His $100 Bitcoin Saved His Mother’s Life

Chidi was 23 years old when he made the decision that would change his family’s life forever.

It was March 2020. Lagos was shutting down. COVID-19 had arrived in Nigeria, and the economy was collapsing in real time. His job at a small marketing agency had just cut his salary by 40%. His savings—what little he had—were disappearing fast.

His friends thought he was crazy when he told them what he was about to do.

“You’re going to put money into internet money?” his best friend laughed. “Chidi, you can barely pay your rent. And you want to gamble on Bitcoin?”

But Chidi had been reading. Late nights on his phone, data nearly exhausted, he’d discovered a world that most Nigerians didn’t know existed. A world where money moved without banks. Where value could be stored without government interference. Where ordinary people were building wealth that their parents never imagined possible.

He had ₦38,000 in his account—about $100 at the time.

He transferred every naira to Luno, created an account, and bought 0.015 Bitcoin.

His hands were shaking. It felt like throwing money into the ocean.

Four years later, Chidi sat in a hospital waiting room in Ikeja, watching doctors prepare his mother for emergency surgery. A brain aneurysm. Without the operation, she would die within days.

The cost: ₦4.2 million. About $2,800 USD.

His family didn’t have it. His father was a retired civil servant. His siblings were struggling with their own families. The relatives they called said they’d “pray for her.”

Prayers wouldn’t pay the surgeon.

Chidi pulled out his phone, opened his Binance app, and looked at a number he still couldn’t quite believe.

His 0.015 Bitcoin—purchased for $100 in March 2020—was now worth $1,050.

But that wasn’t all.

Over four years, he’d kept buying. Small amounts. ₦5,000 here. ₦10,000 there. Every time he had extra money, instead of spending it on things he didn’t need, he bought Bitcoin.

His total portfolio: 0.19 Bitcoin.

Current value: $12,800.

He sold 0.067 Bitcoin—about $4,500—and transferred the money to his Nigerian bank account within 2 hours.

The surgery happened the next morning. His mother survived.

“She doesn’t know it was Bitcoin that saved her life,” Chidi told me, months later. “She thinks I borrowed money from my boss. I let her believe that. But I know the truth. That $100 I invested when everyone said I was stupid—it gave my mother another chance to live.”

This is the story of how cryptocurrency changed one family’s life—and how it could change yours.

Part I: Why Bitcoin Matters in Africa

The Problem With Traditional Banking

Chidi’s story isn’t unique. Across Africa, millions of people face the same challenges:

Limited Access to Banking:

Almost half of African adults have no access to traditional banking. No savings accounts. No credit. No way to build wealth through conventional means.

Currency Devaluation:

The Nigerian naira has lost over 70% of its value against the US dollar since 2020. Money saved in naira is money that disappears.

If you saved ₦100,000 in 2020 and kept it in naira, it would be worth only $65 today—a 75% loss in purchasing power.

Remittance Fees:

Africans in the diaspora send billions home every year. Traditional services charge 8-12% in fees.

Crypto isn’t just about getting rich. For millions of Africans, it’s about survival—protecting money from inflation, accessing financial services, and receiving money from family abroad.

Why Africa Is Leading Crypto Adoption

Nigeria consistently ranks among the top 5 countries globally for cryptocurrency adoption. Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania aren’t far behind.

Africa’s Crypto Adoption (2024):

This isn’t speculation—it’s necessity. When your local currency loses value every month, when banks are inaccessible, when sending money costs 10% in fees, cryptocurrency becomes the practical solution.

Part II: Chidi’s Strategy

How He Started With Just $100

Chidi didn’t have a complex trading strategy. He didn’t day-trade. He didn’t chase altcoins or try to time the market.

He did one thing consistently: he bought Bitcoin and held it.

His Rules:

1. Only invest money you won’t need for 3+ years
2. Buy regularly, regardless of price (Dollar Cost Averaging)
3. Never sell during a crash
4. Store securely and don’t check the price daily
5. Focus on Bitcoin first—altcoins later

The Dollar Cost Averaging Approach

Chidi couldn’t afford to invest large sums. So he invested small amounts regularly.

