THEWILL DOWNTOWN AUG. 08 EDITION

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

HAJYA FATIMA MOHAMMED GONI Heart of Gold, Mother of Many!

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

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VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

Photo: @HairByUgo

EDITOR’S NOTE

L

ast time out, I did this (Editor’s note) twice and boy was it worth it. The reception of our previous issue in all it’s double cover glory is still resonating and the entire team is grateful to you, our reader, for its warm reception! Still in the spirit of love (and now, giving) we have Hajya Fatima Mohammed Goni on our cover to tell a different kind of love story: charity. An industry born out of necessity, charity dealings have been exploited in the past.

However, the joy from knowing that there are people out there genuinely looking out for the less privileged is unbridled.

I would be lying if I said my last couple of weeks have been easy. Life in Lagos and Nigeria is still very insecure- my dear friend Chef Emeka was murdered in his home in Abuja, one of my interns, Kazeem was accosted by 3 hoodlums and robbed at knifepoint in broad daylight and my car is STILL missing. It’s terrible when one’s hope is threatened because as far as I’m concerned that’s the only thing that is keeping the majority of the youths of this country from taking off for good.

I guess when super cops are shrugging off their responsibilities in lieu of personal shopping and fashion designing, then it makes sense why everything else in this country comes up smelling like a joke.

Whoever is responsible for our security needs to wake up and fix this before it spirals out of control.

It’s not all doom and gloom here I promise… there’s a lot to get into within this issue.

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 Contributing Writers: 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

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CONTENTS

COVER STORY: HAJYA FATIMA MOHAMMED GONI Heart of Gold, Mother of Many!

04

ODDBOD & THE CITY NATIONAL BOOK LOVER’S DAY

05

THE REVIEW ALBUM REVIEW

06

FA S H I O N 4 QUICK AND TRENDY WAYS TO STYLE AN OVERSIZED SHIRT & TEES

11

W E B S I G H T S D O W N TO W N WANTED: ABBA KYARI AND AN OLYMPIC GOLD

12-13

B E AU T Y WHAT’S ALL THE HYPE ABOUT SALICYLIC ACID?

14

T H E S C E N E D O W N TO W N SPILL THE TEA WITH THE ABEBES

15

TH E S C ENE DOW NTOW N JOLLOF FACEOFF

16

L IVING THE STORY OF HOW I JAPA’ED “SORTA”

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VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

ODDBOD & THE CITY

ODUN OGUNBIYI

National Book

Lover’s Day A

ugust 9th, National Book Lover’s Day, is an unofficial holiday observed by bibliophiles all over the world to celebrate the joy of reading and the literary arts.

If you ever had any doubt as to the importance of the humble book one must look at the exquisite works of art man has been building in homage over the ages.

From prestigious seats of learning through religious sanctuaries to global national treasures here is my list of libraries around the world that have made my bucket list.

Austrian National Library

National Treasures Abbey Libraries

Austrian National Library, Vienna Austria’s largest library is also its most spectacular.

The central State Hall is an extraordinary combination of baroque flair with traditional library design.

University Libraries Bodleian Library and divinity school, Oxford, UK

Bodleian Library

The UK’s foremost library, the “Bod” is one of the oldest in Europe. For the past 400 years, every book that has ever been printed in the UK has been housed there.

Highlights include the “Duke Humfrey’s Medieval Library”, the circular Radcliffe Camera and the 15th-century Divinity School.

George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland, USA

George Peabody Library

Admont Abbey Library – Admont, Austria The largest library of its kind in the world is resplendent in gold and white hues with ceilings space adorned by Bartolomeo Altomonte’s frescos and Joseph Stammel’s “Four Last Things” sculptures.

Klementinum Library, Prague This baroque gem is graced with a ceiling adornment by Jan Hiebl that celebrates ancient learning and wisdom. The main room is filled with antique globes and clocks as well as books and tomes that date back to the Jesuit era.

This spacious Greek Revival-style library houses a collection of 300,000 volumes, many from the 19th century. The library’s atrium rises 61 feet into the air, peaking with a latticed skylight, gold scalloped columns and tiered, cast-iron balconies.

Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Home to the Book of Kells, the splendidly embellished Gospel volume which dates to the early 9th century, the 18th-century Long Room contains 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, and marble busts of writers and philosophers.

Old library, Trinity College

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Wiblinglen Abbey Library – Ulm, Germany Featuring gorgeous ceiling paintings by Franz Martin Kuen this Rococo style space completed in 1744 is renowned throughout southern Germany.

Royal Portuguese Reading Room – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil The stylish Royal Portuguese Reading Room features a gorgeous multi-coloured skylight and the Altar da Pátria, which is a stunning beyondclassicallybeautiful.com masterpiece made from marble, ivory and silver commemorating the Portuguese Discoveries that took place during the 1400s and 1500s.

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)

Album Review

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)

New Album Sunday Playlist

New music Friday is one of my favorite days of the week. Waking up and immediately throwing myself into the new albums or singles that were released overnight as I go about my day is so enjoyable to me.

With so many new albums dropping last week, I thought it would be nice to do two reviews of some of my favorite albums that were released. If you see any that pique your interest, scan the playlist that is attached to this page. I’ve curated some of the best songs from the selection below, with a few gems tossed in. If you’d like to read more album reviews, do let me know on Twitter @bolu_adesina. As always, enjoy!

Billie Eilish Happier than Ever

In the aftermath of Billie Eilish’ stunning night at the 2021 Grammy awards – where she swept all before her in a record-shattering haul – it seemed like this young figure, for so long the Biggest Cult Artist On The Planet, had finally crossed over. Her 2019 debut album When We All Fall Asleep, where do we go? felt definitive, a resetting of pop’s electronic possibilities, one imbued with a punk-like sense of independence.

