08/10/2025
A Day of Promise and Pride: Mario Institute Celebrates Matriculation and Graduation of 250 Students Sponsored by Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze
Under a sky that shimmered with hope and joy, the Mario Institute of Hospitality Management, Uhunowerre, held a vibrant and historic celebration on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, marking the matriculation and graduation of 250 students, all sponsored by the visionary Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze.
In a time when the need for skills, dignity, and purpose-driven education has never been greater, the day stood as a compelling testimony to the impact of visionary leadership and faith-based education working hand in hand to uplift communities.
A Eucharistic Beginning: Anchoring Dreams in Grace
The celebration began with solemnity and spiritual grounding—a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Director of the Institute, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius Obe. In his homily, Fr. Obe called on the students to live lives of discipline, diligence, and divine purpose.
“Success,” he preached, “is not a matter of chance, but of character. At Mario Institute, we do not just train hands—we form hearts and minds, so that our graduates serve not only tables, but humanity, with grace, excellence, and integrity.”
A Confluence of Dignitaries and Cultures
The ceremony welcomed an impressive gathering of religious leaders from the Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist Churches; top government officials; traditional rulers; educators; and proud parents and families of the students.
One of the day's most distinguished guests was Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Her gracious presence added honour and significance to the celebration and was received with heartfelt applause.
From Training to Triumph: A Journey Celebrated
The ceremony unfolded in splendour, beginning with a colourful academic procession that symbolized the students’ passage from training to transformation. Final-year trainees, adorned in their academic gowns, radiated pride and purpose.
Showcasing their culinary and hospitality expertise, the students presented artfully prepared dishes, baked goods, and hospitality-themed displays, all bearing witness to the hands-on training and creativity fostered at the institute.
The official program featured:
Opening prayers and the presentation of the kola nut, aligning faith with Igbo cultural tradition.
Addresses from Fr. Cornelius Obe, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, and the NAPTEB Director, all echoing the vital role of vocational education in national development.
The presentation of trainees, certificate issuance, cultural dances, and the symbolic throwing of caps—each moment filled with emotion and celebration.
A Voice for the Graduating Class: Anselm's Valedictory
The Overall Best Trainee, Anselm, delivered an emotional valedictory address, recounting the transformative journey he and his peers had undergone.
“This institute gave us more than a skill—it gave us direction, purpose, and dignity. We are grateful to Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze for believing in our future before we even knew what was possible.”
Honouring Excellence and Partnership
In a deeply moving part of the event, students, staff, and traditional rulers from seven local government areas presented special awards:
To Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, for his outstanding commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
To Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, in recognition of the Enugu State government’s enduring support for education, entrepreneurship, and skill acquisition.
The First Lady, visibly moved, expressed her admiration and hope for the future:
“These young men and women are the hands that will build the hospitality industry of our state and nation. This administration remains committed to initiatives that plant seeds of excellence in our youth.”
A Closing Benediction of Gratitude and Hope
The day concluded with a vote of thanks, recognizing the tireless contributions of the Institute's management, support staff, volunteers, and community leaders, especially Kenneth Obi, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event.
In his closing prayer, Fr. Obe commended the students to God's guidance, urging them never to lose sight of the values that have shaped them at Mario Institute.
A Future Baked in Hope
As the sun began to set behind the hills of Uhunowerre, the air was filled with joyful dances, the aroma of culinary mastery, and the sound of dreams being born. Yet beneath the music and festivity was something far deeper: a quiet revolution, one student at a time.
What took place at Mario Institute was more than a graduation—it was a sending forth of hope into a world in need of beauty, service, and integrity.
And as the graduates tossed their caps into the sky, they were not just marking the end of a journey, but declaring boldly to the world: We are ready.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze