VDM: From Giveaways to Taking People Away –By Matthew Ma

There was a time when the Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was best known for giveaways, cash assistance, and interventions for people facing difficult circumstances. His social media platforms became a go-to space for those in need, where many found not only solace but also financial support. However, a noticeable shift seems underway. VDM is increasingly moving beyond providing material aid to offering opportunities. His latest slogan, “we are moving from giveaway to taking people away,” reflects this change. Rather than focusing solely on immediate financial relief, he is now investing in young Nigerians’ talents and futures.

One notable example is Smartician, a young Nigerian technology enthusiast whose homemade inventions caught VDM’s attention. After committing to sponsor his education in China, VDM accompanied him through the university admissions process and related documentation. This development warrants significant attention, as education is fundamentally distinct from a mere giveaway. While a giveaway may address an immediate issue, education can empower individuals to tackle many future challenges. Now, another promising chapter unfolds with Emeka Victor, a Nigerian reportedly involved in producing changeover meters. If VDM proceeds with plans to take Victor to China for further study and exposure, the implications will extend far beyond the individual beneficiary. It would prompt an important inquiry into how Nigeria supports its young inventors and problem-solvers.

For years, Nigerians have expressed concerns about unemployment, limited technical infrastructure, reliance on imported technology, and the challenges young innovators face in turning ideas into market-ready products. Many talented Nigerians are highly creative but lack access to laboratories, funding, technical mentorship, manufacturing connections, and global markets. VDM’s innovative approach stands out by leveraging China’s robust manufacturing ecosystem, technical institutions, and industrial supply chains, which are often hard to access locally. VDM has actively connected Nigerians with Chinese manufacturers and business opportunities. When well planned, international exposure is more than travel; it becomes a meaningful educational opportunity. Participants gain hands-on manufacturing knowledge, learn the intricacies of global business, and forge important relationships with industry leaders. This experience strengthens their technical and business skills, equipping them to produce more efficiently when they return to Nigeria.

The challenge extends beyond merely booking a flight ticket. The crucial question is what happens when the beneficiaries return home. Will Smartician and Emeka Victor gain knowledge that significantly upgrades their technology and elevates it to the next level? Will they access superior components and advanced manufacturing techniques that could revolutionize their approach? Moreover, will this experience help them move from creating individual prototypes to efficiently developing reliable products that meet the needs of Nigerian households and businesses? Such a shift could mark a pivotal moment for their careers and the local tech community. It is also essential to consider the wider impact. Could the skills and insights they acquire enable Emeka and Smartician to create jobs for other young Nigerians, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship? These key questions will shape the long-term effects of their experience.

Talents like Smartician and Emeka underscore an important lesson for both Nigerian government agencies and private firms. Recognizing and nurturing talented young Nigerians should not fall solely to social media influencers. For the country to achieve meaningful technological and innovative progress, robust institutions dedicated to talent discovery and development are essential. These organizations must identify potential innovators, fund research and development, provide technical mentorship, and connect creators with manufacturers to turn ideas into reality. Such targeted support can build a flourishing innovation ecosystem. VDM’s initiatives demonstrate the impact of organized, intentional support. His approach signals a vital shift from offering immediate aid to empowering individuals for the long term. Instead of asking, “What can I give today?” the focus shifts to, “How can I equip this person with skills and resources for future value creation?” This subtle change is crucial to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s needs extend far beyond financial aid. The country urgently requires opportunities that enable Nigerians to gain vital knowledge, build skills, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and tackle its many challenges. While financial support offers temporary relief, investing in education and skill-building can have a lasting impact. A single meal might feed someone for a day, but a strong education can transform careers, foster personal growth, and elevate society as a whole. Nigeria’s development story is evolving. It is shifting from the simple narrative of “VeryDarkMan: from giveaways to uplifting communities” to a more meaningful goal: unlocking Nigeria’s wealth of talent. The aim is to create an environment where Nigerians can learn, grow, and eventually return to contribute meaningfully to the country’s advancement. This idea becomes even more compelling when you consider individuals like Smartician, who inspire others like Emeka Victor. Their stories raise an important question: can this initiative transcend the philanthropy of individual influencers? Can it spark a broader cultural shift in Nigeria that actively supports young innovators with the resources and backing they need to compete globally?

Today, VDM’s journey—from giveaways to taking people away—has led me to reflect on what his innovative philanthropic approach can teach me about my own life and ministry as a priest. For a long time, I viewed philanthropy mainly as helping people in their moments of need: providing food, financial aid, covering school fees, supporting families through tough times, or responding to crises. While these acts of generosity matter and can greatly impact lives, VDM’s evolving perspective has inspired me to go beyond simple giving and focus on the deeper value of investing in people. His dedication to nurturing talented young individuals through education, exposure, and personal growth offers a new perspective on philanthropy—it is not just about what a person receives now, but about the potential of who they can become in the future.

This has motivated me to adopt a new perspective on philanthropy in my future priestly service, a role that extends beyond addressing immediate needs to helping individuals realize their God-given potential. In other words, I should go beyond simply feeding the hungry and focus on nurturing talents, creativity, and aspirations. While charity often provides bread, it is equally vital to create pathways to gain knowledge, develop skills, discover vocations, and contribute meaningfully to society. Helping individuals can transform lives, and speaking out against injustice can drive institutional reform. Empowering people—especially in areas like innovation, education, and human capacity development—is an investment in unlimited human potential. This is especially important in a country like Nigeria, where many young people have remarkable creativity but lack the resources, mentorship, education, and opportunities to turn ideas into sustainable solutions. A young inventor should be recognized not only for their talent but also for the nurturing of that talent. A brilliant student should not only receive accolades but also have access to learning opportunities. A young entrepreneur should not just be encouraged; they need connections to the knowledge, networks, and resources vital for growth.

This is where influence takes on deeper meaning. It goes beyond gaining followers; it means helping others improve. The more influence one has, the greater the chance to change lives for the better. As a priest, I find this personally challenging. I must ask myself: how am I using the influence given to me? Am I guiding people to realize their divine potential? Am I merely meeting their immediate needs, or am I also helping them prepare for the future? From VDM’s evolving approach, I learn that influence must be used responsibly. It should empower people, not ignore them. It should help others grow, not hold them back. Influence should foster talent, not suppress it. It should also create opportunities for education, skill-building, and innovation. It should help develop a skilled, educated generation of Nigerians who can contribute meaningfully to our country’s progress.

The highest form of giving goes beyond handing out material aid; it inspires people to realize their potential. This journey has taught me that true philanthropy is not about fostering dependence but about creating sustainable opportunities. It should address immediate needs while building capacity for a better future. As I continue on my path as a priest, I aim to adopt a broader approach to service—providing not just resources but opportunities, not just aid but empowerment, and not only relief but also hope. Most importantly, I want to invest in individuals with the potential to positively impact others’ lives.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.