THEWILL DOWNTOWN January 29, 2023

Lawyers leaving their profession for the creative space is a story I know all too well; I am one of them. So when our Editor-at-large Chalya Shagaya suggested we do a story on them, I jumped on it. It makes for such an interesting read.

It confirms what the bible says: A man’s gift makes room for him and places him before great men. And for our four cover personalities, all lawyers, it’s plain to see that their gifts have certainly made room for them.

What do men really want in the bedroom? This a question which some of you might already have the answer to but for those who don’t, we carried out a survey which you can read on our Downtown Confidential page, and one of the no-nos, which I also detest, is hair bonnets. I can’t count how many times people, especially at the salon, have said, “You have to wear a hair bonnet to bed; otherwise, your hair will be messy faster. My response is always, I’d rather be seen with messy hair than go to bed in a bonnet”.

But that’s just one of the many things they listed. In the area of intimacy, it would surprise you to know that… I’ll let you find out on page 7.

When it comes to pets, there are different types ranging from the most popular, dogs, and then to cats, and even geckos and spiders. This list is endless, but how do you know what kind of pet person you are? We focus on the two most popular— dogs and cats- letting you know how to tell if you are a dog or cat person and what to expect from each.

Our fashion pages have a little something for the man who wants to create his signature style.

Downtown mini suggests bedroom décor ideas for your kids, and the movie review page weighs in on The Recruit and M3GAN

I do hope you have been scanning the QR codes on the movie review page; it’s always such a refreshing playlist.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

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.

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’

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.

When we say ‘signature’, it doesn’t mean wearing the same look every day. A signature is an essence you put across; it’s not repetition but consistency. You can always mix things up and still feel consistent. A signature style helps navigate the rail in every store since you can easily discount everything that doesn’t fit that look. The goal is to be stylish, not stale. Here’s how you can nail it.

Signature Style

A Complete Guide to Dressing Better as a Man

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

(1) FOLLOW YOUR GUT

Creating your signature style takes time and hard work. Your clothes reflect who you are and express something about you even before saying a word. In this sense, you need to choose a look that echoes how you see the world and how you want it to see you. Before your look becomes a signature style, it takes several outings, and it won't be possible if it is with a style or outfit you don't like.

(2) GET INSPIRATION FROM YOUR ROLE MODELS

So many style moves have never been attempted before, so finding your style can be as simple as getting inspiration from your role models. All you have to do is look at men who fit the look you would like and base it on that. It can be tiring, and you might even make some mistakes, but emulating other men is an excellent way to reduce many errors.

(3) DISCOVER AND STICK TO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Before you can have a signature style, you need to figure out how clothes should fit, and it takes trying a lot of them to get the perfect fit for your body and character. A signature style should suit you at the same time, work for your body shape. You can achieve this by getting measured professionally and trying out as many brands as possible to find out which make their clothes for men of your dimensions.

FASHION

Key Pieces For Creating a Signature Style

(1) GLASSES

The glasses you put on daily convey how you see the world. But you don't have to break the bank to make an impact. All you have to do is pick something that suits your face shape and at the same time help in keeping your personality.

(2) TAILORING

The right suit has always been a way to carve out your style niche. Go for something versatile and the ones that can adapt to different environments.

(4) PURCHASE IN BULK

Once you've found a perfect brand that makes clothes for men of your dimension, go deep and purchase them in bulk. As we've stated earlier, having a signature look does not happen overnight, it takes several outfits. Once you've discovered something that works for you and you are sure about it, load up.

(3) FRAGRANCE

Almost everyone matches their fragrance to their mood, but consistency has benefits. Stick to one particular scent that works best for you. Try either floral notes or citrus; they tend to work everywhere and in any season.

(4) WHITE T-SHIRT

Quality and fit are the only things that differentiate old tee and the ones that become a signature. Choose between boxy and trim and stick to it. Then pair them with trousers that work with that shape, not against it.

Dogs… And Cats The Truth About

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Emotional Intelligence

A cat person is witty and sarcastic. Cat people are likely to have a good sense of humour, they enjoy satires and ironic puns. They are also neurotic— easily stressed, anxious and worriers.

A dog person is toughminded. With their ability to focus more on situations instead of emotions, a dog person tends to possess tough-mindedness.

Openness

A cat person is open to new experiences. Due to their curious nature, cat people tend to be more adventurous and courageous. They are nontraditional thinkers.

Doggie Upside

Loving and Loyal

Dogs have rightfully earned their reputation as man’s best friend. No matter the size or breed, a dog provides a lifetime of love and loyalty. Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on human companionship. Certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, also make excellent protectors.

Boundless Energy

If you’re looking for a playmate, it doesn’t get much better than a dog. Most breeds are playful and love to be outdoors. A dog can be a great companion for jogging, hiking, or a leisurely stroll in the park. If you’re trying to get in shape, Fido is a fantastic exercise companion. Exercise is as important for dogs as it is for people.