But it’s worth remembering that this is an artist at the start of her career. Her Bond theme No Time To Die – (the film itself, in true pandemic style, isn’t even out yet) – initially felt like an outlier, a playful experiment for Billie as well as producer, collaborator, and brother FINNEAS to try out. Yet in many ways it’s become a bridging point, between the pointed digital-driven success of her debut, and the more lush, open, and organic songwriting of its follow up.

A work of subtle evolution, Happier Than Ever finds Billie Eilish more at ease with herself. If her debut’s immense creativity was reflective of an anxious mind, then Happier Than Ever – with its fondness for torch songs, and it’s beautiful vocal epistles – reflects an artist who has grown more accepting of herself, while still exploring both her possibilities and her limitations.

Opening with Getting Older, the album finds Billie self-consciously moving past her teen-prodigy status. The voice of someone older, wiser, and more experienced, it’s worth reminding ourselves that she’s still only 19.

I Didn’t Change My Number is a whispered song of regret, but its vocal – so wracked with subtlety – is offset by a beat triggered by a love for trap, and modern hip-hop production.

Indeed, while Happier Than Ever is a more lush, subtle experience than her debut, the digi pyrotechnics that lit up ‘Bad Guy’, say, are still present. Take Therefore I Am – Billie’s ominous line “I’m not your friend…” is bounced against the kind of barbed electronic interplay which made her debut such a precocious alt-pop bulldozer.

Yet it’s the penchant for torch songs which truly marks this album out from her debut.

Dialling down the day-glo sonic tapestries, there’s an increased reliance on Billie’s voice as an instrument. Dissolving classic tropes into a studio perfume, songs such as Billie Bossa Nova – with its almost impressionistic take on South American sounds – or the heavenly title track, with its Billie Holiday influence, resonate in a way we’ve not quite heard from Billie before.

Lyrically, she’s attempting to find a personal form of balance – between responsibilities and freedom, between mistakes and successes.

Take the subtle introspection of the title song, or the statements underpinning Therefore I Am – you can even look towards Halley’s Comet, with its promise of return and renewal.

A record of quiet complexity, Happier Than Ever closes with Male Fantasy. A subdued finale, it quietly picks apart a tale of heartbreak, inverting this tale of love lost to further explore her own role in a male dominated entertainment world, one where her image and body are objectified. It’s a bravura lyrical performance, with its solemn regret - “Nothing lasts / I know the deal…” – sharpened by the minimalist arrangement.

Ultimately Happier Than Ever sits in a completely different realm from her debut.

Pared back and finely contoured, it revels in subtlety, with a kind of crepuscular glow settling on her potent meditations. Whether it’s the glowing choral impact of ‘GOLDWING’ or the dense paranoia of ‘NDA’, it’s a record that revels in quiet contradiction. Patiently moving into a new era, Happier Than Ever is shrouded in a transformative darkness.

8/10

Billie Eilish - Billie Bossa Nova Billie Eilish - My future

Lil Nas X; Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)

Dave - Verdansk

Bosalin; Illbliss - The Igbos

The Kid LAROI; Justin Bieber STAY (with Justin Bieber)

Dave; WizKid - System (feat. WizKid)

2Baba; Falz - Rise Up

Isaiah Rashad; Duke Deuce Lay Wit Ya (feat. Duke Deuce)

Clairo - Amoeba

We’re All Alone in This Together - Dave Psychodrama, Dave’s visionary debut album, was empowered by its fiercely local perspective. The stains and triumphs of London living trickled through the record’s very fibers, manifesting in direct homage to Streatham, sly references to Brixton and Bow, and the localized minutiae of Lesley. Yet with his second album, We’re All Alone in This Together, the scope has opened somewhat. The Dave of 2021 is rallying against Middle Eastern refugee crises and deepening his Nigerian ties -- a rapper with his feet planted in London, but with a gaze stretching worldwide.

With his acute pen, Dave folds international concerns into the London diaspora: Three Rivers poignantly examines three eras of British immigration, Lazarus pings between London and Lagos, and Heart Attack contextualizes cyclical violence with its “Somali dad ran away from a war, now his son’s in a war.” Psychodrama’s localization is far from gone -- Verdansk kicks the album off with wisecracks and a “three-car convoy in Sutton” -- but the project, like its cover, feels refreshingly open, floating contemplatively amid global contexts and local tales.

As with all of Dave’s works, WAAITT is defined by its statement pieces. The album’s seven-plus-minute monoliths employ his talents to different ends: In the Fire is an awe-striking Avengers Assemble of U.K. rap, Both Sides of a Smile folds conflicted romances into James Blake’s harmonies, and Heart Attack provides another meditative masterwork. They are brought to fulmination, like the

Question Time’s before them, by the rapper’s ageless insight and evocative lyricism. In the Fire employs a reference to footballer Jakub Błaszczykowski as not just a triple entendre but a brutal allegory for losing a parent to immigration services.

Among the set’s shorter cuts are a wealth of staples: the minimalist strut of Titanium and Funky Friday finds a solid counterpart in Verdansk and Clash, while Psychodrama’s sublime opener/closer combo is matched

by We’re All Alone and Survivor’s Guilt. The only dip in excellence is with the airier Law of Attraction and System, which feel out of sync with the album’s core in a way that Purple Heart and Location on Psychodrama didn’t.

Adrift on the open sea, Dave makes a potent second statement. His first steps outside of Psychodrama’s concrete sphere of influence continue to cement his generational talent.

8.5/10

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VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

FASHION Quick And Trendy Ways To Style

Oversized Shirts & Tees

E

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

mbrace the oversized shirt trend if you have not already.

Big shirt outfits are perfect for those hectic mornings when you need to get out of the house quickly.

