EDITOR’S NOTE
FPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
unke Felix-Adejumo is the founder of Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, an organisation dedicated to empowering women. By the time you read this, she would have been consecrated to the office of a Bishop. Her ministry and teaching are inspired by the same things that guide her life: honouring God and blessing humanity. She intentionally sees that self isn’t glorified and personal gain is not at the centre of her walk with God.
Running a ministry comes with its peculiar challenges. Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo cites being hurt and criticised by the people you are labouring for as one of her challenges. You might ask how she overcame this challenge. She did this by looking to Jesus, saying that those who killed him were the same people he was dying to save. With such challenges, it takes a lot to stay motivated, but not for Felix-Adejumo. She learnt early in life that life is in seasons, and for every season comes inspirations, goals, desires and challenges.
Read all about Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo on pages 8 to 10.
Your appearance at a black-tie event is important, and so is following a traditional dress code with its guidelines. Although many men think that wearing a tuxedo is all that is required, dressing appropriately requires more. Our fashion pages dive into six common black-tie mistakes men make and how to avoid them.
In this week’s episode of #Unshakable Truths, Sally talks about vulnerability, saying that it is strength and that we live in a world that equates walls with wisdom and open hearts with recklessness. It’s a rather interesting article; I urge you to read it on page 7.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
@onahluciaa + 2348033239132
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
04-05 FASHION #UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
6 Common Mistakes Men Make With Black Tie Attire
You Can Use at Home
Bringing Italian Elegance to Your Home
Targeted Exercises Leg Day
The End of What Never Was V is for Vulnerability
Funke Felix-Adejumo Transforming Lives
11 Back To School Creating Balance For Your Kids
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.
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 @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
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.
DABOTA LAWSON
6Common Mistakes With MEN MAKE
BLACK TIE ATTIRE
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
At a black-tie event, how you dress is important. Not only is appearance important, but following a traditional dress code with its guidelines is also essential. Although many guys believe that wearing a tuxedo is all that is required, appropriately dressing for black-tie events requires more. Unfortunately, even guys who dress nicely sometimes make mistakes that ruin their polished appearance. This article will dive into six common black-tie mistakes men make and how to avoid them.
1
WEARING A SUIT INSTEAD OF A TUXEDO
A suit and a tuxedo are not the same things. Tuxedos are more formal with accents like sidestripe pants, satin-covered buttons, and satin lapels. No matter how expensive, a suit does not fit the blacktie standard.
2
SKIPPING THE BLACK BOW TIE
Wearing a black bow tie is the exact definition of the term “black tie” in black tie attire. For a more contemporary look, some men might favour a coloured bow tie or necktie, however, this deviates from the traditional guidelines for black tie attire. A good pre-tied choice can be just as effective if tying one is frightening. But it’s worth learning to knot a bow tie if you want to seem put together.
3
WEARING THE WRONG SHIRT
Tuxedo shirts and regular dress shirts are not interchangeable. One cannot compromise on wearing a decent tuxedo shirt for black-tie events. In addition to having a turndown or wingtip collar and pleated or piqué trimming, it is typically made to be worn with cufflinks and studs. Some men show up wearing regular button-down shirts with plain buttons, which is wrong. This relaxed look contrasts with the tuxedo’s official appearance. Therefore, spend money on a quality tuxedo shirt. It enhances your appearance and goes well with the other formal components of your ensemble.
4
CHOOSING THE WRONG FOOTWEAR
Your shoes can make or break your blacktie ensemble. Regular dress shoes, sneakers, or loafers are not acceptable. High-end formal footwear, such as well-shined Oxfords or patent leather, is required for black tie.
5
FORGETTING THE ACCESSORIES
Accessories complete the black-tie ensemble, but they need to be properly selected. A pocket square, studs, a cummerbund or waistcoat, and cufflinks are essential accessories, and excluding them may make your ensemble seem lacking.
