THEWILL DOWNTOWN August 13, 2023

DR BOBBY J. MOROE People, Partnerships, Progress A conversation with

Many people complain about not being able to get a visa to South Africa, so it was only natural that I ask our cover personality Dr Bobby Moroe the Consul General of South Africa in Lagos, about the process for securing a visa. Is there a particular category of people who are issued a visa? He responded that people who meet the requirements get a visa. They have even taken it a step further by asking that applications be screened so those who do not meet the criteria don’t have to spend money applying. This way, they save their money. “However, what we have done is we have requested VFS to screen all applications so they don’t accept those that do not qualify. It would be a waste of their money for us to accept when we know that perhaps the applicant doesn’t have a bank statement or yellow fever certificate, so we make it easier for them by making sure that we don’t accept incomplete applications.”

We also talked about the killing of Nigerians, which he called acts of criminality, not xenophobia. We discussed the process investors must go through to invest in South Africa, just as South African companies like MTN have been able to invest here in Nigeria. Read his interview on pages 8 through 10.

I recently had a breakout on my face and was worried about how to conceal it. Luckily, I knew not to try to cover it with makeup. Instead, I bought a face wash to address the problem. Our beauty page points out mistakes people make when trying to conceal pimples.

A positive outlook on life helps us overcome challenges when faced with them. Our wellness page spotlights how positive thinking impacts our lives and examines ways in which positive thinking affects us.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth

Senior Writer: Kehindé Fagbule

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

Dorcas Akintoye

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty.  She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna

- Contributing Writer

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna is a writer, poet, digital and social media content strategist. An Afro gen z clan member of kenga media. He is a movie critic who was amongst those who birthed the first movie brand; Feeem house brand. A full fledged member of the writers space Africa, Nigeria district and was part of the editing team of the second anthology issue by the writers space Nigeria.

He has written so many articles, stories and e books. An avid reader and a freelancer. You can check out his literary editing page @coidencreatives on Instagram and twitter.

His personal socials for both Instagram and twitter are : @ikennachurchill

Lovely to read

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Pimples can shake off your confidence if not concealed well. Most people see concealing pimples as very difficult, so they would instead let the blemish be visible for people to see rather than go through the stress of covering it up. This article will guide you through the concealing process without making any mistakes.

In the world of makeup, concealer is one of the magic wands that can give you flawless skin. Make sure you use the most suitable product for your skin for more positive results. Below is a list of common mistakes to avoid while concealing your pimples.

1. Applying Too Much Makeup

This is a very common mistake that people make. Never try to drown your pimples with too much makeup; it will do nothing but worsen the state of your face.

Always resist the urge to layer too many products on your face to conceal your pimples; it will only make your efforts more obvious.

2. Picking The Wrong Texture

When it comes to the delicate art of concealing breakouts, texture is key. A matte finish product is always the best texture. Also, avoid any product that will make your face oily because the oil deposits will likely slide away and expose your pimples.

Mistakes You Must Avoid While Concealing Pimples 9

3. Inappropriate Colour Correction

The most crucial step in corrective makeup is colour correction. A million skincare errors can be corrected using different colours to create an illusion of smooth skin. Try to work more on the right colour to conceal any blemishes on your face. Makeup experts confirm that green covers the red, inflamed skin of blemishes.

4. Improper Skincare

Since external makeup products can take a toll on the healing process of acne, you need to moisturise your face to keep the skin from drying out. When dealing with pesky breakouts, supplementary skincare is of utmost importance.

5. Wrong Setting Of Makeup

Setting powder can either cinch your efforts or make everything fall apart. Putting your acne breakout in place with a steady hand of setting powder is important to avoid all your artistry sliding away due to the sebum and oil deposits.

7. Concealing Immediately After Applying Foundation

The trick to neat makeup is allowing the makeup product to sit for a bit. People make the mistake of applying concealer before the foundation is settled. Once you apply your foundation, allow it to sit before applying your concealer or any other product.

8. Using The Wrong Makeup Brush

When it comes to pimples, choosing the right application tool is essential. You can use a buffing brush with dense bristles for acne-prone skin for more effective results. Using a blending sponge or different brush may lead to bald spots.

6. Popping The Pimple Before Concealing

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to pop their pimples before trying to cover them. Popping your pimples can lead to inflammation or even infection and can increase the discolouration of the skin.

9. Not Using Primer

Using a primer can make your concealer stay put while applying it. Pimples are usually oily, which might make it difficult for the concealer to stay put on the face. Always ensure you use your primer on the face before applying your concealer.

Music Middlemen

Meet 3 Nigerian Entertainers With Hit Songs Without Singing

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Musicconsumption has been at an all-time high since becoming a ridiculously lucrative business thanks to digital streaming. But the impact of streaming platforms has proven to be a gift and a curse. Today, the competition for our attention is proving more difficult than ever before, and so artists are having to put in more work as far as the promotion of their craft is concerned. From turning to Tiktok challenges to paying influencers, all for a viral appeal, music stakeholders have become a lot more strategic with the propagation of their gospel. Recently, we have seen big names in the industry own the masters to the biggest songs in the country without singing a note of music. These people have positioned themselves as powerful names to work with as they have the power to singlehandedly influence the charts by featuring both mainstream big names and relatively unknown acts in the industry. These are three of the biggest middleman in Afrobeats.

• Larry “Larry Gaaga” Ndianefo

The music producer and record label executive gained fame with the success of Gaaga Shuffle, a song he performed alongside 2Baba. Ever since he has continued influencing the charts with hit songs and collaborations without saying a word. Having begun his career in the entertainment industry a decade ago as the General Manager of YSG Entertainment, managing the career of the label’s rapper, Vector, Larry Gaaga’s transition to constantly creating music he can call his own has been quite meteoric. In 2018, the don-like music figure released five hit singles, including Wonderful featuring Wande Coal and Sarkodie, and Doe featuring Davido, whilst also collaborating with artists such as Burna Boy, D’banj, DJ Neptune and so on. The following year, Larry Gaaga worked extensively on the soundtrack album for the sequel of one of Nigeria’s premiere film productions, Living in Bondage, with the album featuring Davido, Flavour, Peruzzi, Patoranking and 2Baba. He has since secured a record deal with Universal Music Group Nigeria, signed a record deal with Def Jam Africa, a flagship of Def Jam Recordings, and just last year announced as the Vice President of Def Jam Africa and the head of the A&R division across the English-speaking markets in Africa.

