ACKNOWLEDGING THOSE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE: A VOSA STORY BY SIMON ETTA

Sometimes in life, we all long for someone to give us a pat on the back. An encouraging word for some efforts, even if it were many years ago. All we crave for is just a simple thank you. A thank you comes as a way for acknowledging something heartfelt and authentic without any ulterior motives behind it. An acknowledgment puts the spotlight on someone else talent, vision, thoughtfulness, hardwork, and contributions to our own success.

The truth of the matter is, in life acknowledgments are a rarity. There are many VOSANS who have inspired each of us in ways unimaginable and sometimes we cannot express. We may not simply write about them or tell others publicly. However, I wish to begin this process by pointing out one individual who in his own little way made a big difference to many of us.


Kaduna Polytechnic




As I quietly viewed the pictures of VOSANs in Douala sent by our VP Mr. Ako, I could not help to think of Mr. Nchia Joseph whom I last met a while back. I may be wrong, and I hope someone corrects me, but based on memory, Mr. Nchia was the first VOSAN to enroll at Kaduna Polytechnic. I vividly recall the pictures he sent back to campus. We all crowded and watched the tall and gigantic Kaduna Polytechnic buildings with joyful abundance. I could not help but dream of attending that famous institution. Upon gradaution at a teenage age, I eventually made the sojourn to Kaduna where I spent a month and met friends like Talishi Rudolf. In Kaduna, I fulfilled my dream of visiting the campus and planned to return for school though life will later take a different turn.


Hamdala Hotel

One beautiful evening, Mr. Nchia picked me up for a night out on his motor cycle. We drove around town and finally ended at the famous Hamdala hotel for refreshments. It was a beautiful place, glittering with lights. I was so delighted by this gesture and never wanted the eveninig to end. As the night wore down, I asked Nchia for the bathroom. He escorted me to the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen. After making some water, I did not know where to flush the toilet. I will eventually call him back to show me. In a humorous way, he spinned around, pressed a button and the toilet flushed. I still have those memories up to this moment and sometimes laugh over them.

Although, I ended up not attending KADPOLY, I strongly believe Mr. Nchia Joseph was not only a pioneer, but an exemplary humanitarian who made it easy and possible for others to attain what he may have seemingly struggled all alone to acquire. I take off my hat to him and commend this VOSAN for making a difference to many who came after him. God bless, Mr. Nchia Joseph.