THEWILL DOWNTOWN, DECEMBER 01, 2024 by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

UCHE JOMBO

EDITOR’S NOTE

UPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

che Jombo is a highly accomplished Nollywood actor, director, and producer who has been in the industry for over two decades. She has starred in, produced, and directed several movies showcasing her storytelling dedication. Having been in the industry for so long, Jombo admits that Nollywood isn’t where it used to be, but it isn’t where it should be either. She says they are much better regarding technicalities, but the storytelling still needs some work. When it comes to where she gets her inspiration, Jombo says she gets it from her environment. The actor likes to make films based on true life stories because there is always a lesson. In working behind the scenes as a producer, Jombo makes films she wants to watch. “For production, I simply make the kind of films I want to watch. I am not just a film student or film lover; I am also a film audience. I love to watch films.”

Read Uche Jombo’s story on pages 8 to 10.

There’s always a fresh way to add suede to your outfit, whether dressed up for a formal occasion or going casual. This week’s fashion pages show six stylish, practical ways to rock suede today.

If you’ve ever had blackheads, then you will agree with me that they can be very annoying. Did you know that blackheads are clogged pores full of dirt, oil and dead skin cells? There are ways to get rid of blackheads, and we show you the best and worst ways on page 12.

This week, our movie review correspondent reviews Gladiator II. Although he gave it a high score of 8 out of 10, I’m not keen on watching it for some strange reason. But don’t let me stop you.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

The Best And Worst Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads

Handling Parenthood Balancing All Areas Tackling Child Obesity How to Avoid Being Clingy in Relationships O is for OpenMindedness 07 6 Modern Ways to Wear Suede 12 04-05 FASHION #UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS

Uche Jombo Bringing African Stories to The World

Uncover Mystery Places That Feel Out of This World TRAVEL

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity - Contributing Editor

Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.

@onahluciaa + 2348033239132 Onah

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Writer: Johnson Chukwueke

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer

Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.

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.

Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

- Contributing Writer

Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.

OMOMENE ODIKE

6 MODERN WAYS TO WEAR SUEDE

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

In addition to being a timeless piece, suede is one of the most significant trends of 2024. Although it can be costly, the soft material is an investment that lasts long. It is one of those classic materials that gives any outfit a touch of luxury. It’s smooth, adaptable, and fashionable. There’s always a fresh way to add suede to your outfit, whether you are dressed up for a formal occasion or going casual. This article will show you six stylish, practical ways to rock suede today.

1 SUEDE JACKETS

A suede jacket is an essential piece of clothing that quickly improves any ensemble. It adds a chic yet laid-back atmosphere that suits both men and women. Pair a classic tan or brown suede jacket with blue jeans, sneakers, and a white T-shirt for a more relaxed style. Wear it with a midi dress or dress shirt and pants if you want something more polished. Suede jackets are ideal for transitional weather because they are warm and lightweight. Additionally, its velvety texture gives even the most basic ensembles an air of

SUEDE BOOTS

A wardrobe must-have, suede boots combine comfort and sophistication in equal measure. They are available in several designs, ranging from knee-high to ankle boots. For a laid-back day out, ankle suede boots look fantastic with wide-leg slacks or skinny jeans. Conversely, for our readers abroad, knee-high suede boots go well with jumper dresses, miniskirts, or even long jackets for a stylish winter look. Suede boots’ smooth texture elevates your ensemble, and their adaptability allows you to dress them up or down for any occasion.

SUEDE ACCESSORIES

If you’re not comfortable wearing full suede pieces, start with suede accessories like purses, belts, or hats. These accessories can subtly improve your appearance. A suede crossbody bag can complement a casual denim style or a bohemian ensemble. A suede belt over a blazer or an oversized shirt can tighten your waist. Suede accessories are understated yet powerful. They complement any style preference by adding texture and refinement without overpowering your ensemble.

SUEDE PANTS

Suede pants are a bold option that conveys selfassurance and style. They are perfect for people who wish to stand out without going overboard. Wear modest tops to counterbalance the boldness of suede trousers. For example, wear a black sweater or a white shirt with tan suede trousers. For a refined look, pair with pointed-toe heels or loafers. Suede pants add a distinctive touch and instantly elevate any ensemble. Additionally, their soft material makes them comfortable, so you can stay stylish without compromising comfort.

SUEDE SKIRTS

A suede skirt gives a classic piece a modern twist and is ideal for giving your outfit a little edge. For every event, a suede skirt is available in short to midi lengths. When worn with sneakers and a graphic T-shirt, it creates a more laid-back look. Midi suede skirts go well with heeled boots and fitted tops. Suede skirts’ soft yet structured texture flatters the body and gives your ensemble a playful texture.