Doggie Downside Must Be Trained

Even the best dog can have some not-so-cute behaviours. Dogs bark, jump up, dig, tug at the leash, or even growl and bite. To curb bad behaviour, you need to teach your dog what’s OK and what’s not. Some dogs are easy to train, while others take more time and practice. Either way, your time and money spent on obedience classes will make your dog a delightful pal for years to come.

Kitty Upside

Independent

Nana Otedola

In more than one way, pets are important to us and our development as humans. Asides from the mental boost they provide by giving us companionship to help us manage loneliness and depression, pets can also help us decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels if we regularly walk or play with them. For those that are openminded about housing one, pets are like ‘dummy children’—you are saddled with parental responsibilities, even though our society doesn’t exactly consider them worthy to be catered to. If it’s a journey you’re willing to embark upon, then we’re here to help you out. But first, do you even know if you’re a cat or dog person? Here’s a guide to help you navigate your first pet adoption.

Companionship

A cat person is independent. Cats owners are likely to be autonomous and content with alone time.

A dog person takes pleasure in companionship. With a heart full of compassion and benevolence, a dog person can prove to be the best life companion.

Creativity and Duty

A cat person tends to be creative, artistic and imaginative. Cat people find it easier to come up with original ideas and novel solutions.

A dog person is an efficient planner. Due to their strong sense of duty and self-discipline, a dog person is pragmatic and an effective planner too.

A dog person is sociable and outgoing. According to Huffington Post, a dog person gets comfortable in social gatherings so easily that every individual becomes their best friend.

People Interaction

A cat person could be over-cautious and reserved. They are generally guarded people and have a more cautious approach to life.

A dog person is agreeable. A dog person is usually altruistic, kind and owns a selfless concern for others’ welfare.

Affection and Loyalty

A cat person values affection. Cat people often need constant assurances, therefore, they value and cherish endearments.

A dog person is loyal and devoted. Being a true friend and protector, a dog person is extremely loyal to his loved ones and will always stand by their side.

Now that you know if you are a dog or cat person, here are a few things to consider before getting either one.

Cats are famously low-maintenance. They don't need to be bathed or taken for walks. They can be left on their own for hours at a time. Even though cats like to do their own thing, they still need plenty of love and attention. Devote some time each day to playing with your cat, grooming them, or just giving them some TLC.

Cosy Companion

When it comes to cuddling, cats take the prize. And most cat owners will tell you the sound of a purring cat is deeply soothing. In fact, when researchers looked closely they found stress levels and blood pressure dropped slightly in people who snuggled up to a purring kitty.

Kitty Downside Can Be Standoffish

Some cats love to socialize, but others prefer to stay hidden, especially when new people visit. In fact, your friends may not even realise you have a cat! Cats who weren’t around people enough as kittens may be skittish. Even the friendliest cat will jump off your lap and sashay off when they have had enough of your attention.

WHAT MEN WANT

5 MEN REVEAL WHAT THEY LOVE AND WHAT THEY AREN'T INTO IN THE BEDROOM

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Women sometimes feel pressure to perform in a certain way in bed or meet unknown standards. And so many of them wish they could read their man's mind when in bed with them, especially when it's their first time being intimate. To save yourself from the stress, you can always sit down and talk with your man about what you both like in bed before hopping in the sack.

So we interviewed five men and asked them to tell us what they love and hate in bed. Even though they all chose to be anonymous, their answers were intriguing. Interestingly, although these men were between the ages of 25 and 53, almost all admitted to needing their partner to show signs of enjoying what they were doing to them. They felt pressure to perform because of a lack of communication between the sheets. Two or three admitted to wanting the woman to dominate them in bed. Two of them admitted to hating bonnets in bed; I couldn't agree more. Here's what they had to say.

Men in Their 20s

“I love it so much when a girl completely dominates me. It’s funny how you can get to know someone by how they have sex, more like their athleticism. You will know if they are lazy or outgoing. I cannot stay in a relationship where a girl will be too shy to get on top; it’s kind of weird to me— our sex life would not be 50/50.”

“I hate it when my girl touches my balls; I detest it. Although all of my guy friends love it; like, it makes them go nuts, but not me. Stay away.”

“Hearing her breathing in my ear or moaning when being on top of her is my biggest turn-on. That’s how I know if I am hitting the right spot. But if she is bitter and not responding to my touches, it's a no-no for me.”

“When a girl slaps my ass, I find it kind of weird. Slapping my ass is not painful; it’s just that I am at a point where it doesn’t make me laugh. And when I try to laugh about it, it kills the mood.”

40-something-year-old

“Fuck my mind, make love to my soul and turn off my brain. I find pleasure in my partner having

pleasure. Many men can detect fake responses but have to choose if it jives with their fantasy from their partner or not. Sapiosexuals want smartness and authenticity; these are the first turn-ons. However, as a guy, I keep finding things that turn me on as I exist. I can’t stand when she makes no effort, bein or synthetic wigs— it suffocates me. Another thing that is a major turn-off is looking totally unsexy with a bonnet and nightgown.

