The lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, has commenced the 12th edition of his annual free dental healthcare outreach, with more than 3,000 residents expected to benefit from various oral healthcare services across the constituency.
The initiative, tagged GOY Yearly Free Dental Healthcare, began on May 11 and will run until May 16, 2026. The programme offers free dental procedures including tooth extraction, fillings, scaling and polishing, surgical extraction, dentures, root canal treatment, braces, crowns and other oral healthcare services.
Speaking during the outreach, Yishawu said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts in the healthcare sector, particularly in the area of dental care, which he described as one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare delivery.
According to him, many residents are unable to afford quality dental treatment despite the severe pain and health complications associated with poor oral hygiene.
“Dental care often receives less attention because healthcare priorities are usually focused on life-threatening ailments. But when the teeth begin to complain, the pain can be extremely excruciating,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that the programme was initiated in response to the needs of constituents and has continued to expand over the years.
“We provide dental care, eye care and other health programmes. Recently, some residents also requested support for ear-related health issues and we are looking into that as well. We try to respond to the needs of our community,” he added.
Yishawu disclosed that the outreach is being carried out in partnership with First Mobile Dental Service, noting that beneficiaries are properly examined before treatment, while appointments are scheduled where necessary due to the large turnout.
He revealed that nearly 1,000 residents had already benefited within the first few days of the exercise, with several dental procedures successfully carried out.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of residents through healthcare, education, empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.
“As long as there is something new for us to do for our people, we will continue to do it. Their comfort is our responsibility, and as long as we can positively impact their lives, then our efforts are worthwhile,” he said.
In addition to the dental outreach, Yishawu also commenced documentation for the GOYF Nano-Conditional Package (nCP) programme across different wards in Eti-Osa Constituency II.
The registration exercise began on Tuesday, May 12, in Ward M covering Dolphin and Obalende, while Ward L1 and L2 covering Ikoyi I and II were scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. Ward H1, covering Iru/Victoria Island and Tarkwa Bay, is expected to hold on Thursday, May 14.
The registration exercise began on Tuesday, May 12, in Ward M covering Dolphin and Obalende, while Ward L1 and L2 covering Ikoyi I and II were scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. Ward H1, covering Iru/Victoria Island and Tarkwa Bay, is expected to hold on Thursday, May 14.
Explaining the initiative, Yishawu said the programme was inspired by the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer initiative of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and adapted to meet the needs of vulnerable residents at the grassroots level.
“What we have done is to model what is being done nationally and bring it down to the constituency level. We call it the Nano Conditional Package because it is targeted at vulnerable people within our communities,” he said.
According to him, beneficiaries voluntarily register to enable direct distribution of support packages whenever resources become available.
He explained that assistance could come in the form of food items, financial support or welfare packages, adding that the intervention would eliminate middlemen and ensure direct access for beneficiaries. One of the beneficiaries, Gerald Omaghomi, commended the lawmaker for sustaining the programme over the years.
“I want to thank Hon. GOY for his goodwill and concern for residents. This initiative shows that he truly cares about the dental health of the people,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Aminat Yekeen, narrated how Yishawu personally intervened after noticing her daughter’s dental condition during the outreach.
She said the lawmaker immediately requested a consultant’s attention and insisted on finding lasting solutions to prevent further complications.
“I was surprised by his level of empathy and compassion. I never expected that level of concern from a politician,” she said. Also speaking, Ofongo Olawunmi of First Mobile Dental Service described the initiative as highly commendable, noting that dental services remain expensive for many Nigerians.
According to him, the outreach has improved oral health awareness among residents through regular education on proper dental hygiene and preventive care.
He added that the number of tooth extractions among beneficiaries had reduced significantly as more residents now understand the importance of regular brushing and reduced sugary intake.
Another beneficiary, Whenu Olatunji, said he had previously avoided dental treatment due to the high cost of hospital care but was able to remove his tooth free of charge through the outreach programme.
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