6
IGNORING PROPER FIT
Even the most expensive tuxedo can look awful if it is not fitted correctly. You can look bad by wearing a jacket that is too tight, pants that are too long, or sleeves that are too low. Before the occasion, always try on your tuxedo. If you’re renting, request any necessary modifications to guarantee a great fit. If you own one, go to a tailor for a professional fit.
CONCLUSION
Attention to detail, tradition, and elegance are the hallmarks of black tie attire. If you steer clear of these typical blunders, you’ll look put together and project the confidence that comes with being suitably dressed. If you are unsure how to dress for a black tie event, keep in mind that tradition and simplicity are your best guidelines.
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
V IS FOR VULNERABILITY
We are approaching the end of finding #unshakable synonyms hidden in the alphabet, and I am starting to wonder what I will do next, but for now, let us keep going.
Today, V is for Vulnerability. Let me start by saying this: vulnerability is strength. We often resist this paradox, living in a world that equates walls with wisdom and open hearts with recklessness.
I am a hopeless romantic — one who believes in the alchemy of a glance, the poetry of a touch, and the promise of ‘forever.’ Yet, I have kissed too many frogs, hoping for a prince, only to end up wiping away tears, questioning if love is worth the pain. The hurt has not only come from romance. Some of my deepest wounds have been from platonic friendships, loyalty-bound connections, and family bonds. Betrayal, neglect, or indifference from those who should have been safe havens has cut deeper than any romantic heartbreak.
affection into cracks I failed to notice. Yet, even after self-reflection, the sting remains: my deep affection for someone I considered a friend somehow turned them into my foe.
It is a cruel irony that love — platonic, familial, or romantic — can transform connection into conflict. I have seen friendships falter under unspoken resentments, family ties unravel when love became conditional, and my vulnerability used against me as a weapon.
Still, I insist - vulnerability is strength. Many times, I have berated myself for letting my guard down, trusting too soon, or loving too deeply. Exposed and unguarded, I felt foolish and weak. But over time, I have learned that vulnerability, when paired with selfrespect, is power. Showing up with an open heart, knowing life will bruise you, isn’t naivety; it’s courage.
This strength is tested not only in romance but also in friendships and family. I have been the giver in onesided relationships, pouring into connections that offered little in return. These experiences taught me that vulnerability is not just about opening your heart but also knowing when to protect it. I once saw boundaries as barriers. Now, I know they are bridges—spaces where love can flourish without suffocation and trust can grow without fear of betrayal. Boundaries
are like walls; they have windows and doors. Boundaries don’t diminish vulnerability; they make it sacred and your strength #unshakable.
Balancing openness with protecting your peace is an art I am still learning. Each misstep has been a lesson, each heartbreak a teacher. Vulnerability, coupled with boundaries, isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.
In quieter moments, I have turned the lens inward, asking myself, ‘Did I give too much? Trust too easily?’ I have analysed where I overstepped, pouring
Today, I stand as a hopeless romantic and empathetic friend who sees vulnerability not as her Achilles heel but as her superpower. I still dream of love in its truest form — whether it’s a romantic hand in the moonlight or the quiet companionship of friendship. I still wear my heart on my sleeve. But now, my heart is surrounded by a quiet strength that says, ‘I will share my light, but only with those who respect its glow.’ Vulnerability is strength. It’s not about being unguarded; it’s about knowing when and for whom to let your guard down. It is about finding beauty in life’s rawness and courage in opening your heart again, even when the world gives you reasons to close it.
Let me finish by saying this––at the end of the day, I would rather stand naked in the storm, true to myself, than hide behind walls that block out both pain and joy. That, to me, is what it means to be #unshakably strong.
What do you think? ‘See’ you next week!
Photos By: El Paeman Studios Jesu’pemi
Visionaries are the foundation of change in our world today. These individuals strive to make a difference, advocate for the underprivileged, and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. They are all devoted to improving society, regardless of whether they are activists, actors, pastors, or business owners. Beyond national boundaries, their work impacts their local communities and globally. They serve as a reminder that how we impact the lives of others is the real measure of success.
