We have all played the game of “What If”.

We’re sitting in traffic or waiting for a meeting to start, and we imagine that notification hitting our phone, the one that says our life has changed forever.

If I ever won the lottery, my plan wouldn’t be about buying a private island or a fleet of gold-plated cars. Honestly? My blueprint is a lot more “human” than that. Here is how I’d handle the win of a lifetime.

1. The Very First Move: A Prayer of Thanks

Before I call a lawyer, before I tell a soul, and before I even think about the bank balance, I would stop and thank God. A blessing of that magnitude isn’t just “luck”; it’s a responsibility. I’d need that moment of quiet to centre myself and ask for the wisdom to handle it well. You can have all the money in the world, but without that inner peace, you’re still poor.

2. Securing the Home Front

Next, I’m making sure my family is comfortable. Not “spoilt”, but secure. I am talking about investing in the right places, saving for the rainy days, and putting a “fortress” around my children’s future. I’d also make it a priority to settle my family back home in Nigeria, ensuring they have a foundation that can’t be shaken by a bad economy or a change in weather.

3. Business and “Lucrative” Legacy

I’m a builder at heart, so I wouldn’t just sit on the cash. I’d start a lucrative business that creates jobs and opportunities. I want to build something that generates its own momentum.

4. Giving Back: Off the Streets and Into the Workforce

One of my biggest dreams would be to start a charity focused on life skills. I want to help people who have ended up on the streets—not just by giving them a meal, but by giving them a trade. We’d provide the training and the path to a real job.

Beyond that, my heart goes out to those suffering in places like Gaza. I will ensure that immediate aid and support are sent to help families who have lost everything.

5. Vocational Centers: Because School Isn’t for Everyone

Let’s be real: the traditional classroom isn’t for everyone. Some of the most brilliant people I know work with their hands or have a natural “hustle” that a textbook can’t capture.

I would build vocational centres across rural Nigeria. I want to give people in those communities the tools, the tech, and the training to start their own businesses. Whether it’s mechanics, coding, or agriculture, I want to empower people to build their own futures.

The Verdict

Winning the lottery would be incredible, but the real “win” is being able to look back and see a trail of people whose lives are better because you shared the blessing. Money is just paper until you turn it into a purpose.

So, what’s your first move if the numbers hit? Are you buying a yacht, or are you building a legacy? Let’s talk about it in the comments!