No one wants to look like a hot mess on a busy morning and with the uncertainty of the Nigerian climate, they will save you so much time in the mornings, less time stressing about what to wear, and more time for yourself.

Check out the trendy ways to wear oversized shirts and tees in this roundup of oversized shirt inspiration. Who knew baggy shirts were so easy to style?

Tiwa Savage

Baggy Tee Style When in doubt, go with an oversized plain white t-shirt.

It’s a no-fuss outfit. For a chic look, wear a baggy tee with slouchy jeans; it looks great untucked.

You don’t need a PhD in fashion to pull this look off, and if you want, you can accessorise it with a statement necklace or earrings.

Nancy Isime

Patterned Oversized Shirt A patterned shirt is a good way to include print in your wardrobe without feeling too careful. A patterned shirt can go with any bottom and looks relaxed as well.

Choosing a button-down shirt can offer a stylish and sophisticated look. This style is typically less casual than throwing on baggy tees, but can still be dressed up or down.

You can stay on-trend without having to buy a lot of accessories by choosing abstract patterns. They range from simple monochrome prints to colourful explosions.

Diana Eneje Derin From Isaale Eko

Belt that Tee Tucked In Shirt or Tee

Cinch a baggy tee into a tight fit with a belt. If you can’t find the right belts don’t worry, waist corsets are a great substitute and can also be paired with baggy tees.

This style started in the 1920s as a rebellious reaction to the feminine fashion of previous decades. If you want something a little more dressed up, you can opt to tuck your t-shirts into jeans or denim shorts for a not-so-form-fitting option.

When tucked in, button-down shirts typically have a lot of volume and look even better. A cotton poplin shirt can be a beautiful choice for this ensemble.

Marjon Carlos

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The fabric has a lot of shape-holding ability and feels exceptional. If you prefer a feminine appearance, the oversized silk shirt will do.

Either one will pair well with simple jeans for an effortless, effortless look.

Lil Kim

You can pair some trainers with an oversized tee for the day or heels and jewellery for the evening, and then you have the perfect outfit for both.

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

COVER

W

alk me through your daily routine.

After my morning prayers, the day is the day of the people and the youths.

I don’t have my time aside from prayers, the rest is for the needy; including Saturdays and Sundays.

If there’s business, I’m working. In the likelihood that there’s no work, I relax and spend time with family.

What does Goni mean? I assume it is a title of some sort?

Yes, you are correct. It means an Islamic scholar.

Let’s start from the beginning, your father was quite popular in Borno. He was a Sheikh and he did quite a lot for that community.

What are some of the things you learnt from him?

HAJYA FATIMA MOHAMMED GONI

Heart of Gold, Mother of Many!

Charity, the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need. The world we’ve found ourselves in has blurred the lines of the conventional definitions we learnt in and around a formal setting. With people having denotative meanings and ulterior motives to doing things, a word like charity is a victim of this stereotype. The idea of the word has been seen as a cloak used by people to adulterate crimes and fleshen personal accounts. However, our cover personality is one of the few people who embody charity and rightly deserve the humanitarian title.

DOWNTOWN’S Tilewa Kazeem caught up with Borno-born Hajya Fatima Mohammed Goni, a mother of many who helps without consideration of borders, religion, or ethnicity.

Well, my father’s job was to educate. He had a school where children from around the community came to learn. For the duration of my father’s time on earth, you were never allowed to collect a single dime from those children and their parents. The school was completely free. There, he also taught them how to read and understand the Quran and Islam in its entirety. Aside from being an educator, he was also a tailor. He had apprenticeships and he taught people this trade so they too could provide for themselves and their families. He strongly believed in equipping yourself with a skill so combined with education, you’d be able to hold your own in society.

To quantify all I learnt from my father, you’d have to cancel your trip and go back to Lagos tomorrow because there’s a lot to tell. Whenever my father was eating and someone came in he’d say Ah! Thank God! I don’t know how to finish this food. My wife and children are overfeeding me. Please come and join me. Even when he was famished he would do the same thing. Now that habit has become a part of me and I do the same thing. Also, he was selfless.

If he had one naira he’d share it till there’s nought left. He’d tell me that money is nothing. Build people, draw people closer in any way you can. I remember whenever soldiers and policemen were posted to my village in Borno. He’d house them all under his roof without regard for where they’re from and religion. At all times he’d tell me for no reason should I ever lie and follow the truth. Always say it as it is. He taught me the importance of praying five times daily. If you look at my eyes you’d see I’m sleep deprived. I spend more than three

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VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

COVER

My passion is to help people. Humanitarian work is my lane, anything else I’m not interested in. I have tons of awards and I didn’t pay one naira for them. I’ve spent over 600 million naira of my own money giving back and I am content with that but to buy a ticket to become a counselor; I’m not interested.”

Mobilizer For Buhari and Osinbajo stems from my adoration and support of the president. It was registered in 2014 and became active in 2015.

What then happens to this when the present Head of State and his vice leave office?

hours praying for our Nigeria every day. These are some constant reminders of who he was and what I learnt from him.

What was it like meeting the President of our great nation and how did you end up being the Chairperson of the Grassroots Mobilizers for Buhari and Osinbajo (GMB)

My father, as I rightly mentioned, was an Islamic scholar and was a huge fan of President Buhari. Back then he used to pray five times daily for the president just because of his personal adoration for him. As time went on, I began to appreciate who he was and what he did. I know there are a lot of questions about his capability, honesty, and patriotism towards Nigeria but like every Nigerian who has Nigeria running through his veins he has all and more needed to run Nigeria.

As someone who is true to the cause of helping people, I was chosen to head the team towards giving people who are willing to work, aspire and achieve, the opportunity to do so regardless of tribe, religion, or ethnicity. There are millions of youths in Nigeria with no roof over their head.