I get turned on with involvement—taking and giving commands, giving me cues without saying them. No rush me abeg. Kiss me, push me, pulls. Ear tug, little bites, and playing with each other. Sometimes a risque location. All in all: SPONTANEITY!!!!!”

50-something-year-old

“Long foreplay and kissing. I love to caress. But I want to know what she likes, so I need her to express it somehow without it coming over as an instruction–guiding my hands, moaning, grinding.

She has to show mutual interest. One-sided desire is not fun.

I like it when she is partially undressed, you know, leave something to the imagination. A t-shirt with no bra on. A body-fitted dress with no panties. She must not wait to be told before she does the right thing; lack of personal hygiene kills the mood. And bonnets and hairnets are a no-no! The more fun I think she’s having, the more intense the experience for me. That’s what I get off pleasing my partner.”

LEGALLY CREATIVE

The creative space has established itself as a place of diverse gifts. From dancers to actors, TV presenters to musicians and even image consultants, it’s unending the craft you can find in the creative industry. But not all of them started their journey in the creative space; many studied professional courses and somehow found their way back to their first

love— the world of creativity. Their various gifts are unveiled in this world, and their souls are alive. We see this as the familiar story of these four lawyers turned creatives. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has become a face we all know on our screens as a host. Ifeoma Williams is an image consultant, Koye Kekere Ekun is an actor and Bunmi Olunloyo is a professional dancer, actor and choreographer.

In this interview with DOWNTOWN Editor-atlarge, Chalya Shagaya, they speak about their love for both their professional degrees and their present careers in the creative space.

BUNMI OLUNLOYO Professional Dancer, Choreographer And Actor

Bunmi Olunloyo also wears a few hats. Apart from her main job as a professional dancer and choreographer, she is also an actress. Olunloyo recently launched an active and Athleseiure bodyline called FIT BY BUNMI. For Olunloyo, who considers her legal degree one of the best decisions she ever made, dance is also her all. And while she admits that dancing is highly stressful and physically and mentally draining, she already had a soft landing based on the intensive training she received at law school.

Clearly, you are passionate about dance and have been for a long time. I remember you were dancing even at Law School. Why did you bother going through with the degree?

To be honest, I thought that dance would initially be a side job and I would work as a lawyer though I had no plans for actual litigation. So it was important to finish it, and somehow I knew that though I was criticised for doing both (dance and law) and advised to stick to law, it was going to set me apart in my industry, and it sure has. I actually think I’m the only professional dancer in Nigeria that’s a lawyer (laughs loudly). I may be wrong, but I'm not aware of any other.

How fulfilling is your job as a dance instructor?

1000%. It’s highly stressful and physically and mentally draining, but I’m so blessed to be able to create art, tell stories through movement, perform in front of a large audience, make everyone feel something, and make a wholesome living and career out of it, especially in a country like Nigeria. I love it so much.

Does your law degree help you when dealing with clients, for example, a contract for a major performance?

Absolutely! Even in informal situations (not necessarily in terms of formal contracts), you are instantly heard, respected and taken more seriously. When dealing with clients, you get into the zone and switch seamlessly without even mentioning that you’re a lawyer.

It’s a wide contrast between dance and law, but law is an intensive training, so it’s embedded in you forever.

It’s definitely one of the best decisions I made.

EBUKA OBIUCHENDU TV Host

TV’s most desired host, Ebuka ObiUchendu, is a man who doesn’t need an introduction. Mainly known for his gigs on Big Brother and Rubbin’ Minds, Ebuka is quite the busy bee. For him, working as a TV host wasn’t part of his plan after he left the Big Brother show years ago, but you know what they say about a man’s gift making way for him. Yes, everyone who saw him on TV said he had the face for TV and the rest, as they say, is... well, what you see him doing now. Interestingly for Ebuka, he hopes to go back to the legal profession someday formally.

You look like you would have made an outstanding lawyer. Your show, Judging Matters, shows that side of you. Why did you ditch the profession?  Well, television happened by chance. I was fresh out of law school, got on a reality show, and everyone kept saying I sounded and looked like I was made for TV. The plan was to get my master’s degree right after the show and go full-on into private practice. But I decided to explore the media industry when the TV talk wouldn’t stop. It turns out it wasn’t such a bad call after all because I eventually fell in love with TV presenting. And the pay wasn’t too bad either compared to what new wigs were earning at the time. So, I decided to stay the course, and 17 years later, here we are.

What’s the most fulfilling thing about what you do now?  I love connecting with people, and many of the shows I do on TV have me either interviewing people or interacting with them in some way. That has been my greatest teacher in life. Learning from people from all walks of life

and, at the same time, having to share that blessing with the world. As much as it’s a job, it continues to be a medium for me to share knowledge and inform people even when they think they’re just being entertained. I have a very curious mind, and my job feeds it constantly.

