The day my favorite aunty turned my laptop savings into 'prayer investment'

Two years ago, I was doing well for myself. Freelance editing gigs were coming in, I had saved ₦180,000 for a new laptop. My old HP was coughing like a generator running on kerosene.

My Aunty Nkechi, my mother's younger sister, was my favorite person in the family. She always had my back, always gave me the best advice. So when she said, 'Chiamaka, let me keep that money for you. These boys in Lekki will collect it from your room,' I trusted her. She even quoted Psalm 91 over the money.

Fast forward three months. I got a big editing contract worth ₦250,000. Needed the laptop urgently. I called Aunty Nkechi. She said, 'My daughter, I invested the money in a prayer business. Sister Mary's ministry. It will multiply.'

I asked her, 'Aunty, which Sister Mary? The one who sells anointing water on Instagram?' She said, 'She is a woman of God, Chiamaka. Don't mock the Lord's anointed.'

Long story short, the ministry vanished. Sister Mary's Instagram page disappeared. My ₦180,000 went to heaven, literally.

I had to borrow from my friend Tunde to buy a refurbished laptop. I still greet Aunty Nkechi when I see her. But I don't give her my money anymore. Some lessons are expensive. This one cost me ₦180,000 and a favorite aunty.