Some have turned to armed robbery, petty theft, terrorism, and kidnapping because of lack of education and those who have studied to the highest level possible roam the streets jobless. Perhaps if they did they’d do more for their society and their families. For those reasons I am proud of the GMBO. As a campaign member, I want to fulfill the president and his vice’s promise of providing jobs for the youths, and Inshallah we have helped more than 100,000 youths across Nigeria.

What exactly is Grassroots Mobilizers for Buhari and Osinbajo?

It’s an organization that helps people who naturally don’t have the opportunity or privilege to do so. The word grassroots implies that society has deemed them disadvantaged, so we provide for them, sending them to school thereby putting them in positions where they can provide for themselves and their family. The Grassroots

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We did Buhari and Osinbajo in a big way and we counted victory; come 2023, I have another Grassroots Mobilizer for a Better Nigeria and Initiative. That’s the new group. Cumulatively all these groups; FATMOBU DIKWA FOUNDATION FOR THE NEEDY, Grassroots Mobilizer for Buhari and Osinbajo and the new group have over two million members registered and armed with their voter’s cards. You saw it, I took you to the library where I have the hard copies, and you saw this new group as well. It has well over 500,000 registered members also. So the Better Nigeria Initiative is continuous.

We are inducting new members into our database which would take the number to over 2.5 million. By 2023 my target is to have 10 million members and I will get it.

We are receiving forms from different states at the moment and inshallah I’d get it.

From a very young age, you’ve been exposed to helping people and putting a smile on people’s faces. You had no obligation to follow that path as you became older but you did. Tell me why?

I like this question. It’s my passion. Right from a little age, I’ve always had this compassion to help. When my late father sent me on errands and I happened to see someone in need of help I rendered it to them. I’d take them to the chemist to get medicine, food, or whatever. After that, I’d start crying, wondering how I would face my father and for that reason, everyone knew me. After that my father started sending my brothers. At the time all I wanted to do was just help in whatever way I could.

I’m what you’d call an

educated illiterate. I had no formal education aside from quranic school but despite that, I didn’t let it hold me back so I fought and struggled to get to where I am today. My sister, Dr. Aisha Adamu, and I started FASH International and a lot of the profit generated from that is given back to the youths and the less privileged. My NGO, FATMOBU DIKWA FOUNDATION FOR THE NEEDY takes my time and resources and I submit to it wholeheartedly because it is my passion.

It is why I was put on the earth.

For example, if I go to a village and I see that there’s no clean water I make provision for a borehole to be installed in that community and when I return to commission that borehole, I go with a branded vehicle of Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo informing them of who made that possible. Putting a smile on the faces of those villagers as well as the numerous less privileged people we’ve been able to help makes my heart dance for joy and I feel deeply fulfilled that in my little way I’m making a difference.

I understand you are nothing without your humanitarian work but I’d like to take a step out of that and venture deeper into a more personal side of Hajya Fatima Mohammed Goni.

Some information about my personal life is exclusive but I’ll tell you what I can.

I’ll take what I can get. So are you married?

No, I’m not married. I was, but we are separated.

I did some digging and I saw you’re a grandma, Congratulations! What is that like and how many children do you have?

Thank you. I have just one daughter and two grandchildren but I can say I have many children and grandchildren as well because everyone I’ve touched and impacted in their lives are my children.

My brother’s children are my children as well but personally, I have just one child, Aisha, and two grandchildren Maruf and Adamu. I made sure that she got the best education.

She has a degree in Mass Communication from Malaysia and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the UK. Now she works under the Civil Service Commission. Inasmuch as she’s chosen her own part, she does her own fair share of humanitarian work. Working under the FATMOBU foundation, she provides for the needy from her own pocket as well. That way what I learnt from my father, she learns from me, and so on and so forth.

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

COVER

That’s wonderful, looks like the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. As a mother and a human being, what do you have to say to people who believe that a male child is more deserving of education as opposed to a female child?

Education is the key. Maybe if I went to school and was educated, I could toss my hat in the ring to become the president or the vice-president of the next election because as you can see everything a man can do a woman can do better. If you look at Paulen Talen, the Minister for Women Affairs in Nigeria, she’s good at what she does. At a time she was a female child. Would it have been fair to deprive her of education because of her gender considering all the good she’s done? She,as well as many other examples, prove that more women need to come out; and how would that happen?

By equipping them with education. You can have all the determination to become successful

but the lack of education already puts you at a disadvantage.

Genital mutilation. This is something that is still happening in Nigeria and during my research, I read that you and your foundation are cracking down on it in the north. What steps did you take to make this happen?

Awareness. That’s how we did it. Educating people and teaching them how such a barbaric act is setting Nigeria back centuries. At the end of the day, they are reacting as a result of what they’ve been accustomed to and what has been passed down from generation to generation. In making them aware that it does more harm than good, we were able to reset their mindsets. Also, with prayer anything is possible.

If you could place a number on the amount of lives you impacted and touched, what would that number be?

Honestly, not countable. I showed you my records room and you saw the foundation’s catalog with thick binders of people enrolled under the foundation. From Abia all the way to FCT. Let me tell you a story. There’s this boy I usually buy roasted corn from along the road. One day I asked him, “don’t you want to go to school? You’re roaming around here running after buses”. He said his dad is late and he’s the one providing for his family. I asked him what level he stopped his education and he said secondary level. I asked him a follow-up question “If you get the opportunity to go to the university will you go?” He said “yes”. Then I said, “Toh! Go and gain admission and I’ll sponsor you”. He got admission in Nasarawa, finished and he got his degree. He served his NYSC here in my company and right now I’m trying to get him a job.