Funke Felix-Adejumo, a Nigerian Bishop, educator, writer, marriage advisor, and humanitarian, is one such visionary. She is the founder of Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, an organisation dedicated to restoring women’s dignity and empowering women. She has created lifechanging projects like Grace Orphanage and a children’s hospital out of her devotion to glorify God and bless people. Her pastoral ministry has impacted innumerable lives, providing direction and hope. She continues to encourage and motivate people worldwide as the author of more than 50 books, including Fifty Lessons Life Taught Me.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Funke Felix-Adejumo discusses her life’s work, her vision for empowering women, and the many ways she continues to impact society.
What inspired your pastoral ministry and teaching?
My pastoral ministry and teaching are inspired by the same things that inspire and guide my life: honouring God and blessing humanity. Irrespective of the topic or area my ministry covers, I am intentional about seeing that self is not glorified and personal gain is not at the centre; even if my perspective is criticised, my goal and pursuit are constant: honouring God and blessing humanity.
Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your ministry and how you overcame them?
Being hurt and criticised by the people you are labouring to help. Many don’t see what leaders go through: the late nights, the struggles, the self-denial, and in the midst of all these, you are being criticised by those
for whom this struggle is for. How did I overcome. I simply looked to Jesus; those who said kill him were the same people he was dying to save. In the midst of one of these challenging moments, my coach said something profound to me that shifted my life. He said whatever happens to you happens for you. As I looked to Jesus, I realised that the cross always leads to the throne, so I embraced my cross with joy and a broad smile because thereafter is my elevation.
“There is no self-made man; we are only helped men. Helped by God and helped by other men. I also learnt that it is what you put into you and you project in the world; that is what you will see happen in your life. I am not afraid to speak to the world about the realities I want to see. ”
How do you balance your multiple roles as a Pastor’s wife, teacher, author, and counsellor?
Well, I won’t say there is anything different that I do that allows me to balance any of these things effectively. Life’s results are not based on what we do but rather on who we are, so I would say I have made it part of my make up to be an effective person and all those who work with me are trained, encouraged and inspired to work based on who I am.
How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work after so many years?
I understood early in life that life is lived in seasons, and for every season comes its inspirations, goals, desires, and challenges. As a person, the principles that govern my life don’t allow me to stay static. There are new heights to be reached. Like I will always say, the illiterate of the 21st century is not one who lacks the ability to read or write but the one who refuses to unlearn and relearn.
“In the midst of one of these challenging moments, my coach said something profound to me that shifted my life. He said whatever happens to you happens for you. As I looked to Jesus, I realised that the cross always leads to the throne, so I embraced my cross with joy and a broad smile because thereafter is my elevation.”
my husband and me so much joy.
How do you decide which projects to focus on through your foundation?
We pick projects based on the challenges we see around us that God has commissioned and inspired us to solve. And God help us, there are a lot.
What impact do you hope to make with your foundation in the next five years?
I don’t know if we can make this happen in five years, but I truly desire that we build a world where women and children are safe and in an environment that allows them to be the best versions of themselves.
“Life’s results are not based on what we do but rather on who we are, so I would say I have made it part of my make up to be an effective person and all those who work with me are trained, encouraged and inspired to work based on who I am.”
How do you and Bishop Felix ’Remi Adejumo complement each other in your ministry?
My greatest blessing after salvation is my husband. He has been a blessing to me; for us, we just use our strengths to help each other and cover the places where each person is inadequate. My husband is more business savvy so he runs our business and I cover other areas in which I am stronger.
What key principles have helped you maintain a strong and successful marriage?
I will just make a list.
1. Trust.
2. Communication: by communication, I don’t mean the exchange of information. Rather, it’s an expression of thoughtfulness, words and action. You must communicate visions, purpose, vulnerabilities, insecurities.
What was the initial vision behind the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation?
The passion to empower women.
Can you share some success stories from the Grace Orphanage or the Children’s Hospital?
It’s humbling and fulfilling to see how children who would have died are alive, bubbling and fulfilling their God-ordained destinies.
