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| Chairman of the occasion and students |
By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation, a nongovernmental and not-for-profit organisation has rewarded six students, schools and retired members for showing dedication and commitment towards improving public knowledge of cervical cancer in Anambra State.
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| Six winners with Chairman of the occasion and Lady Ulasi |
The beneficiaries, who included six outstanding students at its 4th edition cum 2025 Anambra Arm Our Youths Health Campaign Schools Challenge also known as AHCSC or ArOY Health Campaign, received certificates, monetary prizes and plagues.
They included Master Daniel Okeke of Community High School, Nawfija, Ọrumba South Local Government Area (LGA) who came top, Miss Chiamaka Eze of Johnbosco Secondary School, Unubi, Nnewi South and Miss Chinenye Onyekwelu of Community High School, Nawgu, Dunukofia LGAs that won 2 and 3 positions respectively.
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| Student champion and his school teacher and principal |
Others were schools and teachers of the respective winners, distinguished teachers who pioneered establishment of cervical cancer clubs at their institutions and retired members of OCI for saving the organisation with passion and dedication to humanity.
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| Retired staff members being decorated |
Speaking at grand finale of the event held at Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, the founder and President, OCI, Dr Chris Ifediora, expressed commitment towards ensuring that their dream of extending the quiz to other parts of the country was achieved so as to eliminate cervical cancer.
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| Cross section of OCI member and students participants |
Ifediora, represented by Lady Joy Ulasi, reminded the public that the foundation was sponsoring a bill before the national assembly for it easy actualisation nationwide, adding that they would continue to celebrate and reward students, teachers and schools that have steadily adhered to and excelled in provisions of the foundation's health campaign.
"This year's World Cancer Day themed United by Unique encapsulates the OCI foundation's commitment to remain United with other like-minded organisations as they look behind the cancers and see the affected persons and their unique stories and triumphs," he noted.
On her part, the Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Professor Nkechi Ikedugwu said their partnership with the foundation had helped in promoting education and health awareness among youths, including introduction of breast and cervical cancer teachings into the curriculum of all the
senior public schools in Anambra state since 2019.
"Post Primary Service Commission is proud to say that our partnership with OCI foundation International has been instrumental in shaping the minds of our future leaders. Dedicating your finance and arming our youths with vital information on health and wellness is truly commendable. Indeed, education is the key to unlocking your full potential and
it is our collective responsibility," she added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Ernest Chukwuka commended the foundation on the quiz competition which according to him, would continue to equip students and teachers with the knowledge of cervical cancer and necessary steps for easy detecting and cure of it.
Earlier, the OCI Liaison officer, Mrs Imelda Emeka urged students to ensure that the knowledge gained from the programme were extended to parents at homes so they could inculcate the knowledge of early medical diagnosis for easy detection and cure of it.