One day in my office we were talking and I asked him where he was from. He said he was born in Kaduna but he is Yoruba. Up until that day I had never asked him any question of the sort I just helped him. This is a story that I hold dear and I keep remembering every time. All I saw was a committed Nigerian who wanted more and I was used as a vessel to take him from that to a graduate. This is just one of the numerous stories; going to hospitals to clear patients’ bills from my own pocket. My secretary initially started out teaching me English and I learnt because of business.

As someone who has devoted her life to helping people, what are some of these restraints you’ve faced?

The major constraint is financial backing from those who have more than I do. In my capacity, I offer as much help as I can to those who need it. Nigeria is big and I can’t do everything. If I could I would but I can’t but I’d like to call out those who have the funds like Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Abdul Samaad to name a few to help the cause. If I’m able to do my part for society despite my limited resources, imagine what they can do with the embarrassment of riches at their disposal.

So I am calling and appealing to them to trust a good cause by entrusting this foundation to reach and touch more lives.

The FATMOBU DIKWA FOUNDATION FOR THE NEEDY has representation in all 774 local governments and with this, whatever comes in to us will reach those who need it twice as fast. I don’t mind going all the way to Sambisa to deliver to the disadvantaged but I don’t have those resources. The government can’t do it all, they need those who have as well to chip in and assist. I remember there was a lack of PVCs for the last election, in my office I wrote a letter appealing to INEC for the deadline to be pushed forward for people to get theirs.

Through perseverance, awareness, tears, and jingles, the deadline date was pushed back and over 2.5 million voters’ cards were recorded. If a similar situation arises again and we have sufficient financial

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COVER backing we’d do more.

We are all Nigerians before anything else so the conversation of religion or tribe isn’t one we ought to be having. Rather, the discussion of how to move Nigeria forward is one we should be having.

What are some of the foundation’s biggest achievements?

So many things. My children (the disadvantaged) have had their stories rewritten because we gave them a second chance at life. Over 1000 youths are working in different ministries. I have 16 youths working for this state’s(Abuja)revenue commission. I didn’t put my daughter there. I told her to go and work for herself and I fought to put youths that went to school and got a degree. When they gave me their CV, they didn’t expect a job that pays 400,000 naira a month. With that, they can help their families and for every one person that helps another person in need, I get rewarded by Allah. So even if I haven’t profited from this foundation I’ve achieved great things and that’s worth more to me than a thousand plaques on the wall. In working for President Buhari I’m striving day in day out to complete his mission and each day I get closer to that goal I can rest my head and sleep like a baby because my conscience is clear.

Come 2023, I’m praying for a good and credible presidential candidate who has Nigeria at heart so I’ll rally behind that person and all Grassroots followers will do so as well.

Why is that?

My passion is to help people. Humanitarian work is my lane, anything else I’m not interested in. I have tons of awards and I didn’t pay one naira for them. My work behind the scenes was appreciated and these awards were given to me in honour of my work. I want to be associated with board positions that really matter and are actually making a difference in the lives of people. I’ve spent over 600 million naira of my own money giving back and I am content with that but to buy a ticket to become a counselor I’m not interested. At the end of the day, I’m capable of doing more than a number of ministers in office today. A position that allows me to give back to Nigeria is what I want, not one that would personally enrich my pockets.

My children always tell me not to say I didn’t go to school because I’ve achieved more than what a lot of these high and mighty graduates have. I’ve given back to the people that need help. They are proud of me likewise I’m proud of myself. The Vice-president, Speaker of the house, and a ton of governors know what mama is capable of and the role I played but I can’t go grovelling on my knees to be rewarded as a board member. If they deem it fit to reward me with a position on a board that allows me to give back then no problem and if not, almighty Allah has and will continue to reward me in his own way.

You said something about praying for a worthy candidate for the presidency. Have you considered giving it a shot? Is it something you’ve considered?

*she laughs* I’ve never been interested in the daily running of a country. Even if it’s a role as far down as a counselor, I’ve never thought about it.

At the end of the day, I’m capable of doing more than a number of ministers in office today. A position that allows me to give back to Nigeria is what I want, not one that would personally enrich my pockets.”

PAGE 10

Taking a detour from humanitarian talk I’d like to ask what is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Tuwo and Miyan Kuka, made locally but internationally, I like prawns as well.

When were you born?

The 25th of February 1970 Wow, Happy belated birthday then Hajya. You turned 50 last year.

How did you celebrate your golden jubilee?

Since I’ve been born I’ve never celebrated any of my birthdays or even cut a cake. Usually, during my birthday we gather, pray and eat. However, for my 50th my Nigerian children surprised me. That day I said my prayers from 12am to 2am, and when the cock crowed in the morning I went out. While I was out my appointees and my Nigerian children had bought cakes and gifts. They decorated the office beautifully and tricked me back to the office with a potential donation. When I heard that, I rushed down to the office. Immediately I opened the door and everyone shouted “Happy Birthday Mummy!” I was shocked and happy I couldn’t hold back the tears. It was a memorable birthday and the first birthday I’ve celebrated.

For my 51st birthday, I forgot the day. Something happened to someone close to me and I honestly forgot but on Facebook people celebrated, reposting my pictures and all sorts. Later in the day, I received gifts and a few people celebrated with me.

During the recent EndSars protest, did you do anything to show support?

The EndSars protest started in good faith but somewhere along the line, it deteriorated into a political tussle. I’m glad none of my members were involved in those series of events. It was a problem that affected Nigeria and all we could do at that time was pray.

Somewhere in our discussion, you mentioned you were a businesswoman. What are some of those businesses you dabbling in?

Before the restrictions on import and export, I dealt in Persian rugs and carpets but now I deal in real estate.

And of all the countries you’ve traveled to, what country would you say is your favorite?

