By Victor Okoye
The Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) on Monday marked the 2026 World Oral Health Day in Abuja with awareness activities for pupils.
The event, held at LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Sabon-Lugbe, was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), FCT chapter, with support from Unilever and other partners.
Executive Director of CSHEEH, Dr Folasade Olusola Momoh, said the programme was aimed at promoting oral hygiene awareness among pupils and encouraging healthy practices.
Momoh said World Oral Health Day, marked annually on March 20, creates awareness on oral health and empowers people to adopt proper hygiene practices.
She said the 2026 theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” highlights the link between oral health and overall well-being.
According to her, maintaining a clean mouth is the foundation of good health and contributes to a healthier and happier life.
Momoh urged pupils to brush their teeth at least twice daily and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent dental caries and gum diseases.
She added that good oral hygiene could also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.
Momoh said dental experts at the event would educate pupils on oral health and demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques.
She added that participants would also learn practical steps needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The executive director said dental screening would also be conducted for pupils and staff during the programme.
She said individuals diagnosed with dental issues would be referred for further medical care.
Momoh added that toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational materials would be distributed to participants.
She expressed hope that pupils would share the knowledge gained with their families and communities.
Momoh thanked the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) for approving the use of the school for the programme.
She also appreciated the school management, partners, and supporters, including Unilever, Nigeria Dental Association, Innerwheel, and Petra Digital Press, for contributing to the success of the event.
She said collective efforts were needed to prioritise oral health among children and promote healthy lifestyles.
Speaking, Mr Shehu Nasko, representative of the Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, commended CSHEEH for its interventions in schools across the FCT.
Nasko said the organisation had implemented several health and education projects benefiting pupils in FCT schools.
Also speaking, Dr Sopuruchi Nweke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), FCT Chapter, who represented the Chairman, Dr Theophilus Agho, stressed the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Nweke said the association regularly visits schools across the FCT during World Oral Health Day to educate pupils on dental care.
She described the 2026 theme as appropriate because it highlights the connection between oral health and general well-being.
Nweke thanked CSHEEH and its partners for supporting the oral health awareness programme.
Earlier, the head teacher of the school, Hajia Halima Suleiman, welcomed the organisers and participants to the institution.
Suleiman said oral hygiene was an important component of children’s overall health and development.
She noted that healthy teeth and gums enable children to eat well, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
She expressed appreciation to CSHEEH for selecting the school for the outreach.
Also speaking, Taiye Adebayo, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Garki Rubys, said the organisation was committed to community service.
Adebayo said the club, affiliated with Rotary International, promotes friendship, service, and international understanding.
She added that supporting health awareness programmes was part of the club’s efforts to improve community well-being.
NAN reports that highlights of the programme included a health talk, practical demonstration, and a question-and-answer session.
Other activities included the presentation of donated dental cleaning materials and dental screening for pupils in their classrooms. (NAN)