VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
or Just How Much Is Your Vote Worth?
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
PAGE 2
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
8
Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Desire Onyema @desire_makeover
EDITOR’S NOTE
B
ack To The Future was one of those movies I watched as a kid and thought to myself, ‘A flying car? That is never going to happen.’ Well, I’m biting my tongue now because a couple of manufacturers have produced actual flying cars and one in particular has been given the official Certificate of Airworthiness. Our technology page profiles five of them. Some ladies have chosen to go the no-hair route, and boy, do they look amazing. Check out our beauty pages for a list of some women who are wearing the bald look, and pulling it off, one sexy scalp after another. The fashion pages spot stylish politicians, as well as trendy options to take your Airpod cases from regular to stylish in one smooth move, and Oddbod leaves us with a question worth pondering – why are we reluctant to support our own? Read her take on how you can support a local business without spending a kobo. Intimate scenes in some movies often happen in the most unexpected places. They tend to give the impression that those spots make for a very romantic experience. Downtown Confidential, our sex page, proves these movies wrong. Read all about one person’s experience in the shower. While you are at it, don’t miss websights where we discuss the latest social media buzz; it’s really worth reading. As candidates begin to declare their intention to run for the presidency and other positions in government, citizens can’t help but analyse every one of them. Then there’s the ‘small’ matter of which one is clean enough to be associated with. In recent times, certain people -especially celebrities and influencers- have been branded with the ‘sellout’ seal on social media, based on the politicians they were seen with. Read our cover story for a complete analysis. While I understand that we are still traumatized by past events - EndSARS to be precise, these questions tug at my heartstrings: Does being seen with a politician who has been tagged ‘the enemy’ mean that we have sold our vote? Does dancing or dining with the enemy necessarily mean you are a sell out? As far as we know, it could be a strategy. After all, there’s that saying, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Writers: Kehindé Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Graphics/Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
CONTENTS
COVER FOLD OR HOLD JUST HOW MUCH IS YOUR VOTE WORTH?
16
WEBSIGHTS BITTERSWEET EXPERIENCE
04
15
FASHION CAMPAIGN IN STYLE 5 MOST STYLISH POLITICIANS IN NIGERIA
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN CHIEF RASAQ OKOYA’S ELEGANT 82ND GARDEN BIRTHDAY PARTY
14
05
FASHION GIVE YOUR BORING AIRPOD CASES A LUXURY FACELIFT
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN LAUGH FEST SEASON 4
06
ODDBOD & THE CITY WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOURS?
07
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL LATHER UP
11
12-13
TECHTALK
BEAUTY
THESE 5 AIR CARS WILL CERTAINLY ELEVATE TRAFFIC IN NIGERIA
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.
BLACK, BALD AND BEAUTIFUL
WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM
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.
David Nwachukwu @ebube.nw - Contributing Writer David Nwachukwu has always been immersed in fashion from the age of 10, watching a Dior by Galliano show on television. His work in fashion stretches across media, marketing, brand communications as well as design.As a fashion & lifestyle journalist, David has tracked key industry data for various publications including Industrie Africa, Culture Custodian, Haute Fashion Africa, and HELLO! Nigeria. A Geography graduate from The University of Lagos, David consciously aligns this background in environmental advocacy and sustainable development with the need to promote a more ethical fashion ecosystem. He currently oversees strategic communications at Clean Technology Hub.
@madekuti
@bendancerng
The Prince of Afrobeats @madekuti
@shollycutie
Efua Oyofo @efuastar
- Contributing Writer Efua has always enjoyed telling stories. A writer and cultural storyteller, Efua Oyofo helps clients tell their most compelling story. She focuses on social impact storytelling, and hosts a podcast: This African Love, exploring the culture of dating - and helping people develop more effective ways to navigate relationships in today’s world.
PAGE 3
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
FASHION
Campaign in Style 5 Most Stylish Politicians in Nigeria BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
W
Kate Henshaw
Past Experience: Unsuccessfully ran for
the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency seat in 2015. Having spent almost three decades in the movie industry, 50-year-old Kate Henshaw has been known to maintain a chic style that disregards her official birth certificate and affirm the popular saying that age is nothing but a number.
e are in a time when electoral candidates will be in a region nearby campaigning aggressively for our votes in preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 elections. Their campaign trail which consists of a set-up committee, usually has several people, from speechwriters and photographers to those who will handle logistics. One important member of the committee that often goes under the radar, however, is the stylist. For most politicians, it is as easy as wearing the traditional attire peculiar to where they hail from. Think about former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and his agbada, Goodluck Jonathan and his hat, and more recently, President Muhammad Buhari and his kaftan. Nigerian politicians often have a signature, safe look that they never deviate from whilst in power; a uniform of sorts. However, some of them -stint in politics or not- have been known to push the envelope. Here’s our list of five fashionable politicians in Nigeria.
Shina Abiola Peller
Present Position: Member of the Nigeria Federal
House of Representatives—Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State (2019 to date) Nightlife mogul Hon. Shina Peller has been in the entertainment industry for a while now and that reflects in his style. His signature look which consists of a hijab-like headpiece is unconventional, hence interesting.
Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha Present Position: Member of the Nigeria
Olubankole Wellington
Past Experience: Contested and lost in the
Eti-Osa Federal Constituency election in 2019. Recognized by his peers and Nigerians as one of the leading voices of R&B in the country, Banky Wellington’s aesthetically pleasing style matches his sonically pleasing sound.
PAGE 4
Fela Durotoye
Past Experience: Presidential Aspirant (2019) Durotoye’s style matches his profile as one of the most outspoken and brilliant minds in the country. Whether wearing a corporate look in nicely-fitted corporate suits or a casual look in tees and tracks, not a lot of political aspirants can outshine his style.
Federal House of Representatives—Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State (2007 to date) Hon. Onyejeocha’s style is very vibrant. At 52 years old, the Reps Deputy Chief Whip has gotten a lot of compliments from the former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who labels her a progressive lawmaker. Her style reflects just that.
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
Give Your Boring Airpod Cases
FASHION
1
A Luxury Facelift
2
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
W
ith Apple making $365.8 billion in revenue for its products, you aren’t going to be the only one with a pair of Airpod Pro. What if we told you there was a way you could switch up your earphone’s case, by turning them into a fashion statement and keep heads swivelling? Two words… Luxury cases. From Chanel to Gucci, Tom Ford to Fendi, you can upscale your simple and plain-looking Airpod cases to luxurious, chic, and stylish items.
3
4 5 6
7 9 8
11 1. Caro Case for AirPods Pro DIOR 2. Earphones Case LOUIS VUITTON 3. Horsebit 1955 AirPod Case GUCCI 4. X Chaos Baguette AirPods Pro Case FENDI 5. VLOGO Signature Earphone Case VALENTINO GARAVANI 10 6. Abstract-Print AirPod Case EMILIO PUCCI 8. AirPod Case Necklace CHANEL 7. Black Leather AirPod Pro Case TOM FORD 9. Sound Fring AirPods Pro Case ROSANTICA 10. Woven Airpod Case BOTTEGA VENETA 11. Skull Air Pod Pro Case ALEXANDER MCQUEEN PAGE 5
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
ODUN OGUNBIYI
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
ODDBOD & THE CITY
Where Do You Spend Yours? Drink more water. Do the physiotherapy exercises for your busted knee first thing in the morning Odun; it only takes 10 minutes. Little habits, big gains. As a minusculesized business owner, it came to me while I was doing the small-businessowner dance after an order came in: who dances when I spend my money? For a hot minute, there was a ‘Buy Nigerian’ movement in the fashion industry, but shockingly, I could not find any details about the who, what, or where if I put that into the Google search engine. Currently, there are two movements of note in America: Buy Local (all about being environmentally aware with your spending), and Support Black-owned Businesses. Separate movements to be sure, but they had me thinking. Why are we so reluctant to support our own? Make no mistake, in almost every other continent and culture, you first spend your money within the community before going elsewhere. Why have we been so convinced of the superiority of “OTHER” as a continent, a country, a people? I know our fraudulent reputation here in Nigeria does not help, customer service seems to be a foreign concept, and there is just no getting away from the superior quality of most international luxury brands but, with some research and a little priority reorganisation, the bulging bank account of LVMH may not be the best resting place of your hard-earned cash. It goes without saying that investing in Nigerian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs is critical to creating opportunity and growth in our country.
Consumer power is a superpower...
I
n avoiding accursed New Year’s resolutions that one can never stick to, I have been looking at being more mindful and intentional with how I live my life. The results? I am hoping for a healthier body, mind, and spirit feeling with which I approach this rollercoaster called life. It all seems to be about changing small habits in your everyday life to create significant change. Swap your single-use plastic for a more sustainable alternative.
PAGE 6
Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and (dare I add as a niche consideration) women with small businesses have been long-time wealth-builders for generations in this country. By supporting more Nigerian-owned companies for your everyday needs, you can help create more opportunities for meaningful savings, property ownership, job creation, and generational wealth in our community. Supporting Nigerian businesses shouldn’t be a trend; it should be a lifestyle. When you ‘choose’ to support Nigerianowned businesses, you support black pride, unity, and self-determination. Am I taking this too far? Ask yourself what your regular patronage means to
a small business and the families supported. Nigerian entrepreneurship must be funded first by Nigerians. It is a tool for survival in a world that seems to not want to see us win. When we choose to win against all odds (here I will add the absolutely hostile and toxic banking industry), young Nigerian children grow up seeing successful entrepreneurs and a thriving community.
What does support look like? •If you had a good experience, tell a friend. A personal endorsement is better than any advertisement. •Follow, engage and post on social media
Support isn’t free, and free isn’t support. Do not ask for a discount if your overall goal is to help!
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
LATHER UP
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
F
or centuries, movies have had the responsibility of bringing our deepest and most sensual desires to fruition. Whatever it is, there’s a movie scene somewhere in the world that depicts it. But one thing we all tend to delude ourselves of is that movies and reality are yards and acres apart. Although they offer apt representations, there is always more to it than meets the eye.
There’s soap on her body but we both don’t seem to care about it. With her arched over and her hands on the toilet tank, I delicately slid into her. The water rolls off our body just as moans of unbridled passion roll off her tongue. All seems to be going hunky-dory until neither of us can get a grip. We both were just sliding all over the place and to make matters worse, her lady bit was drying up. Who would have thought all that water wouldn’t keep her lubricated. A few close calls and we decided to opt for softer and dryer pastures. Let me not get you started on the soap we both didn’t care about burning our eyes.
I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news but, sex in the shower isn’t always that fluid—pun intended—and if utmost care isn’t taken, the only place either one of you will be going to is the ER. Why? Because nothing in there is on your side. Not the showerhead, not the tap, not the shower curtain rail, and most definitely not the soap dish. P.S. If you use a bucket and a bowl to bathe, stick to the bedroom but if you’re hell-bent on experiencing this then I advise you to call a plumber to come to fix your pipes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it can’t be done, it’s just that some things should be put in place for everything to go smoothly and nobody leaves injured.
In terms of preparing properly for sex in the shower, you need a few things, one of which is a lubricant. Thinking that water is enough to keep you grooving is a common misconception that I hope this clears up. As wet as water is, it isn’t slippery and we all know how important slippery is to sex. I implore you to have lube on standby when going down and dirty in the shower with your partner or partners.
Most of you reading this are most likely saying to yourselves, ‘I’m sure this guy has done or at least, tried this before.’ Well, yes, I have and it has its pros and cons, some of which you’ll soon find out. It was a Saturday like every other one before it. I had stepped out of my university apartment to the smell of clean clothes and detergent. Every clothing line was clamped up with wet clothes. Thank God I hadn’t gone through the trouble of washing my clothes. Right as I was about to make fun of my roommate for being overeager in his quest for clean clothes, I received a Whatsapp notification from ‘Baby with two love emojis.’ It was a thirst trap photo of the girl I was dating at the time. She had a lime green
towel around her bosom with the caption ‘wanna join?’ At that moment, I had never been happier to have not taken a shower. I waved down a cab and raced to her flat. On getting there, I was met with the familiar smell of detergent but this time I couldn’t care any less. I get to her room door and I give my secret knock so she knows it is me and she yells ‘come in.’ I step in and lock the door behind me, I look at the table and I see a drink. “Hey baby,” she
says before kissing me and leading me by the arm towards the toilet. “What about the drink?” I inquired and she replied, “It’s for later” with a slutty look in her eyes. For the first time in a long time, her shower was working, and watching the water cascade down her erect nipples almost made me want to jump in; clothes and all. We’re inside the shower, my lips are around her areola, while my clothes and her lime green towel were abandoned at the bathroom door.
Another thing worth investing in is a shower mat. What this does is that it gives you enough friction in the thrusting and balance department as opposed to sliding and running the risk of literally breaking her back or yours. Something else to take into account is toys. Not a rubber duckie but actual sex toys—that are water-resistant of course—to spice things up a bit in the bathroom as well. And for those of you wondering what happened to the drink, it served its purpose eventually.
PAGE 7
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
COVER
Just How Much Is Your Vote Worth? BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE AND TILEWA KAZEEM
PAGE 8
W
e are gradually reaching the precipice of fences, banners and streets littered with pictures of political office aspirants promising new beginnings in the shape of an apt catchphrase. Street urchins love it, market women look towards it, PR firms fight tooth and nail to get contracts to further embellish each aspirant and the candidates have the money to squander on their agenda. Nothing is unexpected or beneath them during these noteworthy times. Buying roast corn by the roadside, walking or taking public transportation or unlocking new levels of public display of affection just to get you to marry into their agenda. When it’s all said and done, are you going to stick or twist? Are you going to hold or fold and at what price?
