VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
DEMOCRACY DAY:
What’s Free? Special issue featuring original art by Victor Ehikhamenor
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
FASHION
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
EDITOR’S NOTE
84 6 11 1416 15
Photo: @HairByUgo
CONTENTS
“DEMOCRACY MUST BE BUILT THROUGH OPEN SOCIETIES THAT SHARE INFORMATION. WHEN THERE IS INFORMATION THERE IS ENLIGHTENMENT. WHEN THERE IS DEBATE THERE ARE SOLUTIONS. WHEN THERE IS NO SHARING OF POWER, NO RULE OF LAW, NO ACCOUNTABILITY, THERE IS ABUSE, CORRUPTION, SUBJUGATION AND INDIGNATION.” -ATIFETE JAHJAGA
COVER STORY: DEMOCRACY DAY: WHAT’S FREE?
TRAVEL Before You Japa, Here Are 5 Places in Nigeria You Should Visit
his special DOWNTOWN Democracy Day issue T is work I’m immensely proud of as the team and I put a lot of effort into delivering something
quite unique. The cover image, by one of the most celebrated contemporary visual artists out of Africa, Victor Ehikhamenor, delivers a rendering that speaks to my soul and writes a million words in colour. He titles it, Do You Know Why The Caged Bird Sings? It seems I cannot go a day now without being asked what my “Plan B” is and in truth I don’t have one. Yes, as children, we fantasized about the day our parents would announce we were moving abroad so we could frolic in the snow, eat chocolates and pizza all day while playing with toys in this wondrous world of ours, where clearly a fever inducing foreign exchange rate doesn’t exist! I tell everyone that I’m here to do my part for the kind of democracy we have read about. Canada will just have to wait (for now), because if we don’t fix it, who will? This is why you must read our travel piece that showcases some of the gorgeous offerings Nigeria has to offer and maybe you’ll be inspired to book your next quick getaway for some desperately needed rest. Oddbod and the city raises a toast to the motherland with some mouth-watering cocktail recipes while the review page highlights the best entertainment options from tv and music and not forgetting a couple of great reading options for the holiday tomorrow. The beauty pages take us on a tour across thecountry for centuries-old natural ingredients used by generations for skin rejuvenation, beautification, and treatments. In conclusion, as you tuck into your favorite lifestyle read, let’s lift our dear country up in prayer. Take care and you’ll see us next week!
LATASHA NGWUBE @latashalagos
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Latasha Ngwube Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Beauty Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Senior Writer: Chisom Njoku @inchisomwetrust Contributing Writer: Boluwatife Adesina @bolugram Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs House Photographer: Rachel Seidu @rachelseidu Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Interns: Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
ODDBOD & THE CITY A Toast to Nigeria…
BEAUTY From Nigeria With Love
THE REVIEW Democracy Day Watch of the Week: Journey of an African Colony
SÓRÓSOKE DOWNTOWN Adene Eromosole: Sorosoke Soldier
WEBSIGHTS DOWNTOWN The Birth Of A Nation, Le French Democrazy, Old Savage Beef & The Nigerian Dream!
Victor Ehikhamenor is a Nigeria born multimedia artist, photographer and writer. He has been prolific in producing abstract, symbolic and politically/historically motivated works. He has held several solo exhibitions and his works have been included in numerous group exhibitions and biennales, including: The 57th Venice Biennale as part of the Nigerian Pavilion (2017), 5th Mediations Biennale in Poznan, Poland (2016), The 12th Dak’art Biennale in Dakar, Senegal (2016), Biennale Jogja XIII, Indonesia (2015). As a writer he has published fiction and critical essays with New York Times, Guernica Magazine, BBC, CNN Online, Washington Post, etc. Ehikhamenor is the founder of Angels and Muse, a thought laboratory dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art and literature in Lagos, Nigeria. Follow his work on social media @victorsozaboy
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
TRAVEL
Before You Japa, Here Are
Places in Nigeria You Should Visit BY CHISOM NJOKU Having a plan b or dual citizenship has become the new Nigerian dream due to the seemingly endless curveballs the government and environment throws at it’s citizens but in the spirit of Democracy Day, we’re here to tell you it’s not all bad over here. Nigeria has limitless attractions to offer, whether you’re on a brief visit or a full-fledged Nigerian, there’s something for everyone. It is believed that you’ve never truly lived in a place until you travel it, so here are five interesting destinations across Nigeria that you should definitely spend time visiting.
Kajuru Castle
Lakowe Lakes
Location: Kachia Road, Kajuru, Kaduna
Location: Lakowe, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
This is a Bavarian-style castle complete with an armory and a dungeon set atop one of the Kaduna mountains. Its medieval architecture and natural surroundings are an astonishing sight to behold and can easily make you believe that you’ve been transported to a Disney story.
A perfect escape from the city hustle, Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate encompasses everything you’d expect from a world-class golf resort, from 82 immaculate hectares of beautifully designed golf course, by famed PGA Professional and golf course architect, Robert O’Friel, to an exclusive 5-Star hospitality arm with Balinese inspired Cottages and Spa; Corporate Lodge including a conference hall, banquet hall, and boardrooms whilst the residential Country Estate sits quietly on the perimeter of the golf course overlooking the serenity that is Lakowe Lakes.
