Draft:Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora Foundation

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.

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. 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Awards and Honors

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