By Richard Eweka
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery as part of activities marking the World Oral Health Day 2026, providing free dental screening and treatment to residents through the Government House Medical Centre.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, RT Hon Dennis Idahosa, who also benefitted from the exercise, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for prioritizing the health and well-being of citizens.
He noted that healthcare occupies a central position in the administration’s SHINE Agenda, stressing that deliberate investments have been made to reposition the sector for efficient service delivery.
According to him, the Government House Medical Centre, which had previously been neglected, has now been fully revitalized by the present administration with modern medical equipment and qualified personnel to meet the healthcare needs of government officials and residents alike.
He said, "This facility was built by Comrade Adams Oshiomole led administration but the previous government abandoned it. This administration under Senator Monday Okpebholo has equipped it with modern medical facilities to ensure effective and efficient healthcare service delivery"
Idahosa highlighted that the free dental outreach underscores the government’s resolve to expand access to quality healthcare, encouraging residents to take advantage of such initiatives and adopt proper oral hygiene practices.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the programme and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr Precious Ogboru, said the outreach was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association, Edo State Chapter, to strengthen public health interventions and officially launch the dental unit at the Government House Medical Centre.
Ogboru explained that the initiative reflects Governor Okpebholo’s sustained support for the medical profession and his administration’s focus on preventive healthcare.
He disclosed that the government had earlier supported the association with dental equipment to aid outreach programmes across the state, adding that the newly established dental clinic at the Government House will now provide routine dental services to the public on designated days at no cost.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Edo State Chapter, Prof. Joan Enabulele, said the exercise was aimed at raising awareness on oral health and promoting preventive care among residents.
She commended the state government for its investment in the health sector, noting that the collaboration has enabled the association to reach more people and improve oral health outcomes across Edo State.
Enabulele emphasized that the outreach is designed not only to provide treatment but also to educate residents on maintaining proper oral hygiene and becoming advocates for oral health within their communities.
The event featured free dental procedures including scaling and polishing, tooth extraction, fillings, and denture services, with over 150 beneficiaries recorded.
Participants also received general health checks such as blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and other routine screenings.
The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to policies and programmes that directly impact the lives of citizens, noting that ongoing reforms and investments in healthcare infrastructure across the three senatorial districts are aimed at ensuring accessible, efficient, and quality healthcare services for all residents.