His Purchase History:

Total Invested: $1,286 USD over 4 years Total Bitcoin: 0.19 BTC Value in 2024: ~$12,800 USD Return: +895%

Notice something important: Chidi bought more Bitcoin when prices crashed in 2022. While others panicked and sold, he kept buying. Those “crash” purchases—when Bitcoin dropped to $16,000-$20,000—gave him the biggest gains.

“Everyone was saying crypto is dead in 2022,” Chidi remembered. “That’s exactly when I bought the most. Fear is opportunity.”

Part III: The Day Everything Changed

March 2024: The Emergency

Chidi’s mother had complained of headaches for weeks. She blamed stress, the Lagos heat, her blood pressure. She refused to see a doctor—too expensive, she said.

Then she collapsed at home.

The diagnosis: a brain aneurysm. A blood vessel in her brain was bulging, ready to rupture. Without surgery, she had days to live. Maybe hours.

The Cost Breakdown:

Chidi’s entire savings in naira: ₦180,000 ($115).

His father’s pension savings: ₦320,000 ($205).

Combined family contributions: ₦500,000 ($320).

Total available: ₦1,000,000 ($640).

They were ₦3,200,000 short. About $2,160.

The Decision:

Chidi opened his Binance app. His Bitcoin portfolio showed 0.19 BTC—worth approximately ₦19.8 million ($12,800) at that day’s prices.

He didn’t want to sell. He’d held through the 2022 crash when Bitcoin dropped 77%. He’d held through every FUD article, every government threat, every moment of doubt.

But this was his mother’s life.

He sold 0.067 BTC—about $4,500. Enough to cover the surgery with room for complications.

The withdrawal process took 2 hours:

1. Sold BTC for USDT on Binance (instant)
2. P2P transfer to Nigerian buyer (45 minutes)
3. Naira deposited to his bank account (30 minutes)
4. Transferred to hospital account (15 minutes)

By midnight, the hospital confirmed payment received.

By 8 AM, his mother was in surgery.

By 2 PM, the surgeon emerged with good news: successful operation. She would recover.

Chidi’s Bitcoin—purchased with money his friends said he was wasting—had saved his mother’s life.

Part IV: Getting Started With Crypto in Africa

Step 1: Choose the Right Platform

Not all crypto platforms work well in Africa. Chidi tested several before finding what worked.

Best Platforms for Africans (2024):

Chidi’s Recommendation:

“I started with Luno because it’s simple. When I got more serious, I moved to Binance for lower fees and more options. For someone just starting, I’d say Luno or Yellow Card—they’re made for Africa.”

Step 2: Verify Your Account

All legitimate platforms require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

What You’ll Need:

Verification typically takes:

• Luno: 1-24 hours
• Binance: 1-3 days
• Yellow Card: 1-24 hours

Step 3: Secure Your Account

Crypto theft is real. Chidi nearly lost everything in 2021 when his email was compromised.

Security Checklist:

“I got a phishing email that looked exactly like Binance. Same logo, same design. It asked me to ‘verify’ my account. I almost clicked. Now I only access Binance by typing the URL myself—never from emails or links.”

Step 4: Fund Your Account

P2P (Peer-to-Peer) is King in Africa

Due to banking restrictions, P2P is the primary way Africans buy and sell crypto.

How P2P Works:

1. You post a buy order (or find a seller)
2. Seller’s crypto is held in escrow
3. You transfer naira/shillings/rand to seller’s bank account
4. Seller confirms receipt
5. Crypto is released to your wallet

P2P Safety Tips:

Step 5: Make Your First Purchase

Chidi’s Recommended Starting Strategy:

“Don’t try to time the market. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ price. Just start buying small amounts regularly. In five years, you won’t remember if you bought at $60,000 or $65,000. You’ll just be glad you bought.”

Part V: What to Buy

Bitcoin First, Everything Else Later

Chidi made a mistake early on: he bought altcoins before understanding Bitcoin.

