THEWILL DOWNTOWN December 04, 2022 EDITION

From playing a significant role that ensured African artists and creators benefit from the YouTube Black Voices Fund to being part of the team that launched the Africa Day Concert, Alex Okosi certainly understands the importance of promoting African content. He believes, “If you look at the number of British-trained black actors that have found success on the global stage, it provides a sample of what is possible if our talent could access similar levels of training. And this applies to those in front and behind the camera. “

And it didn’t start from his role at YouTube. While he was at Viacom, he and his team were responsible for bringing MTVBase and BET to our screens, which in turn put Afrobeats on the map.

Perhaps this solidified his being on Britain’s 100 Most Influential Black People, 2023, list for the second consecutive year.

Read about his inspiring story, from writing the business plan for Viacom and working there for 22 years to his not-so-new position as Managing Director of EMEA Emerging Markets at YouTube.

I’m pretty excited about the new docuseries, Harry & Meghan, which will show on Netflix soon. More so because we get to hear the young royals’ side of the story— as you can imagine, it can’t be easy adjusting to the rules and guidelines of being a royal, not even for Prince Harry. I’m looking forward to watching this one.

We often spend a lot of money trying to achieve great skin, but the truth is that you can have great skin with the littlest amount or nothing at all, and our beauty pages let you in on this secret.

Lisa Folawiyo showcased her Spring - Summer collection at a private show a few weeks ago, and to say the designs were gorgeous and the prints; vibrant is an understatement. We share some of her designs in this week’s issue. Still on fashion, getting your outfit to go from bland to fabulous doesn’t require much. Just a few simple accessories, and you are well on your way to being the most stylish person in the room.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya

Writer: Kehindé Fagbule

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’

She looks amazing

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.

Valerie Lawson

Nigerian born, Valerie Lawson is a 20-year Oil & Gas Industry veteran, currently a Products & Technology Leader with Baker Hughes an Energy Technology Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. In 2002, she began her career in the United Kingdom as a Process Engineer in the Engineering Procurement & Construction segment of the Oil & Gas Industry. She has since worked with such companies as TechnipFMC, KBR and Worley Parsons. She also spent over four years with TOTAL E&P playing a pivotal role within its largest Deep-Water Field Development project.

Valerie has a Chemical Engineering (BEng) Degree from the University of Bradford, U.K, a MSc. From University College London (UCL) & London Business School (LBS) and expecting a Global Executive MBA from IESE Business School, Spain.

She’s passionate about, health, knowledge, cycling and traveling –and has lived, worked, and conducted business in over 15 countries across several continents.

She currently lives in Houston, Texas, USA.

(1) SCARVES

Scarves help add an extra layer of colour and texture to any outfit. They can be styled in so many ways; scarves can be tied around the collar, run through belt loops, and even on purse straps. No matter what you are putting on, add a scarf to the equation, and you’re good to go. You can find them anywhere, from department stores, thrift stores, markets, and high-end retail shops.

Accessories That Transform Any Outfit Instantly

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

You can transform your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary by including simple pieces that make a big statement. When you know what items to own and how to use them, you already have the key to changing your style from plain to pizzazz.

One of the things that makes you stylish is your ability to transform a basic outfit into an irresistible one by pairing it with the right accessories. You can create unique and stylish looks by pairing the essentials in your closet with a few chosen accessories. And as long as you know how to style them when you put on the most basic outfit, you’ll look as good as or even better than any fashionista you know.

(3) BELTS

Belts help in bringing a look together. They come in different colours, shapes and sizes. Belts also help in giving ourgive any it is lacking. No matter the occasion you are dressing for, pull a belt into play and transform your outfit.

(2) JEWELRY

When we talk of jewellery, they include necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. You can use them to accentuate your look, bringing attention to specific areas of your body, letting them do the talking for you.

Arese Ugwu

(4) HANDBAGS

A handbag could be just what you need to transform your outfit. Handbags come in different forms and sizes. Just as there are big handbags, there are mini bags, clutch bags, sling bags and so on. No matter the style, you can find one that can help you make a statement.

