Draft:Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora Foundation

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Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora Foundation
FormationApril 29, 2016 Nigeria,

June 4, 2018 Australia

0ctober 3, 2023 United Kingdom
FounderChris Ifediora
TypeNon-profit organization
PurposePromotion and advancement of health, Advancement of education, Advancement of public and social welfare.
HeadquartersAwka
Gold Coast
Liverpool
Membership
Charity/Not-for-profit/Non-Governmental
Director General
Assoc. Prof. Chris O. Ifediora
Websitewww.ocifoundation.org

The Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation is an international charity organization dedicated to promoting health, education, and social welfare. The foundation operates in multiple countries and has garnered recognition across Europe, Africa, and Australasia.[1][2][3]

History

The OCI Foundation was established in Nigeria on April 29, 2016, followed by Australia on June 4, 2018, and the United Kingdom on October 3, 2023.[1]Founded by Associate Professor Chris Ifediora, a Nigerian-born medical practitioner based in the City of Gold Coast, Australia, the foundation aims to address health, educational, and social inequalities in underprivileged communities. The headquarters are located in Awka, Nigeria; the Gold Coast, Australia; and Liverpool, United Kingdom.[4]

The foundation's mission is to unlock human potential through tailored activities, promoting socio-economic growth in disadvantaged communities. Directors and trustees hail from four continents: Africa (Nigeria), Asia-Pacific (Australia), Europe (United Kingdom), and North America (United States).[5][6][7][8][9]

Campaigns and products

Arm Our Youths (ArOY) Health Campaign

The flagship initiative of the OCI Foundation is the ArOY Health Campaign, which promotes anti-breast and anti-cervical cancer activities. Endorsed by Harvard Medical School, the WHO Country Office in Nigeria, the Nigerian First Lady, and the Nigerian Cancer Society, this technology-driven campaign employs sustainable, cost-effective measures to deliver health education. Initially targeting Nigerian high schools and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the campaign aims to expand across Africa through partnerships with ECOWAS and the African Union.[8][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]

ArOY Campaign in Senior Secondary Schools

The ArOY Health Campaign was launched in all 261 public senior secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria, in September 2019. The campaign incorporates anti-breast and anti-cervical cancer programs into school curricula, with plans to extend nationwide. A legal bill to make these teachings mandatory has passed all legislative stages and awaits Presidential assent as of July 2023.[17][18][19][20][21][22]

ArOY Health Campaign Schools Challenge (AHCSC)

In October 2021, the foundation introduced a quiz competition for senior secondary school students to enhance engagement with the ArOY Health Campaign. The grand finale is held annually on February 4, coinciding with World Cancer Day.[23][24][25]

ArOY Campaign with the NYSC

The OCI Foundation partnered with the NYSC to establish the ArOY Anti-cancer Health Campaign, which was officially launched in February 2022. This national event delivers health education to thousands of Nigerian youths annually.[5]

ArOY Campaign and the CerviBreast App

The foundation developed the CerviBreast Mobile Phone Application, a pioneering app that provides preventive information on breast and cervical cancers. Available globally, the app sends customizable screening reminders and aims to include a database of cancer service providers. The app has won awards in Zambia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.[26][27][27][3]

ArOY Campaign and the Gynocular Project

The Gynocular Project offers free and subsidized digital cervical cancer screenings in Nigeria. The first center was inaugurated in Abuja in February 2022, with plans to expand to all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. An MOU with Swedish company Gynius AB was signed in December 2022 to enhance the project's services.[28][29][30]

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Campaign

The OCI Foundation has also initiated a bill to include teachings on sexual and gender-based violence in Nigerian secondary school curricula. This bill has been approved by the Nigerian National Assembly and awaits Presidential assent.[31]

Contributions

Educational Sector

The foundation offers six scholarship programs for economically disadvantaged students, supporting them from secondary school through tertiary education. The Literary Award for Medical Students (LAMS) aims to improve literary skills among medical students.[32][33]

Public Awareness and Social Activities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the OCI Foundation raised awareness and donated face masks and hand sanitizers across Nigeria. They sponsor various social activities in NYSC orientation camps and a soccer team in Nsugbe, the founder's hometown.[34][35]

Awards and Honors

  • Platinum Award for Humanitarian Services by the Rotary Club of Awka Smithtown (2020).[36]
  • Affiliate of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (2021).[37]
  • Award of Humanitarian Excellence from CENDASNER, UNIZIK, Awka, Nigeria (2021).[37]
  • Nominated among the "Top 100 most impactful NGOs of the year" (2022)).[38]
  • Emerging NFP of the Year at the Third Sector Awards, Sydney, Australia (2022).[38][39]
  • Most Impactful NGO of the Year at the Puma Hall of Fame Awards, Lagos, Nigeria (2022).[40]