The day a set of twins was delivered at the Kharis-Life Hospital brought
3. Freedom: we allow ourselves the freedom to express and to fly.
4. Shared vision and support.
5. Togetherness: we do everything together, from prayer to cooking, and playing to businesses. We may have freedom, but we never forget to do everything together and we share everything.
How did your upbringing influence your current path and mission in life?
I didn’t have much support, but I had my biological father, who believed in the girlchild, and he proved it in my life. I had people who didn’t think much of me. So, I had to depend on God fully and put in the work to rise. I had too many people to prove wrong. It started with me making the decision to be amongst the leading ladies in the world and staying with that decision until I see it through.
What are some of the most valuable life lessons you’ve learned along the way?
There is no self-made man; we are only helped men. Helped by God and helped by other men. I also learnt that it is what you put into you and you project in the world; that is
what you will see happen in your life. I am not afraid to speak to the world about the realities I want to see. My anchor is God. As I worship and praise Him, He lifts me up. Finally, learning daily equates to earning daily. I am a learner. I learn from anywhere and anyone. As you know, I am studying law at the University, and I am currently in part 4.
You recently celebrated 40 years of marriage with your husband. What would you say has been the key to sustaining a loving and successful relationship with your husband?
I would say God and keeping the principles that have always kept our love fresh.
What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones from your 40 years of marriage? There are so many I can’t start to say now.
What are the most important qualities you believe every young couple should cultivate for a lasting marriage?
Marriage is a lifelong journey. There will be bumps on the road, amongst many other things, but if there is vision and direction, if you service your marriage, be it date night, vacations, surprise gifts, inside jokes, and infusing things that make the journey interesting, the joy and goodness will outweigh the down times.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Creating Balance For Your Kids
Creating A Flexible And Fun Routine
Routines keep children in check and make them know what to do at the right time, but if we are also being honest, they also love their freedom.
To achieve balance, work with your child to create a schedule that includes time for homework, playing, eating, and rest. They need a system to guide them in the right way.
Encourage Open Communication
Always be there for your children, and create a relationship that makes them comfortable enough to talk to you about school and friends. Make these conversations part of your daily routine, whether during dinner or driving home. Questions such as “What was the most fun thing you did today?” or “Who did you hang out with?” keep you in the loop and help you monitor how well your child’s day went and how they are balancing everything.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
It’s that time of the year again when our kids return to school: a new class, new friends, new experiences, and new opportunities for the children to grow. As they settle into their new routines, it’s important to help them find the right balance between academics, friendships, and free time. They might not be so excited to be heading back to school, and they may not feel like it, but this year is going to bring lots of memories for them, and it’s up to you to help them make those memories more positive. They are moving into a new experience and do not know how to navigate it, so let’s point out a few ways you can help them transition smoothly into the new year.
Get Involved in Extracurriculars
Children need to be encouraged to explore hobbies to discover what they like. Joining school clubs or sports teams is a great way for them to make new friends and relieve academic stress, so make sure to take an interest in their activities and attend events with them. Play is also important. You can’t expect children to function correctly if all they do is work and don’t relax or decompress. You are raising them to be responsible adults, but that doesn’t mean you should not let them be children and live in the present. Let them play outside, hang with friends, or read a good book.
Celebrate Little Wins
As children going into a whole new experience, it will never be easy. Even as an adult, when you go into something new, you need time to adjust, then how much more for children. Access their progress and celebrate little wins. This will make them want to achieve more when they see how proud you are of them.
Remember that kids learn a lot by watching, so be what you want your children to be. Set an example using yourself; with the proper support, they can grow into responsible adults.
TBY DORCAS AKINTOYE
he use of serums and creams is no longer the only aspect of skincare. Thanks to technological advances, the knowledge of a dermatologist’s or spa’s office can now be brought into your home.
Skincare products have revolutionised the industry by providing a range of solutions for clearer and younger-looking skin without requiring frequent appointments or high costs. Here are three innovative skincare gadgets you can use at home to achieve professional-looking outcomes if you’re ready to update your skincare regimen.