Oderhohwo “Carter Efe” Joseph Efe

Iwe “Poco Lee” Pascal

Professional dancer and Master of Ceremony, Poco Lee, came to the limelight after his dance video—where he flexed his legwork dance moves to the hit song, Zanku, in a school event—went viral, gaining the attention of Zlatan, who contacted him to feature in the music video. Since then, he has gone on to feature in several top-profile music videos, working closely with the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Naira Marley, and so on. The influential dancer has so far used his digital reach to exert his direct (and indirect) influence in the music industry as he was responsible for bringing artists such as Portable and Ghanaian’s Black Sheriff to the attention of Olamide and Burna Boy respectively, whose joint efforts resulted in two of the biggest songs in the country at the time of release.

Carter Efe began as a social media skitmaker and brand influencer in 2018, and his career has since witnessed steady growth. But Carter wanted more. After being a part of multiple comedy videos alongside prominent comedians, influencers and content creators such as Don Jazzy, Gentuu, Sidney Talker and so on, Carter, who had built his brand’s reputation on his obsession for Afrobeats icon, Wizkid, decided to make his foray into the music industry. Last year, he made his music debut as he joined forces with an up-and-coming artist, Berri Tega, to record what was the biggest single across the country at the time of release, Machala, an ode to his idol, Wizkid, whose adopted stage name is Machala. Carter would go on to have a fallout with Berri Tega due to their differences over the revenue split on the hit song. But that wouldn’t stop him as he made another song, Ololade Mi Carter, with another relatively unknown artist, Funny Muller, again charting on the Apple music charts across the country.

Love And Sex The Intersection of

Balancing Emotional Connection And Physical Desire

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Although love and sex are necessary elements of romantic partnerships, finding the ideal balance between emotional connection and sexual desire may be difficult and a process that changes over time. Here, we explore the complex interactions between love and sex and look at six approaches to navigating and balancing the domains of emotional closeness and sexual arousal. Let’s go on an insightful examination of how to develop a fulfilling and balanced connection that includes both the heart and the body, from open communication to prioritising self-care.

1. CULTIVATING EMOTIONAL INTIMACY

A healthy and fulfilling romantic relationship requires the development of a deep emotional bond. To truly understand your partner, practice profound talks, attentive listening, and empathy. By fostering emotional closeness, you provide the groundwork for a harmonic fusion of love and sexual desire.

2. OPEN COMMUNICATION ABOUT DESIRES

Make an environment where you and your spouse feel comfortable discussing your sexual preferences and aspirations. Sincere communication promotes understanding and opens the door to investigating shared interests. A sexual dynamic that satisfies the desires of both partners can be created by sharing your needs and boundaries.

3.

Spend uninterrupted time outside of the bedroom connecting emotionally. Spend time together, go on dates, take up a hobby you both enjoy or do anything else that can help your relationship. You can create the groundwork for a more satisfying and meaningful physical connection by cultivating emotional connection outside the sexual sphere.

4.

Your sexual experiences can become boring if freshness and spontaneity aren’t introduced. To spice up and vary your private moments, try new things, roleplaying games, or visit new places. The element of surprise and exploration can improve the emotional and physical sides of your connection.

5.

The balance between emotional connection and physical desire is achieved by strongly emphasising self-care and personal fulfilment. A healthier and more fulfilling sexual relationship is facilitated by selfcare, participating in things that make you happy and fulfilled, and fostering personal development. By putting self-care first, you provide a happier and more energetic version of yourself to the relationship.

6.

Trust and openness are essential for intimacy. For both parties to feel comfortable expressing their wishes, worries, and insecurities, create a safe and accepting environment. You build a solid base for emotional connection and a higher level of physical intimacy by embracing vulnerability and encouraging trust.

CONCLUSION

Finding the ideal ratio between emotional connection and sexual desire in each love relationship is a lifetime challenge. Remember that each relationship is unique, and finding the right balance requires ongoing effort, empathy, and a solid commitment to mutual fulfilment. Allowing your hearts and bodies to flourish in a beautifully balanced connection, embrace the junction of love and sex as a transformational and uplifting aspect of your relationship.

PRIORITISING SELFCARE AND INDIVIDUAL FULFILLMENT

EXPERIMENTING WITH NOVELTY AND SPONTANEITY

EMBRACING VULNERABILITY AND TRUST

PRIORITISING QUALITY TIME

PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS, PROGRESS

A conversation with Dr Bobby J. Moroe

the jurisdiction of my responsibility. I have been with the foreign ministry for almost 20 years; I was an academic before I became a diplomat, teaching Politics and International Relations at the Northwest University in South Africa. I have studied International Relations and Politics extensively and hold a degree in Political Science, an Honours and a Master’s degree in International Relations and Peace Studies, a PhD in Political Sciences and Diplomacy, and a Professor of Afrocentric Studies and Public Affairs at the Northwest University. I teach, conduct research and do some supervision. Those are the two areas of my responsibilities for now. I’m a diplomat but also a scholar, and I try by all means to create a hybrid, looking at how the combination of my theoretical perspectives as a scholar can benefit my underground work as a diplomat. So it has always come out quite very handy because diplomacy in theory and practice are two different phenomenons. Still, the advantage is that you have experience on both sides—theory is more superficial. Practice is more realistic, so it is only when you begin to practise as a diplomat you’ll realise that the theoretical perspectives are not necessarily applicable in the practical environment. So daily in my work, I try to make use of these experiences to the extent that I can to see how best they can benefit the work that I do, but most importantly, to ensure that it benefits South African foreign policy by all means. How easy is it to get a visa to South Africa? Is there any special category of people who are given preferential treatment?

Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s biggest nations, have had a blissful relationship over the years. Although both countries share a similar history of the British colonial era, their trajectories since independence have been quite dissimilar, as the battle for where the highly coveted title of “giant of Africa” should go to. But international relations run deeper than that. Between diplomatic foreign policies and the back-and-forth migration of both locals across territories, the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has been symbiotic and complementary since we can all remember.

In a sit-down with DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, South African ConsulGeneral Lagos, Nigeria, Dr Bobby J. Moroe discusses the similarities and differences between South Africa and Nigeria, the unfortunate attacks perpetrated by South Africans on Nigerians, and the role of the consulate in fostering a healthy relationship between both countries.

Let’s meet Bobby Moroe.

I am the Consul-General of South Africa in Lagos, responsible for nine states. We also have an office in Abuja, the high commission responsible for the rest of the other states. I’ve been here in Lagos for about 10 to 11 months now. Part of my responsibilities here as Consulate-General is to foster trade and investments between South Africa and Nigeria and extend consular assistance to South Africans in distress in Nigeria, particularly

Getting a visa is not about whether it’s difficult or easy; you just have to comply and meet all the necessary requirements. If you don’t meet the requirements, you don’t get a visa. If you do, you get a visa. And all the information is available on www.vfsglobal.com. But despite the fact that we have all the requirements placed, there are individuals who still don’t meet them but still apply. However, what we have done is we have requested VFS to screen all applications so they don’t accept those that do not qualify. It would be a waste of their money for us to accept when we know that perhaps the applicant doesn’t have a bank statement or yellow fever certificate, so we make it easier for them by making sure that we don’t accept incomplete applications. It’s also savings on their part. But there are also aspects that we’re beginning to emphasise. Some of the highest rejections are based on yellow fever certificates, so we emphasise the importance of the yellow fever certificate and make sure that the agency that issues them records that yellow fever into the app because when an applicant submits their application, not only do we scrutinise the certificate, we also use a QR scanner to verify their validity. Sometimes they forget to punch it on their app. We also emphasise the importance of submitting credible bank statements with a sufficient amount of money. So we try by all means to make it as easy as possible for people to get visas. Remember, our responsibility as a consulate is not to reject visas; it’s to facilitate the issuance of visas. This is why we exist; otherwise, it is going to be counterproductive for us if we say that we want to increase trade between South Africa and Nigeria or position South Africa as the best destination for tourism, education and other activities, and yet we are making it difficult for people to obtain visas. Our responsibility is to simplify the process, but applicants must also meet us halfway by making sure that they comply.

How can Nigerians and South Africans live in harmony with the xenophobia happening…?

There’s no xenophobia in South Africa. I have said it before and will say it again. These activities that are happening in South Africa are acts of criminality during economic and social depression. These are seasonal acts, committed by criminal elements in society. What you see in this nomenclature called xenophobia does not best represent the sentiment of an ordinary citizen in South Africa. Why do I call them seasonal? There are

no activities taking place now, but there are still Nigerians in South Africa. So when you say South Africans are xenophobic, this must be an ongoing activity. I prefaced by calling it acts of criminality during the economic depression. These are acts of violence that normally erupt when people lose jobs, when the rate of unemployment increases, or when there are criminal activities within society which are suspected to have been committed by certain members of society. But when you look at people who participate in those activities, they are people who are criminal elements themselves, and ordinary South Africans understand that South Africa, as a democratic country, has been built by people from all walks of life, including the continent. Nigeria played a very key role in contributing to the struggle for liberation in South Africa. There is a very thorough understanding in South Africa by South Africans about the role that Nigeria and other countries have played in making South Africa what it is today. South Africa gained its democracy in 1994. Amongst others, Nigerians were very excited because they knew that these were the benefits of the struggle to which they have contributed. There was an outpour of many people—our brothers and sisters from all over the continent—who went to South Africa post-1994 to contribute to the development and the creation of a new nation that South Africa was to be. In South Africa, foreigners have been there for as long as I can remember. I had teachers and professors when I was in high school and university who had been there for many years; some were Nigerians, some Tanzanians, Kenyans, and so on. In fact, in my mother language, the word ‘xenophobia’ doesn’t exist because, as Africans, we do not treat each other that way. But one other thing that I want to indicate to you is that in many countries whose names I won’t mention, acts of violence amongst locals and foreigners have happened. But they are not called xenophobic attacks, they are called something else. But when they happen in South Africa, they are called xenophobia. These intermittent acts of violence during the social and economic depression in South Africa are not only happening in South Africa. South Africa is not the only country facing the social and economic challenges we face. We are not the only country that plays host to foreign nationals because we have a very democratic government, one of the best constitutions you can ever find in the world. The preamble says that South Africa belongs to all those who live in it. Tell me of any country whose preamble can read such. The unfortunate part is that South Africa has become synonymous with xenophobia, but South Africans are not xenophobic. We have South Africans who are married to Nigerians, Kenyans, Tanzanians, and so on. I have been in Nigeria for more than five years and it’s a home away from home for me. I’ve witnessed and experienced people falling in love and getting married here. South Africans have kids with Nigerians, and many Nigerians have gone to South Africa to live and build their families there. They are assimilated within society and are progressive members of the society. They work in South Africa, their life is there, and they live in South Africa peacefully. So xenophobia in South Africa is just a media farce we need to take care of. But how to do that is when we become upfront with South Africa and Nigeria and talk about the programs we are doing to promote social cohesion and understanding between the two countries. These two continental giants are supposed to work together to advance industrialisation and development in the continent, and we have been doing that for quite a number of years. But what we need to do is to educate individuals about the work that we do so that they can be understanding and appreciate what exactly it is we do and how our work affects ordinary men and women in the forgotten corners of both countries. We need to intensify our campaigns and educate individuals about the extent to which they can benefit from

the social cohesion created between the two countries. Over the years, we have reacted to the media rise; we don’t tell our stories, but we have started telling our stories. It’s very important that we write our narratives the best way we can because if we allow it to be done by others, they will do it the best way they can, and the best way they can is to distort it.

