02 Dec 2024 NEWS (Vanguard and BluePrint) – Ifediora assures of leveraging Foundation’s Harvard expertise for better healthcare in Nigeria (Dec 2024)
THANKSGIVING: HARVARD SHAPED OUR IDEAS, GAVE US CREDIBILITY – OCI’S IFEDIORA
Courtsesy of Vanguard News: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/12/thanksgiving-harvard-shaped-our-ideas-gave-us-credibility-ocis-ifediora/
(Dec 2, 2024) – Vanguard News
ABUJA – Dr. Chris Ifediora, President of the OCI Foundation, has credited his Harvard education for shaping the Foundation’s innovative projects and enhancing its credibility.
Speaking during the annual Thanksgiving celebration of the Harvard Club of Australia (HCA), Ifediora highlighted how principles from Harvard Medical School have influenced the Foundation’s research-driven initiatives and global outlook.
The event brought together alumni of Harvard University.
The HCA, an exclusive network of Harvard graduates, organizes the Thanksgiving ceremony as an annual tradition.
Dr. Ifediora, a 2019 alumnus of the Harvard Medical School postgraduate program, joined other distinguished members to reflect on the importance of gratitude and continuous learning in professional and social development.
Dr. Ifediora emphasized that Harvard’s role extends beyond academic excellence, providing valuable ideas and credibility that bolster the Foundation’s mission to serve communities effectively.
He noted that the advanced training and broader perspectives gained from Harvard have enriched the Foundation’s projects, ensuring impactful outcomes for beneficiaries.
He said, “If I hadn’t been to Harvard, what you know or think about the OCI Foundation won’t be the same. The flair we have, the capabilities we bring on board, the uniqueness we show, the research component of the projects we introduce are all influenced by the principles from Harvard Medical School.
“Harvard may not give us the cash, but they give us the ideas and credibility we need.
“Training courses help. They broaden the views you have, refresh your ideas, and enrich what you are bringing to the table. Ultimately, the winners are the people you serve.
“Upgrading your knowledge in any course is crucial. If I hadn’t been to Harvard, what we have achieved would not be the same. The ideas, credibility, and unique research-driven approach we employ are all because of the principles instilled in me by Harvard.”
Reflecting on Thanksgiving as a universal tradition, he advocated its practice as a means to acknowledge and appreciate contributors to organizational success.
“The act of Thanksgiving every year, even though it is not religious in the real sense of it, is for me a very huge tradition that should be emulated.
“It’s a constant reminder that the OCI Foundation should be grateful to those who play roles in what we do, whether directly or indirectly,” Ifediora added.
This marks Ifediora’s second participation in the HCA Thanksgiving, having also joined in 2021.
Previously, he was part of the HCA delegation that toured Queensland’s Parliament House.
Ifediora assures of leveraging Foundation’s Harvard expertise for better healthcare in Nigeria
Courtsesy of BluePrint News: https://blueprint.ng/ifediora-assures-of-leveraging-foundations-harvard-expertise-for-better-healthcare-in-nigeria/
December 2, 2024 – by Ene Oshaba
President of the OCI Foundation and a 2019 alumnus of Harvard Medical School (HMS), Dr. Chris Ifediora, has expressed optimism about future collaborations that could advance the Foundation’s mission of improving health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
Ifediora gave this assurance while fielding questions from Blueprint Newspapers about his attendance at the annual Harvard Club of Australia (HCA) Thanksgiving Dinner, held at the Brisbane Club in Queensland, Australia.
Blueprint gathered that the event provided a platform for notable alumni to celebrate and reflect on their achievements.
Engaging with fellow Harvard graduates, Dr. Ifediora credited his time at Harvard Medical School as pivotal to the development of the OCI Foundation’s flagship health initiative, the Arm Our Youth (Amoy) Anti-Cancer Campaign.
Speaking on its origins, he shared, “The Amoy Youth Anti-Cancer Campaign was kind of developed during my time at Harvard Medical School, 2018-2019. My capstone at Harvard was centered on this project, which has since introduced anti-cancer campaigns into the curriculum of secondary schools across Nigeria, targeting teenage Nigerians.”
He emphasized that the campaign’s impact was acknowledged during his graduation, marking the beginning of its transformative journey.
According to Dr. Ifediora, Harvard’s influence transcends technical knowledge, shaping the Foundation’s approach to policymaking and advocacy.
“The training from Harvard prepared me to adopt unique approaches to introducing NGO policies in Nigeria. If I hadn’t gone to Harvard, the OCI Foundation would not have the same reach and impact it enjoys today.”
Belonging to both the Harvard Club of Australia and the Harvard Club of Nigeria has further fueled the Foundation’s growth.
Dr. Ifediora highlighted the value of these affiliations, stating, “Associating with these clubs reignites the fire and refocuses our projects. It brings credibility and publicity to our initiatives, ensuring they are of the highest quality.”
He said the partnership with Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, exemplifies how Harvard’s reputation has opened doors for the OCI Foundation.
Reflecting on this milestone, he noted that credibility is an invaluable asset, often outweighing financial support.
“A few years ago, we partnered with Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Buhari. Part of why this partnership was possible was the credibility Harvard brings. Her office flagged our project with the NYSC, which has been ongoing for the last two to three years.”
“They may not give us cash, but the ideas and credibility they offer are priceless. Harvard’s endorsement has been instrumental in gaining support from federal ministries and developing impactful projects,” he stated.
Dr. Ifediora also expressed gratitude for the inspiration and resources gained from Harvard alumni events. According to him, the Foundation’s commitment to research-based, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions has been bolstered by these collaborations.
“These engagements provide opportunities for partnerships and fresh ideas. They remind us of the quality we need to sustain and the global standards we aspire to meet.”
“The big winners are Nigerians. We bring unique, sustainable, and impactful initiatives to the table, ensuring that our projects are beneficial and far-reaching,” Dr. Ifediora noted.
Beyond institutional support, Harvard’s leadership training has shaped Dr. Ifediora’s vision and approach to managing the Foundation. He explained, “The leadership course at Harvard taught me how to manage complex organizations, create advocacy, and engage with leaders. This training elevated the Foundation from a regional initiative to a global player.”
Thanksgiving, as celebrated by the Harvard Club of Australia, serves as a reflective and gratitude-filled tradition. Dr. Ifediora expressed admiration for this practice, saying, “It’s a tradition that should be emulated”.
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