5 years ago, I created a fundraiser on Donate-NG to buy a laptop.
I had just been admitted to the university to study Computer Science. But I didn't own a laptop. That was a very big setback for me.
The Job I had then was paying 500 Naira per 1000 Word article I wrote. At the time, I was studying with a Tecno Y6 that had passed from my older sister to my older brother, then to me. (A generational phone 😅)
I kept asking myself: How was I supposed to survive the department like this?
To make things worse, my dad was battling prostate cancer. Asking for money wasn’t even an option.
So on October 7th, 2020, in the heat of COVID, I did the only thing I thought I could do.
I made this YouTube video begging good Nigerians to help me raise money for a laptop.
That video is still online and yes… It’s embarrassing now 😅
Nobody watched it, and Not a single naira was raised.
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That moment could have broken me. But instead, something clicked.
I realized no one was coming to save me. So I decided to take control of my life.
That same October;
• I got my first Web3 gig as a community engager
• The pay was ₦6,000 per month
• It wasn’t much, but it was hope
Then in December 2020, everything changed.
• A VC paid me $500 to engage across the projects they invested in.
For the first time in my life, I had real money in my hands.
I withdrew ₦160,000, and I bought my first laptop.
My First Laptop:
That laptop is still with me today. I keep it with me as a reminder of my sheer grit and hustle.
From that moment on, everything began to compound.
I went on to work with and contribute to multiple Web3 and tech projects, building communities, onboarding users, managing growth, running programs, and shipping real impact across Africa.
I grew from:
• A student with no laptop
• To help hundreds of people get jobs through my academy - The Void Academy (Many students from there are now earning working remotely)
• To onboard tens of thousands of users across Africa
• To manage ambassadors, communities, and growth teams
Today:
• I work as a User Acquisition & Marketing Manager earning a six-figure salary (₦)
• I earn 6 figures (₦) bi-weekly from X creator payouts
• I can afford any laptop I want
• I use a phone I could only dream of back then
And today…
I’m officially launching the waitlist for my first product as a founder.
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A Phone and A Dream (@aphoneandadream)
This product is deeply personal.
Because I’ve lived this story.
I know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and getting opportunities today starts with access to basic tools.
A Phone and A Dream exists to change that.
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So, what exactly is A Phone and A Dream?
A Phone and A Dream is a social-impact platform that connects device donors with people who lack access to basic tech tools: students, builders, creators, and professionals, using the @avax blockchain to make every donation transparent, traceable, and impactful.
We believe access to the right device can be the difference between potential and progress.
I'm living proof of that, so are many of you reading this right now.
This isn’t just about giving devices. It’s about unlocking opportunity.
Devices that can be donated include:
1. Phones: Smartphones of all brands (Android & iOS)
2: Laptops: Windows laptops
3. MacBooks: ThinkPads and similar work machines
4. Tablets: iPads, Android tablets
5. Desktop PCs: Complete desktop setups
6. Monitors & Peripherals: Monitors/displays, Keyboards, Mice
7. External Storage: HDDs, SSDs, USB drives
8. Creator Tools: Ring lights, Microphones, Webcams, Tripods
And this is important, Devices don’t have to be brand new.
We accept:
- New Devices
- Used but functional devices
- Devices that need refurbishing
If it can be repaired, upgraded, or repurposed, it can still change a life. Many tech bros/girls buy a new device yearly; the old device you no longer use could be someone else’s first opportunity.
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Benefits to You as a donor:
You don’t just donate and hope for the best.
You can:
• Track every device donated
• See where it goes
• And you can follow the recipient milestones to keep updated with how they've effectively used the device (No more donations without accountability.)
• You get to know the real impact of your generosity
We’ve seen incredible people like @olanetsoft, @wizarab10, @DONJAZZY, @silverpenydr, @teddi_speaks (with @NFT_NG),@SamuelXeus, @wilson_, @CWEmbassy, @Farmercist, just to name a few donate devices to people.
The Laptop Guy (@silverpenydr) has been trying to help millions of Nigerians with devices.
But one major challenge has always been tracking, reporting, and accountability on both end including the recipients, so he can tell the extent of his impact.
That’s exactly what A Phone and A Dream solves.
If you come onboard as a Donor on @aphoneandadream, you get to see:
• Where their device went
• Who received it
• What it enabled
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Benefits to You as a recipient:
You're not getting charity, you're receiving opportunity, access to tools that unlock learning, work, income, and dignity. So you don't pass through what I did.
• You get a device after being approved
• You get to participate in bounties, tasks, and hackathons on the platform to earn funds
• You get a portfolio dashboard that you can consistently update your milestones and be accountable to your donor.
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Lastly, we’re currently participating in the Avalanche Build Games Hackathon.
This is me asking for your help, don't fade me again 😩.
If you know:
• Someone who can donate a device (new or refurbished)
• Someone who can amplify this mission
• Share the website with them
• Also help me like, repost, quote, and share this post
Please tag them in the comments, tag accounts that can help amplify this mission, and let the world see.
Part of the rewards if we get selected and go on to win the hackathon will be used to fund new devices to go live on the platform. (Help us make this happen.)
If you’re a recipient, you can visit our website (Website is in my bio and also in the comment) and join the waitlist.
⚠️ Important:
The first batch of devices priority will go to users on the waitlist, our Day 1 champs.
A Phone and A Dream is here to change lives by giving you access.
You can help this mission by:
• Tagging potential donors
• Tagging amplifiers and your friends
• Sharing our website
• Encouraging people to join the waitlist
Five years ago, I begged for a laptop. Today, I’m building a system so others don’t have to beg. ♥
The website is on my bio and in the comment, also see it on @aphoneandadream's bio.