The castle was built between the years 1981 and 1989, at Kajuru village in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria by a German expatriate in Nigeria, living in Kaduna at the time.
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
TRAVEL
Okomu National Park
Obudu Mountain Resort
Location: Ovia South-West, Edo State, Nigeria
Location: Obanliku, Cross River
This is one of the few remaining enclaves of the virgin rainforest that once dominated the territories of southern Nigeria for its entirety, the Okomu National Park can be found sandwiched between the endless mangroves that crash into the Atlantic Ocean and the streets of Benin City.
Obudu Mountain Resort also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of Africa’s most interesting and spectacular tourist destinations. Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State with a temperate climate about 45 miles from the border with Cameroon.
Untouched and undeveloped, the spot’s remoteness has allowed it to become a refuge for some of the country’s rarer creatures, like the pangolin, chimpanzees, leopards and even forest elephants.
If you are a tourist looking for a mix of adventure and idyllic tranquillity, then Obudu Cattle Ranch is the place to be. With rich natural vegetation and a picturesque view, its surreal landscape and modern facilities make it one of the top holiday spots in the country.
Millennium Park Location: Maitama, Abuja The Millennium Park was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on 4 December 2003. It is located near the former Presidential Palace close to the nucleus of presidential and administrative buildings of the city. The Millennium Park is the largest public park in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, in the Maitama district.
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
ODDBOD & THE CITY
ODUN OGUNBIYI
A Toast to Nigeria… (because I drink and I know things!)
I
love a good conspiracy theory, right now I am brewing up a doozy. Down goes Twitter just in time to throw some sand on any June 12 activities. Make of it what you will. By the time you read this, it will be a done deal and I would have turned to my trusty friend alcohol to celebrate Democracy Day. Here is a selection of my favourite cocktails that are easy to make, delicious to sip, and bursting with fresh ingredients. The epitome of therapy in a glass.
Pimm’s Cup
If there is one quintessentially British summer cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup is undeniably it. Ingredients • 1¾ oz Pimm’s No. 1 • 5 oz lemonade • mint • 1 orange • 3 strawberries • 1 cucumber Directions According to the instructions on the bottle, “pile all the ingredients in a tall glass, mix, and sip.” We recommend scaling up and making a jug full because this cocktail is the best for sharing with good friends.
Finger-Stirred Negroni
Mint Julep
This bourbon cocktail is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Ingredients • 2 large fresh mint bunches • 4 teaspoons (or more) powdered sugar • Crushed ice • 1 cup bourbon • 4 tablespoons water
This bittersweet Italian classic is the original 1:1:1 cocktail. Ingredients • 1 oz. Tanqueray gin • 1 oz. Campari • 1 oz. Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
Directions In each of 4 short glasses, place 8 mint leaves and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar. Muddle, crushing mint to release oils. Add ½ cup (generous) crushed ice to each glass, then ¼ cup bourbon, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir to blend, adding more powdered sugar if desired. Top each glass with several small sprigs of fresh mint.
Moscow Mule
A simple, snappy cocktail. Presentation is everything here so don’t forget the mug.
Directions Pour ingredients over ice into a cocktail shaker. Stir with a swizzle stick and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Ingredients 2 oz vodka ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed 6 oz ginger beer
Classic Mojito
Be sure to thoroughly muddle the mint sprig, sugar, and lime juice to release the flavour. Ingredients • 2 oz white rum • 0.5 oz lime juice (squeezed fresh) • 1 tsp superfine sugar • 3 mint leaves • Club soda or seltzer
The French 75
This sparkling classic cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to brunch. The gin can be easily substituted for rum to suit taste. Ingredients • ½ oz fresh lemon juice • ½ oz simple syrup
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• 1 oz gin • 3 oz champagne •Lemon twist to garnish Directions Add all the ingredients except the Champagne into a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a champagne flute, top with the champagne, then garnish with a lemon twist.
Directions In a smallish Collins glass, muddle lime juice with ½ to 1 tsp superfine sugar. Add the mint leaves, mushing them against the side of the glass. Fill of glass with cracked ice and pour in the rum. Pitch in the squeezed-out lime shell and top off with club soda or seltzer.
The Sidecar
All the sours family have a simple citrus-based formula. Ingredients • 1.5 oz VS or VSOP cognac • 0.75 oz Cointreau • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice • sugar Directions Coat the rim of a cocktail glass with sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and stir. Strain into the cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel.
Directions Squeeze lime juice into a Moscow Mule mug (or a Collins glass) and drop in the spent shell. Add 2 or 3 ice cubes, then pour in the vodka and fill with cold ginger beer. Serve with a stirring rod.