SUEDE DRESSES

A suede dress is the way to go for an effortlessly stylish appearance. It is ideal for both formal and informal occasions because it blends comfort and sophistication. For a preppy style, a shirt can be worn underneath a sleeveless suede dress. To finish the look, add a striking necklace and ankle boots. Choose a tailored suede dress for nighttime events, and accessorise it with a handbag and high heels. Suede dresses look elegant and sophisticated, and its plush material keeps you comfy all day.

CONCLUSION

Suede has evolved into a fabric that can be worn in a wide variety of ways, making it more than just coats and boots. There are countless ways to add suede to your wardrobe, from accessories to bold statement items. The secret is to choose items that are both comfy to wear and go well with your wardrobe. Therefore, why not try one of these contemporary suede fashions and add some flair and refinement to your ensembles? Suede is perfect for dressing up for a night or for going out for a relaxed

SALLY CHIWUZIE

@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

O IS FOR OPEN-MINDEDNESS

Continuing our exploration of synonyms for being #Unshakable, let’s take a closer look at what the letter “O” has to offer.

Today, ‘O’ stands for open-mindedness, a quality that often sits quietly between right, wrong, and the vast, subjective middle ground that defies black-and-white judgment. Open-mindedness is more than just hearing someone out. It’s about pausing to understand, even when the situation challenges our principles. It’s about peeling back the layers of human complexity to uncover the “why” behind people’s actions. And for someone like me—a love enthusiast, empath, and extrovert—this quality often feels like second nature. Perhaps I don’t need a formal qualification to grasp the nuances of human behaviour, but even with this intuitive gift, I learn something new every day.

sphere of life. Our perspectives, choices, and actions are shaped by contexts most others can’t fully see.

Open-mindedness is the bridge that allows us to cross into those contexts and find understanding.

The Silent Symphonies Lesson

Have you read Silent Symphonies, the fictional love story starring Leila? If not, here’s a spoiler: Leila and Kaobi meet during a stormy chapter of their lives. Leila is trapped in an abusive marriage that’s destroying her mentally and physically. Kaobi, on the other hand, is navigating the prison of an arranged, loveless union. When these two cross paths, the results are complicated—they begin an affair. On the surface, their actions seem morally unforgivable and in a perfect world, we’d condemn them both without a second thought.

Silent Symphonies is a rollercoaster of laughter, tears, and heart-palpitating moments, but more than that, it’s a masterclass in seeing beyond the surface.

Real Life: Less Fiction, More Assumptions

However, Silent Symphonies does something extraordinary: it invites readers to dive into the messy, emotional core of its characters. We learn about Leila’s internal battle with her religious values and her trauma. We witness Kaobi’s struggle to honour familial expectations while yearning for a connection he’s never truly known. These aren’t excuses for their actions, but they are explanations. They turn what seems like a simple betrayal into a nuanced, human story.

Of course, life isn’t as neatly packaged as a novel. When we encounter celebrity scandals in the socials or juicy gossip about the neighbour next door, it’s tempting to step into the role of judge, jury, and executioner. The gym-goer everyone whispers about. The co-worker no one sits with. We assume we know their stories, but the truth is, we often know nothing at all.

Every headline and rumour comes with a thousand untold chapters, yet we rarely take the time to imagine what those chapters might say. What drives someone to act in a way we find appalling? What pain, pressure, or misjudgement could explain their choices? Without context, we’re left filling the gaps with our own biases—and that’s where open-mindedness becomes critical. It challenges us to ask questions instead of drawing conclusions. It reminds us to consider that the ‘wrong’ we see might not be so straightforward after all.

The Takeaway

If there’s one reason I strive to keep an open mind, it’s because of stories like Silent Symphonies. These stories have taught me that right and wrong aren’t always absolute and that in the vast grey area of life, understanding is often more valuable than judgment.

For example, consider this: if every one of us ate the exact same meals and burned the exact same calories, we’d still look wildly different from one another. Why? Because our bodies are as unique as our experiences, shaped by an infinite variety of influences. This principle doesn’t just apply to physical differences—it reflects every

By the end of the book, many readers find themselves rooting for Leila and Kaobi. Not because infidelity is suddenly acceptable, but because we’ve been given the gift of perspective. We’ve walked in their shoes, heard their thoughts, and understood the forces that drove them. It’s the kind of insight that’s almost impossible to get in real life, but in fiction, it teaches us something powerful: judgment is easy; empathy takes effort.

Open-mindedness asks us to pause and listen, even when condemnation is easier. It pushes us to sit with discomfort, explore perspectives that clash with our own, and embrace the messy, subjective nature of human experience.

‘See’ you next week, where we’ll continue our journey through the alphabet of being #Unshakable. Until then, stay curious… stay open.

