The Chief Operating Trustee of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Fortune HealthPlus Initiative (FHePIN), Dr Olusoji Ijidale, has spoken on the need for the provision of comprehensive and robust healthcare as one of the strategic keys identified as being necessary in securing the future of Nigeria.
Dr Ijidale made the submission at the flag-off of a two-day dental outreach programme to selected schools in Oyo State, which held on Wednesday, December 15 and Thursday, December 16, 2021.
According to him, the country could not afford to compromise the total wellness and health of her citizens, especially the young ones, prompting the need for every department of the people’s health to be given priority and necessary support.
Dr Ijidale stated further that “the oral health of our children should be the concern of everyone, and in recognition of this, FHePIN has chosen dental health as its own area of intervention and support.”
The outreach programme that was carried out in conjunction with Rotary Clubs in Oyo State, and actively supported by the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) and Oyo State Ministry of Health, had over 5,000 pupils drawn from different public primary schools in attendance.
In the different schools visited by the team, dental care experts and professionals gave oral hygiene instructions and enlightenment to the pupils who were visibly elated.
The programme, conceived by Fortune Health Plus Initiative; a non-governmental organization based in Ibadan, had an interface with over 5,000 public primary students in Oyo State with dental experts who gave oral hygiene instructions and dental examination to some selected students, in addition to distributing toothpastes and toothbrushes.
Noting that his organization was undaunted by the different funding and logistic challenges that came up before the programme, Dr Ijidale however acknowledged the huge support received from Procter and Gamble, the makers of Oral B dental healthcare products, and the Rotary Clubs in Oyo State for their cooperation in providing personnel and logistics for the outreach.
He also appreciated the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Dental Association as well the Oyo State Ministry of Health, especially the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mufutau Ayoola.
On his part, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Taiwo Ladipo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, pointed out that the state government put high premium on the general health of its indigenes and residents, which had been the reason the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde had made healthcare service delivery one of its cornerstones.
Dr Ladipo added that his ministry would build on the noble initiative of FHePIN by taking oral healthcare programmes to more schools across the state.
Some of the schools where pupils interfaced with the outreach team included Army Children Basic School, Isokun, Oyo; Baptist Basic School, Isokun, Oyo; AUD Basic School, Akeetan, Oyo; L.A Town Schools, Idi-Ape, Ibadan; Queen School, Oluyoro, Ibadan ; Ratibi Muslim Basic School, Okebadan, Ibadan; Mufu Lanihun Basic School, Agugu, Ibadan and Army Children Basic Schools, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
