Ozondu Launched! Amuzi Makes History!

THE OZONDU FACE MASK LAUNCHED AND DISTRIBUTED WITH PALLIATIVES AS AMUZI MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST FULLY MASKED AFRICAN COMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19

Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria; May 29, 2020: Today a nongovernmental organization, the Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA), based in Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise Imo State, that created a COVID-19 prevention face mask brand called “Ozondu”, launched and distributed them to the community. The Ozondu face mask was officially unveiled by the Honorable Member representing Ahiazu Local Govt Area (LGA) at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Sam Otuibe, who declared “I am the luckiest son of this community to be performing this historic unveiling of the certified quality Ozondu cloth face mask, which will be distributed without cost to our community and thus put us in the history books, as the first fully masked community in Africa. I wish to congratulate our local tailors who were commissioned to produce a world standard quality cloth face masks, and they did a phenomenal job, and will soon be in demand worldwide. Also to be commended is our local sanitizer manufacturer whose product availed us another major weapon against COVID-19. May God bless the PCA and everyone that have contributed to making this epoch event a reality and huge success.”

Others who joined  Hon Otuibe to do the unveiling, included members of the Ahiazu LGA Interim Management Council (IMC) namely, Hon Uche Chris Agomuo, Comrade Jack Ezenwa Anyanwu, Hon Ezem Okechukwu, Hon Innocent Iweme, Hon Elias Ogbu, and Hon Uche Henry Agomuo. Also involved were, Mrs Catherine Otuibe, Dr. Patricia Iheanacho, Mrs Comfort Iwu, Dr Pius Nwagwu, Prince Leo Eke (Eze Ako n’obi of Akabo), Chief Bona Ogu, members of the PCA Central Working Committee (CWC), and Chairmen of the ten villages of Amuzi,  among others.   

In their remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Jack Ezenwa Anyanwu, who is also the Ahiazu- LGA task force co-ordinator with the representative of the traditional rulers Prince Leo Eke, commended the PCA for the life saving initiative, and encouraged everyone to take responsibility in doing their part to prevent COVID-19. They said with Ozondu, sanitizers, soaps, food and other palliatives made available, no one should have any excuse not to adhere to the COVID-19 prevention measures.

Ozondu which means life saver in the local Igbo dialect was subsequently distributed alongside other palliatives, that are also essential in the fight against COVID-19, such as food, sanitizers, soaps, and containers fitted with taps for hygienic handwashing. Health education on COVID-19 prevention and proper use and care of the face mask, handwashing and sanitizer application techniques were presented by a team of healthcare professionals. They include Dr Patricia Iheanacho, a physician resident in Imo State, the PCA Health Committee Chairman and President of the West African College of Nursing (WACN) Imo State Chapter Mrs Catherine Otuibe, and the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Mrs Comfort Iwu. Mrs Iwu was representing the lead health educator for the day, Dr. Chinemerem Dan Onwuliri an Amuzi son, who leads the NCDC COVID-19 Rapid Response Team in Imo State. Mr Chris Anyanwu, the Amuzi-born manufacturer of the PCA branded sanitizer, that was purchased for distribution at the event, gave a presentation on the quality of his sanitizer brand, and guideline on use of sanitizers.   

