Group marks World Oral Health Day, promotes hygiene in schools

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 was held at LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Sabon-Lugbe, in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), FCT Chapter, with support from Unilever and partners.CSHEEH Executive Director, Dr Folasade Momoh, said the programme aimed to promote oral hygiene awareness among pupils and encourage healthy practices.Momoh said World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20, raises awareness about oral health and encourages 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 and healthy living.Momoh said maintaining a clean mouth is essential for good health and urged pupils to brush their teeth at least twice daily.She added that good oral hygiene prevents dental caries and gum diseases and may also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.Momoh said dental experts would educate pupils on oral health, demonstrate proper brushing techniques and guide them on practical steps for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.She said dental screening would also be conducted for pupils and staff, while individuals diagnosed with dental issues would be referred for further medical care.Momoh added that toothbrushes, toothpaste and educational materials would be distributed, expressing hope pupils would share the knowledge with their families and communities.She thanked the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) for approving the school venue and appreciated partners including Unilever, the Nigerian Dental Association, Inner Wheel and Petra Digital Press.Momoh stressed the need for collective efforts to prioritise children’s oral health and promote healthy lifestyles.Mr Shehu Nasko, representing FCT-UBEB Chairman, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, commended CSHEEH for implementing several health and education interventions benefiting pupils in schools across the FCT.Dr Sopuruchi Nweke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Dental Association, FCT Chapter, representing 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 and promote preventive practices.Earlier, the school’s head teacher, Hajia Halima Suleiman, welcomed the organisers and said oral hygiene was vital to children’s health and development.Suleiman noted that healthy teeth and gums enable children to eat well, speak clearly and smile confidently, appreciating CSHEEH for selecting the school for the outreach.Also speaking, Taiye Adebayo, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Garki Rubys, said the organisation remained committed to community service and improving public health.Adebayo said the club, affiliated with Rotary International, promotes friendship, service and international understanding while supporting health awareness initiatives in communities.