Isi-Ewu,Suya is Death for Nigerians says Minster of Health

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, has lamented the rate of death in Nigeria resulting from unhealthy diet such as ‘isi ewu’ (spicy goat head) and the much loved suya.

According to Adewole, hypertension is the leading cardiovascular disease in Nigeria and can result in stroke if untreated.

He remarked that 1 in every 5 Nigerians is hypertensive and at risk of premature death.


Presenting the keynote address in Lagos, during the First Annual Black Tie Gala event organised by the Tristate Heart Foundation (THF), to raise N500 million in support of cardiovascular care in Nigeria, he observed that unhealthy diets contributed significantly to the development of non communicable diseases in Nigeria.

He said, “Sadly, there is widespread low consumption of proteins, fruits and vegetables and increasing patronage of fast food outlets by the population. 

There is also large promotion of sweetened products such as carbonated drinks, pastries, candies and other refined sugars, while excessive intake of salt is promoted by food additives such as monosodium glutamate common in delicacies such as suya, kilisi, isi-ewu, ngwo-ngwo, among others.”