…Awards Start-Up Packs To 17 Graduands
By Dennis Joy and Israel Ifeanyi
students, staff, religious Men and Women, Priests, Parents, and distinguished guests, converged on Divino Amore Vocational Institute in Okpuno, Anambra State, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, for a grand celebration of the institute’s 27th Matriculation and Convocation Ceremony.
As a citadel of learning founded in 1995 by the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation, the institute is dedicated to empowering young women with life and technical skills in diverse fields, including Catering and Baking, Decoration and Event Planning, Fashion and Designing, Salon and Makeup, Craft, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Upon successful completion of their programmes, graduands are awarded a professional diploma certificate in vocational training, equipping them with the expertise needed to excel in their chosen professions.
Divino Amore Vocational Institute (DAVI) recently hosted her 27th Matriculation and Convocation ceremony, welcoming new students and honoring graduands who completed their vocational training programmes.
The ceremony commenced with a Holy Mass reflecting on the institute’s 27 years of excellence, Fr. Constantine expressed while delivering the homily and presided over by the Parish Priest of St. Gabriel’s Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ofamata, and the deputy Director of Fides Media, Rev. Fr. Constantine Okoli as the concelebrating Priest. gratitude to the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation for pioneering the initiative. Rev. Fr. Okoli’s homily focused on three key lessons for training young people in excellence, emphasizing that this could only be achieved through the spirit of God.
He highlighted the importance of training young people, stating, ‘Training young people is very important because training young women means training the world.’
Additionally, he recommended that young people be trained in an environment of hope, stating, ‘An environment of hope is a proper habitat for young minds, as we are saved by hope.’
Addressing the graduands, Rev. Fr. Okoli wished them a happy new year, noting that their new achievement marked a new beginning for them. He encouraged them to apply the values instilled during their time at Divino Amore and embrace responsibilities that would positively transform them.
The school Director, Rev. Sr. Kamdilichukwu Madubuonu, delivered a vote of thanks, extending gratitude to students, staff, administrators, parents, and attendees.
She specially appreciated Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, for his spiritual leadership and pastoral care, despite his absence. Additionally, she acknowledged Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ofomata, Parish Priest of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Nodu Okpuno, and Rev. Fr. Constantine Okoli, commending what she described as their impactful presence and support.
Rev. Sis. Madubuonu also thanked her superiors, the Congregation Councilors of the Daughters of Divine Love, including Rev. Mother Anastasia Dike; SR. M. Loretto Okoli (Mother General Director); SR. M. Benedicta Odoh (Vicar General); SR. M. Lilian Obodo (Secretary General); and SR. M. Prudence Oriaku (Councilor in Charge of Education).
Following the Mass, the ceremony transitioned to its highlight: a majestic procession of 34 matriculants and 17 graduands, accompanied by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Andrew Okeke, Chairman of the occasion; Chief Nnamdi Umejih, Father of the Day; and Mrs. Nneoma Uzuegbu, Mother of the Day, among other notable personalities.
Speaking in an address, Mr. Andrew Okeke, Chairman of the occasion, appreciated God and the organizers for the privilege of attending the event. He said, ‘I sincerely apologize to the Management of Divino Amore Institute for honoring this invitation for the first time, despite having been invited twice before.’
Mr. Okeke further commended the initiators of Divino Amore, stating that the initiative provided compelling evidence that the girl child could excel and conquer the world.
In an exclusive interview with Fides, the school Director, Rev. Sr. Madubuonu, welcomed the newly admitted students, stating that they had taken an important step toward building a solid foundation for their future. She expressed confidence in the graduands, assuring that they had been equipped with both technical expertise and practical experience to excel in their chosen fields.
Meanwhile, Udegbunam Chikaodili Dorothy, one of the graduands, expressed gratitude to her sponsors for supporting her throughout the academic year and advised incoming students to remain committed to their studies and resilient during challenging times.
The 27th Matriculation and Convocation ceremony of Divino Amore was marked by a dynamic celebration featuring music, cultural dance, presentation and breaking of the kola nut, fashion competition, oath-taking for matriculants, cake cutting, and fundraising activities.
In recognition of outstanding achievement, the Management presented startup packs to all 17 graduands, each deserving of the honour. They included: Asoegwu Ijeoma Gloria; Udegbunam Chikaodili Dorothy;Ogbuefi Kosisochukwu Miracle; Ojobor Mercy Chukwuebe Ella; Chetuya Chidinma Henrietta;Nwafor Chinenye Elizabeth;Akaenyi Kosisochukwu Anastasia; Nlebudem Ifechi Silverlyn; Orji Chikamso Leticia; Chidiebie Ifeyinwa Stella;Ugwuoke Immaculate Chinecherem;Uyamesi Chinaza Favour; Ikechukwu Oluebube Joy; Nnebedum Amarachi Jacinta;Egonye Chisom Assumpta;Okoye Obiager Maureen; Ahamkoye Mmasichukwu Augustina.
As the ceremony drew its curtains, the 2025 Miss Divino Amore Award was bestowed upon its deserving winner, Miss Okeke Pascaline Chinaza.
The 27th Matriculation and Convocation Ceremony of Divino Amore was a grand success, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the graduands. With its vibrant celebration, inspiring speeches, and well-deserved recognitions, the event left a lasting impression on all attendees.