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)
Democracy Day Watch of the Week:
Journey of an African Colony
T
he Nigerian story is a mixture of great victory and hidden glory. Oftentimes, we listen to our forefathers speak of the great history of a great nation, its fight for independence and the triumph that bore the Nigeria of today. Centuries have passed away with hidden stories of true events that in many ways have shaped and influenced the present day interactions and power dynamics that operate in Nigeria till today. Significant events have been left out of the books of history that have been taught in schools and places of learning all over Nigeria. The presence of heavy slave trade in the 1800s would however continue to impact on the present day Nigeria, telling its own gory story of a false independence
from the British. The Journey of an African colony is a documentary written and narrated by the eloquent Olasupo Shashore as he tours the corners and landmarks of what now shapes the Federation of Nigeria. His visit to many historic places opens the eyes to see rich culture and heritage, as well as horrors that are hidden away in history books found far away from their places of origin. In a 7-part docu-series, Olasupo narrates the ordeals of the British government in conquering Kingdoms all over Nigeria, the forced amalgamation of separate kingdoms and the role of the country’s natural and human resources in the industrial revolution that gave birth to the new United Kingdom. Olasupo’s narration of the events in Nigeria through brilliant storytelling brings insight into the deep rooted causes of underdevelopment of some parts of the country and the main reasons for the advancement of seaports in the Federal territory. This modern documentary is a great recommendation for Nigerians and quite frankly everyone interested in knowing the true Nigerian and African story. Told from an African perspective, it accurately debunks historical ‘whitewashing’ of often celebrated ‘British heroes’ in Nigerian history. The documentary also highlights how deep rooted patriarchal issues watered down the important role women played in agitating, fighting for and securing Nigerian Independence. I believe that some of the revelations unearthed in this beautiful documentary should be included in modern day history taught in schools and other places of learning. The Journey of the African colony, Nigeria, is one filled with so much depth that should never be hidden away. Journey of an African Colony is now streaming on Netflix
Democracy Day: Books that Highlight the Highs and Lows of the Nigerian Experience Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria by Noo Saro-Wiwa: In this combination travel narrative and personal memoir, Noo, who was raised in England, seeks to explore and understand the country where she was born as well as her father, Ken SaroWiwa, a respected Nigerian writer, television producer, and environmental activist who was executed on false charges by the Abacha military regime in 1995. Many of her observations are bleakly comical: the “Transwonderland’’ of the title, an amusement park touted in a travel guide, turns out to be a few rusting carnival rides surrounded by unmowed grass and perplexed children who can’t afford to ride them. Others are tragic: unreliable public infrastructure, the decay
of historic sites, and the theft of artworks. Most damaging of all is the absence of the social contract whereby work is honestly done and honesty rewarded. Employers delay payment of wages for months; public servants seek bribes; government funds are repeatedly squandered or embezzled. In a passage that is all the more stirring for its emotional restraint, Saro-Wiwa describes how she and her family received the skeletal remains of her father in 2005. She has come to love some things about Nigeria—its natural beauty, its fascinating indigenous heritages, its music and dancing—but finds that her native land “couldn’t seduce me fully when all roads snaked back to corruption, the rottenness my father fought against and the cause he died for.”
The Trouble With Nigeria by Chinua Achebe In The Trouble with Nigeria, the iconic Chinua Achebe addresses Nigeria’s problems and the challenges that hold back Nigeria from moving forward. Starting on a powerful note, the opening paragraph best captures Achebe’s thoughts: ‘The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.’ Sound familiar? Although this book was printed nearly 40 years ago, it’s almost
Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)
Democracy Day Playlist
One Love - Onyeka Owenu
Green Land- TY Bello
Motherland - Sound Sultan
jarring to see just how similar the complaints he had then are to the discussions we have with one another daily about the state of the nation. The chapter titles clearly spell out the problems that Achebe identifies – Tribalism, False Image, Leadership, the Nigerian Style, Social Injustice and the Cult of Mediocrity, Indiscipline, Corruption, among others. On corruption, Achebe poses several questions – What is Corruption? What has become of Corruption in Nigeria? Is corruption on the increase or decrease in Nigeria? And, here, Achebe does not mince his words: ‘My frank and honest opinion is that anybody who can say that corruption in Nigeria has not yet become alarming is either a fool, a crook or else does not live in this country.’ Achebe goes on to write about the publication of the Weekly Star of 15 May 1983 that had on its front page under the title, ‘The Nigerian and Corruption’. It reads: ‘Keeping an average Nigerian from being corrupt is like keeping a goat from eating yam.’ The writer uses these essays to show where the trouble with Nigeria really lies and I couldn’t agree more with the author. This is one book that may interest citizens and leaders alike. Although the title reads, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria,’ I strongly believe that this is a book that applies not only to Nigeria only but also to so many other countries in the world.
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
COVER
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President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by First Lady, Aisha Buhari at his inauguration for a second term on May 29, 2019 at the Eagle Square, Abuja. CREDIT: SUNDAY AGHAEZE
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
COVER
DEMOCRACY DAY: WHAT’S FREE? Throughout the free world, the idea of democracy has been deeply associated with good leadership and the choice of the people. That is because, at its core, democracy is the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. The cornerstones of democracy include freedom of assembly and speech, inclusiveness and equality, membership, consent, voting, right to life, and minority rights. These indicators of democracy are the backbone of the democratic system of government, especially freedom of speech.
