The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare delivery through strategic collaborations aimed at improving access to quality dental services and promoting oral health awareness among residents across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reiterated this during activities marking the 2026 World Oral Health Day at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
She emphasised that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being and should not be treated as separate from general health.
She commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the health sector under the Omititun 2.0 agenda, saying his administration continues to prioritise initiatives that improve the well-being of the people in meaningful and sustainable ways.
While noting that the government has taken steps to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare, the Commissioner admonished every citizen to take personal responsibility for their oral health and to share the important message within their homes and across their communities.
She stated: This year’s theme,“A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life, delivers a simple but powerful message. It is time to bring oral health to the forefront of our public health agenda.”
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The commissioner enjoined the people to adopt a holistic, life-course approach that integrates oral health into the broader healthcare delivery system, promotes prevention, and empowers them to make healthier choices.
Dr Ajetunmobi noted: “A key milestone is the integration of basic oral healthcare services into antenatal care across our primary healthcare facilities. Through this, pregnant women now receive oral health education, screening, and preventative care as part of routine maternal services.”
Dr Ajetunmobi appreciated the support of Aspira Nigeria Limited and other collaborating partners on oral health, disclosing that their collaboration continues to strengthen the reach in promoting oral health across the State.
Oral Health Awareness
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, reiterated that the essence of Oral Health Day celebration is to raise awareness about oral health, as well as to improve universal access to oral health because data shows that only a few people pay cognisance to their oral health.
Dr Ayinde maintained that oral health care requires joint efforts, as the state is also working towards universal health coverage by 2030.
While delivering the Oral Health Education titled “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, Dr Chisom Fajimi, the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Hospitals Management Board, emphasised the importance of maintaining good oral health, noting that the mouth is an integral part of the body and must be properly cared for to ensure overall well-being.
She demonstrated practical techniques for effective tooth brushing and explained that many oral diseases can be prevented through proper oral hygiene practices, reiterating that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy life.
A representative of Aspira Nigeria Limited, Mr Subair Babajide, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting oral health awareness campaigns in Oyo State.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Adeola Akintola; the Chief Dental Nurse from the University College Hospital, Mrs Ojo, dental technologists, dental surgery technicians and dental therapists present at the event, harped on the need for the public to promote oral hygiene.
The professionals revealed that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages without the associated morbidities.
The event also featured oral health screening for members of staff at the Oyo State Secretariat Clinic.