UCHE JOMBO

Ahighly accomplished Nollywood actor, screenwriter, and producer, Uche Jombo is an iconic figure whose impact on Nigerian cinema has been nothing short of inspiring. With over two decades in the industry, Jombo has starred in and produced numerous iconic films that have showcased her incredible versatility and dedication to storytelling. She is known for her realistic approach to roles and commitment to authentic, relatable narratives. Uche Jombo has become a key figure in Nollywood, especially with her advocacy for strong female representation and improved production quality.

From her early days in Visa to Hell to more acclaimed film works like Holding Hope and Damage, Jombo’s career path shows her passion for social issues and her desire to influence meaningful change through film. Beyond her on-screen presence, Jombo is celebrated for her contributions behind the scenes, especially in screenwriting and film production. This makes her one of Nollywood’s most respected multi-talented figures.

Uche Jombo chats with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke as she speaks on her commitment to creating stories that resonate on both local and international stages, which has gathered her widespread admiration and respect. Jombo also offers insights into her creative journey and her vision for Nollywood.

You’ve been in the industry for over two decades. What would you say are the biggest changes you’ve witnessed in Nollywood? I like to begin this question with an answer like, we are not where we used to be, but then again, we are not where we are supposed to be. Obviously, the quality when it comes to technicality is well improved, and you still see more that wows you every day. But I feel like we still have to buckle up on our stories because I feel like what made us unique, what brought us to the table, was our unique ways of telling local stories back in the day. So now, with the vast technology we have, I am seeing more locally told stories for the global audience, and it’s amazing. I feel like it has become the way Nollywood filmmakers are beginning to tell stories; that way, it reaches more people in the world. You don’t have to be Nigerian to enjoy a locally made Nigerian movie because it is made with you in mind. For me, that’s one of the huge differences between when I started and how we are making films now.

teach a lot. So, when I make a film, I like the human angle, even if it’s fictional. The human angle is important to me. Onye Egwu, for instance, is inspired by true life, and my upcoming film A Better Man is fictional, but when I got the script from the writer, I was looking for the human angle, I am always trying to find the human angle. I want you to have a glimpse of who I am through the movies I make, even without meeting me in person, so yeah, the human angle is always my inspiration.

In addition to acting, you’re a talented screenwriter, director, and producer. How has working behind the scenes impacted your perspective on the industry?

“For

production, I simply make the kind of films I want to watch. I am not just a film student or film lover; I am also a film audience. I love to watch films. Making the kind of films I want to watch is what inspires me, and back in the day, I used to write. I’d give it to someone, and they’d produce it, you know, all that.”

For production, I simply make the kind of films I want to watch. I am not just a film student or film lover; I am also a film audience. I love to watch films. Making the kind of films I want to watch is what inspires me, and back in the day, I used to write. I’d give it to someone, and they’d produce it, you know, all that. So one day, there was a particular film I felt that my story wasn’t told the way I wanted it to be told,( this was about 15 years ago), so I said to myself, I have to start producing the type of film I want to watch, at least the stories that I am telling, in order for it not to be messed up. Now, cooperation is the new currency. I am one of those filmmakers who doesn’t shy away from collaboration, sharing opinions, or people bringing their two cents to my stories and my sets. If it improves the story, I will take the advice or the input. I feel like filmmaking is a collective effort, we have to come together and serve for the purpose of just the film. It’s not like music, where sometimes a single artist can deliver a hit. A film is a collective effort, from the biggest person on set to the least person on set, it’s always a collective effort.

looking at five different life situations. For me, I want to make different genres of film that people will enjoy and like them.

Looking back, is there a particular role or project that you feel has defined or shaped your career?

It probably will be Onye Egwu because it’s a project everybody felt like it would be best produced by a man because they always felt men know football more than women, so that was it for me. It was different.

As an advocate for women’s empowerment, how do you incorporate this mission into your film work and other initiatives?

I feel like, as a girl, it doesn’t matter who your father is, it doesn’t matter who your brother is or your husband is, you should have your own money. It’s about being empowered so that you don’t have to rely on your father, brother, and husband because you don’t know what will happen tomorrow if you are relying on someone for your living wages. I think it is imperative that women have their own money, so what I do, my own little way of encouraging that, is by making sure I am empowering as many young girls as possible through my productions.

Balancing multiple roles as an actress, producer, and writer is no small feat. How do you manage to keep up with such diverse responsibilities?

I always say that I promote one film at a time. Right now, I am currently promoting Wives on Strike: The Uprising as an actor. I just finished promoting Onye Egwu as an actor/director, and it’s now on Prime. For me, it is always one film at a time. I am currently filming right now for Blood Sisters 2 as an actor. So it’s just you balancing it, and when I am done with filming Blood Sisters 2, I am moving to my own set, The Baptism. It’s all about you scheduling yourself and scheduling it well; we all multitask, but it’s best creatively to do it one after the other; that’s how I balance it.