How easy is it for a Nigerian to set up a business in South Africa?

In South Africa, there has been quite a number of concerns that Nigerian investors have raised about the processes that you go through when you invest in South Africa. Those requirements are applicable to any other country, including Nigeria. If a foreign national is going to establish a business in South Africa, certain regulations must be complied with. I do not necessarily have them with me now, but I know that elements of partnership must be created, either 49 or 51 percent. You also have a local partner. You also employ locals like South African companies in Nigeria here employ locals and create job opportunities for Nigerians here. What we intend to do is to continue to intensify the investment drive between South Africa and Nigeria. Currently, the numbers are quite skewed. You have more South African companies in Nigeria, compared to Nigerian companies in South Africa, and one of the gaps that we’ve identified was that we need to encourage SMEs to play a key role in the BNC (Bi-National Commission) because there’s a realisation that most of the time we tend to focus on the blue chip companies like Multichoice, MTN, and so on, yet, there are so many other smaller companies that contribute to the growth of any country’s economy, so there is a need for us to begin to create opportunities for them, and if need be, try and come up with special dispensations through which it could be easier for them to establish companies in South Africa. On a state-to-state level, our relationship is quite very sound, there are a lot of engagements on issues of common interest and mutual benefit, and as far as issues of global governance are concerned, we mostly speak with the same voice at the United Nations General Assembly. For us, it is to take the baton from where they (past Nigerian and South African governments) stopped and try and intensify whatever it is that we need to intensify between the two countries. After all is said and done, Nigerians and South Africans have to work together, and together we have a good story to tell to the world and the rest of the continent.

In working together, what have you put in place to encourage Nigerians to come to South Africa and invest in a business?

We normally have road shows and business roundtables. We are also members of the South Africa Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, which takes place on the last Thursday of every month; where we use those existing platforms to invite potential investors and introduce Nigerian and South African corporations interested in creating partnerships. This is a platform that creates multiple streams of opportunities for business and social cohesion between South Africa and Nigeria. Once a quarter, we go to different states. We are due to go to Ogun state on the 30th of this month. As you may know, South Africa has become a key destination for Nigerians for various reasons—tourism, weddings, conferences, and so on. So we receive a lot of visa requests that are related to that. We also have South African companies here providing training

for their Nigerian employees in South Africa, so we receive many requests for such categories of visas. What are you doing to enhance tourism between Nigeria and South Africa?

We do road shows. The same thing we do with trade and investment, we do with tourism, arts and culture. The last road show that we did was in April. On the 4th of July, we also hosted a global event that had the acting CEO of SA Tourism West Africa in attendance. He delivered a sterling presentation about the tourism packages that are available in South Africa for Nigerians. And I also had the opportunity to speak at the event likewise, to encourage them to visit South Africa purposes. On a lighter note, you are a very fashionable person. What do you think about Nigerian fashion?

Thank you very much for the compliment.

Nigerians are at a different level. My fashion is a result of the influence that I got from Nigeria over the past five years. I have learned a lot about fashion in Nigeria. Nigerians are very daring, creative and bold when it comes to fashion. They are not shy to display their creativity in colour or other forms. But what I appreciate the most is that unlike us in South Africa, Nigerians are very fashionable, but in the fashion that they display, they infuse their culture in it. Most of the designs that you witness have a very strong element of local traditions, be it Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. I think for us, that’s an element we miss in South Africa. When we talk about fashion in South Africa, we are more Eurocentric. We determine the extent to which we are fashionable by taking a leaf from what is happening in Paris Fashion Week and so on. But what Nigerians do is bring Nigeria into Lagos Fashion Week, so I’ve been quite impressed with what they do. Uti Nwachukwu is one of the celebrities and fashion icons that motivates me. I always look at how he dresses up, the fusion of clothes that he wears. He wears African, but with a very different touch of Western design. There would always be a very strong element of African touch, particularly to promote Nigerian culture. That’s one other thing that I admire about Nigerians; they are very cultural. That also goes for the cuisine; Nigerians do not compromise when it comes to their food to the extent of travelling with all the ingredients. Nigerian food is very expensive in South Africa, but we are not short of Nigerian food; there’s a lot of them, so some of us were exposed to Nigerian food and culture very early. So when I came to Nigeria, I had a fair understanding of the food. But I only discovered when I came here that I have a lot of Igbo friends. In the past, I didn’t know the distinction, I only knew that the person was Nigerian, but I didn’t know that it is important to know whether one is Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba. Our backgrounds are completely different. In South Africa, we also have different ethnicities, but it’s not something that is very prevalent within society. You’re well-travelled, obviously. What would you say differentiates other countries from Nigeria?

I will go back to the issue of culture. Nigerians are very proud of their culture and are conscious of where they come from. There are lots of people who are chiefs in Nigeria. The fact that in 2023, you still have young people who consider chieftaincy quite very important must tell you something about Nigerians themselves and the importance they attach to their culture. Regardless of where they go, they always carry their culture with them either through food, language, clothes, arts, film, and so on. Number two, wherever Nigerians are, they display a very high level of resilience and commitment to what they do. I don’t know where they get the strength and tenacity from. Perhaps it is in their DNA. Nigerians are very outspoken; they call a spade a spade, not a garden tool. That’s one of the virtues I’ve learned in Nigeria is that if you want to raise an issue, raise it or forever hold your peace. I have become a better person personally and professionally in the past five years because of lessons I have learned from individuals and entities from my interactions in formal and informal environments. I often go to the market, and Balogun is one of my favourite markets; I have local friends there that I engage with. We discuss issues of common interest, culture, and food. I don’t discuss soccer because I don’t watch it. It has been

“Nollywood’s influence on African countries and the rest of the world is so immense that it is the result that we are reaping today ”

quite a great learning experience for me, and I’m hoping that once I’m done with my tour here in Lagos, I go to South Africa a better person but, most importantly, try and transfer the knowledge and skills that I have learned in Nigeria to my fellow South Africans and one of the things I am going to transfer really is the virtue of hard work, hard work pays. Nigerians are very resilient, and I commend them for that.

