World Oral Health Day: Oyo Strengthens Push for Quality Dental Services.
By Adewale Owoade.
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, stated this on Tuesday 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 separately from general health.
Ajetunmobi commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the health sector under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, noting that his administration continues to prioritize initiatives that improve the well-being of citizens in sustainable ways.
She noted that the government has taken deliberate steps to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare services across the state.
The commissioner also appreciated the support of Aspira Nigeria Limited and other partners, adding that their collaboration has significantly enhanced the reach of oral health promotion initiatives in Oyo State.
She, therefore, urged residents to take personal responsibility for their oral health and to share this important message within their homes and communities.
According to her, 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. We must adopt a holistic, life-course approach that integrates oral health into the broader healthcare delivery system, promotes prevention, and empowers people to make healthier choices,” she said.
Ajetunmobi highlighted a key milestone in the sector, noting the integration of basic oral healthcare services into antenatal care across primary healthcare facilities.
She explained that pregnant women now receive oral health education, screening, and preventive care as part of routine maternal services.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, said the essence of World Oral Health Day is to raise awareness and improve universal access to oral healthcare.
He noted that available data indicates that only a few people pay adequate attention to their oral health.
Ayinde stressed that achieving improved oral health outcomes requires collective efforts, adding that the state is working towards attaining universal health coverage by 2030.
In a presentation titled “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” the Deputy Director of Medical Services at the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Chisom Fajimi, emphasised the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, noting that the mouth is a vital part of the body.
She demonstrated practical tooth-brushing techniques and explained that many oral diseases can be prevented through good 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 the state.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Adeola Akintola, alongside other dental professionals including nurses, technologists, technicians, and therapists, emphasised the need for improved oral hygiene practices.
They noted that most oral health conditions are preventable and can be effectively treated when detected early.
The event also featured oral health screening for staff at the State Secretariat Clinic.