“I put ₦15,000 into a coin called SafeMoon in 2021. My friend said it would 100x. It went to zero. I also bought Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, some random DeFi token. Lost money on all of them.”

His new rule: 90% Bitcoin, 10% Ethereum, 0% everything else (for beginners).

Why Bitcoin:

“Bitcoin has survived everything—government bans, exchange hacks, 80% crashes, the death of its competitors. Most altcoins won’t exist in 10 years. Bitcoin will.”

Understanding Ethereum

After Bitcoin, Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency and the only altcoin Chidi recommends for beginners.

Why Ethereum:

• Powers most decentralized applications (dApps)
• Smart contract functionality
• Strong developer community
• Proven track record (since 2015)

Chidi’s Current Allocation:

Part VI: The Mistakes to Avoid

Chidi’s Expensive Lessons

Mistake #1: Chasing “Moonshots”

“A guy in my office told me about a new coin that would ‘1000x.’ I put in ₦30,000. Two months later, the project disappeared. Rug pull. Money gone.”

Lesson: If someone promises guaranteed returns or “easy money,” it’s probably a scam.

Mistake #2: Trading Instead of Holding

“In 2021, I tried to be a trader. I’d buy low, sell high—or so I thought. I ended up buying high and selling low. I lost 0.02 BTC trying to time the market. That Bitcoin would be worth $1,300 today.”

Lesson: For most people, buying and holding beats trading. Professionals lose money trading. Beginners lose more.

Mistake #3: Keeping Crypto on Exchanges

“In 2022, FTX collapsed. People lost billions. I had some Bitcoin on a smaller exchange that also went under. Lost 0.005 BTC. Now I only keep what I’m actively trading on exchanges.”

Lesson: Not your keys, not your coins. Use a hardware wallet for long-term storage.

Mistake #4: Telling Everyone

“I made the mistake of telling extended family about my crypto. Now every time someone needs money, they come to me. ‘Chidi, you have Bitcoin, you’re rich.’ I’ve learned to keep quiet.”

Lesson: Privacy protects you. You don’t need to tell people about your investments.

Scams to Avoid

“If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Bitcoin can change your life over years, not days. Anyone promising overnight riches is trying to steal from you.”

Part VII: Storing Your Crypto Safely

Hot Wallets vs. Cold Wallets

Chidi’s Setup:

Hardware Wallets

A hardware wallet stores your crypto offline, making it nearly impossible to hack remotely.

Best Options:

“Buying a hardware wallet was the best $79 I ever spent. My main holdings are completely offline. Even if someone hacks my email, phone, and exchange account—they can’t touch my Ledger.”

Seed Phrase Security

Your seed phrase (12-24 words) is the key to your crypto. If someone gets it, they can steal everything. If you lose it, your crypto is gone forever.

Seed Phrase Rules:

“My seed phrase is written on paper, stored in a fireproof safe at my house, and a copy is with my brother in a sealed envelope. He doesn’t know what it is—just that it’s important.”

Part VIII: Building Long-Term Wealth

The Power of Consistency

Chidi’s success wasn’t about one lucky investment. It was about consistency over four years.

What $50/Month in Bitcoin Could Become:

*Based on historical Bitcoin performance, not guaranteed

“I know people who make ₦500,000 monthly and have no savings. I was making ₦150,000 and saved in Bitcoin. Four years later, my ‘small’ investments are worth more than their yearly salary. Consistency beats amount.”

Creating Your Investment Plan

Step 1: Determine Your Monthly Investment

Step 2: Set Up Automatic Purchases

Most platforms allow recurring buys:

• Binance: Auto-Invest feature
• Luno: Recurring buy option
• Yellow Card: Scheduled purchases

“I set up automatic weekly purchases on Binance. Every Saturday, ₦15,000 goes into Bitcoin. I don’t think about it. I don’t check the price. It just happens.”

Step 3: Don’t Touch It

The hardest part isn’t buying—it’s not selling.

