FCT-UBEB COMMENDS CSHEEH FOR PROMOTING ORAL HYGIENE AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS
By: Prudence Okonna
The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has commended the Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) for promoting oral hygiene awareness among schoolchildren in the Federal Capital Territory.
The commendation was given during the commemoration of the World Oral Health Day held on Monday, 16 March 2026, at LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Florence Wenegieme, praised CSHEEH for its sustained health and education interventions in schools across the territory.
The Executive Chairman, who represented Mallam Shehu Nasko, said the organisation has continued to implement programmes to improve pupils’ well-being, noting that these initiatives complement government efforts to promote healthy learning environments in FCT schools over the years.
She emphasised the importance of good oral hygiene among children, noting that school-based awareness programmes help instill healthy habits early in life.
According to her, the partnership between education authorities and health organisations remains critical to ensuring that pupils are equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain healthy lifestyles.
In her opening remarks, Executive Director of the Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), Dr. Folasade Momoh, explained that the global event, marked annually on March 20, aims to raise awareness about oral health and encourage people to adopt proper oral hygiene practices.
Highlighting the 2026 theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” Dr Momoh stressed the strong connection between oral health and overall well-being. She noted that maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth at least twice daily, helps prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease and can also reduce the risk of other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Momoh, therefore, urged pupils to brush their teeth at least twice daily and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent dental caries and gum disease.
The Executive Director of CSHEEH further explained that the event was designed to educate pupils on proper oral care through health talks by dental experts and practical demonstrations on effective tooth brushing.
She explained that participants would also benefit from dental screening, receive oral hygiene materials such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, and be given educational materials with oral health tips.
Dr Momoh expressed appreciation to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, the school authorities, partners, supporters and the media for their contributions to the success of the programme, urging everyone to make oral health a priority for a healthier future.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Dr Theophilus Agho, stressed the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
The Chairman who was represented by the General Secretary of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), FCT Chapter, Dr Sopuruchi Nweke, said the association regularly visits schools across the FCT during World Oral Health Day to educate pupils on proper dental care.
In her remarks, the Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, Sabon Lugbe, Hajia Halima Suleiman, appreciated the organisers for selecting the school for the outreach.
She noted that oral hygiene is essential to children’s health and development, adding that healthy teeth and gums enable children to eat well, speak clearly and smile confidently.
Also speaking, Taiye Adebayo, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Garki Rubys, said the organisation remained committed to community service and supporting programmes that improve community well-being.
Abuja Digest reports that highlight of the programme included a health talk, a practical demonstration of proper tooth-brushing techniques, dental screening and distribution of dental cleaning materials to students and teachers.
The outreach was organised by the Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (FCT Chapter) and supported by Unilever and other partners.