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
COVER Activism In Nigeria
Activism is the natural response to a failing system. In Nigeria, we have had several activists go directly against the government. From Gani Fawehinmi to DOWNTOWN cover personality, Rinu Oduoala, activists in Nigeria are not only diverse, they also come from all walks of life and fight different causes in a bid for a better life. Being the most populous black country in the world, it is easy for the government to have a disconnect with its people. Activism aims to bridge the ridiculously wide gap between the different administrations and its citizens, to amplify the cries of the regular person to the ears of the powers that be. But is it enough to try to make a difference from the outside looking in? Because of the nature of their job—if you’d call it that— activists are usually outspoken and articulate, decisive, well-read on societal issues and very intentional with every move they make; all attributes of a great leader. A call some of them have yielded, although very few have transitioned seamlessly.
Activists Actual Involvement In Politics: The Toxic Relationship Between Them And The Public
Coming from the back of the heavy #EndSARS protest that culminated in the Lekki massacre, Nigerians have become especially paranoid as they prepare for the coming election. With an evil perception of everyone associated with the Buhari administration still lingering in their mind, the public have resorted to the a-friend-of-my-enemy-is-myenemy ideology to decipher the mystery: ‘who is with us and who isn’t?’ In the heat of the fortnight-long series of protests, Twitter saw the rise and fall of human rights activist and selfacclaimed convener of the #EndSARS campaign, Segun Awosanya, known predominantly as Segalink. Awosanya, who had enjoyed an overflow of love and support from fellow Nigerians all over social media just before the protests broke out, was believed to be in direct dialogue with the government. Before that, the public perception of Awosanya was that he was doing the Lord’s work as very often he would come to the rescue of youths who were profiled wrongly and harassed by the Nigerian police. He had such a strong presence, his Twitter handle was the first line of response for anyone going through police-related distress at the time. Think about how white Americans would call 911 at the slightest inconvenience just because of the sheer faith they have in the system to always look out
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Youth Summit poster listing Leo Da Silva as a panelist
Maryam Apaokagi-Greene with other skitmakers that met with the vice president
for them. Awosanya once enjoyed that level of trust. His relationship with Nigerians became sour when they started to see his involvement with the same people he was supposed to be at war with. Awosanya was labelled a sellout with a god complex. Last year, social media skitmaker and influencer, Maryam ApaokagiGreene known professionally as Taaooma, was under fire for being a part of a group of skitmakers who had travelled to Abuja to meet with the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo. Apaokagi-Greene who, just like everyone else on social media, lent her voice very passionately to the #EndSARS campaign, was bullied across social media platforms for being in the same air space as the vice president, even though the visit was not politically motivated. A fortnight ago, the ‘sellout activist’ banner was once again rolled out and the casualty this time was Big Brother Naija alumni, Leo Da Silva. The reality star who, just like Apaokagi-Greene, is only politically conscious and not a career activist came under a lot of public scrutinies after he took to his various social media handles to share a Bola Tinubu Youth Summit poster with the theme; ‘Reinventing our future: Roles of young Nigerians in national development.’ Da Silva announced that he will be a panellist in the youth summit that is scheduled for the 26th of March this year. Following the announcement, a lot of Nigerians on the internet have stormed the celebrity’s social media pages, raining insults and accusing him of betraying them for money.
The summit is set to feature the DirectorGeneral of Bola Tinubu Support Group Council, Abdulmumin Jubrin, as the Guest Speaker; Senator Ajibola Bashiru as Keynote Speaker; Hamzat Lawal, an anticorruption activist and founder of ‘Follow The Money,’ as a panellist; Maryam Laushi, a communication specialist, activist and has been one of the most vocal Northern voices raising awareness on gender equality, social justice and youth inclusion in politics, as a panellist; Leo Da Silva, an ex-housemate of the Big Brother Naija show, as a panellist, among other young Nigerians. However, Da Silva, who is the second youngest member of the panel, was especially targeted because of his popularity on social media. At what level are young people allowed by fellow young people to be involved in politics? There was a nationwide sigh of relief after the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill was passed in 2018. Nigerians were generally enthusiastic about a future where young people were just as involved in politics as the older generations whom we have grown to loathe and recognise as ‘political demons.’ But have you looked around? Old people still dominate the space; not because they don’t want young people around, but because young people don’t want to be associated with them. So where do we come in? Are we not allowed to engage in conversations that are aimed at shaping our future just because it features the older generations? Do we not have the freedom to choose who we associate with, whether you choose to associate with Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, or Allhaji Abdulsalami Abubakar? Do the back and forth political dialogues imply that we are selling our votes and by extension our soul? If so, then for how much? This act, which is officially now an epidemic, didn’t just start. Nigerians, especially the young generation, are merely reacting to a trauma response triggered by their abundance of trust issues for a projected outcome they have come to believe is inevitable to suffice when activists who have spent a huge part of their public commentary challenging the government, end up wining
PAGE 9
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
COVER too impressed by the public’s perception of him—he is infamous for allegedly being a sellout. The one-time DOWNTOWN cover personality said, “being in government is not a bad thing. All over the world, being in government is the ultimate aim of every activist; to have the reins of government. I will give you an example of that: all the separatist groups in the world are fighting for power. The ANC transmitted to a political party. The end result of Mandela’s struggles was that he became president. The IRA formed themselves into a political movement. In Palestine too led by Yasarafat they also had to seek power. The whole of Ojukwu’s struggles ended up in his coming back to seek power. The whole of Fela’s struggle ended up in forming the Movement of the People and they contested for presidency. Why am I different? The only difference is that most of these people lost and I won with my party.”