(5)SHOES

No matter the shoe you pair with your outfit, make sure it's the type that elevates your look. Be it heels, sneakers or flats, adding the right pair of shoes to your outfit makes you look sexy and sophisticated. They are so defining that your casual or formal looks depend on them.

(6) HAIR ACCESSORIES

Do not be afraid to bring flair to your hair. You can bring life to your hair and make your outfit flow from hair to toe by adding accessories like beads, ribbons, scarves and more. It doesn’t matter if you sport an updo with some wispy flowers or a long flowing ribbon from your ponytail, have it at the back of your mind that the hair is an optimal spot for an accessory.

(10) SUNGLASSES

When worn right, they become an essential part of our ensemble. Apart from the fact that they help protect our eyes from the harsh sun rays, they add spice to our outfits and give us a stylish look no matter what we put on.

(7) MAKEUP

Applying makeup on your face can bring the kick you need as well. Adding colour to your eyes, cheeks, and lips helps set the tone for the rest of your outfit.

(8) HATS

Choosing a hat and style that works for you is very important. Hats, caps and every other headgear are accessories that can transform your outfit. They give a really unique look. It doesn't matter whether it's a beanie hat or even a wide-brimmed hat; garnish your outfit with any headgear and look like the fashionista you are.

(9) SWEATERS

Sweaters add elements of colour, texture and layering to your outfit. Apart from the fact that they help keep the chills away on cold days, they are a quick and easy way to spice up your outfit. Make sure you include a few in your wardrobe.

ODDBOD & THE CITY

LAGOS LIKE A TOURIST

dipped into two activities, not including her wonderful traditional wedding, and as I said, I am still dizzy. To be fair, she has reported that she has landed back in the overs with a wellearned shenanigans-related calf injury, so my sensibilities are a bit mollified.

One of the activities I caught was Saturday at the beach. I was sweating tequila from the night before and had no idea how I would make it on time to catch the boat, but it was all well worth the frenzied trip to the Boat Club. We headed out to 12 Palms, a relatively new beach villa on the Ilashe archipelago. If I had to give it a rating, it would get five stars!

It’s a stunning four-bedroom luxury villa with all associated mod cons. My usual complaint when I go to any Lagos beach resort is you get the lovely views. Still, something invariably spoils the “luxury” aesthetic. The usual culprit? Bathrooms. Let’s not get into those. The kitchens are next on the list, usually nothing to write home about, and you try not to think about it too hard. After all, your food is coming out of there, and a girl’s gotta eat.

The rooms are lovely, with floor-toceiling windows letting the beach practically pour into the bedroom. Breakfast and the sunrise can be enjoyed on the observation deck, and sundowners by the pool in the evening. 12 Palms really is luxury and relaxation at its finest.

The pièce de résistance for me was the delightful open-plan kitchen. Not crammed into the corner at the back, as usual, it was instead the centre of the “home” and melded effortlessly into the patio leading to the pool. You can enjoy all the views from the kitchen, and the process of creating and providing food can be part of the “getting away from it all” mission whether you decide to cook yourself or bring along staff for the job.

Honourable mention of the solar power situation here; we applaud anyone making an effort to keep their business as green as possible.

It was just what the doctor ordered, great food, good people, a little bit of the hair of the dog that bit me, piccolo swim, nap and shower. All that fresh air and waves crashing as white noise… priceless.

Dear Reader, as I write, this girl is in a fog. I can’t remember the last time I attempted this type of back-to-back rocking, and the recovery has been brutal. I am struggling with a bit of peri-menopausal insomnia, which certainly isn’t helping the cause, but that is an article for another time.

My baby cousin got married last week and, bless her, rolled in with her American husband and a whole entourage of family and friends from the overs. She had a military precision itinerary for the group on an Excel spreadsheet with five columns and many, many rows.

I don’t know where she got the stamina from as I only

I am super pleased to announce that that was not the case at 12 Palms. The owner, Catherine Ashenuga-Farrer, had made all my Pinterest dreams come true. Soothing, beachy neutrals with the obligatory pop of colour in the bedrooms, gorgeous bathroom tiles, sexy power showers, and if you book your rooms right, there is a whole double shower situation for you and your boo. If you haven’t watched 365 Days on Netflix, I suggest you give it a gander for inspiration.