How would you compare Nigeria to South Africa? There must not be any competition. There are so many things that Nigeria has that South Africa doesn’t have and so many things that South Africa has that Nigeria doesn’t. So we have to look at each other through the prism of complementing each other rather than competing with each other. One of the issues I’m making reference to is the Afrobeats. When you talk about music, Afrobeats is very popular in South Africa, and ironically, Amapiano is popular here too. So we need to use music as a soft power to bring together South Africans and Nigerians. We have exceptionally good fashion designers in both countries, but I think if they work together, they can learn more from each other. You also have institutions of higher learning; we are currently working on finalising two very important memorandums of understanding between the state of Gauteng and Lagos to focus on issues of common interest from your areas of agro-processing, infrastructural development, and so on. We also have another MoU, which is equally critical, a draft that is being sent to the University of Lagos. It’s an MoU between Northwest University, which happens to be my alma mater in South Africa and the University of Lagos. We would like to work together with the University of Lagos by conducting student exchange programs, faculty exchange programs, convening seminars and workshops, and identifying common themes that will be of benefit to both South Africans and Nigerian students, and those things must basically focus on some of the challenges that we are facing in society and government. Currently, South Africa is facing power challenges. If we could have conferences linked to that, get experts from Nigeria who can share knowledge and transfer skills, for us to provide solutions to those challenges we’re facing. So after all is said and done, the kind of collaborations that we envisage are the ones that will build society.

What would you say is your favourite Nigerian meal? Egusi. I normally eat it on its own; I mix it with chicken. I’m pepper intolerant, and one of my other favourite foods is pepper soup without pepper. I’m quite familiar with a number of Nigerian foods, such as ponmo, amala, suya, abacha, and so on. But unfortunately, because of my intolerance to pepper, I don’t indulge in all. Nigerians really love their culture, and they display that through their love for their own food, so we never miss the opportunity of preparing Nigerian food at most of the events that we have. We also have a very good number of South Africans who enjoy the food. Although we are not a pepper nation—you get pepper on request in most restaurants in South Africa—there are South Africans who really love pepper, and I think their love for pepper draws them to visit Nigeria to enjoy the hospitality, which is normally displayed through culture and food.

Let’s talk about the crime rate in South Africa. What are you doing to put in check the crime rate in South Africa for the safety of foreigners or even for the South Africans themselves?

There’s no particular set of crime regulations for foreigners and South Africans because everybody becomes a victim of crime. So whatever regulations that are in place are for the benefit of everybody in South Africa. Like any other country, South Africa is not immune from witnessing crime. The only difference is the types of crime and the intensity of crime. But in the past few years, our government has done very well in trying to create a conducive environment for everybody, including foreigners, to come to South Africa and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of South Africa in a very safe environment. There’s been a huge recruitment drive for the members of the South African police services. An internship program has been advertised recently, which closes on the 16th of August; it’s the recruitment drive of South African police services members who will be on internship. So these are the efforts by the government to increase human capital so that there’s a lot of police visibility. When you compare the past three to four years in South Africa, you will realise that there’s more police visibility than before. And one of the advantages we have now is that the current minister of police is the former police commissioner in South Africa, so he has experience as far as these are concerned. But we also have community policing forums because you will not find police everywhere within communities. We have self-funded community policing forums, which are a grouping of individuals who reside within a particular locality. They bring their resources together to ensure they keep the crime levels. But you also have security companies that are working together with members of the South African police services and ordinary civilians. And you also have whistleblower programs where individuals who witness certain forms of crime can report them. And they are also protected. Their identities are protected, and so on. But you also have a lot of South Africans who have become intolerant to crime, who have opened up NGOs that serve as rehabilitation centres for those who have been perpetrators of any form of crime, to rehabilitate them, take them out of the streets, and also take them out of the participation of crime. But what the government has also done as far

as rehabilitation and reform are concerned, the Department of Correctional Services is not called prison. We don’t call them prisons. We call them correctional services because when perpetrators of crime are arrested, the purpose is not to punish them, but to reform them so that they go out of correctional institutions, better people in society who can contribute to the greater good of what society wants to achieve.

What message would you like to leave with Nigerians in general?

Firstly, I want to commend Nigerians for their resilience, tenacity, and hard work displayed at home and elsewhere. Nigerians perform exceptionally well everywhere in the world as doctors, scientists. You have a lot of Nigerians who appear on the Guinness Book of Records for various reasons, from those who cook for the longest hours to those who have performed breakthroughs in medicine who have discovered cures for certain illnesses. You find them in many, many other countries, and that’s a sign of resilience and commitment. And I so wish that a lot of us in the continent can replicate that. That’s number one.

Number two, I think there’s a lot that we can do between South Africans and Nigerians. We need to develop programs that bring us much closer so that we experience each other; we understand each other. Because until such time that I understand that your favourite meal is egusi and Ponmo, I will not appreciate where you come from, and I will not appreciate your culture. Until I understand your native clothes, it will be very difficult for me to understand and appreciate where you come from. So I think if we have more gatherings that seek to promote social cohesion, we will have more understanding of each other because what we have now is perceptions about each other. When they meet in a commonplace, they will discover these perceptions are nonexistent. Now what do we do to ensure that we know each other? That’s what we have to respond to. And this is what we have been at pains to do as a consulate and the South African High Commission in Abuja. And the last part is that Nigeria and South Africa have absolutely no choice but to work together in charting a way forward in the continent. These are the two continental giants— if I exclude Egypt— which are very prominent in the continent and world politics and quite very influential because of their stature. So their relationship is not only important within the context of their bilateral relations, but it’s a relationship that is important to many other countries in the continent. So we must continue to innovate and work together. But in working together, we must bring ordinary men and women into the fold to make them understand. Because after all is said and done, the extent to which the two countries can cultivate a good bilateral relationship is if their citizens have a common understanding of what needs to be done for them to succeed in that relationship.

