On Sunday, July 28, 2024, the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Convent (DIOMECO) in Oraifite, Anambra State, was filled with pride and joy as the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, in partnership with Oilserv Limited, hosted the highly anticipated Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony. This prestigious event not only recognized academic excellence but also celebrated the holistic development of the students, honoring their achievements and the enduring legacy of Sir Emeka Okwuosa.
A Day of Achievements and Inspiration
The ceremony was an inspiring reminder of the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to education, which Sir Emeka Okwuosa believed should be built on the twin pillars of academic excellence and strong religious values. The Executive Director of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation delivered a moving speech, emphasizing how these core values continue to shape the Foundation’s mission and DIOMECO’s growth as a center of educational excellence.
Awards and Recognitions
The event was a grand celebration of hard work, with a total of 96 prizes and 12 Fabian and Patricia Okonkwo scholarships presented to students across various categories. The standout moment of the day was the recognition of the **Best Graduating Student**, who received N20,000 and a certificate, symbolizing the highest level of academic achievement from UB1 to SS3.
Other awards were presented for excellence in individual subjects, with the top three students in each category receiving cash prizes and school bags:
– First Position: N20,000 and a school bag
– Second Position: N15,000 and a school bag
– Third Position: N10,000 and a school bag
The ceremony also featured the **FAPO Scholarship Award**, with a total of NGN 3,753,000 distributed to 12 outstanding students. Each of the scholarship recipients received NGN 312,750, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to supporting students in their educational journey.
Honoring the Teaching Staff
In a touching gesture of appreciation, the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation presented a special token of gratitude to the teaching staff of DIOMECO. This included a cash gift of N200,000, along with enamel water bottles and mugs, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the success of the students.
A Warm Welcome for Spelling Bee Champions
The day also celebrated the remarkable achievement of DIOMECO’s Spelling Bee team, who had recently placed 4th in the National Spelling Bee competition in Lagos. The students and their teacher were greeted with a standing ovation, and the school board, the Chairman of the occasion, and Sir Etiaba all presented them with cash gifts in recognition of their hard work and success.
Distinguished Guests
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Barr. Augustine Enendu (SEOF Stakeholder), Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Ude (Chief Guest of Honour), and Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Ikediugwu (Special Guest), among others. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the community’s support for DIOMECO’s mission of academic and moral excellence.
In all, the Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony 2024 was a testament to the dedication of the students, teachers, and the entire DIOMECO community in the pursuit of excellence. The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation continues to make strides in providing quality education, empowering the next generation to excel and lead with integrity.