THE ARCHER

BY KEHINDÉ FABULE

Sagittarius, also known as the archer, is the is the ninth astrological sign in the zodiac. Many people may not know this, but they are hilarious and quite prolific in their field, although, sometimes, they can be pretty chaotic.

Often great conservationists( the best of all the signs), Sagittarians tend to hold the attention of everyone in the room; they are very intellectual, fair-minded, hilarious and love freedom.

Regarding their character, Sagittarians get bored quickly and are often known to have commitment phobia.

THE ARCHER AS A LOVER

Because of their funny nature, Sagittarians tend to want someone with whom they can share humour. Although they are charming and confident, they are their partner’s number one fan, and they love to see them succeed.

AS A FRIEND

If you need that friend to help you burn down an ex’s house, it’s a Sagittarius. They are non-judgmental and open-minded, so you can tell them almost everything (only because you should never tell anyone everything about yourself). They are always up for a cultural or intellectual activity, even if it means travelling for hours.

CAREER

Due to their tendency to be talkative and intellectual, they make good lectures (or professors), hosts, broadcast journalists, writers or coaches. They usually are highly effective leaders.

DON JAZZY

Alex Okosi

Projecting African Content to a Global Audience

“African content can become the most watched content in the world. We have amazing storytellers and stories that I know will resonate with the world. However, there needs to be continued investment into the ecosystem to train our content creators on developing better quality content...”

That was our cover personality, Alex Okosi’s response to a question by DOWNTOWN Editor, Onah Nwachukwu regarding the heights African content will attain in the future. For Okosi, who is no stranger to achieving new heights, it is no surprise that he strongly believes in African content. This was evident in his time at Paramount with the introduction of MTVBase, and BET to promote African music and musicians—we cannot deny that they did an excellent job of it.

Now, as Managing Director of Emerging Markets at YouTube, he is poised to see that the continent’s content is also visible worldwide. He is, after all, a strong advocate for African content.

It’s been two years since you started this new role. How are you finding the move?

Never a dull day, I can tell you! These last two years have been amazing for me as I continue to gain an even deeper understanding of the tech space and see the power of technology even in unprecedented times. It has also been quite fulfilling to work with creators and partners across the markets I lead— Russia, Turkey, the Middle East, Israel and Africa. My early days in London were challenging as it was during the peak of COVID-19 and lockdowns. Teams were working from home, so it was a bit tricky to come into a new business during that period. But thanks to technology being able to bridge this gap, we could still keep users on lockdown supported and connected.

One of the key initiatives that I was very proud that we developed was a partnership with Idris Elba and MTV Base to put Africa Day on the global map by hosting a benefit concert that aired on MTV Base Africa’s YouTube channel to raise funds to help fight against COVID-19 and food insecurity on the continent.

I was also happy to have played an important role in landing our $100M global

#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund in EMEA to help elevate black creators and artists. As the skies have opened up, I have been able to travel to my markets to meet with my teams and partners and continue witnessing the impact of these initiatives throughout the world.

Is it any different from what you did at Viacom (Paramount)?

My work at YouTube is very different in that my team and I work on how we leverage the global scale of YouTube to enable our creators and partners to make their channels accessible to the over two billion loggedin viewers every month who come to YouTube to watch one billion hours of content every day. Our creators and partners are responsible for the editorial and content strategies on their YouTube channels which is quite powerful.

Let’s talk about your move to YouTube; what prompted it, considering you built MTV Base, BET, Nickelodeon, etc.?

I had always wanted to transition to working on a platform at the intersection of content and technology, and for me, no better platform does this other than YouTube. I wanted to acquire new skills that would enable me to serve the needs of creators and users today who want to engage with the content they want, when they want, across multiple platforms and on the screens of their choice. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed working at MTV/Viacom, and it wasn’t easy to leave – I was there for 22 years and am so proud of the businesses we built. From writing the business plan in 2005, we launched ten channels and multiple online and social media platforms and built brands from the ground up. It was the most remarkable experience that enabled me to express my entrepreneurial skills while doing what I was passionate about; reimagining the narrative on Africa and helping to elevate her youth culture.

