Toothpaste brand, Pepsodent, has launched a nationwide oral health campaign aimed at reaching 2.1 million primary school pupils across four states in Nigeria.
In a statement, the brand said the initiative is part of Pepsodent’s ongoing mission to promote oral hygiene, expected to cover 3,818 schools across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kano state.
Speaking about the initiative, Oiza Gyang, Marketing Head of Unilever Oral Care Nigeria, highlighted the importance of early intervention in building lifelong oral hygiene habits. “Habits are formed from a young age, which is why we are focusing on primary school children to help them develop the important practice of brushing day and night with a fluoride toothpaste like Pepsodent. This early intervention can lead to lifelong, life changing habits,” said Gyang.
She emphasized the role of children as powerful change agents, stating, “Children can influence the adults around them, encouraging parents and guardians to adopt the habit of brushing twice daily. By teaching these young change-makers, we are fostering a ripple effect that will positively impact entire families and communities.”
The brand manager of Pepsodent, Mary Gbemisola Akindola, reiterated the significance of the initiative in raising awareness about oral health and noted the additional efforts Pepsodent is making beyond schools. “In addition to our school’s programme, we are also working with our partners, the Nigerian Dental Association, to take our oral health campaigns into various communities across the country, with a special focus on rural areas where access to dentists is limited,” Akindola explained.
“This effort is in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health, various state ministries of health, and both federal and state education boards, to ensure that we reach the broadest number of people and make a lasting impact on oral hygiene awareness nationwide.”
In response to the activation, Mrs Bosede Oduntan, Headteacher of Ejigbo Model Primary School, expressed excitement over the initiative, noting that this would significantly empower pupils and boost their kids’ confidence. She thanked Unilever and Pepsodent for their dedication to improving oral health across Nigeria and affirmed the school’s commitment to encouraging regular oral hygiene practices among its students.