I read somewhere that you also handle some entertainment law issues for friends. You combine both careers so well. Do you get paid, or it’s a friendship thing?

I get paid sometimes, but you know how it goes when it’s with friends or colleagues. One of the best quotes that have stuck with me from law school in Bwari was from my Civil Procedures professor, who said, “Never work for friends or family because they’ll never think you’re worth your pay.” (Laughs loudly) It seemed harsh at the time, but he was right. I do it anyway, mainly because, as an entertainment lawyer, I hate to see my colleagues fail for simple contract issues constantly. Plus, it helps me stay refreshed on the legal front. But the plan is still to make it more than a side gig in the future. Keeping my fingers crossed on that.

How do you manage to host all these—Rubbin’ Minds, Big Brother, etc., and your legal side gig? You are pretty busy.

I’m highly intentional with planning. I currently host four TV shows; Rubbin’ Minds, Big Brother, Judging Matters and The Blackbox Whilst also hosting one-off events and doing the occasional private practice on the side. I believe everything is just about scheduling. The longer I’ve done this, the more I’ve realised how to schedule properly and jump from one gig to another. We live in a country and world now where one job is not enough, so I’d rather complain about being too busy than not doing enough to grow and earn the best living I can today. I’ll rest later in life when all is said and done. Now is not the time.

IFEOMA WILLIAMS Image Consultant And Lawyer

Ifeoma Williams is a trained lawyer who was called to The Nigerian Bar in 2002 and now runs The Civility Institute, a Communications, Life Skills Development and Brand company.

Her very impressive resume shows that she has worked across different sectors, including finance, entertainment, media, telecommunications and oil and gas. One of the many hats that Willams wears is public speaking; however, she is more known in the creative space as an Image Consultant, and that aspect of her job has stolen the spotlight. For this reason, she made our list of the Legally Creative bunch.

The question of why Ifeoma ditched the legal profession for a career in image consulting started during her days as a practicing lawyer when she found herself looking at people's outfit. She shares the details in this interview and her thoughts on whether it is a good idea to study a professional course and later pursue your passion or ditch the professional course and chase your passion.

Why did you decide to hang your wig for the image consult industry?

Interestingly, I had become a “people watcher” in court. My focus shifted from my actual business in court to how people “presented” themselves. I am convinced that it matters not what you say but how you say it, especially in advocacy as a lawyer. Your ability to communicate effectively through all the mediums open to human interaction and engagement, from appearance through to behaviour and eventually speaking, is what sets you apart. I finally discovered and realised that there is an actual profession in helping

people put their best foot forward. The more important point to note for me is the impact; it was the late great author and poet Maya Angelou who said, and I quote– “People will forget what you said, people may forget what you do, but people will never forget how you make them feel.” To this end, the greatest impact that you can have on another is a positive memory of you. My profession actually makes for better people and a much better world. It cuts deeper than apparel.

Would you encourage your kids, relatives or even younger people to study a professional course and then follow their dreams, or do you think it’s a waste of time?  For sure! If I were to do it again, I would study law again. It is by far the greatest foundation for just about any sphere or industry. It prepared me adequately.

Do you ever wonder what or where you would be if you stuck with your legal degree as your profession?  By now, I would definitely be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), and I say this with utmost humility.

Does your degree come in handy sometimes during your work?

Most definitely. As I mentioned earlier, it is my solid foundation. Advocacy and public speaking are cousins, so you see that my background in law, particularly with the English language as a required tool, serves me well as an executive coach and image consultant. This is one of many benefits. Another almost obvious one is legal documentation for proper engagement, as well as regulation and compliance requirements for my business.

KOYE KEKERE EKUN ACTOR, LAWYER, LOVER OF THE GAME OF FOOTBALL

You might know Koye Kekere Ekun from his earlier days making skits on Instagram. That’s where it all started; however, Ekun’s story is slightly different. Even though he was initially unhappy practising as a lawyer in his early days, he has returned to the legal space and now runs a firm. But he has not left the creative industry, as you will get to read in his interview. He talks about his love for the creative space and the legal profession. But what’s most shocking is his other talent, which many people may not be aware of—football.

How did a lawyer decide to become an actor?

Honestly, it was simply a case of putting one foot after the other and just riding the waves as they came. I was working a 9-5 at a law firm, and to not sugar coat it, I was unhappy. One thing that brought me joy at the time was creating skits for social media, Instagram in particular, and I had gathered a bit of a following. I decided to leave the job. At the time, I didn’t have the courage to just jump with both feet, so luckily, I got an opportunity to work at a company called Spinlet (a music streaming service) in both a legal and creative capacity. Once it became apparent that my creative endeavours were starting

to interfere with my employment, and I started getting invited to appear in little things here and there, I knew it was time to take the plunge, so I resigned. A short time after that, I appeared in a skit with Falz for an online show produced by Suss Productions, called The Sauce, and this led to my first proper acting role in a series called Inspector K (in which I am fortunate to play the lead role), produced by Suss Productions, for REDTV. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Do you sometimes wonder about going back to the legal profession?