Exploring Virtual Reality

Opening The Doors to Immersive Entertainment Experiences

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionised the entertainment sector and emerged in a technologically forward-thinking environment. Virtual reality has allowed us to immerse ourselves in previously unattainable regions, ending the days of being only onlookers. By combining cutting-edge technology with great storytelling, virtual reality has fundamentally altered how we interact with entertainment. We explore six fascinating ways virtual reality has changed the world of immersive entertainment and drawn us into intriguing new realms.

1) VIRTUAL THEME PARKS AND RIDES

Traditional amusement and theme park rides now have fresh life thanks to virtual reality. From the comfort of a virtual reality headset, imagine flying through the air like a superhero, facing off against cosmic bad guys, or plunging into the depths of the ocean to see magnificent aquatic life. A flawless fusion of reality and imagination is now possible in theme parks thanks to the exhilarating virtual reality experiences available to accompany classic attractions.

2) INTERACTIVE GAMING ADVENTURES

The days of watching television while playing video games on the couch are over. Players that play virtual reality games are actively involved in the virtual environment and placed in the centre of the action. Gamers may interact with the world physically via virtual reality controllers and full-body tracking, whether slicing through adversaries with a sword or using their hands to solve puzzles. Players are drawn deeper into the game by the immersion level, producing an unmatched gaming experience.

3) LIVE CONCERTS AND EVENTS

Live performances and concerts have been embraced by virtual reality. Fans can now put on their virtual reality headsets and be whisked away to the front row of a concert or sporting event anywhere in the world. Even from a great distance, the sensation of being encircled by adoring spectators and the performer’s electrifying intensity provides an unrivalled sense of presence. Through real-time connections and the creation of remarkable living experiences, virtual reality has broken geographical boundaries.

5) VIRTUAL TRAVEL AND EXPLORATION

Virtual reality provides a virtual passport to go to the most captivating places on earth for individuals with a thirst for wanderlust. From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, Virtual reality travel experiences enable users to teleport to far-off locations without leaving their living rooms. It serves as a doorway to the outside world, igniting curiosity and promoting crosscultural understanding.

6) EDUCATION AND LEARNING ADVENTURES

4) CINEMATIC VR EXPERIENCES

Through cinematic virtual reality experiences, conventional cinema is converted into a multidimensional journey. With 360-degree cameras, filmmakers can take audiences on magnificent trips and let them explore scenes from all angles. With the ability to look around and engage with the setting, audiences become active participants in the plot and develop a strong emotional bond with the story and characters.

CONCLUSION

The way we study and assimilate information is being revolutionised by virtual reality. Students are taken on immersive adventures via educational virtual reality experiences that explore the secrets of the cosmos, bring history to life, or delve into the human body. Virtual reality learning is experiential and engaging, which boosts learning retention and engagement and cultivates a passion for learning for life.

A new age of immersive entertainment experiences has arrived, thanks to virtual reality. We can anticipate even more engrossing and lifelike experiences as technology develops further, erasing the distinction between the virtual and actual worlds. Wear your VR headset, and get ready to discover the almost endless options for immersive entertainment in this fascinating virtual reality era. The journey has just begun!

FASHION AND HEALTH

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

In addition to enhancing our physical appearance, fashion can significantly impact our health. Choosing clothing involves more than just fashion trends and styles. This article delves into the fascinating relationship between fashion and health, examining six ways in which what we wear might affect how we feel physically. Let’s explore the covert ways our wardrobe can promote a healthy and happier lifestyle, from comfort and functionality to posture and confidence.

How Clothing Can Convey Powerful Messages

1. COMFORTABLE FABRICS FOR SKIN HEALTH

The danger of skin irritations and allergies is decreased by wearing clothing made of natural, breathable fibres like cotton or linen. In addition to wicking away moisture, these materials help reduce discomfort from a buildup of sweat by keeping the body cool. We can encourage better skin and reduce the likelihood of skin-related problems by prioritising comfortable fabrics.

2. PROPER SUPPORT FOR POSTURE

Our posture and spinal alignment can be substantially impacted by clothing that provides enough support. Wearing supportive undergarments or well-fitted bras can assist in maintaining excellent posture, prevent back and shoulder pain, and lower the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, properly aligned feet can be encouraged, and foot-related issues can be avoided by wearing shoes with suitable arch support.

3. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVEWEAR FOR EXERCISE

Physical activity is essential for one to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and wearing the correct apparel can make exercising more enjoyable. Investing in practical activewear with designs tailored to certain activities ensures flexibility of mobility, moisture-wicking capabilities, and enough support for the best performance. Activewear that fits appropriately can increase our selfesteem, alleviate pain, and encourage us to exercise regularly.

5. CONFIDENCE AND BODY IMAGE

Our self-esteem and perception of our bodies can be significantly impacted by what we wear. We can feel better about our bodies by dressing in clothes that are appealing, comfortable, and consistent with our personal style. We are more likely to partake in physical well-beingimproving activities like exercise and social contact when we feel good about our appearance.

4. CLIMATEAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING FOR TEMPERATURE REGULATION

Our physical health is significantly impacted by the apparel we decide to wear for various temperatures. Whether it’s hot or cold, when you dress appropriately, you can regulate your body temperature, preventing overheating or prolonged exposure to the elements. In colder regions, layering your clothing enables effective insulation and moisture management, whereas in hotter settings, wearing light, absorbent clothing reduces excessive sweating and heat-related discomfort.

6. MIND-BODY CONNECTION CONCLUSION

Because of the strong mind-body link, what we wear can impact our feelings and thoughts. We might benefit from dressing in a style that appeals to our personal tastes and helps us feel good. We are more likely to have lower stress levels, greater motivation, and a stronger sense of self-care when we feel good about our clothes, all of which boost our physical health.