1.
PMD BEAUTY PERSONAL MICRODERM CLASSIC
PMD Beauty promises that the Personal Microderm Classic will help skin cells repair faster than they would on their own. The gadget exfoliates cells from the skin’s surface using rotating discs embedded with aluminium oxide crystals. The goal is to stimulate new cell growth by eliminating this dead skin cell barrier. Another name for this process is microdermabrasion, which is a mild, non-invasive exfoliation treatment that leaves skin feeling smoother and more radiant. Additionally, the gadget uses suction to improve circulation and stimulates the skin’s natural healing process to increase elastin and collagen.
According to one study, microdermabrasion had few detrimental effects on pigmentation or acne while improving skin shape and enabling skin care products to penetrate deeper. Remember that at-home microdermabrasion won’t provide the same results as the dermatologist’s clinic. Those professional treatments have a deeper skin penetration rate than home devices. In any case, that doesn’t negate the value of trying this gadget. It can stimulate the skin to appear smoother, brighter, and more radiant by eliminating the superficial layer of skin.
2.
The Luna 3 is a Bluetooth-enabled facial massager and cleaner for true gadgetheads. You will use an app to lead you through a 60-second cleanse while using the Luna 3. In addition to supposedly smooth, glowing skin, it offers a mild and soothing feeling. The silicone bristles assist in exfoliating the skin, which may improve the penetration of your skincare products, while the massager encourages circulation in your face. Once the companion software Foreo for You has been downloaded, moisten your face, apply your preferred cleanser, and press the start button twice. After that, you move the gadget across your face until it turns off on its own after 60 seconds. After patting your face dry, carry on with your skincare regimen.
3.
LIGHTSTIM FOR ACNE FOREO LUNA 3
LightStim for Acne LED light therapy is a UV-free at-home device that emits red and blue light and promises to give you noticeably healthier-looking, more radiant skin. The blue light has antibacterial properties that reduce the amount of bacteria that causes acne, and the red light has antiinflammatory properties. Acne can be treated by combining the two types of light. However, the hazards may outweigh the benefits because prolonged exposure to blue light can cause hyperpigmentation. While it may benefit red, furious pimples, it is more likely to help if you only have a few black or whiteheads. You should not rely on a treatment like this and should visit a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation If you suffer from severe acne or scarring.
CONCLUSION
With the help of these innovative skincare products, frequent excursions to the spa are no longer necessary to get healthy, glowing skin. The best part? For anyone who wants to invest in their skin from the comfort of their own home, these devices are ideal because they are easy to use and effective. Are you prepared to step up your skincare game? Experience the difference for yourself by using one (or more) of these gadgets.
Bringing Italian Elegance to Your Home
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
It is common knowledge that Italy is celebrated for its elegance, timeless appeal, and general stylishness, and its home decor patterns aren’t any different. Each room in the home is designed uniquely, presenting an opportunity to explore different elements of Italian design, from the warmth of Tuscan inspiration to the grandeur of Baroque influences. For this week’s decor piece, we will guide you on how to bring Italian style into various rooms of your home.
LIVING ROOM
The Italian living room combines comfort with pure elegance. Tuscan style is often the popular option here, with natural elements such as stone walls, terracotta flooring, and exposed wood beams. Sturdy wooden furniture, rich leather seating, and plush, neutral-toned fabrics are some ideal options for a cosy but sophisticated look. Italian design values quality and minimalism, so choose a few well-made pieces, like a deep wooden coffee table or an antique-inspired chandelier, for an inviting feel.
KITCHEN
In Italian culture, the kitchen is the heart of the home. To make your kitchen feel all Italian, opt for classic Italian features, such as wooden cabinets, open shelving, and wrought iron accents. Open shelving with handcrafted ceramics and copper cookware is practical and adds visual interest. Marble countertops are a signature of Italian kitchens, and they bring elegance and functionality.