References

  1. ^ a b Cyril (2018-10-31). "Cancer prevention foundation partners Harvard varsity to fight scourge". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  2. ^ OCI Foundation (2020-09-10). FRCN: Chief of Liaison Officers of Nigeria's 36 states meet OCI Foundation's team on ArOY (08/09/20). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ a b OCI Foundation (2020-07-19). OCI Foundation's ArOY: FRCN news on the endorsements from U.S. CDC, NextGenU & multiple universities. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Editor (2020-07-17). "International support for OCI Foundation's ArOY Campaign grows". THE AUTHORITY NEWS. Retrieved 2024-06-16. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ a b "NYSC to empower corps members to be self reliant". radionigeria. January 28, 2022.
  6. ^ "FG to launch Cancer Fund". radionigeria. October 19, 2021.
  7. ^ Editor (2020-07-17). "International support for OCI Foundation's ArOY Campaign grows". THE AUTHORITY NEWS. Retrieved 2024-06-16. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ a b Cyril (2018-10-31). "Cancer prevention foundation partners Harvard varsity to fight scourge". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  9. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-02-11). The Harvard Medical School speaks in support of OCI Foundation's ArOY Anti-Cancer Campaign; 03/02/22. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Anambra partners NGO on breast, cervical cancer education in schools". The nation. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  11. ^ OCI Foundation (2021-10-18). FRCN's News Report on the Courtesy Visit by OCI Foundation and the NCS to the DG of NYSC on 15/10/21. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ OCI Foundation (2021-11-28). Dr Amina Bello (FLAC Chairperson & Niger State 1st Lady) on OCI Foundation's ArOY Campaign; 19/10/21. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ "First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC)".
  14. ^ OCI Foundation (2021-11-27). FLAC Chairperson/Niger 1st Lady Arrival: NYSC/OCI Foundation 1-Day Seminar; Abuja, Nigeria; 19/10/21. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ OCI Foundation (2019-11-16). Benue First Lady, Mrs Ortom, hosts OCI Foundation as ArOY Health Campaign moves to State (13/11/19). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ OCI Foundation (2021-06-26). HE, Dr (Mrs) Z. Bagudu (1st Lady, Kebbi State) listens, as Dr UMAR (NCS President) speaks; 22/6/2021. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Ifediora, Christian; Veerman, Lennert; Azuike, Emmanuel; Ekwochi, Uchenna; Obiozor, Williams (2022-10-14). "Outcomes from integrating anti-cervical cancer teachings into the curriculum of high schools in a South-Eastern Nigerian State". BMC Public Health. 22 (1): 1914. doi:10.1186/s12889-022-14231-4. ISSN 1471-2458. PMC 9562070. PMID 36241979.
  18. ^ Abuchi, Joe (2022-09-30). "Bill to integrate anti-cancer teaching in schools curriculum faces public hearing". THE AUTHORITY NEWS. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  19. ^ Daniels, Ajiri (2022-07-23). "Bill on anti-breast, anti-cervical cancer teachings pass 2nd reading in Reps". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  20. ^ oshaba, Ene (2022-10-03). "Cancer Bill: Foundation lauds NASS on quality health legislations". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  21. ^ "Bill to integrate anti-cancer teaching in schools curriculum faces public hearing". Newsdesk Africa. 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  22. ^ "Early education, sensitization best cancer preventive strategy - Rep - Daily Trust". https://dailytrust.com/. 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2024-06-16. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  23. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-05-24). ABS TV: Grand Finale of Anambra AHCSC 1st Edition (2021/2022) OCI Foundation's ArOY Campaign; 4/2/22. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  24. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-05-24). NTA News: Grand Finale Anambra AHCSC 1st Edition (2021/2022) OCI Foundation's ArOY Campaign; 4/2/22. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-10-07). FRCN News: PUBLIC HEARING of OCI Foundation's Anti-Cancer Bill for Nigerian Senior Schools (29/9/22). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-05-08). FRCN News: DG of Nigeria's NOA (Dr. Garba ABARI) hosts the OCI Foundation (Abuja, Nigeria; 27/1/22). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ a b OCI Foundation (2020-02-04). Radio Nigeria/FRCN Broadcast: OCI Foundation's "World Cancer Day 2020" Walk, Abuja, Nigeria (4/2/20). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-05-21). NTA News 2: OCI Foundation commissions its Abuja Gynocular Cancer Centre (Abuja, Nigeria; 02/2/2022). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-05-14). ARISE TV News: OCI Foundation commissions its Abuja Gynocular Cancer Centre (Abuja, Nigeria; 2/2/22). Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ "NEWS Reports (Multiple Sources) - FCT minister commissions digital cervical cancer screening facility donated by OCI foundation (04/02/22)". OCI Foundation | Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora. 2022-02-04. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  31. ^ "FCT minister commissions digital cervical cancer screening facility".
  32. ^ "Full Story of Anti-Cancer MOU (All Videos and Pics): Swedish-based Gynius AB and the OCI Foundation agree to expand programs in Nigeria (Brussels, Belgium; 30/12/22)". OCI Foundation | Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora. 2023-01-07. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  33. ^ Oshaba, Ene (2022-11-04). "Foundation rewards Nigerian medical students in literary contest". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  34. ^ OCI Foundation (2020-07-08). Speeches: the delivery of OCI Foundation's COVID19 items to the NUJ, FRCN, Abuja, Nigeria: 7/7/20. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ OCI Foundation (2020-07-08). Radio News/Video: OCI Foundation donation to NUJ, FRCN, Abuja Chapel, for COVID19 prevention: 7/7/20. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ OCI Foundation (2022-09-03). OCI Foundation wins the "2022 EMERGING NFP OF THE YEAR" at the AUSTRALIAN 3RD SECTOR AWARDS; 2/9/22. Retrieved 2024-06-16 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ a b "Awards Received". OCI Foundation | Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora. 2021-03-08. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  38. ^ a b Khairuddin, Menchie (2022-09-06). "Third Sector Awards 2022 Winners Announced". Third Sector - News, Leadership and Professional Development. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  39. ^ Khairuddin, Menchie (2022-10-13). "Fueled by a dream to go beyond one's potential: the OCI Foundation wins Emerging NFP of the Year". Third Sector - News, Leadership and Professional Development. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  40. ^ "Pic: Dr Chris Ifediora wins "ADVANCING HEALTH WITH TECHNOLOGY" Award at the Zenith's "2022 Africa Healthcare Awards" (Lusaka, Zambia; 23/04/22)". OCI Foundation | Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora. 2022-05-07. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
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