I don’t need to wonder. (laughs). I have actually quietly gone back. Time and opportunity aligned, and I currently run a law firm with a friend of mine. I figured that having a background in law, as well as practical experience in the entertainment industry, puts me in a unique position in the entertainment space, and I hope I’m proved right in the coming years. I haven’t abandoned acting and my other creative endeavours o. Let’s just say I’m currently legally creative *wink*

If you were to do it all over, would you have become a lawyer or just focused on the arts? Hmmm… If I could do it all again, my answer would be neither. (laughs). I would pursue a football career with everything I’ve got. That is what I am gifted at, my true calling in this life, and what would have brought me the most joy and possibly allowed me to bring the most joy to people (that one is debatable, (laughs)). That said, I do not regret the law. It is a solid base for anything I choose to do moving forward. What I am most thankful for is the grace and privilege to be able to explore all these different facets of myself as I continue to discover myself.

RUN YOUR RACE

7 Steps To Help You Prepare For The Next Marathon

mentally prepared and willing to dig deep to achieve a goal.

Get The Right Equipment

When choosing a shoe, runners should find a comfortable, light, flexible pair. Go to a local running or sporting goods store and try several pairs. Some specialised stores will let you run in the shoes and give you helpful feedback to choose the right pair.

It’s also important to get high-quality socks that are both comfortable and protective. Applying a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline on the feet is recommended to prevent blisters.

What To Eat Before The Race

Many athletes think that carbo-loading the night before a big race is the best strategy, but Loftus suggests consuming carbohydrates such as rice or pasta at lunch instead and having a smaller dinner. This has the advantage of lightening the load on your GI tract and making it easier to sleep.

It’s important to consume your food at the right time, on race day, to allow your body enough time to digest. Also, bring fuel sources you can grab during the race.

Understand it Will be Hard, But You Can Do it

Committing to a training plan and following through with the demanding workouts is hugely challenging. But once you have made it and you line up at the start line, certain parts of the race can prove more difficult than others.

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Amarathon may seem like an intimidating and exhausting endeavour. Still, with proper planning and preparation, you can make it through the 26.2 miles and be proud of your amazing accomplishment. Aside from the obvious financial benefits of the prizes attached to running a marathon, there is an equally great sense of fulfilment that comes with planning a course and seeing it through. Follow these seven steps.

Find The Right Training Plan

Finding a training plan that considers your background and experience is recommended. This type of plan builds you up slowly and carefully to meet the demands you will face on race day. You can’t start running the whole distance right out of the gate, so it’s crucial to find a plan that helps you gradually build up your mileage and endurance while incorporating enough rest to prevent overuse injuries.

Fueling And Recovery

You’ll undoubtedly be hungry after all that running, but eating the right foods at the correct times can help you fuel and recover during training. There is a small window of up to 30 minutes after a hard training run when the body can best replenish and utilise the carbohydrates and protein used during exercise. Experts recommend consuming foods with a 3-to-1 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. You can also refuel using protein shakes or chocolate milk.

Make sure to do post-run stretching, and use ice or cold water dips to alleviate inflammation and ease sore and damaged muscles. Heat and a foam roller are excellent ways to soothe sore muscles.

Goal Setting

For novice marathon runners, simply finishing the event is a huge accomplishment. It is recommended that newbie marathoners focus more on finishing the race and having a good experience rather than trying to run too hard.

Mental Preparation

Your mindset and confidence level during training can influence your performance and outlook on race day. A great way to prepare mentally is to have good results in your more challenging training runs and tune-up races. This way, you build confidence, which is a crucial element of mental preparation.

A great way to prepare is to study the course before the event, either using maps or going to see the course in person. This way, there will be no surprises when you run the race.

Adequate mental preparation can help to instil confidence, which will help runners relax more before and during the race. The body can do amazing things, especially when we are

Every race can unfold differently because of terrain, weather and the runner’s conditioning. For someone well prepared, the marathon usually gets more challenging in the later stages, the last 6 to 8 miles. That is when the muscles can be nearing the effective end of their stored energy and the first time the new marathoner is going into unknown territory in terms of time or distance. Most runners can usually rally towards the end of the race when they can see the finish line. Towards the end, runners may feel overcome with emotions as they will experience a feeling of elation mixed with the emotions of all the highs and lows they have gone through during the 26.2 miles.

These strategies can help anyone cross the finish line at their very first marathon. Remember to start slow and steady, and don’t get discouraged. Support and encouragement from friends and family can also help to boost morale and keep you going throughout the process. So enlist a cheering section, lace up your shoes, and get out there and run!

Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Access Lagos

7 SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH IN 2023

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

(1) Colostrum

Colostrum is the first breast milk the body produces during pregnancy. Even though it doesn't sound like the most appealing ingredient to apply on the face, it's going to trend in a major way this year.