What are some upcoming projects you’re excited about, and are there new genres or stories you’re eager to explore?

Can you tell us what first inspired your acting, and was it always something you aspired to do? What inspires me is my environment, even in my storytelling. I like making films that are based on true life stories because they

Your movie Damage touches on domestic violence, a very significant issue. What led you to address this theme, and how do you choose which social issues to spotlight in your films? At the time Damage came in, it was about domestic violence, and both parties were guilty of antagonising each other. It wasn’t domestic violence against a woman, it wasn’t domestic violence against a man, it was one situation that affected the children that grew up in this sort of environment because the parents are always at loggerheads not minding the fact that the kids are watching or not even reflective of how the kids pick up that. So, in that violent situation, it’s the kids that end up being damaged. At that time, I felt it was a story that needed to be told, and it is over a decade since that movie, but if you play it today, it’s still very much relevant today. That’s also what makes what we do very much amazing. I want you to watch five different works of mine, and it’s like you are

I have two major upcoming projects that I am excited about from my studios, Uche Jumbo Studios. The first one is A Better Man and The Baptism A Better Man is almost ready, it’s in the final stages of post-production. Principal photography will start this December, that’s the project I am excited about for you to see from me as an actor, director, and producer. But as an actor, I am excited about Blood Sister 2, which we are currently filming for Netflix.

The film industry has evolved with streaming platforms gaining influence. How do you see this shift affecting Nollywood’s global reach?

I think it is important for us to film our local movies for the global audience because it is the thing that makes us who we are; it is the thing that brings us to the table. The only thing that makes us unique is by telling our authentic Nigerian stories. So if we tell it and tell it well using the technology that is available to us, and obviously, it will go global, then we can say we are telling local stories for global audiences.

How do you approach creating relatable African stories that resonate not only locally but with international audiences as well?

Our stories make us unique as Africans, particularly as Nigerians. For example, in Onye Egwu, we were telling a football story of a young aspiring footballer whose dream was to play in Europe, and at the same time, telling the story of a superstar Nigerian footballer whose career was coming to an end after playing in Europe, so both stories are interwoven. That kind of story appeals to people who can still identify the footballers who are playing abroad and also identify with the ones who are struggling here to get scouted. To me, it’s always to interweave our local stories to what others can relate to, and it brings them home. Whether we like it or not, our stories are part of our art and culture. I always tell people that whatever story you want to tell, make sure you don’t lose the essence of what makes it a Nigerian story because you are trying to play to the global audience. You can tell your authentic Nigerian story, and it would appeal to the global audience.

As a mother, has parenthood influenced the roles you take on or the stories you choose to tell? If so, in what ways?

A lot, yes, especially because I am a working mother, and there are some roles you give me, and I can tell you a mother won’t do this or won’t do that. Also, I am telling stories that I want my child to be able to watch and be proud of. There are certain mother roles that I wasn’t able to see before I was a mother, so that’s probably the influence, but regardless, acting is acting, and being able to play different roles is what makes you an actor. Sometimes, being in a particular situation in life makes it better for you to step into a certain role, but first and foremost, you are an actor.

UNCOVER MYSTERY

Places That Feel Out of This World

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Whenit comes to travel, some destinations offer more than breathtaking views. They evoke a sense of wonder as if you’ve stepped onto another planet. It could be due to their unique landscapes, historical oddities, or surreal natural beauty, but we know these places offer us an out-of-thisworld feeling.

For this week’s travel guide, we will highlight five places that offer experiences that feel far from ordinary.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Imagine walking on what seems like a giant mirror, with the sky perfectly reflected beneath your feet. Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, offers this ethereal experience during the rainy season.

Spanning over 10,000 square kilometres, the flat creates an illusion that blurs the boundary between land and sky. Visitors often describe it as stepping into a surreal, dream-like world.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Just beneath the rich landscapes of New Zealand lies the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the dark, cavernous spaces. As you float along an underground river, the tiny creatures light up the caves like stars in the night sky. The glowing blue hue, combined with the eerie silence of the cave, makes it feel as if you’ve been transported to a magical underground galaxy.

Antelope Canyon, USA

The Antelope Canyon is located in the Arizona desert, a natural marvel that seems almost too stunning to be real. The narrow passageways, carved by wind and water over millions of years, feature rippling sandstone walls that change colour as the sunlight hits them. The mesmerising blend of shadows and light creates a kaleidoscope of colours, from warm oranges to cool purples, giving the canyon an otherworldly vibe. It’s no surprise that this spot is a favourite among photographers and adventurers alike.