The Nigerian Electoral Process In Recent Years Segun Awosanya
Festus Keyamo and dining with the same government. We expect each other to be so morally bankrupt that we don’t trust them to not be able to have a sit-down with the ‘political demons’ and not fold. But how is it possible to change a system by not being a part of it? When we spoke to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, who was once a human rights activist but now sits with the government, he wasn’t
PAGE 10
It is not news that the Nigerian electoral process is a questionable one. Over the years, we have been meted by different acts that have threatened our democracy. Several episodes of ineptitude that typically start with the alleged registration of underaged voters, build up to the snatching of ballot boxes at targeted swingvoting centres, selling of votes for campaign goody bags, and ultimately, the alleged rigging of election results. In a nation where not every region enjoys proper media coverage and election crime investigation according to the precedence, one can only assume the worstcase scenario. When the people cannot pick a president of their choice despite following the often arduous voting process, we have perhaps the biggest issue in our hands to deliver Nigerians from an obviously lacking electoral process. Due to the government’s incompetency that has become the common theme amongst every president that was elected, we have had needs for everyday Nigerians to lead the charge, and the pack, to voice out their discontent. Nigeria has ricocheted back and forth from military rule to democracy in its search for a worthy enough aspirant and yet the search still continues. In the wake of champagne toasts and the first flight of the Nigerian flag, it didn’t take us very long before we had our first coup five years later. The incumbent government at the time, the Northern People’s Congress, had rigged the election. Not long after was the first military coup sprinkled into Nigeria’s history books. Gen Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi and his
band of Igbo officers led the revolt ending the Hausa-Fulani dominance. Going by the modus operandi of military coups, lives were lost and it certainly wasn’t going to be the only one. Not less than six months later, it happened again. Nigeria dished its second serving of uprisings— the ‘revenge coup’ as it would be notoriously known. Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed and Gen Yakubu Gowon (then a colonel), took power. This ‘revenge coup’ sparked a bloody series of unfortunate events that saw the loss of thousands of lives. As the year rolled on, more coups were documented. The successive military revolutions crippled any idea of democracy until 1999. And to prevent future coups, the military stopped being an independent entity and surrendered its power to the head of state. Since then, fanning the flame of hope, political aspirants have refurbished, repackaged and resold it under catchy new slogans like; Change, Next Level, Swagga? Before diving too deeply into this discussion let’s get some things into perspective. Despite being endowed with humongous human and natural resources, the country is in debt.The nation owes ever-increasing trillions of dollars in debt. For a better example, it’s like asking someone— the counties and banks— to which you are indebted to lend you money and to promise you’ll pay it all one time, even if both parties are clueless of when it will happen. As Nigeria’s loans and I-owe-you’s stack up, the poverty line plummets. Food prices skyrocket as a result and people are unable to afford basic amenities needed to sustain themselves and their families. With the award of the worst timing going to COVID, the World Bank put the number of Nigerians that fell below the poverty line in 2020 at seven million. The country also remains the poverty capital of the world with 93.9 million of Africa’s most populous countries currently living below the poverty line, stated analysts at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited. An activist as defined by Collins dictionary is an individual who works to bring about political or social changes by campaigning in public or working for an organization. Some examples would be Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela and Marcus Garvey. However, in Nigeria, there’s a threshold to term ‘activism’ albeit financial or personal. It is a threshold instilled in most people from a very young age through the same medium; parents, teachers and on buildings and monuments scattered around the country to do more than “remind” young people who chose this path of the heroes past. It is very easy to claim to fight for Nigeria in the diaspora or behind your smartphones or computers but it’s another thing to put your neck underneath the guillotine for your country. The former is what modern-day activism is all about because outside social media and Twitter, your so-called activists have pangs that ail them either financial, economic or personal. Dissuade yourselves from getting sucked into the uproar and focus on the bigger picture because while you are stuck in awe of those well-lit pictures taken in beautiful sceneries on Instagram, political-office hopefuls are staring at the Monalisa. The aim here is not to solve problems of conscience or loyalty but to foresee the harsh reality that’s set to unravel sooner rather than later. Sell-outs are like weevils to a sack of beans or weeds to a patch of land; they come with the territory. The real question now is; Dear activist, are you a sell-out?