DINING ROOM
Italian dining rooms usually replicate grand villas that combine luxury with simplicity. A large, sturdy wooden table is key, surrounded by high-quality chairs, preferably cushioned seats for comfort. Consider a Venetian glass chandelier for lighting or antiqueinspired wall sconces to add Italian elegance. Earthy wall tones, combined with a few decor items, such as framed landscapes or vases filled with fresh greenery, help boost the dining room’s ambience without overwhelming it.
BEDROOM
The bedroom is another section of the house that radiates serenity and understated affluence. The focus here is on comfort, with a neutral colour palette of whites, creams, and soft browns. Consider a bed with a plush headboard and layer it with high-quality fabrics, preferably in natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Antique-style bedside tables, simple artwork, and warm lighting create a relaxing, sophisticated space. For those who enjoy Baroque decor, an ornate mirror or decorative moulding can add a touch of grandeur without making the room feel heavy.
BATHROOM
Italian bathrooms give off spa-like tranquillity, sometimes with stone, marble, or tile work. To achieve this aesthetic in your home, consider using high-quality marble or travertine tiles for floors and walls to achieve an elegant, timeless look. Brass or bronze fixtures add a classic touch, while a free-standing bathtub can act as the room’s focal point. Soft lighting and minimalistic decor, like a single potted plant or a vintage mirror, complete the look, keeping the space serene and tidy.
Infusing Italian design into each room allows for a tranquil, timeless home that radiates warmth, elegance, and understated luxury. Whether you’re embracing Tuscan rusticity or Venetian elegance, Italian-inspired decor brings a unique blend of style and comfort to any space.
FITNESS
Targeted Exercises LEG DAY
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Building strong and well-defined legs is important, not just for aesthetics but also for overall fitness. Leg exercises boost the strength of the lower body, improve athletic performance, and contribute to better balance and stability. If you’re looking for proven routines that deliver results, then here are some of the best leg exercises to add to your fitness routine.
Squats
Definitely the king of leg exercises, squats are a compound exercise that works your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core. They are versatile and can be done with just body weight or added resistance like dumbbells or barbells.
To perform this, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your hips back and down as if sitting on an invisible chair, ensure your knees don’t go past your toes, and rise back up to the starting position.
Squats can increase muscle strength and size in the lower body, improve posture and core stability, and enhance functional movements like lifting and climbing.
Deadlifts
Deadlifts focus on the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back while engaging your core and grip strength.
To begin, you will need a barbell.
Lunges
Lunges are excellent for targeting the glutes, hamstrings, and quads while also improving balance and coordination.
Begin by putting one leg forward and lowering your body until both knees form a 90-degree angle, keep your torso upright and engage your core, and push through the heel of the front foot to return to the starting position.
This exercise provides an energetic stretch for the hip muscles, helps correct muscle imbalances, and improves lower body balance.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and the barbell in front of you, suspend the barbell at the hips, and bend your knees slightly to grab it.
Lift the barbell by straightening your hips and knees, keeping your back straight.
Lower the barbell back to the floor in a controlled manner.
Deadlifts build strength in the posterior chain, enhance athletic performance and power, and improve posture and spinal stability.
Step-Ups
Step-ups mimic the natural movement of climbing stairs and target the quads, glutes, and calves.
Begin by standing in front of a sturdy bench or box, place one foot on the surface, and push through your heel to lift your body, lower back down, and switch legs. Also, feel free to add weights for increased intensity.
Step-ups enhance functional fitness and increase single-leg strength and stability.
Calf Raises
Calf raises are simple yet highly effective for strengthening the muscles in the lower leg.
To perform this properly, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, raise your heels off the ground as high as possible, lower back down slowly, and repeat.
Calf raises are important for building strong, and defined calves, improving balance and ankle stability, as well as reducing the risk of lower leg injuries.
Whether you’re working towards toned legs, enhanced athletic performance, or simply better overall fitness, these routines can help deliver reliable results. Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the intensity as your strength improves.