The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

In the heart of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert lies a blazing crater known as “The Door to Hell.” This fiery pit has been burning for over 50 years since a Soviet drilling operation accidentally released natural gas in the 1970s. The crater was set on fire to prevent the spread of methane and has been continuously burning ever since. The sight of flames licking the edges of the massive crater at night is both awe-inspiring and eerie.

Socotra Island, Yemen

Often dubbed the “most alien-looking place on Earth,” Socotra Island is home to bizarre flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. The island’s famous Dragon’s Blood Trees, with their umbrella-like canopies, look like they belong in a science fiction movie. Isolated from mainland Africa for millions of years, Socotra’s unique ecosystem has become remarkable in different ways as it offers a glimpse into an untouched, otherworldly environment.

These wonderous places remind us that our planet is filled with places that seem to defy explanation, and these destinations will leave you in awe as if you’ve travelled far beyond the ends of Earth.

BEAUTY

TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS The Best And Worst Ways

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Blackheads can be an annoying skin condition. Usually located on the nose, forehead, and chin, these little black spots are clogged pores full of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Air exposure causes the substance inside these pores to oxidise and turn black. Despite the desire of many to get rid of them, the approach is important. If you use improper techniques, you may irritate your skin and develop more blackheads or even scars. This article will explore the best and worst ways to remove blackheads.

THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

(1) USE SALICYLIC ACID-BASED CLEANSER

A beta-hydroxy acid called salicylic acid works deep within the pores to help break down the dirt and oil that lead to blackheads. Salicylic acid softly exfoliates, removing impurities from the skin, in contrast to scrubbing or squeezing, which can harm it. Wash your face twice a day using a salicylic acid cleanser if you have parts of your face that are prone to blackheads. To see how your skin responds, apply it once daily and increase it to twice daily if necessary. Keeping the pores free not only aids in the removal of current blackheads but also prevents the formation of new ones. It is mild enough for everyday use, and when used as prescribed, it won’t irritate the skin.

(2) TRY CLAY MASKS

Clay masks are great for removing impurities and absorbing extra oil, especially ones containing bentonite or kaolin. These masks penetrate your pores deeply and gradually clear them. The regions where blackheads are common should be covered with a clay mask once or twice a week. Let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes, and then give it a good rinse with warm water. Blackheads can be prevented by using it regularly to maintain the skin’s oil balance. Moreover, clay masks cleanse and revitalise the skin without making it feel parched.

(3) USE RETINOIDS

Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, increase cell turnover and keep dead skin cells from clogging pores. Additionally, they promote skin renewal and lessen the development of blackheads and other imperfections, which helps to keep pores free. Start using a low-strength retinoid cream or gel at night two to three times a week, and eventually, you can work your way up. It is advised to apply it at night because retinoids can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Blackheads can be effectively prevented with retinoids, improving skin smoothness and minimising fine lines. Retinoids offer a sustainable way to achieve clearer, smoother skin.

THE WORST WAY TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

(1) SQUEEZING OR PICKING AT BLACKHEADS

Despite the temptation, squeezing a blackhead could be more harmful than helpful. Pressing down on your skin increases the danger of causing inflammation and possibly permanent scarring by forcing the oil and debris deeper into the pore. Squeezing can result in infection, damage to the skin, and future breakouts of blackheads. Additionally, it irritates the skin and occasionally leaves unpleasant scars or red spots behind. Rather than squeezing, think about carefully utilising extraction tools or getting a professional extraction from a dermatologist.

(2) USING HARSH SCRUBS OR EXFOLIANTS

Contrary to popular belief, scrubbing vigorously won’t “scrub out” blackheads. The skin may become irritated by harsh scrubs that contain big exfoliating particles, which may result in redness, irritation, and possible surface microtears.

The skin’s natural barrier may be weakened by excessive exfoliation, leaving the skin dry and irritable. Your skin may also generate more oil to make up for the dryness, which could worsen blackheads.

Glycolic or lactic acid are mild chemical exfoliants that work better for blackheads without the harshness of physical scrubbing.

CONCLUSION

A balanced approach is necessary to get rid of blackheads. While avoiding aggressive procedures will help prevent subsequent skin disorders, using gentle, scientifically supported treatments will help you maintain healthy skin. Blackheads will not go away immediately, but with regular treatment, you’ll notice changes over time. If you use the proper techniques, your skin will appreciate it.

Handling Parenthood

Balancing All Areas

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Balancing family life, career, and personal time as a parent can sometimes feel like a juggling act with no breaks. Parents are pulled in different directions, from meeting their kids’ needs to carrying out work obligations, maintaining a relationship with their partner, and maintaining their well-being. While it may sound overwhelming, creating balance is possible with thoughtful planning, prioritisation, and a few habits that are focused on wellness.