Our wardrobe choices greatly impact how we feel physically, which demonstrates how closely fashion and health are related. We can leverage the transforming power of fashion to improve our general health and happiness by emphasising comfort, adequate support, practical activewear, climateappropriate apparel, confidence, and the mind-body connection. Let’s embrace the possibilities of our wardrobes and make deliberate decisions that value fashion and physical health to create a harmonic connection between fashion and our quest for overall wellness.

The Science Of Positivity How Positive Thinking Impacts Our Lives

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

The tremendous force of positive thought can change our lives. Although some may dismiss it as wishful thinking, research has shown that the effects of positive thinking go well beyond simply making one feel good. It can profoundly alter our state of mind, emotions, and even our physical health. We’ll examine six intriguing ways that optimism affects our lives and the ways it can help us grow and embrace a better future.

(1) ENHANCES RESILIENCE

Positive thinking serves as a resilient armour against life’s obstacles and adversities. Those with an optimistic outlook are better able to recover from failures or setbacks. They see challenges as chances for development and learning, equipping them to handle life’s ups and downs with poise and tenacity. Positive thinking encourages a “can-do” mentality that helps us progress despite obstacles.

(2) BOOSTS PHYSICAL HEALTH

Positive thinking is crucial to our physical well-being because of the strong link between the mind and body. Studies have demonstrated a connection between optimism and reduced stress, boosted immunity, and lowered risk of cardiovascular disease. A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is more likely to be adopted by positive thinkers, which furthers their contribution to overall well-being. The basis for a healthier and more energetic life is formed by having a positive outlook.

(3) FUELS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Creative and innovative ideas are sparked by positive thinking. We are more receptive to trying new things and thinking outside the box when approaching issues optimistically. Our brain is free to embrace curiosity and take risks in our creative endeavours when no fear or negative self-talk is present. Positive thinkers are more likely to recognise possibilities where others see barriers, which can lead to ground-breaking discoveries and creative solutions.

(4) CULTIVATES POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Positivity spreads like wildfire and attracts people to it. People are drawn to individuals who have an optimistic attitude toward life. When we exude positivity and compassion, keeping positive connections becomes simpler. As a result of their greater empathy, compassion, and understanding, positive thinkers foster an atmosphere of love and support that encourages meaningful relationships with others.

(5) ENHANCES MENTAL WELLBEING

Positive thinking has a significant influence on how we feel mentally. Optimistic people are less likely to experience sadness, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Instead of lingering on regrets from the past or worrying about the future, they frequently pay attention to the present. Positive self-talk and re-framing negative beliefs can increase self-worth, satisfaction, and general resilience.

The first step toward success is confidence in oneself and one’s talents. Positive thinkers make ambitious objectives, and they always have faith in their ability to succeed in achieving them. This upbeat mentality encourages success-oriented behaviour, where failures are viewed as stepping stones rather than barriers to achievement.

Positive thinkers overcome challenges and realise their goals with tenacity and optimism.

(6) DRIVES SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT CONCLUSION

The science of positivity demonstrates that the power of positive thinking is not just a cliché but a powerful force that can remarkably change our lives. Positive thinking influences all facets of our lives. It enables us to develop wholesome relationships, overcome obstacles with resiliency, and unleash our creative potential. Adopting a positive outlook allows us to travel through life’s path with bravery and grace, not by disregarding life’s difficulties. So let’s use the science of optimism to realise our full potential and enjoy a life full of happiness, meaning, and satisfaction.

Sky High 5 Tallest Buildings in The World

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Many buildings throughout the history of architecture have claimed the title of the tallest building in the world, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, both in New York. But the “race to the sky” is a hot competition which is steadily being overtaken by ever more adventurous building enterprises as the materials and possibilities for engineering become ever more advanced and sophisticated. We look at the top five tallest buildings the world has to offer and the incredible feats of engineering that made building them possible. As you can see, they exist in locations around the world and date from 2010 onwards.

At an incredible height of 2,717 feet, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, is, without a doubt, the tallest recorded building in the world. Amazingly, it is twice the height of the Empire State Building, once the tallest building in the world in 1930, less than 100 years ago. The colossal tower has 163 floors, along with restaurants, apartments, business suites and the tallest elevator shaft in the world, for those brave enough to ride to the top. The Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) designed the building.

(3) Shanghai Tower

Set in Shanghai, China, Shanghai Tower is now the third tallest building in the world, measuring 2,073 feet. Completed in 2015, the impressive structure took nearly 20 years to complete after several funding issues arose during its construction. It was designed by the American architectural firm Gensler, who won the Architectural Design of the Year award for the tower in 2016. The tower has one of the world’s fastest elevators, which travels at 20.5 meters per second, whizzing visitors up to the top of the building’s incredible 128 floors. While Burj Khalifa is

Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is in the heart of the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It was designed by the Lebanese architectural firm Dar AlHandasah, and completed in 2012, after six years of construction work. This building is a whopping 1,972 feet high, making it the fourth tallest building in the world as of 2023. However, it also contains some world-topping stats – Abraj Al-Bait’s clock face is the biggest in the world, at 43 meters in circumference, while the building’s entire floor area is bigger than any other man-made construction.

(5) Ping An International Finance Centre

The almost-completed Merdeka 118 is the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest building in South East Asia. It towers 2,220 feet into the sky, overlooking the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Once opened, visitors will be able to climb to the very top of the building’s spire. Designed by Australian architect Fender Katsalidis alongside the local architectural firm RSP Architects Sdn Bhd, the building is set to officially open in mid to late 2023. The name Merkeda means Independence Day in Malaysia, and it will have 118 floors in total.

Ping An International Finance Centre holds some significant records: it is the tallest building in Shenzhen, the second tallest building in China, and the fifth tallest building in the world, measuring 1,966 feet high. New York architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates completed the building’s striking infrastructure, while another New York design firm, Thornton Tomasetti, designed the building’s structure, made from a composite of stainless steel and glass.