It is fair to say that our work, particularly in the music space, played a crucial part in the global success of African music today, from Afrobeats to Amapiano. However, the opportunity to scale the impact that one can have on a platform like YouTube is just

exponentially much bigger, and that was a key part of my decision.

Those were your babies; how did it feel cutting the umbilical cord? How hard was that decision? Imagine you’re a parent, seeing your babies turn into adults and being comfortable with letting them go! I will always feel proud of the impact MTV Base, Comedy Central and BET will continue to have on the continent in helping elevate African content.

However, it was time for me to take on a new challenge that would allow me to be at the cutting edge of content and technology. It was a hard decision, but the time was ripe for a change.

We know of the significant moves you made at Viacom (Paramount) with MTV Base, Nickelodeon, etc.; does that pressure you to perform on this job?

If you are motivated to grow and make a more significant impact in life, there will always be pressure. That is one of the things that I love about leading businesses, as it allows me to channel my creativity and find innovative solutions to make new things happen or solve challenges. I actually enjoy the pressure as it gives me focus and the impetus to achieve results. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You’ve already started making big moves in your present job; we know you played a role in launching Black Voice Fund. Tell us what that means for Nigerians and Africans.

For years now, YouTube has played an essential role in discovering and developing African sound, exporting African music to listeners worldwide. It brings people to a continent that outsiders may not have experienced for themselves, opening up the world of African music, culture, and dance - beyond just the sound. If you combine statistics for the 25 most-watched SubSaharan African artists on YouTube, more than 70% of their views come from outside Africa. The #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021 is a $100M 3-year fund for

creators

“

I wanted to acquire new skills that would enable me to serve the needs of creators and users today who want to engage with the content they want, when they want, across multiple platforms and on the screens of their choice. ”

and artists from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Nigeria. We wanted to invest for impact and help ensure that the creators and artists developed long-term careers in the industry. Throughout history, Black artists have innovated and influenced virtually every genre of music in immeasurable ways. This program provided us with an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture Black artistry around the world.

You were part of the plans to launch the Africa Day concert. Why Did the team go with Idris?

As a Nigerian born and bred, Africa is in my blood, so it’s important to celebrate the continent through initiatives such as the Africa Day concert. Idris is a great actor, a fantastic musician and DJ, a notable humanitarian and a strong supporter of Africa and African talent. Thanks to his global profile, Idris was key in helping us attract more viewers to showcase African music talent’s creativity and spotlight issues impacting Africans today.

You are passionate about Africa & Africans’ visibility. At Viacom, you spearheaded MTV base, BET, etc. Here, you have started the Black Voices Fund. Why is African content or Africans being seen so important to you? What makes you so passionate about African content?

To be clear, I did not start the YouTube Black Voices Fund, but I definitely played a key role in making sure that African Artists and Creators would also be part of those that would benefit from the campaign. One of the ways to change the negative narratives

on Africa is for us to be the ones telling our own stories in the best light possible. African storytellers and musicians are incredibly talented, but for years we have lacked access to platforms that enabled us to showcase our powerful content. As the world sees more and more of our content, similar to what we now see in music, they will want more which would help explode the career opportunities in the creative industry for our young people. African music and fashion are already influencing global trends, and I want our content to be at the level where it is watched worldwide.

What plans does Alex have for YT? Shall we see actual movies produced by YouTube like other streaming services?

Our mission at YouTube is to give everyone a voice and show them the world. I want to work as hard as I can to deliver on this mission for our creators across all the markets I lead and beyond. I want to help enable a huge creator economy in all my markets, inspiring people to come to YouTube to create diverse content that speaks to their passion. Our model is not to produce YT movies, but of course, you can find movies on YouTube made by other entities.

You were on the power list again this year; how does that feel?

It was very humbling to be chosen and be part of the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage. At the ceremony, I was networking with the incredibly inspiring people doing transformative work across various industries. It’s a powerful initiative, and I am grateful to be recognised again this year.