Twitter Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”. Registered users can post, like, and retweet tweets, but unregistered users can only read them. Users access Twitter through its website interface or its mobile-device application software (app), though the service can also be accessed via SMS. Twitter was created by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams in March 2006 and launched in July of that year. In April 2021, Twitter announced that it was establishing its African headquarters in Ghana much to the displeasure of the Nigerians and government.
Social Media Regulation Bill Anti-social Media Bill was introduced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 5 November 2019 to criminalise the use of the social media in peddling false or malicious information. The original title of the bill is Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill 2019. Attempts by the Nigerian government to regulate social media actually dates back to December 2015 with the proposal of a “frivolous petitions” bill which prescribed jail time and a $10,000 fine for social media posts found to be in contravention of the proposed law. But, the bill was withdrawn six months later in the face of widespread public criticism. Twitter Suspension in Nigeria Nigeria’s attempt at regulating social media is the latest in a considerable list of countries looking to implement questionable social media laws in moves that digital rights advocates have branded as brazen attempts to stifle online expression. In May 2021, Twitter’s offices in Delhi and Gurgaon were raided by the local police. The raid came after Twitter labeled one of the tweets by Sambit Patra, a spokesman of the local ruling party
In Nigeria, the freedom of expression is protected by section 39 (1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution. That means that every Nigerian has the right to express themselves through speech and any other communication channels they choose to explore.
Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
COVER
Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their President. More COUNTRIES should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech.” - DO NA LD TR UM P Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor BJP, as “manipulated media”. Twitter issued a statement, calling the police visit “a form of intimidation”. On the 5th of June 2021, the Nigerian government officially put an indefinite ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria after the social media platform deleted tweets made by the President, Muhammadu Buhari in which he warned the south easterners of a potential repeat of the 1967 Biafran Civil War. The Nigerian government claimed that the deletion of the President’s tweets factored into their decision but it was ultimately based on “a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences”. The government of Nigeria also alleges that Twitter was being used to undermine “Nigeria’s corporate existence”. Perks And Demerits Since the invention of Facebook and Twitter, communication has been redefined at a level nobody saw coming. An innovation that has since become part of our everyday fixtures as humans, the merits of social media platforms cannot be overstated. With the ability to reach a large number of people within and outside the country, politicians have oftentimes used Twitter as a campaigning tool as was evident with this present administration. How do you spread propaganda to an array of well-informed Nigerians with access to the internet? Twitter has been the most effective tool to disseminate political agenda, a space leveraged by this government in a successful bid to unseat the previous government. Because of its close-knit community aesthetics, Twitter has also been a space to call out the government and its officials whenever they are out of order. A nation with a clear misunderstanding of what basic human rights entail, Nigerians have had to turn to Twitter to seek justice expeditiously since its prominence in today’s digital world. As expected, this was the premise that helped the #EndSARS outcry gain global attention and ultimately provoke this administration’s wrath. The perks of these apps are way too many, however, one that is readily backed up by statistics is its effect on the economy. It would not be far-fetched to say that Twitter has created more jobs for youths all over the country than this administration has managed to in 6 years of power thus far. With opportunities ranging from page/account managers, online vendors, influencers, sociopolitical commentators to digital marketing firms, Twitter provides clearer and more diverse options to better tackle the alarming unemployment rate amongst the nation’s youths in comparison with this administration’s terrible attempt to refurbish yesteryear’s alternatives such as agriculture and cow rearing. According to reports, Nigeria currently loses approximately 9 billion Naira for every hour that her people don’t have access to the microblogging platform. For an already tanking economy, putting more people out of jobs is a disastrous decision to make. Although the perks are limitless, there’s the other valid argument of the app being exploited as a hub for fake news circulation in the
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country. Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages of social media sites, the volume of information flying across different social media platforms allows several potentially dangerous fake news to slip through the cracks. The regulation could be better in that regard, with Twitter working as smart as possible to tackle it. A powerful statement of intent was made on the 6th of January when The United States’ former President, Donald Trump had a series of his tweets spreading misinformation about the election flagged, deleted and himself ultimately permanently banned from the platform altogether. Similar but still less daunting to what happened with General Muhammad Buhari whose single tweet was deleted by the company for flouting its regulations and inciting violence against the IPOB community… Exactly what Donald Trump did in the build-up to the Capitol Riot. Twitter’s Relationship With World Governments Operated as a private entity with its Terms and Conditions to connect users all over the world, Twitter has oftentimes meddled in politics and governments. Nigeria joins China and North Korea in a list of five countries to currently have no access to Twitter due to a ban imposed by their governments. The list also includes Turkmenistan and Myanmar, with Nigeria the only non-Asian and allegedly Democratic Republic on the list. On the other hand, India has been censoring the whole internet since 2006 as they have over 1000 websites blocked. Their battle with Twitter however has been as interesting as well as routine. The Indian government flopped at handling the COVID-19 pandemic and Indians all over Twitter voiced out their collective dissatisfaction. The Indian government in response immediately ordered Twitter to take down tweets from high profile users that criticised its handling of the pandemic. Another ongoing case to have prompted the Indian government to reach out to stifle
