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By Tunde Uchegbuo
In his letter to the church in Philippi, Apostle Paul urged them to live out their faith in humility and selflessness rather than in vain conceit. Apostle Paul’s charge to the church is exemplified today in Great Joshua Maciver, the former Southern Ijaw council boss and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections in Bayelsa State.
These qualities are evident in his unassuming elegance that embody humility and simplicity. His friends and associates attest that his humble nature is not pretentious but his way of life and reflects his deep-rooted values of compassion and empathy. In fact, his simplicity inspires those around him who have learnt to appreciate the beauty in life’s small moments and found joy in making others happy. Though quiet, his strength lies in the happiness he leaves in the lives he touches, reminding us of the profound impact of living with humility and simplicity.
Monday, April 22, offered an opportunity to doctoral candidates of communication option in the Department of English and Communication Art in the 2024/2025 academic session at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, to understand why the man they popularly call the “Angel in our midst”, prefers a simple and unassuming lifestyle. Speaking at an event where his course mates took him unawares amidst their scholarly endeavour to wish him a belated birthday, Joshua Maciver disclosed why he prefers a simple lifestyle and has not celebrated a flamboyant birthday.
Recalling some experiences that shaped his perception of life, the operations coordinator of Tantita Security Services in Bayelsa state disclosed how life bestowed him responsibilities at 27 and his decision to embark on capacity building and empowerment. Emphasizing that wealth is nothing if it does not impact society positively, he reminded the audience of the God factor in the affairs of men, and admonished them not to look down on anybody.
“There is nothing in this life. At whatever level, don’t look down on anybody”, he said.
Hinting that he places integrity over everything else and would do any legitimate thing to protect it, he attributed his rise in the political space and the social circle to God. On leadership, he held that good leaders are measured by how positively they affect society, not by the wealth they amass, as he charged those who occupy public offices to be mindful of their actions because whatever they do shapes the mindset of their followers. The doctoral candidate of communication disclosed that the zeal to acquire more knowledge is the driving force why he attends lectures regularly, and appreciated his course mates and their lecturer for the “surprising moment.”
On his part, Dr Michael Ukaegbu, a Senior lecturer in the department, recalled that he met Joshua Maciver first in 2024 during his Master’s programme and was attracted to him because of his humility and commitment to his studies despite his status. He described it as exemplary and worthy of emulation. He appreciated him for his unquantifiable acts of kindness, adding that it would be unrighteous not to celebrate him on his birthday. Ukaegbu noted that teaching the group was a rare privilege and applauded their cooperation. Proposing the birthday toast, Solomon Eke, the Commissioner for Power in Rivers State, appreciated Joshua Maciver’s benevolence and selflessness, saying they were rare qualities.
Therefore, as we reflect on the transformative power of humility and the countless impact acts of generosity can make on the lives of people, we are optimistic that Joshua Maciver, a man of unassuming elegance and an embodiment of humility and simplicity, will one day be offered a platform in Bayelsa State or at the national level to enlarge his acts of generosity to humanity.
*Uchegbuo wrote from Port Harcourt