When NOT to Sell:

• When price drops 30% (this is normal)
• When price drops 50% (this happens every few years)
• When media says “Bitcoin is dead” (they’ve said this 400+ times)
• When you want a new phone or car
• When friends say crypto is a scam

When It’s Okay to Sell:

• Life emergency (like Chidi’s mother)
• You’ve reached a specific financial goal
• You need to rebalance your portfolio
• You’ve held for 5+ years and want to take profits

Part IX: Chidi’s Life Today

One Year After the Surgery

His mother made a full recovery. She’s back to her normal life—cooking jollof rice, arguing with his father about politics, attending church every Sunday.

She still doesn’t know Bitcoin paid for her surgery.

“I told her I got a bonus at work. Maybe someday I’ll tell her the truth. For now, I’m just happy she’s alive.”

His Current Portfolio

He’s rebuilding what he sold for the surgery—and adding more.

His New Goals

“I’m 27 now. If I keep buying consistently until I’m 50, I’ll have more than my father accumulated in 35 years of civil service. That’s not greed—that’s just math.”

His Advice for Beginners

“Start today. Not next month. Not when you ‘have more money.’ Not when the price drops. Today.

Even if it’s ₦5,000. Even if it’s $10. Start.

Because the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

I put in $100 in 2020 because that’s what I had. That decision—made when I was broke, scared, and uncertain—gave my mother another chance at life.

You don’t need to be rich to start. You need to start to become rich.

That’s the only secret.”

Part X: Getting Started Today

Your First Week Action Plan

Day 1:

• [ ] Download Luno or Binance app
• [ ] Create account with email
• [ ] Start verification process

Day 2:

• [ ] Complete KYC verification
• [ ] Enable 2FA (Google Authenticator)
• [ ] Create unique strong password

Day 3:

• [ ] Research P2P buying process
• [ ] Understand payment methods available
• [ ] Find verified merchants with good ratings

Day 4:

• [ ] Deposit small test amount (₦5,000-₦10,000)
• [ ] Complete first P2P purchase
• [ ] Confirm Bitcoin appears in your wallet

Day 5:

• [ ] Download Trust Wallet as backup
• [ ] Transfer small amount to test
• [ ] Secure seed phrase properly

Day 6:

• [ ] Set up recurring purchase (weekly/monthly)
• [ ] Decide on investment amount
• [ ] Create reminder to stay consistent

Day 7:

• [ ] Join crypto community (Twitter, Telegram)
• [ ] Follow legitimate educators
• [ ] Continue learning

Recommended Resources

Learning:

African Crypto Communities:

News:

Conclusion: The $100 That Changed Everything

Chidi’s story started with $100 and a decision that everyone around him called foolish.

Four years later, that decision saved his mother’s life.

This isn’t a story about getting rich quick. Chidi didn’t 100x his money overnight. He didn’t find a secret coin. He didn’t time the market perfectly.

He did something simpler and harder: he bought Bitcoin consistently, held through crashes, and waited.

The Math:

• Total invested over 4 years: $1,286
• Value at peak (before selling for surgery): $12,800
• Return: +895%

What ₦1,000/Week Could Become:

*Estimates based on historical patterns, not guarantees

The opportunity isn’t gone. It’s still here.

Bitcoin doesn’t care about your nationality. It doesn’t require a bank account. It doesn’t ask for your credit score or your parents’ connections.

It only asks one thing: are you willing to start?

Chidi started with $100 because that’s all he had.

His mother is alive because of that choice.

What’s stopping you?

Important Disclaimers

Risk Warning: Cryptocurrency is highly volatile. Prices can drop 50-80% and stay down for years. Never invest more than you can afford to lose completely. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Not Financial Advice: This article is for educational purposes only. The author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

Security Reminder: Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Lost funds cannot be recovered. Take security seriously—enable 2FA, protect your seed phrase, and never share account access.

Regulatory Notice: Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country and change frequently. Ensure compliance with local laws before buying, selling, or trading digital assets.

The hospital bill was ₦4.2 million.

The investment was $100.

The difference was four years of patience.

Chidi’s mother is alive today because her son understood something most people don’t:

Wealth isn’t built by waiting for the perfect moment.

It’s built by starting before you’re ready.

Your $100 is waiting.

What will you do with it?