Let young people in on what motivates you.

I am motivated by doing whatever I can to help young people, creators and artists realise their potential. I was fortunate to have been mentored by people who really cared about my growth throughout my life. I want to scale the positive impact I can make in young people’s lives by leveraging the platforms I work on to create endless opportunities. I am always striving for excellence, and the key values that drive me are to be accountable, respectful and accessible.

What heights do you hope to see content creation from Africa attain?

African content can become the most watched content in the world. We have amazing storytellers and stories that I know will resonate with the world. However, there needs to be continued investment into the ecosystem to train our content creators on developing better quality content. If you look at the number of British-trained black actors that have found success on the global stage, it provides a sample of what is possible if our talent could access similar levels of training. And this applies to those in front and behind the camera.

Where do you see the tech world going next with content?

Technology will continue to enable people to discover content they love from a variety of creators that they can watch, when, how and on any device they choose. Viewers will want to go to a platform that delivers a multi-format experience, whether it is music, live-streaming, podcasting, or long or short-form content. I love the fact that YouTube delivers that like no other platform. Short-form content is now vital for consumers. I am excited about our YouTube Shorts product and its impact once monetisation is turned on in the new year— it will definitely help create the next

“I want to scale the positive impact I can make in young people’s lives by leveraging the platforms I work on to create endless opportunities.”

9 STEPS TO ACHIEVING LUXURY HOTEL LOOK

Don’t Skimp on Bedding

Many people look forward to snoozing in luxury getaway accommodations simply because of the cushy beds. The bedroom is a great place to invest your money. Although we spend a significant amount of time in this room, many homeowners skimp in this room, since other people don’t often see it. The right bedding should be soft and feel luxurious as it touches your skin. It should make you feel like you are being embraced in a soft cocoon. Linen bedding is a popular choice at the moment, and there’s a good reason why. As far as colours go, it doesn’t get more “hotel-ly” than an all-white ensemble.

Add a Rug

We encourage placing a comfortable, plush rug in the bedroom. Why not set a soft sheepskin (faux is fine too!) by your bedside? Your feet will get the royal treatment as you emerge from your cocoon each morning. Moroccan rugs are also extremely cosy; choose one in a black-and-white hue if you don’t wish to overwhelm your space with colour.

Address Lighting

Think about the atmosphere you’d like to create in your sleep space. Lighting should be moody and soft and can sometimes be sexy, too! Not sure where to begin? Indirect lighting, such as lamps with soft fabric shades or cove lighting, are great options.

Hang Mirrors

Hotel rooms don’t have to be large in size to feel beautiful and inviting, and neither does your bedroom. But if you do want to make your space feel more expansive, strategically place mirrors in the space to help reflect light and to make the room feel larger. We suggest leaning one atop a desk to create a makeshift vanity— this will also help make your bedroom feel like it belongs in a boutique hotel—or hanging mirrors above each bedside table.

Display Art

Artwork is what gives a bedroom extra personality and is a key component of luxury hotel rooms too. Here, take the opportunity to display a large canvas or framed piece. Gallery walls, while a favourite for other rooms of the home, don’t look quite as luxe in the bedroom. If you’re drawn to a modern aesthetic, a large abstract piece is an excellent choice. If your style leans more traditional, consider hanging a framed landscape. Black and white figure drawings are also quite chic; lean a few atop a dresser for a casual, Parisian vibe.

Streamline Accessories

BY KEHINDÉ

When it comes to living, comfort is key. Our homes may not look as breathtaking as the world’s most luxurious hotel, but no matter the architecture and phenomenal interior design that these hotels graciously portray, our homes provide us something these short-term accommodations can’t—our sense of ownership. There is a reason why 5-star hotels and top-echelon Airbnb listings command pricey lodge prices; they are usually designed with the customer’s— several people walking through the doors at every turn—satisfaction in mind. The security, hospitality, fine dining, bougie artworks, corporate, health and fitness facilities, and all the offerings of a true 5-star hotel are as persuasive as can be. These features naturally form the tourist attractions that allow us to fall in love with them. But it is something borrowed. How can we give our own space that 5-star feel?

