Nigerian social media activist and philanthropist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is accompanying 18-year-old inventor Darlyton Ovwighosuotu—known online as Smartician—on the teenager’s first international flight to China for university studies, with all expenses covered.
Videos circulating on social media on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, show the pair at an airport terminal near premium lounges and boarding areas.
In one clip, VDM stands with the young man, who wears headphones and carries a backpack and phone, gesturing as they prepare for the journey. An update shows the boy boarding the flight, with VDM describing it as an all-expense-paid trip. The content has drawn widespread praise online for supporting emerging talent.
Smartician, who posts under handles such as @smartician0, gained attention for creating functional gadgets and machines primarily from cardboard, plastic bottles, small motors, and other everyday DIY materials.
His projects include a working mini washing machine, a blender, a wireless power bank, a projector (built from a shoebox and magnifying glass), replicas of a Tesla Cybertruck, an ATM, Bluetooth speakers, and other robotic or mechanical inventions. Followers often challenged him in comments to attempt new builds, which he completed and demonstrated online.
VDM first highlighted the teenager’s work after discovering him on Instagram around mid-to-late 2025. Impressed by the raw creativity and determination, the activist publicly pledged not to let the talent go to waste. In December 2025, after receiving a $50,000 donation, VDM announced he would use part of the funds to sponsor Smartician’s education abroad.
He later confirmed that Darlyton (also referred to as Darlington or Martician in some reports) had secured a Chinese visa and university admission, with school resumption targeted for October. VDM stated he would cover tuition, feeding, accommodation, welfare, and all other necessary expenses so the young inventor could focus solely on studying and advancing his skills.
In earlier statements, VDM described Smartician as a genius and creative force whose potential risked being lost without support, noting he had seen similar talents fade due to lack of funding. Smartician previously expressed profound gratitude, saying he felt “so blessed” by the opportunity.
The move aligns with VDM’s broader philanthropic efforts through initiatives aimed at education and youth empowerment, though he remains a polarizing figure known for outspoken activism on social issues, fraud, and governance in Nigeria.
Online reactions to the China trip have largely celebrated it as a concrete investment in the next generation of Nigerian innovators, with many calling it an example of using influence to create real opportunity.
Smartician is expected to resume studies in China shortly, with VDM covering the full cost of the program as pledged.
About the Author
