About Us
A Movement of Mercy Rooted in Divine Mercy
Divesima Charity Foundation, inspired by the spirituality of Dives in Misericordia Apostolate (DIVESIMA), is a humanitarian and faith-based organization dedicated to the service of God through service to humanity. Established in 2022 and officially inaugurated on the 4th of June 2023, the Foundation has grown into a beacon of hope for the poor, sick, aged, and vulnerable across several communities.
Rooted in the Divine Mercy message, “Jesus, I trust in You”, our Foundation exists to translate faith into action. We believe that true love of God must find expression in concrete acts of mercy towards those in need. Therefore, through structured programs and daily interventions, we provide care, relief, and support to weakened humanity.
Our activities span across caring for the sick, assisting the elderly, supporting physically challenged individuals, and protecting the welfare of children. Through these efforts, we not only meet physical needs but also restore dignity, inspire hope, and renew faith in the lives of beneficiaries.
Divesima Charity Foundation is not merely an institution; it is a movement of mercy — an invitation to all people of goodwill to participate in God’s saving work through acts of compassion and generosity.
Vision
That they may have life in abundance.
Mission
To touch lives and give hope to the poor, sick and afflicted through corporal works of mercy and humanitarian services.
About Divesima Charity Foundation
Rooted in Divine Mercy, Committed to Human Dignity
Divesima Charity Foundation (Dives in Misericordia Apostolate) is a Catholic-inspired, faith-based humanitarian organization established to witness, reflect, and extend the Divine Mercy of God to those in need. We respond to both spiritual and material poverty, guided by the conviction that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of love, care, and dignity.
Divesima Charity Foundation was born out of the spiritual vision and apostolic mission of Dives in Misericordia Apostolate (DIVESIMA) — a movement committed to the propagation of God’s mercy through the corporal works of mercy.
The inspiration of the Foundation is deeply rooted in two key spiritual realities: the sacrificial death of Christ on Good Friday and His teaching in the Gospel of Matthew 25:31–46, where He identifies Himself with the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. These foundations give meaning and direction to all our humanitarian efforts.
Since its establishment in 2022 and inauguration in June 2023, the Foundation has extended its reach across various dioceses and communities including Onitsha, Nnewi, Nsukka, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, and Awgu. Through consistent acts of charity, we have impacted lives and brought hope to many who were previously neglected.
Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Okigbo, the Foundation sources support through appeals, sacrificial giving (tithes), benefactors, friends, and organizations. These resources are prudently utilized to serve humanity in its most vulnerable conditions. Our identity is defined by mercy, our strength is faith, and our mission is love in action.
Aims & Objectives
To care for the sick, aged and physically challenged
To defend the poor, widows, marginalized and less privileged
To assist in the education of poor children and orphans
To give hope to the youths through youth empowerment and skill acquisitions
To assist those afflicted with natural disasters and pandemics
To promulgate positive children affairs that will better the future generation
To promote fundamental human rights
To cooperate with the churches, government, and other humanitarian organization with like aims
To attend to all necessary humanitarian challenges
The Origin of Friday Corporal Works of Mercy
It was inspired by two factors:
1. Christ died on the Cross on this day, Good Friday
2. The Gospel of Matthew chapter 25:31–46
Because Christ was crucified and died on Friday, Friday becomes a special day to encounter God's mercy. Thus, Friday Corporal Works of Mercy is an avenue for people to put into practice their faith and participation in the death of Christ at the hour of mercy. Christ died for humanity; so the acts of mercy are humanitarian in nature. Hence, the Apostolate/Foundation creates ways for people to assist weakened humanity either through material gifts or money.
By attending to weakened humanity, we evangelise it and restore back hope to it. No corporal work of mercy is less important than the other. Any of them is powerful before God.
Kindly participate in it whenever your faith inspires you. You are simply giving hope and salvation to others through them.
I pray for God's mercy upon you and may your faith lead you to good things of life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
What “Divesima” Means
“Dives in Misericordia” is a Latin expression drawn from Scripture and the teaching of the Church, meaning “Rich in Mercy.” It is a title applied to God the Father and beautifully reflected in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the visible Face of the Father’s Mercy.
Divesima Charity Foundation, as the Dives in Misericordia Apostolate, draws its identity and spirituality from this mystery of Divine Mercy. We contemplate God who is rich in mercy, and we allow that mercy to overflow into concrete acts of service for those who suffer, are abandoned, or are in any form of need.
To belong to or support Divesima is to participate in God’s own compassionate movement toward humanity: a mission of mercy that heals wounds, restores dignity, and opens hearts to the hope of the Gospel.
The Meaning, Origin, And Spiritual Identity Of Divesima
The name DIVESIMA is a deeply spiritual and mission-oriented Concept coined from the Latin expression “Dives in Misericordia Apostolate,” which translates as “Richness of God’s Mercy,” and the English word “Apostolate” (DIVESIMA).This name is not merely a creative concept but a profound theological and apostolic statement that encapsulates the essence, vision, and operational philosophy of the Foundation. It reflects a spirituality rooted in the inexhaustible mercy of God and expresses a commitment to making that mercy visible and tangible in the world through concrete acts of love and service.
Etymologically, the name DIVESIMA is derived from three significant Latin components. The word “Dives” denotes richness, abundance, or fullness, pointing to the limitless and overflowing nature of divine grace. “Misericordia,” meaning mercy, refers to the compassionate love of God that reaches out to humanity in its weakness, suffering, and sinfulness. The term “Apostolate” signifies a mission or a calling to serve, particularly in the context of the Church’s mandate to evangelize and transform the world. When these elements are combined, they form a unified expression that proclaims a powerful truth: that God’s mercy is infinitely rich and that humanity is called to participate actively in sharing that mercy with others. Thus, DIVESIMA becomes both a declaration of faith and a mandate for action.
The spiritual foundation of DIVESIMA is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of God as merciful and compassionate, revealed most perfectly in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The Divine Mercy message, often summarized in the phrase “Jesus, I trust in You,” forms a central pillar of this identity. It emphasizes trust in God’s loving kindness and calls believers to become instruments of that mercy in the world. This spirituality is further grounded in the teachings of the Gospel, particularly in Matthew 25:31–46, where Christ identifies Himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the stranger, and the imprisoned. In this passage, acts of charity toward the needy are presented not merely as good deeds but as direct service to Christ Himself. DIVESIMA, therefore, draws its inspiration from this Gospel mandate, seeking to encounter Christ in the suffering and to serve Him through acts of mercy.
In addition to its Gospel foundation, the identity of DIVESIMA is closely linked to the mystery of Christ’s passion and death, especially as commemorated on Good Friday. The death of Christ on the Cross is the ultimate revelation of God’s mercy — a sacrifice offered for the salvation of humanity. This profound act of love serves as a model and motivation for the apostolate. It inspires the practice of the Friday Corporal Works of Mercy, which form the structural and spiritual backbone of the Foundation’s activities. By dedicating each Friday to specific acts of charity, DIVESIMA creates a rhythm of mercy that allows individuals to participate in Christ’s sacrifice through service to others. In this way, the name itself becomes a living expression of a spirituality that is both contemplative and active.
Furthermore, DIVESIMA embodies a mission that goes beyond theoretical expressions of faith. It is a call to action — a summons to translate belief into concrete deeds of compassion. The richness of God’s mercy, as implied in the name, is not meant to remain abstract or hidden; it is to be shared, extended, and experienced by all, especially the most vulnerable members of society. This mission finds practical expression in the Foundation’s numerous humanitarian initiatives, including care for the elderly, support for disabled and motherless children, assistance to hospital patients, and outreach to those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. Through these works, DIVESIMA becomes a channel through which divine mercy flows into human lives, restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
The identity of DIVESIMA also carries a universal invitation. It calls on individuals, families, communities, and organizations to become participants in this mission of mercy. It recognizes that while God’s mercy is infinite, its expression in the world often depends on human cooperation. Therefore, the apostolate encourages acts of generosity, volunteerism, and sacrificial giving as ways of responding to God’s love. In this sense, DIVESIMA is not confined to a single group or location; it is a movement that seeks to inspire a culture of compassion and service wherever it is embraced.
Moreover, the name serves as a constant reminder of the true meaning of richness. In a world that often equates wealth with material possessions, DIVESIMA redefines richness as the capacity to love, to give, and to serve. It teaches that the greatest wealth a person can possess is the ability to show mercy and to uplift others. This perspective challenges individuals to look beyond themselves and to recognize the inherent dignity of every human person. By doing so, it fosters a spirit of solidarity and mutual care that is essential for building a just and compassionate society.
In conclusion, DIVESIMA is far more than a name; it is a comprehensive identity that integrates theology, spirituality, and practical service. It expresses the richness of God’s mercy as both a gift to be received and a responsibility to be shared. Through its origin, meaning, and mission, DIVESIMA stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action, inviting all people to encounter divine mercy and to become its instruments in the world. As the Foundation continues to grow and expand its reach, the name DIVESIMA remains a guiding light, continually pointing back to its core purpose: to reveal, through acts of love and service, the inexhaustible richness of God’s mercy to humanity.
Our name constantly reminds us that we are not the source of mercy; God is. We are instruments, channels, and witnesses — humble servants entrusted with a sacred mission to reveal His Heart to the world, especially where pain, injustice, and poverty are most acute.
Divesima elderly apostolate outreach
Divesima support for children
Divesima Elderly Care Outreach
Join us in the movement of mercy — through prayer, presence, and sacrificial giving.
Blog & Spiritual Messages
Reflections from the Heart of Mercy
As an apostolate of Divine Mercy, we continually share teachings, reflections, testimonies, and spiritual resources that help the faithful contemplate God’s mercy and live it out concretely. Our blog and spiritual message platform offers:
Reflections on Divine Mercy from Scripture and Church teaching.
Stories of transformation from beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners.
Spiritual messages for seasons such as Lent, Easter, Advent, and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Prayers, novenas, and devotions connected to the spirituality of mercy.
Updates on missions and how they speak to the heart of the Gospel.
The origin of the Friday Corporal Works of Mercy lies in the mystery of Christ’s death and His commandment of love. Because Christ died on Good Friday, that day becomes a sacred moment to encounter God’s mercy. Through acts of charity, we participate in His sacrifice and extend His love to suffering humanity.
Every act of mercy, no matter how small, is powerful before God. When we attend to the poor, the sick, and the weak, we are not only helping them but also evangelizing and restoring hope. You are invited to participate whenever your faith inspires you. In doing so, you become a bearer of hope and an instrument of salvation to others.
May God’s mercy be upon you, and may your faith lead you to greater blessings through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Featured Reflection
“Mercy is not an abstract idea but a concrete way of life. When we feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowful, educate the child, and accompany the abandoned, we make visible the wounds and love of Christ in our time.”
— From a Divesima spiritual message on living the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
We invite you to not only support us materially, but also to journey spiritually with us through prayer, reflection, and the sacraments, asking the Lord to make our hearts more like His: meek, humble, and merciful.
Leadership & Governance
Guided by Faith, Stewarded with Integrity
Divesima Charity Foundation is led by a team of clergy, religious, and lay professionals who bring together pastoral experience, humanitarian expertise, and sound financial and administrative management. Our leadership and board of directors are committed to safeguarding the mission, ensuring accountability, and fostering a culture of prayerful discernment in every decision. They are spiritually grounded and mission-driven leaders committed to works of mercy, humanitarian action, and the restoration of dignity and hope to the vulnerable.
Board / Directors / Leadership
Rev Fr Ferdinand Chukwunwike Okigbo — Founder / CEO / Spiritual Director
Mr Gabriel Osorachukwu Obika — Director
Mrs Jacinta Eberechukwu Okonkwo — Director
Mrs Christiana Chioma Iwuamaeze — Director / Secretary
Mrs Joan Onyekachukwu — Pillar
Mr Gabriel Osorachukwu Obika — Director
Chief kenenna kingsley muoneke. (Onyenaucheya na ozubulu) — Pillar
Okigbo Obumneme Everistus — Pillar
Ogbuefi Michael Ifeanyi (Pharmacist) — Pillar
Sophia Chisom Mbamalu — Director
Mrs Laeticia A. Okafor — Pillar
Rev Fr Ferdinand Chukwunwike Okigbo
Founder / CEO / Spiritual Director
Provides overall vision, pastoral direction, and strategic leadership for the apostolate, ensuring that every initiative remains faithful to the spirituality of Divine Mercy and the social teaching of the Church.
Mr Gabriel Osorachukwu Obika
Director
A strategic director providing guidance and oversight, ensuring the mission remains focused, impactful, and faithfully executed.
Mrs Christiana Chioma Iwuamaeze
Director / Secretary
Implements daily activities, manages field operations, liaises with parishes and communities, and ensures that all projects, outreaches, and support services are well-coordinated and documented.
Chief kenenna kingsley muoneke.
(Onyenaucheya na ozubulu)
Pillar
A strong pillar of wisdom and support, upholding the mission with experience, generosity, and a heart for service.
Mrs Joan Onyekachukwu
Pillar
A compassionate pillar of strength, supporting the mission with dedication, grace, and a heart committed to service.
Michael Kelechi Omenugha
Pillar
A reliable pillar of strength, advancing the mission through dedication, service, and a passion for meaningful impact.
Okigbo Obumneme Everistus
Pillar
A steadfast pillar of support, strengthening the mission through reliability, commitment, and a heart rooted in service and compassion.
Ogbuefi Michael Ifeanyi (Pharmacist)
Pillar
A dependable pillar of care and support, upholding the mission through service, integrity, and a commitment to healing and compassion.
Sophia Chisom Mbamalu
Director
A visionary director guiding the mission with wisdom, leadership, and a deep commitment to impactful service.
Mrs Laeticia A. Okafor
Pillar
A devoted pillar of strength, supporting the mission with compassion, commitment, and a heart for service.
Certificate & Legal Status
A Registered, Accountable Faith-Based Organization
Divesima Charity Foundation operates under duly recognized legal frameworks for non-profit and faith-based organizations in its jurisdiction. Our registration and legal documentation affirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and proper governance.
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
REGISTRATION NUMBER 194251
The Registrar - General of Corporate Affairs Commission hereby certifies that
FERDINAND OKIGBO GABRIEL OBIKA CHRISTIANA UMEOBI JACINTA OKIGBO
the duly appointed Trustees of
DIVESIMA CHARITY FOUNDATION
have this day been registered as a corporate body.
Given under my hand at Abuja this 9th day of December, 2022
A. G. Abubakar
Registrar - General
Certificate and legal registration documents of Divesima Charity Foundation
Our certificate of incorporation, board resolutions, constitution or statutes, and other regulatory approvals are available for review by major donors, partners, and ecclesial authorities upon request. We also comply with Church guidelines for lay apostolates and collaborate closely with diocesan structures.
Financial records are maintained with care, subjected to internal controls, and, where applicable, external review. Designated funds are used strictly for their intended purposes, and project reports are shared with sponsors and stakeholders.
For detailed legal documentation or partnership due diligence, please contact our administrative office using the contact form or official email provided below.
Help Us Keep Mercy in Motion
Every prayer, every gift, every partnership makes a difference. Together, let us reveal to the world that God is truly rich in mercy.
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Copyright© 2026. Divesima. All Rights Reserved | “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40