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
TECHTALK
5
These Air Cars Will Certainly Elevate Traffic in Nigeria A
s kids, movies, and cartoons always had a salubrious feeling. The scars from my armrest-to-armrest jumps in my blanket cape while humming the Superman theme song are there as a reminder. They dazzlingly coloured my childhood as well as that of some others. Another thing they did was offer a blueprint for future technological advancements. Pop culture staples like; Star Wars, Back To The Future,
Klein Vision Air Car
Estimated Cost: (500 Million Naira) From the cost of the Vision Air Car, it looks like it’s going to be a very expensive future for Nigerians. Assembled in Slovakia and created by German professor Stefan Klein, the flying car takes two minutes and 15 seconds to transform from car to aircraft. Fitted with a BMW engine, the car-craft runs on regular petrol and not expensive fuel. To the stupendously wealthy reading this, you might need to build a runway strip in your driveway because this car needs one before flying anywhere. On the upside, you’ll have your own private, mini aircraft just chilling in your garage. Its creator said it could fly about 1,000km (600 miles), at a height of 8,200ft (2,500m), and had clocked up 40 hours in the air so far.
Pal-V: Liberty
Estimated Cost:(250 Million Naira)
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
I, Robot, and oddly enough, Harry Potter all highlighted the possibilities of decongested roads and flying vehicles —two things we can all agree that Lagos and Nigeria urgently needs. Imagine Lagos with air Toyota Camrys and air Danfo. Hawkers flying on makeshift jet packs and rocket boots —considering these cars haven’t been mass-produced; I’m bubbly at the thought of it all.
Joby Aviation Air Taxi Stock Price: (4000 Naira)
Just as the name insinuates Joby Aviation’s Air Taxi takes a detour from the conventional route. Touting itself as the Uber of the air, Joby aims to be the first electric air-based Taxi capable of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) come 2024. Embracing the same structure of traditional helicopters, the Air Taxi promises quieter travel and they are fully electric. Dissimilar to Liberty, Joby has no business creating a vehicle for moves on-air and land as these electric vehicles are for the air exclusively. If you thought booking Uber rides were expensive, think again and with Toyota and Uber as investors, it’s only a matter of time before we have electric vehicles zipping across the Lagos skies.
AeroMobil
While this craft is 250 million naira shy off the Klein Air Car, it is still a bit steep but worth it for a piece of history. This technological innovation albeit a flying craft, takes a different design direction. The Liberty is sculpted as a gyrocopter that doubles as a motor on three wheels. The rotors above it act as a stabilizer for the vehicle and they spin thanks to air flowing through them during flight. A propeller mounted behind pushes the autogyro forward. Just like the first flying car mentioned, you best have sufficient space before switching to airplane mode.
With its 30ft wings, it will need to be on drive mode for a while before Danfo snaps one of the very expensive wings off. Due to take its first flight in 2023, the Aero Mobil boasts of a 300hp engine that is pretty fast in my books. Capable of a flying range of 460miles and a driving range of 320miles, if you add a pair of floaters Lekki inhabitants will dance their way to the dealership.
Airspeeder: Alauda Mk3 Unless the Internet situation in Nigeria significantly improves, our region isn’t their target market. The craft, an electric vertical takeoff multicopter (abbreviated eVTOL for electric vertical take-off and landing) is a remotely controlled vehicle. According to Airspeeder’s website, “the successful execution of these flights means that uncrewed electric flying car Grand Prix will take place in 2021 at three soonto-be-revealed international locations.” I doubt Nigeria, let alone Lagos, would be among the pick of the names for a flying car Grand Prix, but that would be fun to watch when it happens —fingers crossed.
PAGE 11
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
BEAUTY
BLACK, BALD &BEAUTIFUL Six Women That Never Have A Bad Hair Day
F
or as long as we all know, there are certain beauty standards we were told to aspire to—some of them we were told outrightly, others subtly found their way to our subconscious. From the head down to the toes, there are things we ought to do to maintain the intersection between looking beautiful and acceptable. The most significant part of the body that defines us however is our head. Regardless of what you have on your body from your torso downwards, the one
Sofiyat “TheOdditty” Ibrahim
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE thing that people put a face to is… well, the face. Growing up, we were told that women should have long hair to enhance their beauty. According to the Holy Book, the hair of a woman is her glory and is meant to serve as a cover. So it’s not surprising to see women from all over the world invest heavily in hair, with some of them going as far as Brazil, South America, for the perfect hair to cover theirs with. Girls getting body-shamed due to their lack of hair was a regular sight back then.
Nigerian influencer and quirky content creator, Sofiyat Ibrahim, popularly known as The Odditty (or Sofi), has always been known to be bald and proud. Her self-love-themed content is popular among social media users both at home and abroad. Last year, she got an E! People’s Choice Award nomination for the best African Social Star.