The atmosphere at the event was full of excitement, as the community was very appreciative. Positive congratulatory reactions about the historic event, have been pouring in from across the world. Commenting about the event, the PCA Convener Professor Eddie Oparaoji said, “we, the members of the Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA), wish to sincerely thank our Royal Fathers, the entire Amuzi community, and most importantly our resource persons and sponsors for all your support. We also express our profound gratitude, and appreciation to our valued guests for gracing this historic event. Your presence validates its global historic significance in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We may not be here in the next 100 years when our generations yet unborn, across continental dives would read with pride how we played our role, on this day, by putting into action, measures to defeat a deadly COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The councilor representing the Amuzi/Iheworie Ward Hon Uche Chris Agomuo said, “this is more than a dream come through, as very few would have envisaged that my community would be taking the lead in ensuring a full protection for her citizens, young and old, men and women, against COVID-19 spread. I can only give praise to God.” Another prominent member of the community, a journalist in Lagos,  Mr Sebastine Obasi said “Good initiative, fine delivery. Awesome community acceptance. I commend our elder brother Professor Oparaoji and every other Amuzi citizen that contributed to the actualization of this very laudable project.” A human rights attorney also from the community, Barrister Maxwell Opara said “…Great PCA!! Great Uhi n’ami ego!. To Professor Eddie (The great Prince), your leadership and humility is second to none. The concept of the events really projected Amuzi, in the right direction to the global community. Amuzi, the community of my birth is always a pacesetter…”. A United States based prominent lawyer and citizen of Amuzi, Atty Chinedu Iwuji said, “very commendable initiative. With all hands on deck, coronavirus will not have a place in Amuzi. Amuzi is blessed.”  Dr Bibiana Njoku, a native of Amuzi who is a Germany based pediatrician said, “I have never been as proud and emotional about my people, for implementing this Ozondu for All initiative, that we have been struggling, unsuccessfully to implement in our community here. I wish I could be there in Amuzi, to be part of this program of historic, humanitarian and great public health significance.” From the United Kingdom, Engr Mrs Chinwe Amadi said, “Oh my God, when I first saw this in my whatsapp group I was very impressed by it, but never associated it with my home town. When I realized this was really happening in Amuzi, I screamed so loud with joy, my husband thought I had gone crazy. May God bless PCA, and our great Uhi nation.” 

Mr Chinedu Anowuru in his endorsement reaction from Port- Harcourt said, “This is a wonderful developmental stride. Thank you Prof for this innovative generosity and magnanimous effort to supporting the defeat of coro in Amuzi. I acknowledge this catalogue of manifestation of humanitarian empathy to mankind. May God also reciprocate to you at all times, Amen. Congratulations.” Another enthusiastic response came from Mr Alphonsus Adjaero who said, “..kudos to our indefatigable ambassador, Prof Oparaoji, PCA CWC and members for a well planned and executed project. Today we did our best, the rest they say belongs to God Almighty. Amuzi, anyi nwe aka a, odighi ihe hiara fada abiala Amuzi”. Echoing the expressed sentiments, a global figure, two-times Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Education Commissioner of Imo State and a daughter of Amuzi her excellency Prof Viola Onwuliri said, “Fantastic outing. Up PCA, UP Convener. Congratulations to all of us, CWC and our women, unu di too much. We thank God for hearing our prayers for good weather and successful outing. To Him be all the glory. Umunne, there is nothing like being happy together. Amuzi went agog yesterday. Our grassroots /ordinary people felt valued and important. Imagine that West Africa, Federal Government the State, LGA and Ward all converged at Amuzi for the epoch making and historic event. We should be proud that our PCA and us successfully hosted an international event in one of our local Amuzi villages, Ako-na-Ojibo. In short we are too much”.

It would be recalled that in order to help slow the spread of COVID 19 pandemic the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Prevention and other related health agencies had recommended the use of face masks to cover the mouth and nose, to block the release of virus-filled droplets into the air during cough or sneeze. This helps slow the spread of COVID-19. Cloth face masks are best for people to use outside of health care settings.

The Ozondu face mask was subjected to the “candle blowing test”, which it passed. This simple method determines whether a mask is protective enough or not. If you cannot blow out a candle while wearing a mask that means it is a protective mask.  This test and approval of Ozondu as good quality face mask was conducted publicly by the West African College of Nursing, Imo State Chapter.