The End of What Never Was
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Finally, this is the last chapter of us. Seeing things end this way is heartbreaking, but I’m ready to move forward. From the moment I saw you, I believed you were the one for me. I dreamed of moments we could share and the love we could build. But life had other plans. It’s sad I didn’t get to kiss you in my favourite room, the one we always talked about. I was sad I never got to bring all those fantasies to life. Still, it’s time to let go now. I never imagined it was possible to have relationship issues with someone you weren’t in a relationship with—until it happened to me. I don’t even know how or when it started. Everything happened so fast that I was already deep in the mess before I realised it. My sister called me crazy when I first told her about it. Sometimes, I wonder: is it possible to love someone wrongly? Is there a right or wrong way to love? Can you love someone so much that you lose yourself, even your self-esteem? These are questions I desperately needed answers to because I was in a situation where I couldn’t stop loving someone I wasn’t even in a relationship with. I knew his attitude toward me, indifference, and nonchalance were proof he didn’t love
or want me in his life. Still, I couldn’t stop loving him. I chose him over men who genuinely cared for me, hoping he would someday change and treat me right.
I knew I needed to take a break from him. But how do you take a break from someone you’re obsessed with? How do you walk away from someone who determines your mood for days, weeks, or months? How do you stop loving someone you thought was your soulmate? I couldn’t understand how I became so invested, so attached, to the point where I couldn’t move on, even after being disrespected. Looking back, I see how selfish I was to expect more from Vincent. He wasn’t my boyfriend; he didn’t owe me anything. He never promised me love or a relationship. We were friends, but I wanted more, and that’s where everything fell apart.
Vincent and I met at work and hit it off immediately. We were inseparable at the office, so much so that our colleagues thought we were dating. At first, I enjoyed the attention and laughed off their comments. But then, I started noticing how much his presence affected me. I wasn’t myself unless he was around. There was this spark, this energy he brought into my world. At the time, I thought it was normal—until one day, I realised I wasn’t just fond of him. I was in love, deeply and obsessively in love. When I told Vincent how I felt, he admitted he liked me too but wasn’t ready for a relationship because he was going through some things. He didn’t ask me to wait for him, but I decided I
would anyway. I thought waiting was the right thing to do.
But after that conversation, everything changed. He started pulling away, and the closeness we once shared disappeared. He stopped texting and calling like he used to, leaving me wondering what went wrong. Whenever I tried to talk to him about it, he would get defensive, telling me he was too busy.
I felt stuck, trapped in an undefined relationship. He wasn’t treating me like a friend, and he wasn’t acting like a prospective lover. I was in limbo, desperate for closure but unable to find it.
I remember how many times I told myself I would walk away, only to run back to him for a shred of attention. I couldn’t imagine him loving anyone else but me. I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else but him. He was everything I wanted in a man, but he didn’t see me the same way.
One day, I finally understood. Love isn’t supposed to feel like this. It isn’t supposed to make you question your worth or rob you of your peace. Letting go of Vincent was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but also the most necessary. It wasn’t the end of us that mattered. It was the beginning of me.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
The thing about the Sonic the Hedgehog movies is that they continue to surprise–– with how humorous, self-referential and even insightful they can be. Since the first movie defied expectations in 2020 (the creative team redesigned the character after online backlash to a first look), the third film now cruises into theatres, and the series shows no signs of stopping.
Helmed at a breakneck pace by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is loud, chaotic and often corny, with a distinctive visual style, but the script by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington is funny, punny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a clever genre play sanded down for kids (a Mission: Impossible riff this time) that gleefully breaks the fourth wall to bring us all in on the jokes.
There are also references to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and John Wick, particularly with the vocal casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog, a “dark Sonic” character, who here is a wounded warrior bent on vengeance. Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic, the titular blue alien hedgehog.
However, the real reason Sonic films are given a chance is the incredible performance of pure clownery by Jim Carrey, who is Sonic’s foe, Dr. Robotnik. Even better, in the third installment, it’s double the Robotnik, double the fun and twice the chance for Carrey to demonstrate the brand of outsize physical humour that made him famous. Carrey co-stars as his character’s own
grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who experimented on Shadow in a secretive military lab 50 years ago.