PAGE 12
They often get mistaken for boys, most times intentionally just to imply that they are not pretty enough to be girls. I remember someone subtly trolling my sister by calling her ‘handsome,’ when we were kids and how hard I laughed. Have you seen DJ Cuppy this year? It’s not so funny anymore. A few women have said “screw it” and shaved off theirs. And no, they don’t look like men, whatever that means. These are six bald and absolutely beautiful women that we know.
Florence “Cuppy” Otedola To kick off the year, popular London-based Nigerian DJ, Cuppy, posted a video of her shaving off her hair on her social media on new year’s eve. In what she would later admit was a courageous decision, the Oxford University postgraduate student wrote on her Instagram, “My IG Cupcakes! I honestly love the fact that you like my new hair, I see your comments and DMs. Going bald was a scary and bold move for me so I appreciate every single one of you supporting me and welcoming this new Cuppy.”
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
BEAUTY Nancy Isime Nigerian actor, model, and media personality, Nancy Isime has been sporting a low-cut for a while now. The multifaceted actor won the Miss Valentine International beauty pageant and finished second in the Miss Telecoms Nigeria beauty contest in 2009. As a model, she has worked for the likes of House of Marie, Ade Bakare, Adebayo Jones, and so on. There is obviously no question of how beautiful Nancy Isime is.
Daala Oruwari Daala Oruwari is a model, on-air personality, and influencer. Popularly referred to as ‘Goddess of Skillz’, Daala’s style is quite eccentric with her long eyelashes fitting perfectly with her usually shiny bald head. And of course, with those legs, the TikTok sensation understands exactly how to slay and she does it without a strand of hair on her head.
Honourable mention Oluwatomi ‘DJ TGarbs’ Garber Tomi Garber, popularly known as DJ TGarbs, is perhaps the most stylish Nigerian disc jockey. When asked why she chose to remain bald, the selfacclaimed ‘Baldie Baddie’, and official Fireboy DJ said, “I’m probably never going to grow my hair, I don’t have any intentions of growing my hair, when I see myself getting married I see myself getting married bald.” We don’t see a reason why she shouldn’t stay that way. After all, who needs tresses when you can look this good bald?
Michaela Coel In 2017, when Nigerian long Jumper, Blessing Okagbare, jumped so high on a track that her wig flew from her head and landed behind her body as she hit the ground, it was termed embarrassing. While the moment didn’t seem to bother the star athlete too much, Twitter had a field day with laughs and memes about the moment. I May Destroy You creator and star, Michaela Coel chimed in with a hilarious video of her snatching her own wig in a show of solidarity with Blessing. Coel also captioned the short video with much-needed commentary on the history of Black women’s hair and overall beauty being policed. “The real crime here is not that she was wearing a wig – as many of you do, as many of your girlfriends of ALL races do. The crime is that women are so judged and looked upon that she felt she couldn’t do her job without the illusion of long hair,” she wrote. She continued, “Black women ESPECIALLY 4C type hair women are told that they can wear weave, but not wigs, that they can wear braids but not weave, that they can wear curly wigs but not straight ones. That they must create an illusion successful enough for men to be duped and continue living in their delusion.”
PAGE 13
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
LAUGH FEST SEASON 4
The Variety Show Fundraiser Returns BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
M
usic, comedy, dance, magic, and auctions were some of the acts that went down at the 4th edition of the Laugh Fest put together by Nollywood actress and humanitarian, Osas Ighodaro’s ‘Joyful Joy Foundation.’ The yearly event is a fundraiser to support kids in underserved communities in their fight against malaria and it was packed with several entertainment
Ayra Starr
Ayoola Ayolola
industry elites to support the cause. Hosted by Chigul, the night saw performances from M.I Abaga, Wande Coal, Ayra Starr, Kennyblaq, Lasisi Elenu, RealWarriPikin, and a beautiful dance routine by kid dance group, Dream Catchers.
Laycon
Prince & Neo
On the program of events was a section to auction off celebrities for the fundraiser. Personalities such as Falz, Neo, Pere, Nancy Isime were brought on stage and auctioned off for a date night with the highest bidder. It was a memorable night for everyone in attendance.
Titi Kuti
Nancy Isime, Erica, & M.I
Osas Ighodalo
Temisan
Beverly Naya & Damilola Adegbite Ms DSF (R)
PAGE 14
Zainab Balogun & Bolanle Olukanni
Tiwa Savage
Babs Cardini
Falz
TrickyTee
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
CHIEF RASAQ OKOYA’S
ELEGANT 82nd GARDEN BIRTHDAY PARTY BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
F
.riends and family recently gathered at the residence of Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, to commemorate his 82nd birthday. Organized by his wife, Dr. Sade Okoya, the event hosted the upper echelon of Lagos which included royals, to a simple but elegant outdoor gathering. The evening started with prayers at the mosque, after which his guests were ushered to the garden, where the ever-gracious celebrant personally welcomed each one of them as they arrived. Friends including Bisi Olatilo, Florence Ita Giwa, and Kensington Adebutu paid tribute to the man of the evening, each speaking of how much of a gentle and kind man he is. The celebrant later cut his cake as the guests made merry.
