Hekima Bids Farewell to Ms Divinah Nyarea

By Honore Onana Olah, SJ

“It’s a great joy for me to stand here for the first time in front of you unfortunately during my farewell”. These were Ms Divinah Nyarea’s words, full of emotion, as she addressed the students and staff at the end of the traditional Wednesday Mass at Hekima University College.

Ms Divinah Nyarea

On Wednesday, September 12, on the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Hekima University College, a Jesuit institution, bid farewell to one of its collaborators, Ms Divinah Nyaera, after the traditional Wednesday school Mass. After the proclamation of the Gospel by Deacon Iriabe Osarodion, SJ, Father Peter Knox, SJ, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, explained the meaning of this celebration in the Church during his homily. He made the link between “the universal call to holiness” mentioned in Chapter five (5) of Lumen Gentium and Chapter eight (8) on “the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the Mystery of Christ and the Church.” Fr. Knox invited the faithful to “humility following the example of the Virgin Mary”.

During announcements, the Principal, Fr. John Okoria, SJ, thanked Ms Divinah Nyaera, affectionately known as Divinah, by giving her a gift for her dedicated service to the institution. “Divinah,” he said, “we will miss you a lot, especially after all those years spent together.” Ms Divinah has been the administrative assistant at Hekima University College for ten years. She made an impression on everyone through her smile and service to the institution, especially to students.

One of the students, Anthony Aduaka, SJ, says about her: “it was a pleasure working with Divinah and having collaborated with her as the International Officer of Hekima. God bless her immensely.” According to Stephen Kasisi, CMI, “Divinah was charming, a person of all people who made the campus more lively”.

All members present extended their hands to bless Divinah and a cake was shared by all the congregation gathered in the College’s dining hall.