The future is nigh

The nine-figure net worth estimate served as a catalyst.

Now it was about solidifying foundations and planning for a future that now seemed boundless.

Two immediate priorities emerged: ensuring his family's long-term comfort beyond just the house, and preparing logistically for his own move to Akure for university.

First, his mother. The Wuse II bungalow was secure, her shop was thriving, but Daniel wanted her to have independent mobility and status befitting the mother of… well, befitting someone comfortable. He decided to buy her a car.

After some online research, considering Abuja's roads and her likely usage patterns, he settled on a brand-new Toyota RAV4 – a popular and dependable SUV with a good reputation.

Acquiring it followed a familiar pattern. He identified a major Toyota dealership in Abuja. Using the PeDan Investments business name and communicating via email, he negotiated the purchase, specifying the color (a deep metallic grey) and trim level. The payment, roughly N35 million, was made via wire transfer from the PeDan corporate account, funded by another large, carefully layered MH withdrawal that thankfully triggered no further alerts.

He arranged for the dealership to deliver the car directly to their Wuse II house on a Saturday morning, presented as a surprise car for her use, linked to her expanding provision business now operating under the PeDan umbrella.

Sarah's reaction was one of complete shock, followed by joy. "Daniel! A car? For me? How...?" she stammered, walking around the gleaming new SUV parked in their compound.

"Mummy, your business is growing," Daniel explained smoothly, sticking to the corporate narrative. "PeDan Investments needs its key personnel to be mobile. This is for you, for running errands, for visiting suppliers, and for your convenience."

She eventually accepted, overwhelmed but clearly thrilled. Daniel hired a driver for her initially, ensuring she felt comfortable and safe until she decided if she wanted to learn to drive herself later. Abuja in her own comfortable vehicle added another layer to the stable, prosperous life he was building for them.

With his family settled and secure, Daniel focused on Akure. The duplex near FUTA was purchased via the lawyer, the N19 million transferred successfully. Now it needed to be equipped not just as a student pad, but as a secondary base of operations.

He finalized the furniture orders online – ensuring a comfortable living area setup, bookshelves and storage for the study, and a well-equipped kitchen. He paid for the installation of solar panels and a high-capacity inverter system, ensuring reliable power independent of NEPA's supply – essential for his constant online activities. High-speed fiber optic internet was installed and tested remotely with the lawyer's final visit.

He also turned his attention to his personal presentation for university life. The Tissot watch was good, but felt intermediate now. With his estimated net worth comfortably in nine figures, he felt justified in acquiring a true luxury watch that reflected his status without being overly gaudy.

He researched extensively, settling on an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – a steel model with the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet (Ref. 15500ST). It was instantly recognizable to those who knew watches, a symbol of serious wealth and taste, yet more understated than a solid gold Rolex.

He sourced it through a trusted international grey market dealer recommended by an online contact within a private watch forum, paying a significant premium (well over N20 million equivalent) using MH-funded cryptocurrency transferred through multiple wallets for maximum discretion and speed.

When the watch arrived via secure international courier, carefully packaged, strapping the cool, meticulously finished metal onto his wrist felt like wearing armor.

His wardrobe also benefitted from this overhaul. He ordered custom-tailored native wear (agbada, kaftans) in high-quality fabrics from a renowned Lagos designer – useful for potential formal events and honestly looked good.

 He also bought several pairs of high-end designer sneakers to complement his casual wear, alongside more understated luxury loafers and dress shoes from brands like Ferragamo. He bought quality leather belts, wallets, and a new, professional-looking laptop bag suitable for carrying his MacBook Pro. He was curating an image: young, successful, tech-savvy, with sophisticated taste, but not defined solely by loud luxury brands.

As late December 2024 approached, with FUTA's resumption looming in early January 2025, Daniel felt prepared. His family was secure and comfortable in Abuja. His Akure base was ready. Rocket Funds was booming, nearing 1000 users and pouring profits into his MH account, which now held a balance exceeding N35 million after the recent expenditures (car, watch, furniture), with the total generated funds well over N100 million.

He had cash, assets, a growing network, top-tier devices, a luxury watch, a comfortable car, his driver's license sorted (it had arrived via courier as promised), and a solid cover story. He was still only 17, turning 18 next year, but he felt decades older in experience. The journey from Dogongada felt impossibly distant, yet it had only been a few short, transformative months. The next Chapter awaited.