AMUZI, THE OZONDU (Face Mask) BRAND CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise, May 23, 2020: In some recent reports, a nongovernmental organization, the Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA), based in Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise Imo State, rebranded the cotton face masks produced in her home base of Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise, for protection against COVID-19, as “Ozondu”- which means life saver in the local Igbo dialect. It went further in another comment by its convener Professor Eddie Oparaoji, who referred that “Amuzi is the Ozondu (face mask) Brand Capital of the World. Based on our extensive research Amuzi will be the first community where everyone who should wear Ozondu will be provided one.”
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 have 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 masks are best for people to use outside of health care.
The PCA also said “Ozondu face mask is made of cotton fabrics, with durable ear loops, that fits snuggly to the face, covering mouth and nose, without gaps around your nose, mouth and chin. It is very comfortable so you’re more likely to wear it 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 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. Someone who’s unconscious, Someone who can’t move or take off a mask without help”, the statement concluded.
The PCA through a project titled “Ozondu for All”, sponsored by Amuzi citizens and friends, has concluded plans to make Ozondu available, free, to all members of the Amuzi community at risk of exposure to COVID 19.
According to a member of the PCA Advisory council and former 2 time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Viola Onwuliri, “This will make Amuzi the first African community to be fully face masked.”
Click link below to PCA history making covid 19 Ozondu initiative Photo Album.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16ybhCNGlQxWFBDKUcxStptfw6h4ruu1B?usp=sharing
Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi 