A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE WORTH APPLAUDING

This piece is a preamble to the story of our current feature in the Celebrating Super-Jacksonites’* Series. Our focus is on Vincent ‘da Vinci’ Ihesinulo, a multi-talented guy. When he was admitted into the department and came to my office, I took a liking to him because he reminded me of my cousin, Ibe Abrahams. In due course, I saw that he had a great command of English and was versatile or better put, superb in the arts. As a result, when I was to autograph for him one of my books that he bought, this is what I wrote:

After life’s walk is through,
Here’s what I’ll have men say of you:
Writer, cartoonist, portraitist –
da Vinci, the consummate artist.
He touched the world with pen and pencil,
Many wrongs he strived to cancel.

If you think my portrayal of him is rather flamboyant, wait till you read his story. What I’m offering in this introduction is a more personal perspective borne out of my interactions with him. Vincent was bright, well-known on campus and handsome, but he was not proud. And he was not crooked. I could entrust confidential matters to him and he never abused that privilege.

He was also a respectful and sincere lad. Besides his academic work, he had many irons in the fire at every point. Yet, he gladly ran errands for me. He would come to see how I was doing and ask if I needed help. If I hesitated because I knew about his busy schedule, he would encourage me to tell him what I needed done and he would make time to attend to it. Some young people who are far less busy keep their distance or tell lies when they suspect you want them to assist you with something (then and now). He may not remember this but I do and it’s a testimony to his character.

He is a guy with a very strong social conscience and this informed his club activities, political and journalistic pursuits as a student. These are the kinds of young people I would love to see at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, people who go beyond words and invest whatever it takes to actualise altruistic goals. But permit me to personalise further to show that Vincent is nice both publicly and privately.

Calling to say “How are you?” is something most people won’t do unless they need help from you. I was telling someone that teachers are treated like pastors. People remember them when they can be useful which is alright because it’s a privilege to be in a line of work where you can help people. Life, in my view, is meaningless if not lived in service of God and others. But I digress. Vincent has maintained steady contact since graduation and he means it when he asks how I’m getting along.

I want to share a particular instance that happened a few years ago. (Pardon me, Vincent!) I’d spent a lot of money on something I considered important and planned to get to the end of the month by the skin of my teeth. However, a strike happened and when the month ended, our salaries were withheld. I had a tiny respite but the strike lingered for months. It was a trying time for me. And Vincent sent me help.

image

What marks a person out as generous is not necessarily the size or showiness of their giving but giving when they are not expecting a return from the receiver and giving when it’s inconvenient. It wasn’t a good time at all for him ’cause his home had been raided by brigands and it had been a sweeping exercise. Need I say more?

Much as I commended Vincent’s extra-curricular engagements and accomplishments, I urged more weighting for his academic work but, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Something else I brought up often which I still look forward to is to see Vincent become born again. Apparently, he’s of the persuasion that all one needs is to do his best, no need to pigeon-hole yourself and lay an undeserved claim to perfection. But being saved is not self-righteousness (you know, claiming you’re faultless by your own power or acting holier-than-thou), it is appropriating the finished work of Christ and living according to His word by His grace. Pigeon-holing in this context is good – it keeps you accountable to God and people around you.

Nonetheless, I’m celebrating Vincent for his great strides in campus journalism, for stretching himself to better the lot of others through his writings, politics and club engagements and also for being a nice person, a decent human being. But I knew that if I undertook to write about him, I would not be able to capture the full extent of his endeavours here. So I present to you the story of Vincent ‘da Vinci’ Ihesinulo in his own words. The story is split into his time at UNN and his activities subsequently which show that the UNN part was not a fluke.

MY EVENTFUL YEARS AT UNN by VINCENT IHESINULO
Read here.

MY LIFE AFTER SCHOOL by VINCENT IHESINULO
Read here.
+++++++
*The term “Super-Jacksonites” refers to graduates of the mass communication department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (formerly called Jackson School of Journalism).
+++++++

Subscribe to edithohaja.com to receive updates of new posts (inspirational, educational and entertaining articles, poems, quotes and graphics) in your mail. Subscription is free.

You can also like my Facebook page, Aunty Edith, follow me on Instagram, GooglePlus (1), GooglePlus (2), Twitter (1), Twitter (2), Pinterest and StumbleUpon. Plus, you can connect with me on LinkedIn. Jesus is Lord!

46 comments

  • Chinenye

    An accurate portrayal of Vincent. Need I say more???

  • ST. DA VINCI IS CONSUMMATE- COMMUNICATOR PAR EXLEENCE ,CAN DO WELL WITH IMAGE MAKING ,ESPECIALLY WHEN THE IMAGE E IS WILLINGLY ……..MBAH ESTEY

  • This post is inspiring.Most of us wish to be like him but are not ready to ” go the extra mile”.

  • Ahaotu Ikenna Henry

    “Vincent was bright, well known on campus and handsome but was not proud. And he was not crooked.”

    Wao! Aunty, you got it right. You painted a very true picture of our able Da Vinci. He was one of the few guys back then on campus, with high profile, yet very humble. I had very high regard and respect for him.

    Indeed, it was difficult for anyone on campus not to have noticed him, not bc he was boastful or notorious. Instead, our correct guy was easily noticed and liked bc he was very SIMPLE, HUMBLE, INTELLIGENT, ELOQUENT, SOCIABLE and KIND. To cap it all, he was (and still is) a very HANDSOME & TALL guy (ladies-choice lol). Yes, I’m sure that most ladies on campuse craved to have him as friend and I know one of them, who was even willing to bribe me just to have his contact lol.

    Coming to his social activities, his contributions to the growth of the Rotaract Club of UNN, was significant. In the history of the club, his name still rings bell. He held a very key position and proved his mettle as a good leader. To be frank, he was a charismatic leader, very amiable and had a good sense of humour. So Aunty was right to say that he is the kind of young men she would like to see at the helm of affairs in Nigeria.

    In the field of politics, he was one of the best political strategists on campus. Any study of UNN SUG politics can’t be complete without the mention of his name.

    It is worthy of note that Da Vinci has a very good memory and great sense of history. I was with him few years back, during one of his official trips to Enugu. In his hotel room, we spoke at lenght and I was amazed how he recounted some of the significant events that occurred in SUG politics back in the days, mentioning names of key players and dates. I really cherished that good evening with my respected Senior. I also agree with our good Aunty Ohaja, that he is kind. I won’t fail to mention that during that my brief but quality stay with Senior Da Vinci, he gave me a wonderful perfume gift which he brought direct from Italy. Senior, I appreciate ooo.

    Aunty, was also correct to say that he made great strides in campus journalism. As Editor of the then ROAR Magazine, it was very obvious that he knew his onions. He added flesh, flavour and glamour to the publication. With him, the magazine had a wide circulation, generated good revenue to SUG and became a darling and must read to students, staff and even visitors on campus.

    Indeed, Senior Da Vinci, was a Pace Setter. I have more things to say about him but let me stop here for now. I pray God continues to bless him and his family in all ramifications in Jesus name. Sir, may you continue to shine and make us proud

  • Vincent Ihesinulo

    Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! What more can I say, brethren? Thank you so very much, Nenye, Estey, Gloria and Ikenna for your kind words. You guys just confirmed that most little things we do- good and bad – do not escape notice from the most unlikely quarters. For me, your wonderful testimonials would remain a light to my path and, I believe, to many others as we advance towards our redemption point destined by God.We all have our stories, more amazing ones at that, which will be told one day. Let’s keep living, knowing that the future holds more. Thank you, Aunty Edith -teacher of teachers. God bless you in ways you least expect.

    And to you, IK, I will surely ‘retaliate.’ Lol. Thank you, great pal. God bless.

  • Flawless Ifeanyi

    Vincent ihesinulo da Vinci, you inspire me and I will love to inspire people in future. Nice one

    • Edith Ohaja

      You’re inspiring your mates already, Flawless. You can only do so more and to a wider audience in future. You are blessed!

    • Abah okpe Gabriel

      Oh my God when will my own testimonies come like this, this is inspiring from teachers and friends, junior and senior colleagues, people like “super Jacksonite Da Vinci ” are rare to find these days, when most people give they already calculated what they are going to gain or get in return, thanks for sharing with us MA.

  • Nnamani Adanna Mary

    Awwwn. So motivating and inspiring. He is indeed a role model to emulate.

  • Okwor Blessing Amuche

    this young man has virtues worth emulating!!!!!!!!!!!! you are truly a written epistle

  • Bessong Faith Ada

    His peseverance is really commendable and though i’ve not seen his write ups, i do believe that with your recomendation and great praise, they would be awesome.
    Mr Vincent’s story is truly motivational and it gets me thinking on what i can do to better myself as a future journalist.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Well, don’t think too hard. You can start with the things I’ve been harping on: improving your language, keeping abreast of current affairs and generally broadening your knowledge. May you have a fulfilling career when the time comes in Jesus’ name.

  • NZEH RESTORE

    His actions show a very strong character which is appealing and also compelling. i really am in mild admiration of his works. the story has shown me shows that i need to make a lot of improvements.

  • AKOGWU ANN CHIDIMMA

    Though not everyone has the time to appreciate others’ good deeds but even at that, we should try and live a life worthy of emulation without thinking of people’s response to that. The question isn’t how u got appreciation in return but how many have you really inspired positively.

  • Victoria Nonike

    wow! Mr. Vincent really left a legacy in his alma mater. i am proud of you sir, i’m very inspired that you take time to study your students and pray for them too Aunty Edith. God bless you ma.