This confirms earlier claim of durability of Ozondu by the PCA. It also said, “It is made of cotton fabrics, with durable ear loops, that fits snuggly to the face, covering mouth and nose, without gaps around the nose, mouth and chin. It is very comfortable so more likely to worn often.” “Ozondu is also easy to take off using only the ear loops and to wash in warm water and dry without damaging it or changing its shape.” “Ozondu, like every other cloth face masks won’t totally block the coronavirus, but it’s an added layer of protection for you and the people around you when you use it in addition to other COVID-19 safety steps. It doesn’t replace them. You still need to limit your contact with other people, wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds, social distancing measures like staying 6 feet away from others and keep common surfaces clean.”“Ozondu, face masks are not for children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing. unconscious, or can’t move or take off a mask without help”, the statement concluded.

The PCA embarked on this project, following concerns and recommendations of its Health Committee, Chaired by Mrs Catherine Otuibe, who is also President of the Amuzi Progressive Union, women’s wing. The committee had observed that this rural agrarian community was vulnerable to COVID-19, for being noncompliant with the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s recommendation on wearing face masks, and recommended that those most at risk, but can’t afford a face mask, be issued one.   

According to reports, Professor Viola Onwuliri a Biochemist, in agreement with the PCA Health committee’s recommendation, said,  “This is worrisome and  very important as social distancing is not observed also in public transport( buses, taxis, tricycles and ‘Okada’) , markets, village meetings, many shops and super markets etc. The mass mask program will reach many more people. I wish each person can have two masks so one can be washed each day used. They must be taught how to take care of it at the end of use, otherwise, people can infect themselves.” 

Chief Joe Kemdirim who doubled as a reporter and co-master of ceremony for the program, with the Master of ceremony and Chairman of the PCA Central Working Committee (CWC) Chief BC Nwachukwu, facilitated proceedings at the event. They announced that following the “Ozondu for All”, launch here today at Ako-na-Ojibo, a COVID-19 sensitization visit to all the ten villages of Amuzi, to distribute Ozondu and other palliatives, will commence, immediately. The ten villages of Amuzi are, Ako-na-Ojibo, Izuoha, Umuhu-na-Loghocho, Umunnawe Umuochamoko, Umuodu, Umuofor, Umuokazi, Umuokoro and Uwuowasi.

The PCA acknowledged the following illustrious sons, daughters and friends of Amuzi who sponsored this historic ‘Ozondu for all’ project namely; Dr & Mrs Onyema Nkwocha and family, Mr. Mcathan Onyekwere, Professor (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri, Dr. Emeka (Edward Jr) Oparaoji, Mbaise Association Delaware Valley, USA, Engr. George & Dr. Mrs Genevieve Nwigwe, Hon. Sam Nkem Otuibe, Mr and Mrs Dozie Onwuliri, Mr Tony & Dr (Mrs) Chioma Enyeribe, Mr Edwin Nwagwu, Mr Augustine Mgbemene,  Dr and Mrs Chiemezie Amadi, Mrs Rose Amadi, Mr Eddy Adjeroh, Rev. Fr. Sebastine Ugochukwui, Mr Andrew Ugochukwu,  Engr/Dr Tony Igbojionu, Prince Ndy & Lady Nwamaka Oparaoji, Engr. Emma Chukwu, Chief Alfred & Dr (Mrs) Chizoba  Iwuji, Dr. Pius Nwagwu, Dr. Chinemerem Daniel Onwuliri. Mrs Catherine Otuibe, Professor INS Dozie, Engr Ken Onwuliri, Mr Luke Amadi, Engr Aguiyi Nwachukwu, Mr Simon Njoku, Lolo Angela Nwachukwu, Dr Alban Onwuliri, Mr Thed Nwagwu, Mr Victor Okwu, Hon Uche Agomuo, Professor Eddie & Dr (Mrs) Ndidi Oparaoji. 

The Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA) Organization was established to work alongside other progressive Organizations or entities to move Amuzi and Amuzians into the global community. It is envisioned that the PCA would reignite dialogue, strengthen and re-energize the name Uhi Amuzi- to mean togetherness, and be a rallying platform to harness all Amuzi resources across the world, and make her an appealing global economic space.