PDOD Returns & Symposium Explores Cultural Dilemmas In Oral Healthcare
Although originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, the event commenced at 11:15 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Esther Iyama. This was followed by renditions of the Nigerian national anthem, the University of Ibadan anthem, and the anthem of the College of Medicine.
In his welcome address, the Vice President of UADS, Mr. Patrick Okelue, expressed gratitude to Professor Denloye, the esteemed sponsor of the PDOD competition. He emphasized the vital role the competition plays in nurturing the next generation of public speakers within the faculty, particularly for platforms like Jaw War and JCI.
The panel of judges — Mr. Adebayo Abdulrahmon, Mr. Steve Jegede, and Miss Abioye Ayomide Jennifer — was introduced, and Mr. Jegede read out the judging criteria: Relevance of Argument, Delivery, Logic, Dressing, and Time Management.
Speakers from five levels of the Faculty brought their A-game to the stage, each delivering speeches on distinct topics. Omojola Boluwatife (2k27) opened the floor with "The New Tomorrow." Obi-Egbedi Eseoghene (2K26) and Temidayo Lawrence (2K23) delivered "Oh, If Icarus Had Fins,” while Ogunjobi Taiwo (2K25) and Adesina Oluwaseyi (2K21) spoke on "Democracy Among Animals.” The representative from the 2K24 class was absent.
While the results were collated, an impromptu debate kept the audience engaged. Adesina Adedolapo and Akinsanya Victor, both from the 2K25 class, debated the topic: “Should Recreational Drugs be Made Legal in Nigeria?”. Akinsaya Victor emerged as the winner, earning a cash prize of N10,000, while Adesina Adedolapo received N5,000 for his participation.
The results of the Oratory contest were then announced. Temidayo Lawrence (2K23) clinched 1st place, Ogunjobi Taiwo (2K25) came 2nd, and Obi-Egbedi Eseoghene (2K26) placed 3rd. Adesina Oluwaseyi (2K21) and Omojola Boluwatife (2K27) finished 4th and 5th respectively. The cash prizes were N15,000, N5,000, and N5,000 for the top three winners.
Professor Denloye presented the awards to the winners and participants. Closing remarks were delivered by Bolatito Mayungbo, and the event ended at 12:20 pm, with a prayer from Deborah Adebomi, officially bringing the 3rd edition of the PDOD to a close.
The symposium
Immediately after the PDOD competition, the symposium began with a warm welcome address by the UADS President, Kehinde Omotoso. He introduced the distinguished guest speakers: Keynote speaker, Dr. Funmi Adeniyi (Founder, Luxe Dental Clinic, Lagos), Dr. Adesola Odofin (Chief Consultant, Government Dental Center, Dugbe; CEO, Jemima Family Dental Clinic), Professor Folake Lawal (HOD, Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ul), represented by Dr Ejiro Idiga, and Dr Abidemi Alabi (Founder, Tooth for Thought Oral Health Solutions).
Professor Bukola, representing the Dean of the Faculty, urged students to take the lectures seriously, noting their role in raising awareness and preventing the stigmatization of individuals with dental or facial defects — often wrongly associated with curses or witchcraft in various communities.
A goodwill message was delivered by Dr. Folusho Atiba, one of the event’s major sponsors. She expressed support for the symposium’s theme and encouraged students to keep learning and engaging in conversations that challenge harmful cultural beliefs.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Funmi Adeniyi, centered on the theme: “Bridging the Gap between Cultural Beliefs and Modern Dental Practices.” She emphasized that empathy and education are essential tools in addressing misinformation. In her words, “Facts don’t change people, but relationships, proper communication, and empathy do.” She encouraged dental professionals to listen, show interest, and communicate in ways their community can understand.
A raffle draw added excitement, with lucky attendees winning prizes such as dinner tickets, Entafield Talent Show tickets, journals, and airtime.
The symposium concluded with a panel session moderated by Deborah Adebomi. Panelists included Dr. Adesola Odofin, Dr. Abidemi Alabi, and Prof. Folake Lawal, represented by Dr Ejiro Idiga. The discussion focused on the intersection of culture and dentistry. While the panelists acknowledged that some cultural beliefs contain elements of truth, they emphasized the need to listen, understand, and educate the public on the dangers of certain traditional practices.
Closing remarks were made by Olumide Adebayo, one of the Co-Heads of the Symposium Committee, at exactly 3:16 p.m.
Jesse Bina
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