High-end hotel rooms are never filled to the brim with accessories and knick-knacks; rather, they’re thoughtfully curated with just the right amount of decor, so you’ll want to take this approach with your own bedroom too. Minimize visual clutter—a personal touch, such as a small vase of flowers, an elegant clock, or a sterling silver jewellery dish on the bedside table is sometimes enough. Choose items that you’ll be happy to admire as you wake up each day, and toss or donate anything that doesn’t make your space feel more zen.

Add Greenery With Live Plants

Incorporating live plants into your decor and design is a perfect way to add a fresh touch to them. Just make sure you get lowmaintenance houseplants that don’t need much attention. Depending on how your cleaning process is, if you’re not there to water the plants for a while, you want them to still stay alive.

Don’t Forget About the Bathroom

Everyone appreciates a spacious, spotless hotel bathroom. Finish the hotel vibe by making your own look as sleek and streamlined as possible. Tuck beauty products away into drawers or bins to keep the sink area free of clutter. Display just a few everyday essentials in a petite basket and set it atop a marble tray. Ensure your space is well-stocked with everything you or a guest might need: washcloths, extra toilet paper, plenty of hand soap, and the like. Just add a candle or a chic bottle of perfume and you’re all set.

7 WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN WITHOUT SPENDING MONEY

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

We

(1) Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

Many people are not aware of the fact that they give themselves wrinkles while sleeping. We often do this by smooching our face into the pillow, which puts friction between our skin. This, in return, creates creases which can cause wrinkles if we continue to sleep like that for a prolonged period.

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase allows our skin to “slip”, minimising the chance of creating wrinkles.

(2) Drink Water

Water helps all body systems function better, even though it doesn’t directly hydrate the skin. It also helps skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, aids the liver in eliminating toxins from the body, and even reduces puffiness on the face. You can tell that you aren’t drinking enough water if the colour of your urine is a deep shade of Amber. The colour of lemonade is the goal.

(3) Reduce Sugar Intake

If your energy source is added sugar and refined carbohydrates, it will have some effect on your skin. Too much sugar in the body can cause a surge in insulin and inflammation. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of sugar in the body. Check in with yourself if you notice that your skin is becoming more vulnerable to the sun, produces acne and shows more arrivals of wrinkles and lines department.

(5) Exercising

Besides getting our sweat out, exercise is great for our entire body. It also has some other benefits. Exercising helps the blood that carries oxygen and nutrients circulate around all of our cells; it also helps the skin repair itself faster.

(6) Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!

(4)

Reduce Touching And Picking Your Face

By squeezing a pimple, you can create more lasting damage to your skin than the instant gratification is worth. It can also cause an acne called acne mechanica caused by friction from touching the face and pushing oil and bacteria back into the pore of the face. Apart from that, picking and squeezing your face can result in a scar or brown spot called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Beauty sleep is the real deal when taking care of your skin. When we sleep, our body heals and regenerates cells. Sleep also helps increase the sleep hormone melatonin, which acts as an antioxidant to fight fine lines, wrinkles and skin cancer.

(7) Limit Your Time in The Sun

We all know that limiting our skin to sun exposure prevents skin ageing, skin cancer, and many other side effects.

If you won't be using sunscreen, try to limit your sun exposure or seek shade when hanging out. You can also put on clothes that protect your body from exposure to the sun.

HEALTH Diabetic?

All You Need To Know About The Sugar Disease

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

where it’s used, which is inside your body’s cells (cells make up your body’s tissues and organs). This help or “key” is insulin.

Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. Your pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream. Insulin acts as the “key” that unlocks the cell wall “door,” which allows glucose to enter your body’s cells. Glucose provides the “fuel” or energy tissues and organs need to function properly.

If you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t make any insulin or enough insulin, or it makes insulin, but your body’s cells don’t respond to it and can’t use it as it normally should.

If glucose can’t get into your body’s cells, it stays in your bloodstream and your blood glucose level rises.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS?