For skincare, this ingredient is sourced from cows, which is one of the reasons why you might see bovine colostrum crop up more and more. Even though enough research has yet to be done on the ingredients, colostrums are a major key to a healthy skin barrier because they are packed with protein, fatty acids, and nutrients.

(2) Algae

Algae are so popular in skincare; they are an all-encompassing term. Algae are like the leafy green vegetables of the sea, and they are packed with proteins, amino acids, lipids, and some other vital nutrients that your skin needs to be healthy and glowing. Kelp, seaweed, and spirulina are all types of algae.

Like clothing trends, skincare ingredients come and go, so some ingredients take the spotlight every year. Sometimes, it can be difficult to decide what ingredients to add to your skincare routine and what you should not.

In 2022, active ingredients like tranexamic

acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide took centre stage. Now in 2023, we're making a U-turn, and will mainly focus on gentle, skin-barrier, supporting ingredients that do more of rebuilding and soothing skin rather than sloughing off skin cells.

Blue Algae Exfoliating + Detox Mask ONE OCEAN

Epicuren Discovery Colostrum Luminous

Colostrum Sérum authentique BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE

(3) Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acids, also referred to as Vitamin F, are one of the ingredients that keep finding their way into new product formulations. Linoleic acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, and they are essential when it comes to supporting your epidermal barrier. They also help the skin retain water and moisturise for extended periods.

(5) Blue Tansy

Recently, these ingredients have found their way into many skincare formulations. Over the years, several oncologists have used blue tansy to calm skin after radiation treatments, which is a testimony to its calming and antiinflammatory powers.

(6) Sea Fennel

Sea Fennels are beginning to gain ground in the skincare sphere. This plant is filled with compounds like vitamin C, fatty acids, minerals, and phenolics, making it a significant force to reckon with when it comes to brightening and rejuvenating the skin.

(4) Kombucha

Besides being drinks for people with gut health, Kombuchas are also blended into skincare ingredients, as it's packed with lactic acid and Vitamin B. Kombucha goes a long way in repairing the skin barrier. They also perform the function of brightening the skin.

(7) Succinic Acid

When you have an unwanted blemish on your skin, succinic acid can help reduce the size of noticeable spots while protecting your skin from environmental aggressors and cellular damage.

Vegan Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence DR CEURACLE

Grapessed-Grapefruit Serum Concentrate ODACITÉ

Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask HERBIVORE

Daily Gel Cleanser SEA FENNEL

6 Design Ideas For Your Kids’ Bedroom

The beauty of a cloud motif-decorated bedroom is that it works for male or female children. Research says that the motif helps them drift to sleep better with a cloud right above their head.

This interior design stimulates a child to have sweet and pleasant dreams while removing the thought of a scary villain attacking them in their sleep.

3. Tree Themed Bedroom

The tree-themed interior design looks good and will help inspire your children’s imaginations. It can be a substitute for a tree house.

4. All Blue Stereotypes

Blue is an excellent colour for a boy’s bedroom. It can be serene, playful and handsome. It is a calming interior design idea for him. Consider using blue for everything from the paint to the duvet, bed sheets, cabinets, and reading table. Add a touch of white using pillowcases or a reading lamp.

5. Star Wallpaper And Lighting

BY OLAMIDE SANUSI

Children of a certain age tend to dream about having bedrooms decorated like what their minds have visualised or their imagination captured from a fairytale book or movie. Depending on their interest, they could want any decore design ranging from Cinderella to Barbie or a room with sparkling stars and the moon.

When you give them the bedroom of their dreams, engage them in the design process. Allow your children to experiment with ideas, colours and placement of items in their bedroom, guiding them all the way. It will help create fun memories of their childhood. Try these six ideas to help feed your children's imagination and interests.

1. Colour

Children benefit significantly from the use of colour. Use it to infuse invention and playfulness in their bedroom to boost their imagination and playtime. It carries a bold appeal to them. Besides that, colour brings life to a room. When mixed rightly, the colour speaks out. Add a little sparkling light to the painted wall to achieve a glow effect.

2. Cloud Motif

Their bedroom walls can be painted navy blue, purple, pink or blue with a white motif of clouds between the painted

Star wallpaper and lighting can make a room glow, especially at night and when the lights are switched off. It is easy to apply and stays on the wall or the ceiling until you’re ready to remove it. This interior design brings a galaxy vibe to your children’s rooms and makes them feel closer to the galaxy.

6. Cartoon Characters

All children have their favourite cartoon shows. You can design their rooms with cartoon characters and themes. The interior design applies to both genders. Have fun while creating unforgettable memories with your children.

Over the years, the e-commerce business has grown in leaps and bounds. However, Nigeria’s newly regulated forex policies make it almost impossible to shop online successfully. One e-commerce site, africandesignersmall.com, will not let that deter its vision to drive exposure for emerging African brands to the rest of the world.

How did they do this? We spoke to the Founder and Lead curator, of African Designers Mall, Ebele Udoh, who shared a few technologies they implemented to keep their designers and consumers happy.

