21/02/2025
THE PRICE OF WEALTH
STORY OF A YAHOO BOY (EPISODE 1)
The small, dark room smelled of strange herbs and smoke. A single candle flickered, casting shadows on the walls. In the middle of the room sat a large, black coffin. Daniel stared at it, his heart pounding.
The old herbalist, dressed in a red robe, looked at him with cold eyes. His voice was deep and rough.
âYour journey begins here,â he said, tapping the cĂśffin. âYou will spend the next seven days inside this.â
Daniel frowned. âInside? For seven days?â
The herbalist nodded. âThe devil does not give free gifts. If he gives you a cap, he will come for your head.â
Daniel swallowed hard. He had asked for money, cars, and a big life. Now, he had to pay the price.
The herbalist handed him a small black powder wrapped in cloth. âRub this on your forehead before you enter. It will keep your soul inside your body.â
Danielâs hands shook as he took it. His mind screamed at him to run, but he couldnât turn back now. He took a deep breath and nodded.
âLetâs do this.â
The herbalist gave him a long, eerie smile.
"Good. Now, get inside."
When I ventured into Yahóò around 2014, I never imagined I would end up staining my hands with blÜÜd. The deeper I got into it, the more intense and demanding the rituals became.
My name is Daniel, and I come from a humble background. My childhood was decentâmy father was a strict but loving man who raised me to fear God. He always said, "Hard work and honesty will take you far in life." But life had other plans.
My father diáş˝d when I was in my third year at the university. His death changed everything. I managed to finish school, hoping that my degree would open doors. I didnât just graduateâI graduated with a First Class in Business Administration.
Everyone celebrated me as the pride of our family and community. They said I was destined for greatness.
But reality hit me hard.
For three years after graduation, I couldnât find a job. Not even as a salesboy in a small shop. I sent out applications, attended interviews, and waited for calls that never came. While I struggled, the boys in my street were traveling to Ghana and coming back with flashy cars. They never sweated under the sun, carrying CVs like I did. They never worried about rent or food. Money flowed in their hands like water, and they lived like kings.
Meanwhile, I was still in my motherâs house, eating from her pot.
One evening, as I sat in our small living room staring blankly at my phone, my mother walked in. She looked tired, her wrapper loosely tied, her face weary from years of struggle. She sat beside me and let out a deep sigh.
âDaniel,â she called softly.
âYes, Mama,â I responded without looking up.
She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.
âMy son, I know things have been tough, but donât let the pressure get to you. Life will turn around, just be patient.â
I sighed heavily. "Mama, for how long?
Three years, and nothing has changed. Iâm still here, broke and useless."
She shook her head. âYou are not useless. You worked hard for that First Class. Your time will come.â
I frowned, my chest tightening. âMama, look at my mates! They are buying cars, building houses, taking care of their parents. But me? I have nothing. Is this how I will honour Papaâs legacy? With poverty?â
She looked at me with sad eyes. âDaniel, life is not a competition. Everyone has their own journey. Donât let desperation push you into something you will regret.â
I remained silent, my mind clouded with frustration.
She stood up and placed her hand on my head. "You are a man now, my son. But I beg you, donât take a path that will bring shame to this family. I know God has a plan for you."
That night, I tossed and turned on my thin mattress, unable to sleep. My motherâs words echoed in my head. She was rightâbut so was I. I was wasting my life.
I looked around and assessed the situation. If I wanted to escape poverty, I had to do something.
And that was how my journey into Yahoo began.
Episode 2 to be dropped after 100 shâres.