TYPE 1 DIABETES

This type is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body attacks itself. In this case, the insulinproducing cells in your pancreas are destroyed. Up to 10% of people who have diabetes have Type 1. It’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults (but can develop at any age). It was once better known as “juvenile” diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. This is why it is also called insulin-dependent diabetes.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting or stomach pains and yeast infections or urinary tract infections.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Diabetes is the number-one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. The hormonal and metabolic disorder damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and vision loss. Although diabetes is quite a disadvantage and requires a major lifestyle change, it is not a death sentence. Here is all you need to know about one of the most common diseases in the world.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes happens when your body cannot take sugar (glucose) into its cells and use it for energy. This results in a buildup of extra sugar in your bloodstream.

Mismanagement of diabetes can lead to serious consequences, causing damage to a wide range of your body’s organs and tissues — including your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.

WHY IS MY BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL HIGH? HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?

The digestion process includes breaking down the food you eat into various nutrient sources. When you eat carbohydrates (for example, bread, rice, pasta), your body breaks this down into sugar (glucose). When glucose is in your bloodstream, it needs help—a “key”—to get to its final destination

With this type, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes. Up to 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2. It usually occurs in middle-aged and older people. Other common names for Type 2 include adult-onset diabetes and insulin-resistant diabetes. Your parents or grandparents may have called it “having a touch of sugar.”

You may not have any symptoms at all or may not notice them since they develop slowly over several years.

PREDIABETES

This type is the stage before Type 2 diabetes. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be officially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

This type develops in some women during their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you’re at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on in life.

You typically will not notice symptoms. Your obstetrician will test you for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of your pregnancy.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

• Increased thirst.

• Weak, tired feeling.

• Blurred vision.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

• Slow-healing sores or cuts.

• Unplanned weight loss.

• Frequent urination.

• Frequent unexplained infections.

• Dry mouth.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

In women: Dry and itchy skin and frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections.

In men: Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle strength.

WHO GETS DIABETES? WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Factors that increase your risk differ depending on the type of diabetes one ultimately develops.

RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES

Having a family history (parent or sibling) of Type 1 diabetes. Injury to the pancreas (such as by infection, tumour, surgery or accident).

Presence of autoantibodies (antibodies that mistakenly attack your own body’s tissues or organs).

Physical stress (such as surgery or illness).

Exposure to illnesses caused by viruses.

RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Being Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American race or Pacific Islander.

Being overweight or obese. Having high blood pressure. Having low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and high triglyceride level.

Being physically inactive. Being aged 45 or older.

Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (or 4kg).

Having polycystic ovary syndrome. Having a history of heart disease or stroke.

Being a smoker.

RISK FACTORS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Having been overweight or obese before your pregnancy. Being over 25 years of age

IS THERE A CURE FOR DIABETES?

There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help.

TREATMENT

Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications.

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

Lisa Folawiyo Studio

Akunna Nwala

Chef Fregz

Lisa Folawiyo Studio

Dolapo & Adegbite

Sike Saro (far right)

Ezinne Chinkata

Titi Fowora & Bola Balogun

Derin

Lisa Folawiyo

Denola Grey

Lisa Folawiyo Studio 1 Ruth Isabella & Deola Bali

Lisa Folawiyo Studio

Esosa Anenih(R)

Ebuka Uchendu

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Devotion

Hudner (Glen Powell in his second fighter pilot role in a year, following Top Gun: Maverick), we see Brown struggle to open up to a white man who has no idea what he has gone through and what he endures every single day.

Devotion is, as much as anything else, a film about loneliness. Majors portrays Brown as a deeply kind and personable man with his family, and his romance with his wife Daisy (Christina Brown) is rich and affectionate. He’s a great father and clearly a decent human being. But at work, he’s isolated in a crowd of his peers, and every time he thinks he can trust Hudner, not just with his mortality but also with his actual life, Hudner tends to let him down through his sheer, thudding obliviousness to the realities of racism.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

ON OUR RADAR

HARRY

Withsquadrons of F4U Corsair jets swarming the sky in perfect formation, bullets dancing past and through them, explosions and crashes galore: J.D. Dillard’s Devotion is a strikingly attractive war film. Although making war look this pretty may undermine the whole “war is hell” vibe that most movies go for, Devotion has a more romantic notion of its central conflict. Dillard paints the Korean War as the backdrop for heroic deeds and masculine bonding, never mind the complexities of the geopolitical stage.