One of them is Saudi Arabia because it’s a holy land.

As a Muslim anyone who has a problem runs to that place. The second is Switzerland. If you have a problem locating somewhere there are information desks around the city to help you locate where you want to go. It is very quiet and peaceful. Somewhere like New York is busy like Lagos but in Switzerland, everyone minds their business.

How many languages do you speak?

Little English, Hausa, and a little Arabic as well. My own language is Kanuri and I speak a bit Yoruba.

With the population of Nigeria exceeding 210 million people, it must take a humanitarian superhero to reach the far corners of Nigeria. As someone who has done a ton already and isn’t too far from that title, has there ever been a time where you wished you could do more but you couldn’t?

Umm… In April 2014, I visited Chibok shortly after they had kidnapped the school girls. We sympathized and wept with the parents whose children were taken. And on our way flying over Maiduguri, I saw something and it touched me. While we were going, we were given two hours. Who passed the order, we had no clue but we were given two hours to fly to Chibok and back. Helicopters shuffled across the sky like a war zone and flying in one of those helicopters, I could see people working in farms going about their day-to-day routine. I sat there perplexed and said to myself if I as an individual can survey what was going on from a chopper, what’s stopping the trained men from doing so?

When I returned home, the whole thing kept me up.

I couldn’t sleep. All I could do was to pray to Allah to support those parents in their time of need and hurt.

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

websights DOWNTOWN

Abba Kyari & An Olympic Gold

Supercop Abba Kyari In Hot Water As Nigerian Olympians Have Staged More Protests In Tokyo Than Win Gold Medals

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE The FBI’s Most Wanted; A Nigerian Hero Supercop Abba Kyari is accused of abusing his power to support Hushpuppi’s global fraud ring in the news that came as a shock to Nigerians.

The deputy commissioner for the Nigeria Police Force, famous nationwide for catching notorious criminals — killers, kidnappers, bank robbers and Boko Haram extremists, with years of high-profile arrests winning him acclaim and an enduring nickname: “super cop,” is officially a wanted man in the United States on charges related to wire fraud and money laundering, according to court documents unsealed this week in California.

According to Ramon Abbas, who goes by the name Hushpuppi, one of Nigeria’s most infamous scammers, Kyari took a bribe last year to arrest a man who betrayed his cybercrime syndicate.

“He is in my Cell now,” Kyari texted Abbas, according to the indictment.

“I want him to go through serious beating of his life,” Abbas allegedly wrote back, with the police official responding: “Hahahaha.”

According to unsealed court records, Abbas, who faces up to 20 years in prison, pleaded guilty in April to charges related to fraud in a California court.

Kyari, 49, who has since been suspended by The Nigerian Police Force, has denied all wrongdoing.

The Force said it had launched a probe of the FBI’s allegations, immediately naming a replacement in ex-RRS commander, Tunji Disu.

Several years before he was arrested, Abbas claimed to be an ultra-wealthy real estate developer. In reality, however, he admitted in court, that he ran a fraud scheme that bilked victims of $24 million. At least $1.1 million of that amount was supposed to open a school for children in Qatar.

According to the indictment, Abbas messaged Kyari after one of his co-conspirators - dubbed “Vincent” - turned on him. Vincent tried to warn and “steal a victim away,” Abbas told Kyari, adding that he should be beaten “like [an] armed robber,” according to the indictment. “Please sir I want to spend money to send this boy to jail,” Abbas allegedly wrote. “Let him go for a very long time.”

Kyari allegedly responded with a photo of Vincent in jail, then sent over bank details. (The account was not listed in his name.)

“Nobody demanded any money from Abbas Hushpuppi and nobody collected any money from him,” Kyari wrote on his Facebook page. “We responded to a distress call he made on threat to his family and released the Suspect when we discovered there was no life threat from the Suspect.”

Later, Kyari wrote, Abbas asked him to connect him to someone selling clothes the officer had worn in photos on social media. The clothes, Kyari wrote, “were brought to our office and He sent somebody to Collect them.” Abass sent about $730 to that merchant, Kyari said.

With Nigerians unclear if this would be followed by an extradition, the reactions were pretty mixed.

Here are some of them

Nigerian Olympic Officials’ Hall Of Shame The shame didn’t end with Abba Kyari’s alleged involvement with a global fraud syndicate, it followed #TeamNigeria to the Olympics.

Nigerian superstar sprinter Blessing Okagbare was provisionally suspended for doping just hours before the former World Championships silver medallist was due to run in the semi-finals of the women’s 100 metres at the Olympics.

Okagbare tested positive for Human Growth Hormone in an out-ofcompetition test on July 19, four days before the Olympics opened, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said, prompting a mandatory provisional suspension.

The AIU informed Okagbare of her suspension on the Saturday morning before her race, ruling her out of the competition and likely ending her Olympic campaign.

In a similar progression of events, Nigerian athletes protested in Tokyo after they were disqualified from the Olympics for failing to meet anti-doping testing requirements. Ten would-be Olympians were banned from competing in the track and field competition after Nigerian sports officials allegedly failed to properly register them for three mandatory out-of-competition tests.

The Ministry of Sports and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria said the athletes’ tests did not meet collection and analysis standards and the Athletics Integrity Unit, which handles the anti-doping program for the sport said the athletes didn’t meet the testing requirements, the outlet reported.

“All our athletes resident in Nigeria and who qualified for the Olympic Games completed the three mandatory tests. Most of our top athletes resident in the USA also completed their tests. However, a few athletes in the American collegiate system were tested but

those tests were deemed not to have complied with… sample collection and analysis standards.”

There were also reports of tensions between athletes and officials of Team Nigeria at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games over Samsung mobile phones, which were given to athletes from each participating country.