Balancing everything doesn’t mean doing it all perfectly every day. Start by defining what’s essential, such as time with family, career goals, and personal health. Separate urgent tasks from those that can wait, and don’t hesitate to delegate when possible. Whether sharing chores with your partner or involving kids in small household tasks, every bit of help counts.

EMBRACE A FLEXIBLE ROUTINE

Creating a daily routine provides structure, but remember, flexibility is key. Work and family schedules can change, so learn to adapt to your new schedules and create a routine that can accommodate these schedules without throwing your whole day off balance. For example, if you can’t fit in an evening family meal, connect during breakfast or over a short, shared activity. Staying adaptable keeps stress at bay and helps maintain a sense of control.

FOSTER COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR PARTNER

Keeping an open line of communication with your partner is crucial for managing family responsibilities and reducing stress. Regularly discuss each other’s schedules, goals, and needs to find ways to support each other. When one parent feels overwhelmed, the other can step in, ensuring that neither of you feels solely responsible. Shared planning and checkins make for a more balanced partnership.

Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. To take care of others, you must be physically and emotionally at your best. Set aside small pockets of time daily, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to relax and focus on yourself. It could be exercising, meditating, or simply reading a book. These moments help you recharge and make handling family and work obligations easier. Self-care isn’t selfish; it is essential for maintaining your energy and focus.

BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT

Multitasking is tempting but can lead to burnout and distraction. Instead, focus on being present in each moment. Set boundaries to separate work from family time, such as turning off work notifications during family activities. Practising mindfulness with your family—like listening actively to your kids—strengthens your bond and helps you feel more grounded. The quality of time spent, not necessarily the quantity, creates meaningful connections.

Balancing the different aspects of life as a parent is a constant journey, but embracing small habits, as mentioned above, can help parents feel more in control, focused, and ready to handle life’s daily demands with strength and joy.

TACKLING CHILD OBESITY

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Child obesity is a growing health concern, and over the years, there has been an increasing case of child obesity affecting millions of children worldwide. Picture a world where kids bounce with energy, making healthy choices as fun as playing on the swings. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as childhood obesity is gradually sneaking into playtime, especially with children replacing soccer games with snacks and jump ropes with video games. This unhealthy lifestyle, diet, and habits are what need to be looked into closely.

Causes of Child Obesity

High-calorie foods, too much screen time, and not enough physical activity are some leading causes of child obesity. As much as genetics plays a determining role, kids today have access to sugary snacks and fast food at nearly every corner, and this makes it easy for excess calories to start adding up in children, especially children who are more prone to weight gain due to their family background.

Importance of Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can be both fun and delicious. Swapping out sugary snacks for more nutritious options like fruit, yoghurt, or nuts helps children get the nutrients they need without the added calories. One trick for making healthier choices is to involve kids in grocery shopping or meal preparation—they’ll be more excited to eat the meals they helped create. Exploring new, colourful foods together can also turn healthy eating into an adventure, not a chore.

Consequences of Child Obesity

Child obesity can affect a child’s health in various ways, even at a young age. Kids may face physical health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint problems. Plus, there’s an emotional side to consider, as children with obesity may experience bullying or low self-esteem, which can affect mental health.

Kids don’t need strict exercise routines, but they need to stay active. Encouraging physical play such as running, dancing, or joining a sports team helps burn calories and keep the body strong. Parents can join in on the fun, making it a bonding experience. Setting aside some screen-free time each day for outdoor play or family activities goes a long way in reducing the risk of obesity. The best way to curb child obesity is through a family-focused approach. Kids learn by watching adults, so kids are more likely to follow suit when parents prioritise healthy foods, active play, and limited screen time.

By taking small, consistent steps toward healthy habits, kids and families can enjoy the wellness journey together and create a foundation for a

How to Avoid Being

Clingy in Relationships

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Maintaining a good relationship is similar to caring for a plant. For the relationship to genuinely thrive, both partners need time, space, and trust to develop individually. Being “clingy” often indicates that you rely a lot on your partner for emotional support and validation. Turning to a loved one for solace is normal, but excessive reliance can occasionally drive them away. We’ll review some strategies in this article to help you avoid being overly attached to a relationship.

1. ACCEPT AND FIGURE OUT WHY YOU ARE CLINGY

It’s crucial to take a personal inventory of your activities before making a change. This will allow you to identify whether you are clingy or not. You’re probably clingy if you find yourself attempting to contact or meet up with your lover regularly or if you are obsessively following their social media activity. By acknowledging this fact, you can take the required actions to alter your behaviour pattern. Because of the strong offensive power of the word “clingy,” it is particularly crucial to complete this exercise. Check yourself to see if you meet the description or if someone is misrepresenting you.