Never mind a lot of complexity, actually. As a war story, it’s oddly rah-rah for the contemporary cinematic landscape. The Korean War was a conflict that, as far as Devotion is concerned, had to be fought and had nothing to debate. Indeed, the aviators at the centre of Devotion were mostly flyboys from World War II who finished training too late to see action in the war and were practically itching to get up in the sky and take down enemy fighters for almost any reason.

Given the era, it’s not a surprising mentality. It’s just a little retro for a modern film to harken back to that uncomplicated view of global, violent conflict. Whether that appeals to you or not may simply be a matter of taste or values.

But if you can get swept up in a big oldfashioned war picture, Devotion has some of the goods. It’s an incredibly handsome production, and the central performance by Jonathan Majors, as real-life aviator Jesse L. Brown, is layered and impressive. As a black aviator in the 1940s, he has endured an unfathomable amount of racism, so much that it fills a book he keeps with him, where he writes down every horrifying thing white people have ever said to his face. And he refers to it whenever he needs his anger to fuel him.

Written by Jake Crane and Jonathan A.H. Stewart (adapting the non-fiction book by Adam Makos), Devotion keeps a lot of the most overt racism off-screen, but Majors demonstrates its impact. We watch Brown code-switch, turning off different parts of his personality depending on who he’s talking to. And as he gets to know his wingman Tom

Majors is, again, phenomenal, but Powell struggles to keep up with him. A mighty presence in his own right, the actor, gets much more screen time than he did in Top Gun Maverick but the same mild amount of character development. We know precious little about Hudner outside of his specific relationship with Brown. His interests are minimal, and his worldview narrow. He exists, it seems, for Brown to explain to him how to be a better ally. And by the time he gets to be any good at it, it’s too late to be useful.

Devotion kicks into high gear in the second half with dazzling and impressively choreographed aerial combat sequences. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt makes it all look glorious, but a lot of the heavy lifting throughout the whole picture is done by composer Chanda Dancy. Her memorable and stirring strains carry the film through its most formulaic moments. It’s a genuinely spectacular score, elevating the best scenes into gigantic crowd-pleasers in satisfying, classic Hollywood fashion.

There are moments of odd and memorable interest in Devotion,  like a detour the film takes to Paris where someone very unexpected pops up, but most of it is a straightforward war picture with — Majors’ fantastic lead notwithstanding — cookie-cutter side characters and straightforward World War II melodrama. Thomas Sadoski, in particular, plays a commanding officer who’s dangerously close to parody. Throughout the film, he gives a series of speeches that are always a little too clever, never hinting at actual humanity. Just wisdom and cleverness.

And yet. Whenever that camera is on Majors, whenever the planes soar through the shot-filled sky, and whenever that score crescendos, J.D. Dillard’s film comes pretty close to greatness. If only the rest of the movie didn’t get in the way.

6.5/10

& MEGHAN

In an unprecedented and in-depth documentary series, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex share the other side of their high-profile love story. Across six episodes, the series explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution. With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other. From the critically-acclaimed, two-time Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning director Liz Garbus, Harry & Meghan is a never-before-seen look at one of the most-discussed couples in history.

Coming Soon

AYLØ_ Tera Kòrá - Hey! - A COLORS

NxWorries_ Anderson .Paak_ H.E.R._ Knxwledge - Where I Go (feat. H.E.R.) Q - Today

with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)

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

Joyce Wrice_ KAYTRANADA - Iced Tea KAYTRANADA_ Anderson .PaakTwin Flame

Jeshi_ Obongjayar - Protein Wizkid

Dua Saleh - chosen Doechii - Persuasive

DIRECTOR: Liz Garbus EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Erica Sashin, Mark Monroe, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Ben Browning, Chanel Pysnik, Jon Bardin, Mala Chapple, Angus Wall

A Netflix Documentary Series A Story Syndicate Production In Association with Archewell Productions In Association with Diamond Docs