As one of the sponsors of the Olympics, Samsung gifted competing athletes a Samsung S20+ 5G Olympics Games Athlete Edition phone, which costs over $1,000.

Reports gathered was that the procedure for collecting the phone was that each athlete was meant to go to the Samsung office in Tokyo, scan with the Olympics accreditation tag and collect the phone. However, Team Nigeria officials reportedly collected the phone in bulk for all the athletes representing the country.

According to a Tokyo source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the officials failed to provide the 10 disqualified athletes with their Samsung phones.

“Each athlete at the Olympics is entitled to one Samsung phone each. All they need to do is go to the Samsung office, scan their accreditation cards and get their phones. But the Nigerian delegation, through a very senior ministry official, went to the Samsung office and took all the phones for Team Nigeria athletes. Now the athletes went to meet the official and he said, ‘You are not competing, you can’t get a phone.’”

“If we don’t get our phones, we will protest,” threatened a Nigerian athlete in Tokyo.

So far in the Olympics, Nigeria has two medals. A silver medal for Blessing Oborududu who was unable to overpower 28-year-old American Tamyra Mariama Mensah Stock, who won the gold in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s freestyle 68kg wrestling.

The other medal would be a bronze medal which came with Ese Brume coming third in the Women’s Long Jump event.

Brume with her best leap of 6.97m settled for the bronze behind world champion Malaika Mihambo who snatched the gold with her very last jump of 7.00m.

PAGE 11

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

Ewoma Ukeleghe

BEAUTY

WHAT’S ALL THE HYPE ABOUT

SALICYLIC ACID? HOW IT WORKS

As an exfoliant

As we mentioned earlier, salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that causes softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin cells. This means that salicylic acid is the perfect skin exfoliant. Another function of salicylic acid is that it loosens and breaks apart attachments between cells in the outer layer of the skin. This is known as a desmolytic action; it encourages exfoliation of the skin and unclogging of the pores.

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

W

hen it comes to skincare products, there are basically two common types of acids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They both work to exfoliate the skin but alpha hydroxy acids, which are water-soluble, are derived from milk, citrus, and sugar cane and work on the skin’s surface. Beta hydroxy acids, on the other hand, are oil-soluble and as such, penetrate the skin at a deeper level; working deep into the pores to unclog them.

Salicylic acid is grouped under the beta-hydroxy acids, which makes it oil-soluble (that means it penetrates deep into the skin and unclogs the pores), making it acne’s worst nightmare. It is sourced from the bark of the willow tree (willow bark). Famous for its spot-fighting powers, salicylic acid is also a keratolytic agent so it reduces the pH of the skin and increases hydration, and the process of shedding of dead skin cells-desquamation (if you really must know the right term for shedding dead skin cells).

PAGE 12

On Blackheads and Whiteheads

Three major factors contribute to acne: an abnormal sloughing off of skin cells, excessive oiliness, and the action of P.acnes bacteria. Salicylic acid helps with the abnormal sloughing off of skin cells by dissolving the type of skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne. This means the best acne to treat with salicylic acid are blackheads and whiteheads.

3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster 111SKIN

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

BEAUTY WHAT SKIN TYPE CAN USE SALICYLIC ACID? It works well on all skin types; especially on blemish-prone and uneven types because it contains anti-inflammatory properties and it helps to prevent pore blockages. What’s important as with everything else is that you do not overdo it with salicylic acid as it can cause dryness and irritation.

Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser LA ROCHE-POSAY

Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser MURAD

Oil-Free Acne Wash Scrub, Pink Grapefruit NEUTROGENA

Oil-Free Acne Wash NEUTROGENA

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant PAULA’S CHOICE

CLENZIderm M.D Daily Care Foaming Cleanser OBAGI Salicylic Acid 2% Solution THE ORDINARY

Getty Image

HOW TO USE SALICYLIC ACID

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT?

Products with salicylic acids typically contain 0.5 to 2 percent of the ingredient in them. That said, you could use it for the prevention of acne as well as a cure in the form of a cleanser or a serum.

Pregnant women and people on certain medications, including blood thinners should avoid using salicylic acid.

Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpenyong

If you have dry or very sensitive skin, it may be best if you avoid salicylic acid altogether.

Some specialists warn that people who are allergic to aspirin should avoid using salicylic acid because they both belong to the same family of compounds.

Acne+Line Correcting Serum CLINIQUE

Do not use salicylic acid on large portions of the body as it could cause something known as salicylate poisoning. Apply products with salicylic acid to only acne-prone areas.

PAGE 13

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

Ehiz

Mercy Eke

Nicole and Moet Abebe

Co-host - Ada Ooh

Spill The Tea With

The Abebes Moet and Nicole Abebe Launch New Visual Podcast

Beverley Osu and Denrele Edun

Do2un

A

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

ward-winning On-air personalities and cousins; Moet Abebe & Nicole Abebe, hosted an exclusive dinner party to launch their new brainchild visual podcast at the prestigious entertainment hub; LiVE! Lounge, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Hosted by VJ Adams and Ada Ooh, the Alice in Wonderland-themed event featured a host of notable celebrities in attendance such as MI Abaga, Niniola, Denrele Edun, L.A.X, Ehiz and so on; with performances from Ruger and Oxlade who thrilled the crowd to riveting music and sounds at the after-party.

Spill The Tea With The Abebes now has two episodes on their YouTube channel.