The plot is largely about a key and a space laser that Robotnik the elder and Shadow would like to use to blow up the Earth because they’re angry at the loss of a dear grandchild and friend, Maria (Alyla Browne). Robotnik the younger joins the mission in the interest of family bonding, while Team Sonic, which includes grumpy Knuckles (Idris Elba) and perky Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), as well as their human caretakers, Tom and Maddie (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter) band together to try and stop the Robotniks and learn some important lessons about teamwork and cooperation along the way.
And then, among all the chaos, dance breaks and befuddling body swaps, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 suddenly stops for a moment, for a shockingly trenchant discussion about grief and loss. That this conversation happens between two animated hedgehogs sitting on the moon only enhances the surreal nature of this surprisingly moving moment, but Reeves’ voice performance, known elsewhere for his role as an anguished vengeance-seeker, manages to sell this meditation on learning to live with the pain of loss. Shadow and Sonic realise that isolation and bitterness are no way to honour a lost loved one’s memory.
The series shows no signs of stopping (there are not one but two post-credits teasers), and with each iteration, there are diminishing returns on this character and formula. However, as long as they keep up the silly, fourth-wall-breaking humour and earnest messages of teamwork and unity, the Sonic franchise just might have some legs.
Whose mind is it, anyway?
Questions like this — as well as “Who are you?” and “What’s happening?” — come with the territory as the trippiest series of 2022 (yes, 2022!) returns after a ridiculously long absence to dazzle and mystify us all over again.
Severance, for those who may have forgotten, is a sci-fi thriller by way of a surreal workplace satire, with creepy and disorienting echoes of David Lynch and Jordan Peele in the curious DNA concocted by series creator Dan Erickson and frequent director/executive producer Ben Stiller. Mesmerising in its strangeness, the show only gets wilder and weirder in Season 2. As with many puzzle shows (think Lost), it’s probably best not to dwell on the answers, which inevitably are less satisfying than the brainteasing ride. Let’s just say that even in those many moments when I was scratching my head, my mind was also being blown.
Once again, we’re in the blinding white hallways and sinister dark corridors of Lumon Industries, a monolithic institution where employees in the subterranean and nebulous Macrodata Refinement (MDR) office have opted to separate their “outie” real lives from their “innie” cubicle existence. The first season memorably ended with the walls temporarily coming down, with shattering results.
That’s especially true for department head Mark S. (a droll Adam Scott), who now believes the wife he believed was dead is alive, trapped in a fake corporate personality. He’s the first to return to Lumon after the so-called “overtime contingency” event, and what and who he finds at the MDR desks deserves (like so many other plot spoilers) to be a surprise. Eventually, he’ll
reconnect with rebellious love interest Helly (Britt Lower), whose “outie” is Lumon’s high-ranking heir apparent, and his fellow office mates Irving (a mournful John Turturro) and the ambivalent Dylan (Zach Cherry), but even a team-building exercise outside of the office can’t restore the disembodied equilibrium they once enjoyed.
Their search for the truth leads to betrayal and emotional confusion — I wish I could explain how wonderful Merritt Wever is as someone who gets to know both sides of a severed Lumon soul — with deep dives into a warren of myriad narrative rabbit holes that often left me befuddled but intrigued.
“The work is mysterious and important,” a Lumon strongman ominously insists midway through the first episode of the season. It’s a mystery for sure, as is everything within the numbercrunching Lumon cult. You might need a reality check after watching.
Cruel Santino; Original KoffeeDEADMAN BONE (feat. Koffee)
Eric IV; AMARIA BB - Glowin 4 Me
2 (feat. AMARIA BB)
Obongjayar; Sarz - Gone Girl
DJ Spinz; K-Major - The Pursuit II
Chxrry22 - Poppin Out (Mistakes)
MAUIMØON; La Soülchyld; Joshua Baraka; mau from nowhere - Sweeta
Jenevieve - Rendezvous
Bricknasty; KhakiKid - fashion
June Freedom - / BLES-oh /