Twitter’s operations within the country is the ongoing 10-month old Farmers’ Protest. India’s relationship with the microblogging platform has been a typical case of a government trying to forcefully silence and disenfranchise its people by regulating or eventually banning the most effective platform they have to air their criticisms directly at their administration; a playbook the Nigerian government is copying from. Although still an indefinite ban, there’s a slight ray of hope that it could be overturned as seen in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Uganda, Pakistan and the UAE. Reactions To The Ban... Shortly after the ban was announced and eventually implemented, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, made a series of tweets stating the NBA’s dissatisfaction with the ban and ordered that the Federal Government make a reversal in its ruling or expect a challenge from the Nigerian Bar Association. This was before Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, took to the same Twitter to condemn the Federal Government’s dictatorial ruling. The following week would have PDP members of the Nigerian House of Representatives walked out of a meeting originally organised to call the Minister of Information, Lai Mohamed, who had single-handedly ordered the ban without seeking any legislative approval, to order. The meeting ended with Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila (an APC member) flagging down his colleagues’ prayers of investigating and overturning the ban. Prominent religious leaders such as the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and the Founder of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, have also voiced out their objection to the ban stating that its implementation is against the United Nations jurisdiction of basic human rights to freedom of expression and with their churches all across the globe, they need a medium like Twitter for easy access to their congregation worldwide. On the other side of the fence is Kaduna state Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai; former Presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba; Nollywood veteran actor, Yemi Solade, amongst others, applauding the Federal Government for taking a bold but correct decision to deal with the big tech company. On the international scene, former US President Donald Trump, congratulated Nigeria on Tuesday for blocking access to Twitter in the country indefinitely, saying more nations should follow suit. “Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their President. More COUNTRIES should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech,” Trump said in a statement.
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
COVER “Who are they to dictate good and evil if they themselves are evil? Perhaps I should have done it while I was President. But [Facebook CEO Mark] Zuckerberg kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner telling me how great I was.” In finality... The, sole purpose of creating a product is consumption. This is an undeniable fact and usually, profit comes after consumption because they work hand in hand. Either the product was created out of emotion or just as a social experiment, financial expectancy is not always a distant memory. So we can hold the Twitter owner, Jack Dorsey to that merit, right? Dubbed Uncle Jack by Nigerian youths, the 44-year-old CEO has publicly expressed his affinity for the Nigerian culture and people. In 2019 he described himself as “grateful to finally be in Nigeria.” His visit to Nigeria, as well as three other African countries, certainly had a rockstar feel to it, but it wasn’t to weigh in on whose Jollof rice reigns supreme. Nigeria stands tall amongst a select few leading in technology in Africa. Mobile penetration in the country hit 50% as of January 2021 which means in a populace of 208.8 million citizens, 104.4 million were Internet users and 93.3% accessed the Internet via a mobile phone. In addition, the acquisition of Paystack- a fintech start-up company founded by two Nigerian youths by Stripe, an American financial services company in 2020 is an excellent testament to that. Although the latter occurred further into the future his arrival unconsciously affected its growth into becoming a company worth 200 million dollars. Let’s not also delude ourselves of the thought that Jack is aware that a sizable morsel of his consumers are Nigerians and regardless of his support in the past, he’s going to put his financial interests first above sentimentalities. As Nigerians, we should look at this analytically. What exactly does Jack Dorsey want with Nigeria? Does he have all his cards on the table or does he have an ace up his sleeve? These are questions I’d like to assume that the Federal government had considered before issuing a ban on the social media platform swiftly stating that Twitter is” capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.” Just as a leopard never changes its spots a government never tells its citizens the full story. It is up to the voters to fill in the blanks and at least try to make sense of what exactly could be a reason for this nationwide ban. A plausible explanation could be taxation. If the government could join countries like the UK and the US in taxing Twitter for operating and
substantially influencing the affairs of the nation as well as a business, perhaps that might cause the government to reconsider their stance on the ban. Once this step has been taken, the likes of Instagram and Facebook will have to follow suit. This might also just be an elaborate tantrum to get Twitter to reconsider setting up camp in Ghana and take a U-turn back to Nigeria. Regulation of Twitter is yet another angle of exploration. The issue the current administration has against Twitter is its being an advocate for free speech. Filtration of what gets out into the world through media is extremely important and the power of the “what’s happening?” line threatens the stability of a country. And in Nigeria, where 93.3% of the nation is armed with smartphones, the country is 230 characters away from being international news. This might be a way to question and hold Twitter accountable against future circumstances. A recent statement by Nigeria’s information and culture minister buttresses the intention of the government to crack down on Twitter and other social media platforms functioning in the country. Lai Mohammed’s directive to the regulatory agency the National Communication Commission is that all OTT and US social media giants commence licensing processes locally before the ban is called off and are in no way stifling on its people’s freedom of expression. He explains that Twitter needs to agree to not be a tool for those who are threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. Mohammed said “Whether it is Netflix, Iroko or Facebook…they are all doing business in Nigeria, making money and they are not paying taxes.
