By Richard Eweka
The Governor Monday Okpebholo led administration has prioritized healthcare services in the State using the SHINE Agenda as a platform to improve the health ecosystem in Edo State knowing that health is wealth.
Prioritizing the healthcare of Edo people, governor okpebholo embarked on people’s oriented policies, implementing the same to change the narrative in the healthcare sector ensuring Edo people benefit effective and efficient healthcare services.
This administration has continued to revamp, refurbished and rebuilt health facilities across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State to attend to the growing health needs of Edo people. The government house clinic has also benefited from the developmental stride of the Okpebholo led administration.
Talking about the Government House Medical Center, before now the facility was poorly maintained, lacks modern equipment, drugs and qualified personnel as government officials refused to get treated in the Clinic but rather preferred health facilities outside the government house to handle their cases.
Governor Okpebholo came and completely changed the narrative, re-write the wrong of the Godwin Obaseki led administration. He renovated, refurbished, and equipped the Clinic with modern equipment, engaged qualified and experienced medical personnel to handle different departments in the clinic.
The Government House Medical Center under Governor Okpebholo has continued to expand its services, under the direct supervision of his personal
physician and Special Adviser on health matters Dr. Previous Ogboru.
The medical center now admits patients, has a laboratory where blood samples are taken and investigated, a pharmacy for despensing free drugs, an optometrist to attend to eye cases and more.
To celebrate the 2026 World Oral Health Day with the theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Healthy Life,” the government house medical center has officially expanded its services to include a Dental Unit or department with modern equipment to handle all dental procedures.
Edo State Government in commemorating the 2026 World Oral Health Day through the Government House Medical Center collaborated with the Nigerian Dental Association, Edo State Chapter to give free dental screening and procedures for staff of Government House, their spouses, appointees and other members of the public.
This year’s celebration reminds us that oral health is not just about teeth. It is about enjoying your meals without pain, speaking clearly, smiling freely, and living confidently. Your smile tells a story long before you speak. It shows confidence, comfort, and good health. But behind every bright smile is something many people often overlook; a healthy mouth.
The medical Centre opened its doors for a special dental awareness/ outreach programme where over 150 persons benefitted from different dental procedures which includes scaling and polishing, tooth extraction, GIC fillings, composite buildup, denture fabrication and more.
This outreach is more than a medical service. It is an opportunity to learn, prevent, and take charge of your oral health in a friendly and supportive environment.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who also benefitted from the exercise commended the administration’s commitment to the overall well-being of citizens, highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration to strengthen the health sector and ensure access to quality healthcare services across the state.
“Health is the second item on the SHINE Agenda as governor Monday Okpebholo has laid so much emphasis on healthcare services for citizens across the State starting from the Edo State government house.
“This facility, was built by Comrade Adams Oshomohole led administration but the previous government abandoned it and it was not functioning. But this administration under senator Monday Okpebholo equipped it with modern medical equipment to ensure effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.
“Today we are benefiting from the services at the center and a lot of persons including myself have benefited from the free dental services to mark the world health oral day with this programme organized by Government house medical center in collaboration with Nigerian Dental Association Edo State Chapter.
“I encourage all to take care of their oral health and also thank the governor for prioritizing the health of all Edo people “.
Coordinator of the exercise who is also the personal physician and Special Adviser on Health to Gov. Okpebholo, Dr. Precious Ogboru said the collaboration aims to strengthen the Governor’s support for the medical profession in boosting public health and a platform to launch the Dental clinic in Govt. House.
He emphasised on the importance of preventive oral care and sustained public health interventions. He assured Edo people of Gov. Okpebholo’s concern for public health.
“Gov Okpebholo supported Nigerian Dental Association Edo State Chapter with a procurement of a dental chair last year which they have use for dental outreaches across the State.
“This year they are here at the government house medical center to collaborate with us to organize this medical outreach. Gov Okpebholo is always concerned about the health and well-being of Edo people.
“Today’s event is kick-starting our dental clinic in Government House Medical Center. We have an in-house dentist and you can visit the medical center on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to see a dentist and have a free procedure done at no cost”.
Chairman, Nigerian Dental Association, Edo State Chapter,
Prof. Joan Enabulele said the event is to bring oral health awareness to Edo people through the dental check to mark the 2026 world oral health day.
She noted that the treatment is to raise more ambassadors of Oral health and educate residents on proper oral health care.
The Chairman commended the effort of Gov Okpebholo’s investment in the healthcare sector in Edo State.
“Gov Okpebholo has been very supportive of the Nigerian Dental Association. He has contributed in no small measures to ensure that our outreaches can touch many Edo people and we decided to support him this year.
“We came here today to collaborate with the government house medical center to mark the 2026 World Oral Day. We came here to see the governor’s staff and also contribute our quota to the development of healthcare services in Edo State”.
A Consultant Community Dentistry, Dr. Elohor Okuonghae who delivered a health talk titled “Proper oral hygiene and preventive care” called on beneficiaries to brush twice daily with fluoride containing toothpaste, visit a dentist regularly for early diagnosis of dental ailments and gave other healthy oral hygiene tips.
She encouraged participants to ensure a soft toothbrush for children and toothpaste with fluoride, demonstrated brushing
and advised them to see a dentist every six months .
Some of the beneficiaries Temidayo Alofa and Franca Osagie and others commended Gov. Okpebholo for the opportunity to access free oral healthcare, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
The outreach also featured free medical services, including blood pressure checks, pulse rate monitoring, blood sugar testing, and general health screening for participants.
The governor Monday Okpebholo led administration has continued to champion policies and programmes that will have direct positive impact on Edo people, improving healthcare facilities across the three Senatorial Districts, ensuring that under his watch Edo people enjoyed improved healthcare services.