How long have you run African Designers Mall, and how seamless has it been?

African Designers Mall (ADM) launched in 2016, and we spent the first two years building the required structure and technology with the necessary resources needed to support our e-commerce model. We began full operations in 2019. I wouldn’t say running such a huge platform has been seamless, but having a great team has brought us this far.

What’s the response of the Nigerian market to the brands you carry?

Firstly, ADM is a curated online marketplace showcasing the best emerging and established African fashion designers in the accessible premium category. Our first focus was onboarding Nigerian premium brands; now, we have several African brands from several African countries. Over the years, we have built a strong community of African fashion buyers from the Nigerian market to the Diaspora who are attracted to our growing platform. The positive feedback, returning customer requests, demand for more merchants and numerous sales on our platform have become the reason we are expanding to bring designers from other African countries on board.

QUICK CHAT WITH EBELE UDOH

is Driving Global Exposure For Emerging African Brands

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

You recently upgraded your site’s system. Tell us about that. Yes, we did. It was necessary to evolve due to factors within the business, such as growing customers and orders, and being aware of the changes in the local and global economy and the use of technologies. As we grew over the years, our customers who shopped with international payment cards could not complete orders on our platform due to the new regulatory forex policies, which frustrated our customers. There were a few other challenges, but we were prepared and able to respond quickly and, in some cases, act proactively to prevent the escalating issues found in running an e-commerce business. We have partnered with an international payment gateway and upgraded our system with new currency geo-locations and logistics APIs that will enable our customers to seamlessly shop their favourite designers with the tap of a button.

Why have you decided to expand to other African countries? What we are building is for Africa. ADM is empowering individuality with a mission to create a global technology platform connecting creators and customers from Africa to the world. We aim for every African country to be represented by their best designers while proudly showcasing them to the world.

What have you implemented to make purchasing from your e-commerce site seamless? We have optimised our webpages for faster load-time and integrated multiple payment channels and logistics API for easy checkout. Our platform has a simplified category of menus for easy navigation between designers’ collections. We have also integrated a Geolocation currency switcher that lets customers shop in their local currency as desired. Most importantly, customers can chat with our customer experience representative on-the-go via the website.

You are starting with Ghana. Do you already have a demand for Ghanaian brands?

Currently, we have a community of budding African fashion lovers and shoppers who trust any brand we introduce on the platform. We carefully search, vet and then select the brands we

retail on ADM because attention to detail and international standard finishing is our core value.

So, yes. Our shoppers are looking forward to the new brands we are bringing on.

How do you intend to ensure that you have quality products from these designers from other African countries in merchandising?

Firstly, before we go into any country, we work with a country partner resident who assesses the brands of interest before engaging accordingly. The person also manages the brand relationship and consistency.

Why have you decided on emerging African brands?

Emerging, for us, is refreshing and unassuming. Also, it helps us give our customers access to a revolving selection of covetable, high-quality, well-priced clothing and accessories that aren’t otherwise available everywhere. As much as we have a soft spot for emerging premium brands, African Designers Mall also curates several established luxury brands.

How easy is it to run an e-commerce site in Nigeria?

Running any business with the rapid changes of the global economy comes with different levels of challenges. e-commerce business in Nigeria continues to grow rapidly as more people access the digital economy. It is not easy, but it has great potential if you have the right product or service.

We still have a long way to go in this region; however, the progress so far shows an indication of endless opportunities using innovative technology to drive the E-commerce industry.

What do you hope the e-commerce market in Nigeria can achieve in the nearest future?

I hope for better payment gateways, easy reconciliation with international payments, and acceptance. These are enormous challenges for businesses in the e-commerce space.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

M3GAN

WATCH OF THE WEEK

ComeJanuary, Hollywood always undergoes a strange shift in its major releases, from awards-centric fare and festive hits to the doldrums of the post-holiday season. Studios usually regard this period as a dumping ground for low-quality genre films that seem designed to be quickly forgotten. But 2023 is different, because this year, viewers have a special new friend to help them acclimatize: a pint-size robot girl named M3GAN. She’s full of fun facts, exceptionally strong, and surprisingly fond of belting out modern pop songs at random moments, even though she’s dressed like a preppy high-schooler.

Oh, and one other thing: M3GAN, the “Model 3 Generative Android” created by the brilliant but awkward roboticist Gemma (played by Allison Williams), is a touch homicidal. That’s a problem for Gemma and her recently orphaned niece, Cady (Violet McGraw), for whom M3GAN is meant as a therapeutic gift. The violent tendencies only mean more amusement for audiences, who can kick off the year with 102 minutes of zany, self-aware horror. Yes, Gerard Johnstone’s M3GAN is pulled from January’s bucket of mostly low-budget pablum, but it’s cheeky and knowing enough to stand out from the slop.

On the surface, the film is a treatise on technology run amok, although it is not told with any sort of real-world nuance.

