The Day My Phone Almost Ended My Life (Not What You Think)
There are things that happen to you in this life that will humble you beyond words. Things that make you ask, “Is this how they used to warn people?” Well, this is one of those stories. A real-life moment that still makes me laugh and shiver at the same time.
It was a hot Wednesday afternoon in Lagos, and I was late. Not fashionably late — I’m talking real late. I had to meet someone for a job opportunity I’d been chasing for months. I quickly dressed up, grabbed my bag, and ran out. But, you see, my phone decided that it wanted to do misbehave that day of all days
Let me explain how the whole issue started, it frustrated me.
| When Your Phone Has a Mind of Its Own |
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The phone I was using back then had one annoying problem — the screen would freeze, this usually happened when I needed it the most. On this particular day, I needed to call the guy I was meeting for the interview to tell him I was close. I unlocked the phone — nothing. Just vibes. The screen turned white like Jesus was about to descend from heaven.
I tapped, I pressed, I prayed — no response.
Now imagine me, under the Lagos sun, sweating like Christmas goat, trying to beg a phone to let me make one call. People were passing, staring at me like I was fighting with my ancestors.
I finally gave up and entered a keke. I told the rider the place, hoping for the best. But guess what? My phone was also my Google Map. Without it, I was just one man and his prayers.
| The Real Madness Started When I Got Down |
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I mistakenly told the keke guy to drop me at the wrong bus stop. The place looked like the one I was going to, but my instincts were off. I got down, looked around, and saw no familiar landmark. I asked one woman selling boli (roasted plantain), and she said, “Ah! You don reach far. That place na another two junctions from here.”
TWO junctions?
With only 15 minutes left for my interview?
Fam, I started jogging. In shoes.
As I ran, my frozen phone suddenly decided to wake up like Lazarus. But instead of helping me, the battery just blinked 1% and died. Just like that.
| The Turning Point |
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Now this is where everything got intense.
As I was jogging through the next junction, I didn’t see the small ditch in front of me. I stepped right into it and twisted my ankle like I was auditioning for a gymnastics team. I fell flat — not just any type of fall — my hands hit the ground, my bag flew open, and people gathered like I was shot.
One small boy shouted, “Uncle sorry oh! Hope na your phone you dey find?”
I wanted to cry. But you know Nigerians — instead of helping, one man was already advising me:
“This is why you young people should stop putting all your hope in phone. Better buy paper map.”
Sir, really?
| When The Pain Settled In |
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My ankle was on fire. I limped to the nearest pharmacy to buy balm, and they even told me, “Oga, your leg needs rest.” Rest? On interview day?
I ended up not going for the interview.
The guy I was supposed to meet sent me a message later: “Hope you're okay? You didn’t show up or even call.”
I didn’t reply. What should I have said? “My phone nearly ended my life?”
| What I Learned From That Day |
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Sometimes we don’t realize how much we depend on things until they fail us. That day taught me a lot:
- Always carry a backup plan — a small jotter with important addresses or numbers.
- Check your devices before stepping out for anything serious.
- Never ever underestimate the power of Lagos potholes 😭
Also, your phone might be smart — but it’s not loyal.
| So, Not What You Think |
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When I said my phone almost ended my life, you probably thought I meant addiction or late-night scrolling. No o. I meant physical injury, emotional trauma, and real street disgrace.
I still have that phone, by the way. But I use it with sense now. Because if one object could almost ruin your chance at a job, and still embarrass you in public, just know that object is dangerous.
| Final Words |
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To anyone reading this, just remember: don’t let your phone drag you to the trenches. Technology is great, but always stay one step ahead. And please, carry sense. Don’t be like me.
If you’ve ever had a phone disaster, share your story. Let me know I’m not the only one who has fought and lost a battle with a screen.
Peace and battery life to you all. ✌️
@imohmitch @promisezella @mr-peng @us-andrew @etoro, I'm very sure there were instances where your phones had frustrated you, care to share?