The Celebrant, Chief Rasaq Ak anni Okoya
HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Alhaja Rashidat Okoya
Erelu Abiola Dosumu(L)
Iyalode Bintu Tinubu
Chief Rasaq & Chief (Dr.) Sade Okoya
Kesington Adebutu AKA Baba Ijebu with Chief(Dr.) Sade Okoya
(R) Clement Oluwatumininu Okeowo
Jubril Okoya, Aina Okoya Wahab Okoya &
Olamide Okoya
Barr. Shade Balogun Olori Mariam Lawal
Alhaja Kuburat Okoya & Chief (Dr.) Sade Okoya
Farida Adam, Toku o Okoya, & Suomi Oknb oya
Princess Moji Tejuoso & Senator Florence Ita Giwa
PAGE 15
VOL 2 NO.05 • JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 05, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
websights DOWNTOWN
BITTERSWEET EXPERIENCE
Sorry Super Eagles Come Crashing Down
The Super Eagles of Nigeria came crashing down to earth after their defeat by the Aigles de Carthage of Tunisia. Tipped to go all the way to the final of the African Cup of Nations (after maintaining a hundred per cent win rate in the preliminary stage), the Nigerian national team was knocked out in the first round of knockout stages based on their 0-1 loss to Tunisia. The defeat meant our involvement in the competition was over and disappointment loomed throughout the country as several people were thrown under the bus. Leading the blame list was His Excellency President Muhammad Buhari who had performed the presidential courtesy of dialling into the Super Eagles camp just before the commencement of the match. Nigerians on the internet weren’t pleased with the call which was dubbed the bad omen which led to the eventuality. Another name on the blame list was the Nigerian Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick. Pinnick was seen on camera addressing the Super Eagles players, alongside Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, during the halftime break of their second match of the competition. His ‘pep talk’ which included promises, cash rewards, and unnecessary pressure was condemned by several Nigerians with former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, insisting that it distracted the team against Tunisia. The last name on the blame list was poster boy, Maduka Okoye. The Watford-bound goalkeeper spilt the shot that led to the game’s lone goal and Nigerians have voiced out their
PAGE 16
disappointment, although in rather unpleasant ways. Nigerians who had bantered Ghanaians throughout their disheartening short stint in the African Cup of Nations were then drawn against the Black Stars of Ghana in the 2022 Qatar world cup qualifier. The announcement of the twolegged tie had come before Nigeria’s defeat against Tunisia and left Nigerians in a braggadocious state. After the defeat, Nigerians took an introspective approach as they directed the banters at themselves.
FC And 30BG, It Is Time To Kiss And Makeup
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
Meanwhile, in 2018, Wizkid had joined his superstar colleague, Davido, on stage during a show headlined by the latter. Reacting to the reconciliation, popular singer, Innocent Idibia, also known as 2Baba, took to his Instagram page to express his joy. He said, “This puts a smile on my face.” Here are some of the joyous reactions.
Two of the biggest names in afrobeats, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and David Adeleke, fondly called Davido, got fans and music lovers excited as the duo were pictured and captured on video sharing a warm hug in a Lagos nightclub last weekend. In the video that went viral online, Davido and Wizkid could be seen hugging each other passionately and exchanging pleasantries at the club, as fun lovers in attendance squealed in excitement. For as long as we can remember, both singers had been dogged by claims that they are not on good terms.
Can Black People Really Be Racist?
Here are some of the reactions from Football Twitter.
known as Sugabelly. She opposed the idea to make Nwanyi Ocha a commissioner due to her race (skin colour). She wrote:
Twitter had one too many lectures on racism last weekend when a user on the platform, Afam Deluxo, suggested that lifestyle blogger, Nwanyi Ocha (a Swiss caucasian woman) is made the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Anambra state. Nwanyi Ocha Ezenwa is a Swiss blogger married to a Nigerian Igbo man from Anambra state. According to Afam, who is a proud Igbo man, making Nwanyi Ocha the aforementioned commissioner, will boost tourism in the state. Afam Deluxo wrote:
This sparked a lot of controversies online as opinions flew around. One of the strongest challengers of the motion was controversial Nigerian and proud Igbo author, Lotanna Igwe-Odunze, popularly
Sugabelly was labelled a racist for her response which changed the course of the conversation completely to a racism intervention themed around the unanswered question: can black people really be racist?
