi explained.
“Examples include sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks. These drinks are full of sugar and give the body far more energy than it needs.”
According to him, an average bottle of SSB contains nearly 14 cubes of sugar, more than the daily sugar intake recommended by health experts.
“This excess sugar is dangerous to the body. It causes a sudden rise and crash in blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and over time, serious health problems like heart disease, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes.
“All these outcomes are risk factors for noncommunicable disease (NCDs) which are now responsible for more than 30% of total deaths in Nigeria,” he said.
Sarumi pointed out that SSBs are easily available, aggressively marketed, and often seen as a normal part of daily life.
“They’re ultra-processed and wrongly sold as essential. This marketing has made people believe they are harmless, but that is far from the truth,” he added.
Over 54 Billion Litres of SSBs Consumed in Nigeria
Citing data, Sarumi said Nigeria is now one of the largest consumers of sugary drinks in Africa.
“For more than 4 years, it was reported that Nigeria was the fourth largest consumer of SSBs, with 38 million litres consumed in Nigeria. In April 2025, ahead of convergence of food and beverages companies who now target Nigeria for its young and large population, the organisers informed members of the press that Nigerians consumed over 54 billion litres of SSBs in 2024.
This rise, he noted, is happening alongside an increase in fast food and processed snack consumption, contributing to what he calls “a diet-related disease explosion.”
“We’ve seen more than 150% increase in cardiovascular diseases in the last decade, with over 27.5 million Nigerians living with hypertension as of 2022. And with poor diets, tobacco, and alcohol use, the World Health Organization (WHO) says 22% of Nigerians now face the risk of dying early from non-communicable diseases,” Sarumi warned.
Are Nigerians aware of these dangers?
While some people know sugar can be harmful, Sarumi said most Nigerians don’t fully understand the link between sugary drinks and long-term illnesses.
“From our interactions, many people don’t realise just how dangerous SSBs can be,” he said.
He also described how some myths and misleading advice make things worse.
“There are even cases where patients are told by health workers to take sugary drinks before using medication. In a religious and cultural society like ours, many see diabetes or heart disease as spiritual attacks, not linked to their diet.”
Why SSBs are popular especially among young people?
Sarumi believes the food industry plays a major role in promoting SSBs, especially among the youth. “These products are cheap, everywhere, and heavily advertised. They are shown as symbols of fun, status, or success, without any warning about their dangers,” he said.
“The companies behind SSBs also position themselves as ‘friends of society’ through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, which makes it harder to question their products,” he added.
The way forward
To reduce consumption, Sarumi supports the implementation of a strong SSB tax. But he says this must go beyond raising revenue.
“A good SSB tax should not only reduce intake but also fund healthcare, especially for people living with diabetes and other diet-related conditions,” he explained. “Government must use the tax money for public health campaigns to educate citizens.”
He also called for other supporting measures like: Clear warning labels on sugary products, limits on how much salt or sugar companies can use, banning celebrities from endorsing SSBs, restricting marketing aimed at children.
“These combined policies will protect Nigerians especially children and help improve the overall health of the country,” Sarumi concluded.
Health
Ex-Jehovah Witness Member Shares What Happens To Any Member Who Accepts Blood Transfusion
A former member of Jehovah’s Witness has revealed the severe consequences members face if they accept blood transfusions.
The lady, identified on X (formerly Twitter) as @carrotxbt, shared that during her time in the faith, she carried a card stating that in the event of an accident requiring a blood transfusion, she should be left to die.
She explained that the psychological impact of the group only becomes apparent after leaving.
According to her, any member who accepts a blood transfusion is not only disfellowshipped from the organization but also cut off from family, friends, and the congregation.
She added that such individuals can become outcasts and, if living with their parents, may even be thrown out of the house.
@carrotxbt further stated that members who marry Christians from other denominations face the same consequences.
Recounting her personal experience, she said:
“I carried a card all my life that stated that in case I had an accident and needed a blood transfusion, I should be left to die. Only when you leave that organization will you realize the level of psychological damage that has been done to you. The person will be disfellowshipped… everyone you used to know will not communicate with you anymore… If you live with your parents prior to the incident, after you survive, you will be thrown out of the house and disowned. The same thing happens if you marry a Christian from another denomination. This religion ruined my family. I had to run away.”
Her revelation comes as the story of a current member, Aunty Esther, who refused a blood transfusion while battling cancer, sparked widespread discussion on social media.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian religious sect originating from the Adventist movement in the late 1800s in the United States.
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Health
Man Seeks Legal Help As Girlfriend He Sponsored Through Nursing School Refuses To Marry Him
A Nigerian man identified as James Eze has sought legal help after his girlfriend, whom he sponsored through nursing school, refused to marry him.
According to a post that was reposted by another Facebook user, Maria Ude Nwachi, Eze had a verbal argument with his girlfriend and her mother.
In the post, Maria Ude Nwachi shared that after completing nursing school she rejected the marriage and is now seeking legal assistance.
The post reads, “James EzeI had a verbal agreement with my girlfriend and her mom to sponsor her to nursing school, then we marry afterwards. She completed last year and now wants to reject me. What are my legal options please?”.
Meanwhile, the post has gone viral online, with netizens sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Beautiful Oyinye, “Osi legal option? My brother you did charity work and God go bless you”
Chukwudi Ozalla, “Take a verbal option. Just talk and express your anger and let it end there. Goodluck in your future endeavours”.
Naza Emmanuel, “Don’t marry her and don’t let another man marry her. If happened in my vila. The lady used her eyes to see her ears before she was set free”.
Boni Flamez, “Where is it in the law that a girl you sponsored must marry you. Toe Sha if she doesn’t marry you, just marry her”.
Mubeen inquired, “She force you?. As I no gree sponsor my babe now, e no pain me if she leave later. I dey invest for my future wife and not unassured lady on the present”.
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Health
Jehovah Witness Cancer Patient, Aunty Esther Rejects Blood Transfusion After N30m Public Donation
Popular Nigerian personal shopper, Aunty Esther, who is well known on X, has made headlines after new reports claimed she allegedly refused a doctor-recommended blood transfusion following her cancer diagnosis.
Aunty Esther has been diagnosed with cancer recently and had earlier informed her followers that her test results were out, confirming cancer in her breast and armpit. She also thanked everyone who contributed financially to her treatment.
Many people on social media quickly rallied round to raise money for her treatment. The donation was anchored by Wisdom Obi-Dickson, a media personality known for charity activities, especially on X with the username @Wizarab10, who successfully helped raise over N 30,776,252 as of December 1st, 2025.
However, one of the coordinators handling donations, Sir Dickson, announced that he and another medical volunteer have stepped away from her case.
According to him, doctors advised that she needed a blood transfusion before starting chemotherapy, but she rejected it due to her Jehovah’s Witness faith.
He added that her church allegedly warned she would be disfellowshipped if she accepted blood, and some family members insisted that “whatever happens is God’s will.”
He said that while her beliefs must be respected, they can’t continue leading a fundraiser when the patient is refusing the ideal treatment that could save her life.
This sparked reactions across X, with many donors expressing frustration, fearing that their financial support may go to waste if she rejects medically necessary care.
A popular online doctor also weighed in, saying people have a right to be upset. He noted that in a life-threatening situation, refusing the recommended treatment could lead to severe consequences, and appealed to Aunty Esther, her family, and her religious elders to reconsider the decision.
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