The Dean of the School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday, flagged off a free oral health outreach and treatment programme tagged “Operation Know Your Oral Health Status and Take Control of Your General Health.”
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Department of Community Dental Health, the Department of Periodontics, and the UNIBEN Health Centre Dental Unit, precedes the 10th Distinguished Lecture Series and Annual Scientific Conference of the School of Dentistry.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who is also the Chief Medical Director-designate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), commissioned a renovated and fully equipped dental clinic donated by the family of the late Dr. Victor Ovbiagele.
She commended the donor family, describing their gesture as “etching their name in gold,” and urged alumni to take up similar projects in support of their alma mater.
She also praised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, for his commitment to upgrading facilities and equipment, pledging to enhance the quality of care through skilled personnel and adherence to best practices.
“We are giving back to society through this free oral health outreach and treatment programme, in line with our Vice-Chancellor’s mandate to ensure staff and students’ welfare,” she said.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Christopher Osubor, lauded the School of Dentistry for the initiative, describing the renovated clinic as a world-class healthcare facility.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Bright Bazuaye, expressed appreciation to Prof. Ize-Iyamu and the Vice-Chancellor for extending the outreach to his faculty.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Philip Ogordi, disclosed that over 150 staff and students of the Faculty of Law benefited from the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the Ovbiagele family, Ohioma Ovbiagele said the clinic’s renovation was in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of their patriarch’s passing.
Dignitaries present included Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd), Dr. Dan Aigbavboa, Ven. David Egbenusi, Prof. Wilson Sadoh, Prof. Osawe Omoregie, Prof. Joan Enabulele, and Mrs. Rosemary Ovbiagele.