2.COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNER

Talking to your partner about how your behaviour makes them feel they can help you put things in perspective after you’ve acknowledged that you can come across as clingy. It can shed light on the adjustments needed to preserve harmonious relationships. It can be enlightening to talk about the things you do that trigger them the most. You can talk about a mutual understanding of what constitutes healthy, less controlling communication in your relationship. Discovering that your efforts to feel closer to your partner are having the opposite effect of what you intended may be painful. But remember that your relationship is still intact and can be saved with the correct adjustments.

3.TRY TO FOCUS ON YOURSELF

Give yourself time to rediscover who you are. Which activities are your favourites? Which novels have been on your to-do list? Try them. When you experience the typical impulse to contact your partner in a hurry, resist the urge and use it as a reminder to concentrate on something that specifically helps you. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid your partner. Instead, you can improve your connection by limiting the frequency and time of your correspondence and gettogethers to what you both think is more appropriate.

4. GET HELP WITH MANAGING ANXIETY

If you are experiencing anxiety, getting professional therapy can be highly beneficial to your relationship and overall health, as clinginess is sometimes a result of fears of being abandoned or replaced. In addition to providing helpful advice for handling your attachments, therapy can help you comprehend why you develop such strong bonds with other people. Benefits that advance your well-being and improve your relationship could result from this.

CONCLUSION

Healthy relationships should be based on support and happiness rather than dependency. By striking a balance between personal development and time spent with your partner, you may build a partnership that fosters both your personal and professional development. Remember that everyone is worthy of love, but you must first love yourself. These easy techniques will help you maintain independence while enjoying intimacy with your partner.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Gladiator II

RidleyScott’s Gladiator was the first great blockbuster of the 2000s, with Russell Crowe giving one of the most memorable movie star turns of his generation, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential and most frequently quoted and cited movies of this century. Come on, his name is Maximus Decimus Meridius! He’s the commander of the Armies of the North, general of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, and he will have his vengeance, in this life or the next.

As much as I loved Gladiator and as many times as I’ve revisited it through the last quarter-century, it never occurred to me there was a need for a sequel, or a prequel, or some kind of Gladiator Cinematic Universe offshoot or streaming series. The good news is that sometimes you don’t know what you want till it’s here.

With the 86-year-old Scott directing with great style, and an all-star cast led by red-hot stars Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, not to mention the eminent Denzel Washington turning in theatrically fantastic work, this is a magnificently constructed historical epic that combines blood-spattered spectacle with soap opera melodramatics. Much of the plot feels like we’re retracing the footprints of the original, especially in the early going, and there are a few moments when the graphics look like one of those slick but cheap AI demonstration videos you see posted on social media, but “Gladiator II” is a welcome slice of R-rated, popcorn movie fun in the middle of the generally super-serious awards season.

I mean, this is the kind of movie where a character will literally pull a severed head out of a bag, and it will look about as convincing as a prop from a 1970s-era flick. The kind of movie where everyone in the audience sees the big turns and twists coming about three scenes before the characters figure it out. Even when the most sombre proclamations are issued and some of the most tragic developments come to fruition, you can’t take any of this too seriously. The sequel rarely matches the visceral gut-punch or emotional resonance of the original, and we’re still not sure it was necessary, but it is a solid piece of big-screen action fare.

The plot is thick and borderline convoluted, and the characters are many. But director Scott, screenwriter David

Scarpa (who wrote the story with Peter Craig) and editors Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo deliver the material in a way that makes it relatively easy to follow along through the 148-minute running time.

In the opening sequence set in the Northern African province of Numidia, the soldiering couple of Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal) and his wife Arishat (Yuval Gonen) are declaring their undying love for one another just before an invasion by an armada of Roman battle ships led by Gen. Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Numidia falls. Arishat is killed. The devastated and rage-filled Lucius is enslaved, trains to become a gladiator and is eventually transported to Rome, where he wins over the bloodthirsty citizens who pack the Colosseum. If Lucius keeps on emerging victorious, he could win his freedom, but he doesn’t care about that; all he wants is his revenge against Acacias. Stop me if you’ve seen this movie before.

The “dream of Rome” has long since soured, thanks in large part to the regime of the corrupt and soulless and moronic co-emperors and brothers Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), who sport alarming blond wigs and makeup so pale they look like twee vampires. In a most welcome return, Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Camilla, who is now married to Acacius — and it turns out Acacius might not be the villain he initially appeared to be.