Whether it is Netflix, Iroko or Facebook…they are all doing business in Nigeria, making money and they are not paying taxes. This is in addition to being able to regulate them. They are making billions of naira out of this country and they are not paying tax. That cannot be allowed to go on. - LA I M O HA M M ED Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture
This is in addition to being able to regulate them. They are making billions of naira out of this country and they are not paying tax. That cannot be allowed to go on.” The minister had this to say after Twitter subsequently approached the government on a way of resolving the problem that led to the ban. The government is also aware that the longer Twitter is inactive the more money they lose and they intend to use this as a bargaining chip until tax is paid and rules are adhered to. On numerous occasions, this platform has had fingers pointed at it blaming it for the dissemination of fake news across the country but it would be unfair to evaluate the cons without the pros. Sometime this year, Twitter helped expose a family of ritualistic killers who sold human parts to the highest bidder but that wasn’t a big enough pro to outweigh its cons. Could this be an end to Twitter as we know it? Has the last thread that holds the online citizenry and solidarity amongst young Nigerians reached its breaking point? Despite the administration saying it’s a temporary ban as inhabitants we know “temporary” can be a very very long time. In addition to the cloak of unrest and tension blanketing the country, the day set aside to celebrate a historic election considered to be free and fair in Nigeria and the end of military rule is just around the corner. It can’t help but leave Nigerians second-guessing the meaning of democracy. After all, it was the tweet of the ex-military and current head of state that led us to where we are right now. Twitter users can make that argument as well. Democracy is a government of the people by the people, for the people but it hasn’t felt that way for over 50 years. The emergence of Twitter served as a bandage over a gaping wound, a medium to air their thoughts and a true exercise of free speech. Will Uncle Jack come to Nigeria’s aid again or can Twitter choose to call the Nigerian government’s bluff and ride the ban out? Nobody knows but one thing is for sure this holiday will be marked with a different emotion from solidarity because there’s enough nostalgia wrapped in green, white, green paper to go around this year.
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
BEAUTY
African Camwood
Camwood Polish Camwood as a beauty treatment is used in different parts of Nigeria. It is derived from the African camwood tree. I remember a long time ago, my mum who is from Rivers State mentioned that it was used in her hometown of Eberi-Omuma in Echie local government area, on brides to polish their skin.
Charcoal Image From Guardian.ng
Charcoal IG @bighstudios For SONY
FROM NIGERIA WITH LOVE
For ages charcoal has been used to whiten teeth, I remember growing up, lots of people talked about this. Now it has become quite the thing amongst Europeans.
BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
F
or eons, Nigerian women have practiced beauty rituals that kept their skin glowing. I remember about 13 years ago, I was up north for my NYSC and a friend of mine who like me was posted up north from Lagos, whispered that she had tried a beauty treatment and that I had to give it a shot. I proceeded to call the lady for an appointment, and although I only booked the wax and body scrub package, by the time she was done with me, my skin was so smooth, and it had an extra glow to it. More recently, especially with social media, the traditional northern bridal beauty treatment has become quite popular in other parts of Nigeria, and many more traditional beauty spas are opening across the country. The result, beautiful skin that leaves people asking what products you use. So before you purchase your next jar of face cream made out of caviar from France, try some traditional (Nigerian) beauty treatments. What’s more, it is inexpensive.
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Coffee Facial A coffee paste(very smooth, liquidlike) is made using coffee, of course, then slathered on your face, and left to dry. After that, the coffee is removed from your face using sugar wax.
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
BEAUTY Halawa Wax A kind of body waxing (hair-removal) formula also from the north, made up of a mixture of sugar, lime, and honey.
Dilke and Camwood Scrub Image From goodiescorner.com.ng
Dilke Scrub
Shea Butter
A beauty treatment borrowed from Sudanese women but practiced by the women in northern Nigeria, this beauty ritual works both as body polish, and a body scrub, which exfoliates the skin. It consists of potatoes, turmeric, and essential oils, among other things.
This product needs no introduction. It has been the go-to beauty secret for ages, and a lot of Nigerian women use it to moisturize their skin. It comes from the shea tree.
Halawa Wax. Image from IG @thehennaplace
Calabar Bride. Image by Ebonylife TVgoodiescorner.com.ng
Native Chalk in The Fattening Room Popular among the Calabars in Nigeria, the fattening room is a place where a bride-to-be is kept in a room for about a month. During this period, they go through an assortment of beauty treatments using native chalk and some other traditional ingredients, which leave their entire body supple and glowing for the big day.
Turmeric Treatment
Native Chalk
A beauty treatment using turmeric on the face or body. Turmeric gives the skin a brighter appearance. It is also popular in the north.