Gemma is a lonely genius who pours herself into making intelligent-seeming toys that can chat with their owners. Her passion project, however, is far more advanced. When Cady’s parents die in a car accident, Gemma uses her as the first test audience for M3GAN The companion bot has an advanced-AI-brain, a reinforced-titanium skeleton, and vulcanized-silicone skin. She’s a blank, disturbingly smooth-looking creature—a scaled-up Bratz doll in a sensible overcoat and ribbon bow.

It is exceedingly difficult to imagine just how Gemma and a few lab assistants could have put together such a complicated invention in her garage, but who cares! However she was created, M3GAN (performed by the child actor Amie Donald and voiced by Jenna Davis)

is a perfect distillation of every parent’s worst nightmare: What if your kid’s doll could talk back, was smarter than you, and had the ability to crush your windpipe?

As her programming dictates, M3GAN is automatically loyal to Cady, but that quickly translates into a general hostility toward all other people; the cold-eyed automaton will crush anyone who tries to impede her charge’s fun.

Among M3GAN’s targets are a school bully, a nosy neighbor, and a conniving lab assistant. When she enters battle mode, she scuttles across the floor on all fours like a possessed crab, though she sometimes mixes in some hypnotic, twerky dance moves without warning. All of these moments are played for joyful frights; Johnstone knows viewers won’t perceive M3GAN as anything but terrifying from moment one, so he delights in drawing out her malevolence while the well-meaning yet oblivious Gemma tries to get her design ready for commercial production.

Of course, everyone’s supposed to jump in their seats whenever M3GAN wields a weapon or tries to strangle someone.

To me, though, the scariest thing she’s capable of is disobeying orders. Early in her life, if someone asks her to turn off, she does it immediately, but as her selfawareness grows, she becomes less and less interested in following commands. The first time M3GAN flatly declines to go into sleep mode sent a chill up my spine; can you imagine an Alexa rebuffing any attempts to unplug it? At least our virtual assistants don’t have arms, legs, and a very bad attitude.

M3GAN works because of the pure silliness of its premise and the uncanniness of its title character, but Johnstone’s real achievement is knowing exactly how seriously to take himself. This isn’t the kind of horror movie that’s unintentionally so bad that it’s good. This is a well-executed, if broad, piece of arch comedy with a few scares and PG-13-level kills woven into the script. Williams has long excelled at playing minimally introspective characters, and she makes Gemma appreciably dopey. The rest of the ensemble has a similar comic sense, crucial for the ridiculousness that’s waiting around every narrative corner. M3GAN is up to no good, but M3GAN is committed to giving us a great time, making it an ideal launch for a season not of prestige releases but of plain and simple entertainment.

6/10

THE RECRUIT

Noah Centineo’s graduation from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before teen heartthrob to adult (but still boyish) action hero is off to a slow start as he follows his supporting role in Black Adam with The Recruit, a junior spy yarn that, as a Netflix series, feels like a particularly tired twist on that very well-worn genre.

Centineo plays Owen Hendricks, a newly minted CIA lawyer who somewhat inexplicably gets drawn into a complex international espionage plot that sends him bouncing around the globe and puts him in considerable danger. Owen becomes the gobetween to an incarcerated femme fatale named Max (Laura Haddock), who seems to be several steps ahead of him, and everyone else, as the former agency asset, threatens to leak its secrets unless she’s exonerated of her crime.

Created by Alexi Hawley (The Rookie), the series also features Owen trying to balance his professional responsibilities with some semblance of a personal life, which includes obviously conflicted feelings toward his roommate Hannah (Fivel Stewart), who awkwardly happens to be his ex as well. Although Centineo is convincingly confused as he stumbles from one perilous situation to the next – managing to survive encounter after encounter with people who seem a lot

more skilled and prepared than he is – the supporting roles, beginning with Haddock, actually dominate the series. Indeed, the most interesting character is a more worldly

colleague (Kaylah Zander) who is so eager to parlay her CIA experience into a TV talkinghead gig that she’s built a studio in her home so she can practice her delivery.

Other than that, The Recruit comes across as a slightly whimsical but mostly generic vehicle to showcase Centineo (who also receives an executive producer credit) without zeroing in on why his gruff boss (Vondie Curtis Hall) keeps entrusting him with such treacherous and pivotal assignments. Either more senior agents-lawyers had the day off, or the CIA really wants to reach a younger demographic.

Granted, good spies and reliable attorneys can be hard to find, especially when trying to wrap both vocations into one. But as The Recruit inadvertently reminds us, good TV series are too.

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

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

L.A.X - Sempe

Wande Coal_ DJ Tunez - Iskaba WSTRN - Wonder Woman

Tiwa Savage - Koroba Amaarae_ Kojey Radical_ Cruel Santino - JUMPING SHIP

StarBoy_ Wizkid_ Ceeza Milli_ Spotless_ Terri - Soco (feat. Wizkid,

Zlatan_ Burna Boy - Killin Dem

Muzi_ Samthing Soweto - Mncane

Joyce Wrice_ KAYTRANADA - Iced Tea