(1) Burj Khalifa

(2) Merdeka 118

(4) Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

The Meg 2

WATCH OF THE WEEK

ELEMENTAL

The biggest complaint about 2018’s The Meg, an American and Chinese co-production loosely based on author Steve Alten’s novel, was that it lacked bite. The PG-13 action vehicle for Jason Statham brought the B-movie sense of fun, but it was too restrained regarding the megalodon carnage. Meg 2: The Trench answers the first film’s criticisms, though not in the way you’d anticipate. Director Ben Wheatley forgoes retreading the same waters with a higher body count. Instead, Wheatley goes full throttle on the B-movie spectacle, packing the nearly two-hour runtime to the gills with aquatic horror madness and nonstop entertainment.

Picking up six years after The Meg, Jonas Taylor (Statham) is now a fully integrated member of the found family forged from the last film, living at the underwater research facility and furthering their studies of the Trench and the Megalodon sharks, one of which they have in captivity. On a more personal level, Jonas now proudly co-parents Meiying Zhang (Sophia Cai), but not with who you’d expect. Meiying’s mother passed between films, with her uncle Jiuming (Wu Jing) stepping up to fill that void.

The odd couple family of a teen girl and her two action-hero dads serves as the backbone of a nonstop actionadventure movie filled with aquatic creatures and villains that don’t ease up for a second. Not for setup, exposition, character beats, or even punchlines.

Wheatley, working from a screenplay by returning writers Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris, tenaciously commits to big thrills and frenetically paced set pieces, breathing room or logic be damned. After a quick hello to familiar faces that include returning players DJ (Page Kennedy) and Mac (Cliff Curtis), as well as a few new ones,

including Driscoli (Sienna Guillory), Meg 2 plunges straight to the depths to get the party started. It’s here where the spectacle of it all kicks into overdrive.

Every conceivable obstacle gets thrown the crew’s way, increasing the dangers and culling the numbers in amusing ways. Wheatley fills the frame, delivering more aquatic creature mayhem than expected as he runs through numerous set pieces with extreme velocity.

There’s zero pretences with Meg 2. It knows exactly what type of movie it is and wears its influences proudly. DJ, getting more shining action moments than before, brags about his “poison-tipped bullets like in Jaws 2” to Mac, one of many tongue-in-cheek jokes that signal that Meg 2 doesn’t take itself seriously, so neither should you. That’s what ultimately evens out the severely overstuffed plotting. Human villains, corporate greed, backstabbing, nods to the first film, capsized submersibles with no escape, and more ensure that no attention span gets left behind. And that’s before you toss in the plethora of aquatic creatures, including the biggest Meg yet.

The kitchen sink approach winds up being the movie’s biggest asset and its most glaring flaw. The nonstop thrills, battles, creature feature fun, and survival elements crowd out everything else. The body count is much higher, but most of the supporting players come and go so quickly that many deaths don’t register. Wheatley often gets too chaotic with the camerawork, rendering some fight scenes a mess. While the climax does enough right in B-movie horror style, it also needlessly revives tired moments from The Meg.

Meg 2: The Trench is messy in execution and almost exhausting in how much gets packed into the runtime without a second wasted. The humour is the precise type of cheese that’ll amuse you or drive you nuts. And yet, it’s a blast. It’s dumb, and it knows it. Wheatley leaves The Meg behind in favour of wackier waters filled with more Megs, more problems, and an entire Trench worth of creature feature chaos.

The best 5.5/10 of the year

Here is a perfectly decent, personable family entertainment from Pixar, based around another of this studio’s oddly pedantic and algorithmically developed abstract high concepts: what if fire and water fell in love?

The film also plays as a starcrossed love story based on one of the most traditional American themes: melting-pot diversity in the big city.

The scene is another fabular alt-reality: Element City, a place of vivid colours and shapes like a toy held up in front of a newborn. Here, the creatures of the four elements – fire, water, earth and air – have come together to live, if not in harmony exactly, then a kind of boisterous acceptance. There is, however, a bigoted caste system that means that fire creatures are looked down on.

Each of them comes from an old country where they were members of the only elementethnicity. Bernie and Cindy Lumen (voiced by Ronnie Del Carmen and Shila Ommi) are hardworking first-generation fire immigrants who set up a store in the city’s Fire Town district. They have a smart, fiery-tempered teen daughter Ember (Leah Lewis), whom they hope will take over the business when they are gone.

But left alone to mind the shop one day, Ember’s explosively combustible temper cracks the pipes, which have been amateurishly installed by her

dad, and this brings a certain watery young man through the cracks. This is Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a government building inspector who really ought to penalise the Lumen family. But he’s a goofy, soppy romantic whose watery identity is represented chiefly by his tear ducts. There’s a funny scene showing his family playing what they call “the crying game”, in which they challenge each other to listen to a poignant story without bursting into tears.

Wade falls in love with Ember, whose incendiary talent for turning sand into glass might yet prove to be the making of them both. To find happiness, Wade has to prove himself to Ember and also to her suspicious parents.

It’s a bit silly, a bit surreal, a bit simplistic, and lands itself with the problem of how to show Ember being sad (which she sometimes is) and Wade being passionate (which he also sometimes is). But this film is surely pitched at much younger kids than a comparable Pixar film such as Inside Out, in which the separate moods inside us all were represented by different characters.

The question of whether Pixar’s golden age is irrevocably behind us is now well-established and perhaps also misleading. In fact, Pixar has given us some outstanding films recently in Soul and Coco, and I am admittedly in the minority in thinking the Toy Story spinoff Lightyear is much better than it’s given credit for. But undoubtedly, Elemental is another step away from the sophisticated brilliance of this studio’s glory days.

Perhaps these multicoloured abstracts make the films sell better in international territories, but there is a worrying hint of PixarGPT about all this. Elemental seems to have been formulated with slightly chilling accuracy, and the look of the movie is less interesting than it could have been. But having said that, a certain sweet, unworldly idealism in Elemental survives, the keynote of optimism – and this is the flame that Pixar has to keep alive.

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