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
Tiwa Savage
Waje
Abisola Kola Daisi
Elohor Isiorho Azuka Ogujiuba xxx
The Launch Party of Future Face Africa
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uture Face Africa is set to be an explosive new talent search and the largest scouting competition in Africa. Spearheaded by Elizabeth Isiorho, a pioneer in the African modelling industry and founder of Africa’s biggest modelling agency, Beth Model Management Africa, FFA aims to discover promising, African talents and give them a pedestal to become supermodels internationally, whilst promoting and developing the modelling industry within Africa. Here are a few looks from the launch party.
Rita Dominic
Cynthia & Ebuka Obi Uchendu
Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi & Hakeem Muri Okunola
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BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
Mpho Laing
Eniafe Momodu
Powede Awujo
Osas Ighodaro
Abisola Tokan
Ozinna Anumudu
Amaechi Okobi
Lara Rawa
Tiwa Ayankoya
Bisola Aiyeola
Jean-Charles Baldini, Megha Joshi & Pinky Ilona
Queen Okonedo & Ufoma Ehimiaghe
VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
websights DOWNTOWN
The Birth Of A Nation, Le French Democrazy,
Old Savage Beef & The Nigerian Dream! Nigeria Who? The United African Republic Nowadays Please.
The tension between the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) and the Federal Government has worsened in recent times. In just a matter of weeks until democracy day, conversations around the emancipation of South-Eastern people of the nation were all over the internet as Nigerians celebrated the fallen heroes of the civil war. A Twitter user in his infinite wisdom then came forward with a suggestion that sent the whole of Twitter NG into a frenzy. In a bid to restructure the country and bring its people together, this Twitter user proposed that the name Nigeria should be changed to the United African Republic. This managed to ease the tension drastically as it provided Nigerians with a much-needed distraction. “The United African Republic doesn’t sound bad at all, does that mean we’re going to be called Uranium?” Nigerians pondered as they exploited the possibilities of ditching Flora Shaw’s suggestion which ended up becoming Nigeria today. Here are some of the funny reactions live from the UAR.
connected, making it appear that the president took more of a glancing blow than a direct slap. The man, who was wearing a mask, appears to have cried out “Montjoie! Saint Denis!” a centuriesold royalist war cry before finishing with “A bas la Macronie,” or “Down with Macron.” Another video showed Macron immediately coming back after the incident, seemingly to face his assailant and then to say hello to other members of the crowd. French news broadcaster BFMTV said police detained two people, the man suspected of slapping Macron and another man who filmed a video. Macron described the incident as an “isolated act” in an interview with local newspaper Le Dauphine Libere. “Everything goes well ... We must not let isolated acts, ultra-violent individuals, like there had been some also in (street) protests, dominate the public debate: they don’t deserve it,” he said. Macron said he didn’t have specific concerns after the assault. “I greeted the people who were by the man’s side and made pictures with them. I continued and will continue. Nothing will stop me,” he said. Speaking at the National Assembly, the lower house of the French parliament, Prime Minister Jean Castex said “through the head of state, that’s democracy that has been targeted.” Lawmakers from across the political spectrum got to their feet and applauded loudly in a show of support. “Democracy is about debate, dialogue, confrontation of ideas, expression of legitimate disagreements, of course, but in no case can it be violence, verbal assault and even less physical assault,” Castex said. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen firmly condemned on Twitter “the intolerable physical aggression targeting the president of the Republic.” Some Nigerians wished it were close to home…
Shay and Savage go back to 2010 when Savage came to Nigeria with the dream to become the next big pop star. She would then be signed by Flytime CEO, Cecil Hammond who didn’t stop until he got her to join Don Jazzy’s record label, Mavin Records. She’s been on an upward trajectory ever since. Having lost Savage, Hammond worked his magic a second time as he brought on Seyi Shay to become the next big superstar. Like clockwork, this also became a reality. This was the beginning of a competition-turned-beef. The first clash happened when Shay first listened to Savage’s Lova Lova featuring Duncan Mighty. Turns out Shay had co-written the song with singer-songwriter, Ceeza Milli, who then passed it on to Savage without informing Shay. Shay claims that she only asked for metadata and rights to the song but she was confronted by roadblocks. This hiccup would blossom into Savage threatening to sue brands if they failed to pull Shay from ambassadorial roles, according to Shay’s narration. This led to the diss track Shay recorded to throw subtle jabs at Savage whilst covering Kizz Daniel’s viral Fvck You anthem. Here are some of the reactions from fans online.
Savage is yet to share her side of the story so far.