  • Amarachi Deborah Ugwu

    Wooooooooooo this guy’s life is really worth emulating. He is trully a rare gem. Keep soaring high and God bless you Mr Vincent

  • Ndudu John

    Now I wish I was born earlier so that I’d be opportuned to have met Mr. Vincent Ihesinulo aka Da Vinci. We lack such great characters in our university today. If aunty Ohaja says you’re good then you’re really good. You’re a great example of the quality of life one should aspire to live. May you soar higher until you attain your ultimate purpose in life.

  • ugochukwu ogwu

    I am highly inspired by Vincent ihesinulo da Vinci, and I will want nothing more but to inspire and be an outstanding model to people in the nearest future. Thank you ma

  • osuegbu prisca

    Wow! Vincent was really nice, i have not met him but it feels as if i have. It is quite hard to find someone as cheerful as him. God bless him and i hope he can fully give his life to christ. This article has really inspired me. Thankyou ma.

  • ologhofor sampson

    Wow! Mr vincent is a role model and a mentor. i am really inspired by him, he’s really had to see this days. may God bless him.

  • Orji blessing chidubem

    A true friend da Vinci is…he has characteristics one should imitate.
    I hope he has good fortunes follows him in life because its never easy to put yourself unease while trying to satisfy another.

  • Agwu Tochukwu Frank

    I’m really overwhelmed with the testimony of Mr Vincent. It is a very big challenge to me and every other persons outside there. Can people talk about you in a positive way like Mr Vincent?

    I’m in short of words ma,
    God bless you.

  • Nnaukwu Emeka John

    i really enjoyed every bit of this story, this is a life motivating story. Most especially, about his humility which is really second to none.

  • Aleke Juliet

    It really feels good when a friend is always there for you, both in time of happiness and sorrow. I commend Vincent for his kind heartedness because in our world today, people give with their right hand and take it back with the left hand

  • Anokwuru Catherine

    Impressive.. Now I can’t wait to read the other post about him. His personality is worth applauding. Our da vinci..lol.

  • Isaac sopuruchi

    Vincent is a figure we should be looking at in our society,i love it when people do good without announcing it. Although he is a social figure and have achieved a lot yet his not boastful or proud about it.keep it up sir Vincent

  • egbo Rita Somtochukwu

    This is indeed a nice one, giving is a good thing. Giving without expecting anything in return is way lot better. Constant communication with people around us is good as seen in the life of Vincent. This shows how kind and caring he is.

    • Brown Favour Felix

      I thank God for his lifestyle and I pray for God to help us to be like even better than him , because it is always the joy of a mother, father even elderly persons to see their young ones to be better than them.
      Even as much as our mother celebrate you, I celebrate you too. May God infinite mercy and Grace continue to abide with you.
      Thanks mma for showing the gratitude of Mr. Vincent little kindness in your life.

  • Joseph Chizoba Kingsley

    It’s always good to be nice with people. Mummy, I will rather say that you are eating the fruit of you labour. You are always good to people; never have you relegated anyone who seek your advice.Though one may do good to people and they will not appreciate in return; but Vincent appreciated.
    Kudos to Vincent for being that generous. I aspire to be like him if not more than Him by God’s grace.

  • Oleighibe Oluebube Tessy

    I’m so Jealous of Mr. Vincent right now. I hope good things will be said about me too by my lecturers. It is one thing to be a student and another to be recognized by lecturers as an obedient and brilliant student. Well, I just found out that I am part of those students who only check up on their lecturers when they need something, Lol! I’m gonna do better

  • Nwankwo Amanda

    This is indeed very inspiring. It’s easy to say we admire him and want to be like him, but are we willing to go the extra mile ? Are we willing to work more and play less ? I doubt !!
    But I pray and hope that God gives us the strength and ability to be like him and even better.

  • Nwatu Vera Chisom

    Mr Vincent is a true model, this write up about who he was/ is truly inspiring! Nice work ma!

  • Ekeh Maryann C

    Vincent is sure someone with a good social personality but not everyone is like that. It doesn’t make them less generous. They just can’t socialise.

  • Iyorakpo Dorathy

    Personality worth emulating. Thanks for educating us with a good example ma.

  • Ahueze Vivian Isioma

    I am truly Inspired.
    Truly appreciate this great piece.

  • Precious Uduma

    “What marks a person out as generous is not necessarily the size or showiness of their giving but giving when they are not expecting a return from the receiver and giving when it’s inconvenient.”

    This saying means that true generosity is not about how much or how public the giving is, but rather the willingness to give without expecting anything in return, even when it may be difficult or inconvenient. It highlights the importance of selflessness and altruism in givin

  • Joy Ezeh Amarachukwu

    It’s actually OK and normal to be nice to people and to go out of our way to help another out in time of need

Leave a Reply to Chinenye Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.