Obiora Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation has secured partnership of Nollywood stars, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and others to make Anambra and Nigeria free of cervical cancer in next 20 years through public enlightenment campaign.
The Founder and President of OCI, Dr Obiora Ifediora, who announced this while flagging off Arm Our Youths Health Campaign (ArOY) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University auditorium on Tuesday, said the programme was unique as it combines a rare mix of teachings that promote high notal values with educative and life saving tips.
“It is the flagship health initiative of the OCI foundation designed to be widely reaching, sustainable and cost effective way of spreading anti breast and anti cervical cancer messages to millions of at-risk Nigetian women in a way that is timely, efficient and culturally acceptable.
“Primarily, the campaign target students across all senior secondary schools in Nigeria by introducing the relevant teachings into their regular academic curriculum along with assessment/examination systems.
” Through cervibreast mobile application (now on the Android’s google play store), this campaign will potentially be within reach of every single Nigerian. Hopefully in 20 years time cervical cancer vaccination along with relevant screenings for both it and breast cancer will be freely available in Nigeria,” he stated.
The newly unveiled NOLLYWOOD ambassador to the foundation, Ms Ebele Okaro Onyiuke and the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Creative Media, Chief Bob-Manuel Udokwu, while acknowledging the industry partnership to the foundation, said they were also ready to follow them to places where there faces could attract sponsors.
“We may not give you money directly. But we can follow you to banks and the bank’s managers merely seen our faces through CCTV will open doors for you to come in for discussion. From there, you can get them and others to sponsor your campaigns. We are ready to follow you and to execute the campaign individually and collectively,” Udokwu added.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, said the citadel of learning accepted to be their official partner as it was a noble initiative and all encompassing, adding that he would personally take the programme beyond Anambra through conference of university vice chancellors.
Other speakers including Mr Chukwuebuka Ugwu, who represented World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Anambra state commissioner for Basic Educatiom, Prof Kate Omenugha said the programme was commendable as cancer is one of the top killer diseases.