The more dangerous presence skulking about Rome is the charismatic and duplicitous Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who was once enslaved but now has manipulated and manoeuvred his way to the doorstep of great power. Washington has the time of his life as Macrimus, who stomps about in his colourful garb, sporting twin gold earrings, flashing rings on every finger, making grand proclamations and exerting his influence everywhere. He’s like the great-great-great-howevermany-greats-it-takes-grandfather of Alonzo Harris from Training Day. Mescal is great as well in the lead role, but I had a hard time buying his more chest-out, emotional scenes. He just didn’t sell a smouldering look or performance as well as say, Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atriedes in Dune 2 earlier this year.

The fight sequences in Gladiator II are all-out, highlighted by a mock naval battle in the Colosseum that would seem utterly cartoonish if not for the fact these spectacles, known as Naumachia, were a real thing in ancient Rome. One of the prime reasons that Gladiator II works despite all the familiar plot points and the near-corny late developments is that these great actors pour themselves into their respective roles, never winking at the camera. I seriously doubt a single person on the planet will argue the sequel is better or even equal to the original, but it’s a worthy, respectful and entertaining follow-up.

Rating:8/10

Fun Time at The Movies

What to do with the character of Alex Cross has been a hard case for Hollywood to crack. Bestselling author James Patterson introduced the ace detective to the world in 1993 with Along Came a Spider, launching a rich world centered around the hero psychologist and investigator now comprising more than 30 books. That series has collectively sold more than 100 million copies, which is presumably why Hollywood keeps trying to get it right.

Alex Cross first showed up on the big screen back in 1997, with Morgan Freeman playing the character in Kiss the Girls, followed by Along Came a Spider, named for the very first novel, with Freeman again, in 2001. And then in 2012, Tyler Perry took over as the eponymous character in Alex Cross, controversially replacing Idris Elba.

Now stepping into the sizable shoes of the detective, Hodge centres the emotional adrenaline rush of Prime Video’s eightepisode inaugural season of Cross. He can bring it all —acting, physicality, range and more.

Mere moments into the very first episode, Alex suffers a devastating personal loss that greatly impacts both his life and work. As a father of two young children — boy Damon (Caleb Elijah) and daughter Janelle (Melody Hurd) — he can’t fully express his grief, making it harder to heal. Helping to pick up the slack is his grandmother Nana Mama, a stellar Juanita Jennings who brings both toughness and compassion to both Alex and his kids.

Unlike the other iterations of Alex Cross, there is no race neutrality here. Set in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., colloquially known as “Chocolate City” for its high Black population, Cross embraces its setting and its roots, strongly leaning in where other versions ran away.

Out in the streets, Alex and his partner Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa of Old Spice commercial fame), who has also been his best friend since childhood, take the brunt of the “F the Police” sentiment from

Emir Godspeed’s sister Malika and his many supporters. They are completely unaware that internally, Detective Cross is the one pushing D.C. Police Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) to see Emir’s death as bigger. When one of Emir’s friends is killed, Chief Anderson doubles down on her original position. By refusing to accept the politically expedient open-and-shut case, Cross uncovers a serial killer who is at the centre of the kidnapping of Shannon Whitmer ( Fifty Shades of Grey, ), a young white woman with loving parents.

Cross also navigates the emotional highs and lows of dating as a widower as he circles back to one-time school classmate Elle (Samantha Walkes), who runs a nonprofit. But work and life don’t separate that easily. Through her, he meets Ed Ramsey ( Ryan Eggold),

an eager-to-please rainmaker whom Cross begins to suspect is not who he claims to be. At the same time, Cross finds himself targeted by a stalker, as an item belonging to his deceased wife Maria inexplicably appears in his family’s home, and flowers continually show up at both home and work. Hunting a serial killer and a stalker is a hard and complex task. In the mix is also the nefarious ex-cop Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill) who is an accomplice to many crimes yet beholden to no one.

It’s this complexity that greatly distinguishes this Cross, making it far more realised and gratifying than the previous attempts. Key to it all is that Prime Video and showrunner Ben Watkins treat the Black-led series with the same respect it has given Reacher and Bosch, a development that maybe Hollywood needed another decade to catch up to or that only a streamer could deliver. Everything about Cross is top-notch — writing, acting, cinematography, action, suspense. Amazon Studios and Prime Video know it has a hit in Cross, which is why Season 2 is already in the can.

With 30 novels of source material and a series format that gives it all room to breathe, the real sweet spot is that there could be a lot more Cross in our viewing future.

- Magic Hour

Leon Thomas - MUTT

ENNY - Charge It

JGrrey; Zombie Juice - Drream

RUBII - Jammin

Isaiah Falls; Tamae; Icee RedNATURAL

Jordan Ward - FAMJAM4000

The Marías - Run Your Mouth

Minz; Bnxn; Blaqbonez; Mike BGRZ - wo wo - remix