MI Abaga

Oxlade Performing Niniola

Debo Macaroni and MC Lively

Yeide and Seun Kuti

Sandra Ezekwesili

PAGE 14

Praiz and Co-host VJ Adams

Tolani Baj and Nancy Isime

Ruger Performing

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN Hilda Bassey

Don Jazzy, Joyce Gyebi & Gilbert Abeiku-Aggrey - Judges

Noble Igwe

Jollof Faceoff

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Chioma Igwe

T

he maiden edition of the international ‘Jollof Faceoff’ recently took place in Lagos. Created by Noble Igwe, the event pit Ghanaian chef Leslie Seypam against Hilda Effiong Bassey of Nigeria. There was a blind tasting of their Jollof dishes by a panel of judges which included, Don Jazzy and Sisi Yemmie of Nigeria and Joyce Agu and Gilbert Aggrey of Ghana, and scores were awarded across several parameters like plating, taste & texture of the Jollof itself as well as the taste of the accompanying protein and sides. Hilda Effiong Bassey representing Nigeria emerged winner and walked away with a grand prize of $5,000 whilst Leslie Seypam of Ghana received a consolation prize of N500,000. A return leg is scheduled to happen in Accra, Ghana.

Here are some personalities from the event.

Niyi Adenubi & Olatunde Busari (SAN)

Hilda Bassey & Leslie Kumordzie

Amaka Mbagwu & Nene Okonkwo

Hosts - Chef Obubu & Mai Atafo

Amanda Omogiafo & Mai Atafo

Sisi Yemmie - Judge

Raphael Uzor

Anto Lecky

Ogo & Emeka Okolo

Ose & Valentine Ohu

Jeff Banks, Lucy Essien & Praise Nelson

PAGE 15

VOL 1 NO.26 • AUGUST 08 – AUGUST 14, 2021

LIVING

*Dum Dum* “Thank You for boarding flight 1234 leaving for Abuja from Lagos…*insert gibberish*” Some 48 hours before embarking on this trip, I was smearing an apricot flavoured jam on a piece of sliced bread when I got a text from my boss which read: “You’re off to Abuja this week.”

Without a second to spare, the travel blogger in me came out with a French accent, a black and white striped shirt, and a bonnet. Suddenly, all my gesticulations were French-esque.

I put my fingers to my mouth and muttered; “Oui, Oui” Anyway, I took a moment to thank God for my growth and my little wins. Called my boss to get the details of the trip and started prepping my accent with an H. I lost my appetite for jam and bread not too long after, Lasagna on my mind, please.

It’s 40 minutes to my departure time and this oga Bolt has forcefully driven me to the car park after airport security almost caught us sleeping.

“Oga your money na 1,200” *the rest of this conversation is censored because I’ve become tone-deaf from these guys billing me* I don’t understand why these drivers keep billing me.

I understand you just Vin Dieseled us back there but, ever heard of packaging? They see me as a walking naira sign instead of bubble wrap and styrofoam.

My colleague and I carefully boarded the escalators, trying our hardest not to look ridiculous as we went through them. It led us to the boarding area where we got our bags inspected and waited out what was left of the remaining time.

INTERMISSION

I’m scrolling through my phone at videos that may or may not make it to the final Instagram reel when the Pa system comes on and I kid you not, all I heard were those first two beeps, then

PAGE 16

The Story Of How I Japa’ed

“Sorta”

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

the flight number and destination; after that a guest appearance from Busta Rhymes. My colleague snatched the words from my mind when he asked: “How far, did you hear anything?”

The surrounding grasses whizzed through the air as the plane shot down the tarmac and at 145 mph its tires bid the ground adieu.

Grading the overall experience of flying for the first time, I’ll say it’s pretty basic. It’s just a means of transportation. (I was lowkey happy but don’t tell anyone I said that) What soured the experience for me was how the altitude kept messing with my ears.

“Cab!” “Drop!”

“Taxi!”

My first video as a travel blogger tagged YAYCATION was live and doing numbers. Messages were flying in from everywhere and landing in my notifications. (every pun intended) “Ah! You done finally Japa!”

“Bro, your skin is already looking fresh.”

And the critically acclaimed “Cut soap for me na”

All for Abuja that is just next door?

I spent the entire ride from the airport to the hotel replying to messages from my new fans and well-wishers and admiring the green beauty that is Abuja.

As the cabby drove off the highway to more residential terrain I found myself denouncing Lagos and everything it stood for. My first time in Abuja and it turned out to be a sight for sore eyes.

The tall trees overlooking the long stretches of the road made me want to get in a car GTA style and just drive. The aggressively gentle breeze was everything to write home about.

Packing a small suitcase meant getting my things from the car into the hotel wasn’t difficult at all. I swiped up my key card from the reception and got acclimated to my room. I can most definitely get used to this *chuckle chuckle* Let me casually say this, I’m not ready for Canada. A little air conditioning and all the Bonsoir was out the window.

Not me squirming under the duvet like a fish out of water.

After figuring out the mechanics of the remote, I had a rejuvenating night’s rest.

Contracts signed deals settled and fees agreed… who am I kidding, I had just woken up and the dried saliva at the corner of my mouth told me everything I needed to know.

In next to no time I’m in a cab speeding to my next appointment-an interview for the magazine. Three hours later I’m catching the 6:15 pm flight to Lagos whispering to myself how much I miss Lagos and my cat. I guess you can take the boy out of the street but you can’t take the street out of the boy.

Don’t you think it’s weird that first class is just a seat close to the cockpit? You lock eyes with everyone as they go to their seats. I think the whole concept of it is flawed. I haven’t been on an international flight yet so I can’t jump to conclusions.

Congratulations to those that flew in first class; as a reward you get to ride back to the airport with the cast of economy.

Yaaay!

Abuja was fun. I would have loved to soak in the guise of sorta japaing for a bit longer but one can only package for as long as the tape allows. As for my travel fans, I scheduled a return flight reel to be posted two days after I initially arrived.

They guzzled it up immensely. *your reel just exceeded 500 views* I certainly can get used to this.