Macron Slapped In The South…
Political tension travelled to France where a video of a man slapping President Macron surfaced online. French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face Tuesday by a man during a visit to a small town in southeastern France, an incident that prompted a wide show of support for the head of state from politicians across the ideological spectrum. The French president was greeting the public waiting for him behind barriers in the town of Tain-l’Hermitage after he visited a high school that is training students to work in hotels and restaurants. A video of the incident was posted to Twitter. A bodyguard, who was standing right behind Macron, raised a hand in defence of the president but was a fraction of a second too late to stop the slap. The bodyguard then put his arm around the president to protect him. Macron just managed to turn his face away as the aggressor’s right hand
Verbal Slaps: Seyi Shay And Tiwa Savage Go At It In The Salon
The tension grew into the music scene as a video recording showing Seyi Shay and Tiwa Savage going at each other went viral online. This altercation happened after both artists met at a beauty salon in Lekki. According to reports, Shay who met Savage at the salon could already feel the tension as she walked in. She then went ahead to say hi to ease the tension. Shay recalls that she walked over to say hi to Savage, who greeted her back while they shared fleeting glances at each other. As further told by Seyi Shay and confirmed by an eyewitness, Savage walked over to Shay around 20 minutes later and the now-infamous argument that was captured live on video began. Rumours suggested that the beef was over Seyi Shay’s #FvckYouChallenge which was released two years ago and contained subliminal messages to Tiwa Savage. A shocked Shay says that the beef was not about the #FvckYouChallenge verse because they have met each other more than twice since then and they exchanged pleasantries on all occasions. “We’ve even entered private jets together, we’ve taken pictures together,” Shay recalls.
VPN Taking Us Closer To Actualising The Nigerian Dream
A dream of many, the reality of a few, Nigerians got a tiny feel of what it feels like travelling to their dream countries. Albeit out of necessity, the Twitter ban meant that Nigerians had to find a way to bypass the local network service providers’ restrictions. Nigerians all over the country have been tweeting with a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection since the ban. This had Nigerians travelling all over the globe and tweeting from there… Virtually. As expected, we made lemonades out of that bitter lemon Lai threw at us. At least people got a peek into what the Nigerian dream feels like: Tweeting for Nigerians’ liberation from the abroad.
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VOL 1 NO.18 • JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2021
SÓRÓSOKE DOWNTOWN
ADENE EROMOSOLE: SOROSOKE SOLDIER With the current atmosphere in Nigeria being one of nationalism and reflection, it is important to remember that while we celebrate Democracy Day, we must also conduct an audit of ourselves and our dear country to take note of long-overdue changes. DOWNTOWN’S Chisom Njoku caught up with one of the leading voices during the #EndSARS protests Adene Eromosele popularly known as “Eromz” who gained notoriety after security operatives arrested him when the protests ended and pleas from his friends and family demanding his release went viral. He talks about life after #EndSARS and shares his thoughts on democracy.
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ell us everything we need to know about Eromosele My name is Adene Eromosele but I am popularly known as Eromz. I am a 28 year old man from Edo state that is passionate about youth development and nation-building. I am a visionary, pacesetter, and goal-getter. But beyond all this seriousness is a guy who likes to be happy and makes everyone around him feel safe and happy. I make music, I write songs, and have made some jingles that are very popular in Nigeria and West Africa. What did you want to be when you were younger? I always wanted to help people. Growing up, I wanted to be a Musician and a Businessman but had to look for ways to ensure I helped people through my career which is why I have Belleful Naija, a CSR of one of my companies and I preach the message of hope and nation-building with my music. How did you transition from artistry to activism? Being an artist has always been about putting thoughts and feelings into words, making people happy. In the same vein, activism does the same thing. Nigerians are happy people. You don’t need to do a lot to make them happy. I simply am advocating for the happiness of Nigerians. So there really isn’t any switch. Music and activism are 2 sides of the same coin. What has life been for you since the #EndSARS protests? Sincerely, life has been crazy and revealing. It has revealed who we are as a people and as individuals. It has shown our principles. It has been very revealing. June 12 every year is Democracy Day, do you think it is worth celebrating?
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Definitely. Democracy is hinged on freedom. Although we may not have come to the full understanding of democracy as a people, we are on the path to greatness and I am glad that we will achieve the dreams of our founding fathers and mothers. Can you describe what an ideal democracy is to you? Democracy comes from two Greek words, demos meaning people, and Kratos meaning power. In simple terms, democracy is power that comes from the people. Until the people wake up and wield the power that is inherent in them, democracy is not yet achieved. That is why we say SoroSoke. What are your thoughts on the Twitter ban by the federal government? The ban is rather unfortunate. It is just another case of cutting the head to treat a headache. How much has the ban affected you? I am more concerned about how it has affected people who use it as an e-commerce platform; where persons who go missing are found through community policing, crowdfunding for academic and health issues, amidst other pressing issues.
Would you ever consider leaving Nigeria? This is my fatherland. I have no other place to call mine. In your opinion, how do you feel about the government’s priorities vis a vis their response rate to some things versus others? As you said, it’s all about priorities. Our value system as a people has been marred for a long time and these are just signs of deeper issues. Value. Do you see yourself running for political office in the future? Now, I don’t think so. But the future is pregnant with possibilities that our minds can’t fathom. Right now, I am a solution provider and a nation builder. I am actively working to link the tech folks with the grassroots folks. There has to be a nationwide sensitization and involvement from all of us. From the cities to the ghettos, from the highrise buildings to the slums, from the owners of the gadget to the gong bearers (aka town criers). In a few weeks from now, you will have a clearer understanding of what I am talking about and why I call myself a solution provider.