Filmmakers promote social change and raise awareness of important issues like domestic abuse, women’s rights, and other critical issues. Omoni Oboli is an actor, scriptwriter, producer, and director, and she is among those leaving a lasting impression. She has been in the industry for over a decade and is well-known for her ability to convey thought-provoking stories. This is evident in her film franchise, Wives on Strike. The franchise combines lighthearted elements with serious subjects. The third instalment of the franchise, The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, hit cinemas on October 18, and from what has been reported as the total sales, it’s done even better than the first two movies, with a total sale so far of N28.2 million.
Read Omoni Oboli’s captivating story on pages 8 through 10.
We have a new columnist, Sally Chiwuzie, who will write in her column #Unshakable Truths. I urge you to read her piece; it’s quite compelling. You’ll find it on page 7.
While alcohol in skincare products might be associated with drying the skin, this week on our beauty page, we discuss a different kind: fatty alcohols. This ingredient works wonders on the skin, and we highlight six benefits of fatty alcohols on page 12.
If you are not a collector of handbags, it’s best to have the basic colours that match practically every outfit. We feature six of the must-have handbag colours every girl should have. That’s on pages 4 and 5.
As usual, the movie review page reviews two movies and has a playlist just for you. Click on the instructions below the QR codes to download the playlist; you’ll enjoy the music selection.
Best of Intercontinental Dishes Bringing Fiji’s Flavours to
Banke Kuku Merging Fashion And Sustainability
5 Signs of Unhealthy Emotional Attachment in Relationships
Joker: Folié a Deux
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 is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
- Contributing Writer
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
@marvelousmunongri
october babies you’re remembered
@the_angel_ifechukwu
Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
THAT GO WITH EVERYTHING 6 HANDBAG COLOURS
1.
Any outfit looks great with black, the quintessential traditional colour. A black handbag will always go well with any outfit, whether you’re dressed up for a formal occasion or keeping it casual with jeans and a T-shirt. For daytime and evening ensembles, a black purse is particularly excellent. It goes well with everything and won’t clash with other hues, whether you wear it to work, brunch, or an evening event. Every closet should include this chic and elegant piece.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Versatility is crucial when selecting a handbag. Everybody wants that one bag that looks great with everything and goes with every outfit. Some handbag colours just happen to match everything, though there are innumerable other colours and patterns to choose from. These are neutral, classic colours that never go out of style. These six hues are your best options if you want to spend money on a bag you will use for many years.
2. BLACK BROWN
Brown is your next best option if you’re searching for something neutral but not quite as strong as black. Any outfit is made cosier by a brown purse, especially when it’s in a deep shade like tan or chocolate. It goes nicely with earthy, casual attires but also looks great with bright hues like red or green. A brown purse will always look great, whether you’re heading for a weekend getaway or wearing a business casual outfit. Compared to black, it gives a more approachable and casual design and is sufficiently versatile to pair with everything from dresses to jeans.
3.
Handbags in shades of nude or beige are very stylish and functional. Nearly every hue in your clothing goes well with this neutral tint. A nude handbag complements any outfit, whether it’s vibrant or subdued, and elevates it without drawing attention to itself. The best thing about nude is that it’s perfect for any season, so you can wear it all year round. A nude purse will always look good, regardless of whether you’re dressing for the rainy or dry season. When you want something subtle but fashionable, this is the ideal option.
4.
GREY
CONCLUSION
5.
Though it is equally as adaptable as black or brown, grey is another neutral hue that doesn’t receive as much attention. A grey purse is a more subdued version of black, making it appropriate for formal and informal occasions. Colour conflicts are a thing of the past when wearing it with light or dark ensembles. It’s a fantastic colour for medium ground—it’s neither too light nor too dark, so it fits practically any situation. A grey purse gives any ensemble a subtle yet sophisticated touch, whether you’re seeing friends for lunch or heading to the office.
NUDE OR BEIGE NAVY BLUE
Although navy blue may not be the first hue that springs to mind when considering colours for multifunctional handbags, it certainly merits a place on the list. When you want something dark and classy but don’t want to go all black, this rich, deep tone is great. An array of hues, from neutrals to striking tones like mustard yellow, crimson, or white, go nicely with a navy blue purse. Combining the same adaptability as black with a touch of more personality, it’s a great option for both formal and informal occasions.
6.
METALLIC (GOLD OR SILVER)
Metallic handbags in gold or silver are an excellent choice if you want to give your ensemble a hint of glitz while keeping it casual. Not only do these hues provide a subtle yet sophisticated touch, they also happen to be neutral enough to go with anything. Metallic purses are ideal for both day and nighttime clothing; they can elevate a basic ensemble or go well with a more formal one. Whether you’re doing errands or attending a big event, a metallic purse can elevate your outfit without taking over.
When determining what to wear, picking the colour of your handbag might save you a lot of time. Handbags in black, brown, nude, grey, navy blue, and metallic colours are wonderful choices that go well with any outfit. Add them to your collection now. Your handbag will be in trend for years to come because these hues are classic and adaptable. You won’t ever have to worry about your purse being out of place when you have any of these colours in your wardrobe.
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
Arecognition open to everyone, regardless of gender, lifestyle, or status. It is a conscious choice to embrace self-love, authenticity and truth. Rather than seeking perfection, it inspires you always to be the best version of yourself: a personal journey with flexible, evolving rules. Its only requirement is honesty. If life were perfect, no guidelines would be needed, and this column would not exist. In reality, life is like looking left and right before crossing the road and getting hit by an aeroplane. Consider these examples. What would you do?
A for Amber
#UNSHAKABLE IS A STATE OF MIND
emotions, violence - toxic! There were practical reasons to stay: the shared mortgage, years of history, their intertwined lives, their family – the scandal. Logic told him to endure, but deep down, he knew it was draining his spirit. “I have to go,” he said quietly, his voice steady. It wasn’t easy, but leaving was his act of self-preservation—a decision rooted in reclaiming his peace. Would you stay?
C for Cross roads
At the crossroads of her life, Christina stood with a suitcase in hand, the weight of her dreams pressing against her heart. The decision to migrate was daunting; her family urged her to stay, citing safety and stability. But deep inside, a voice whispered of new horizons and untold adventures. As she gazed at the bustling street, the sounds of laughter and opportunity enveloped her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and listened to her inner voice. Ignoring the doubts, she stepped forward into the unknown, determined to embrace the life she truly desired. Do you think Christina would regret this decision in five years?
Amber sat at her favourite café – Twirling Spoon in Hamstead Suburbs, staring at two job offers. Much akin to the typical traffic light prompts, she felt like she was stuck on amber. One promised stability, the other adventure. Torn between her family’s expectations and her dreams, the ambiguity weighed on her. She closed her eyes, letting go of external pressures, and asked herself: “What feels true to me?” The answer came quietly but clearly— she had always longed for exploration and growth. Trusting her intuition, she chose the adventurous path. It wasn’t the safe option, but it was honest. Adventure vs Stability. You choose.
B for Battlefield
Buchi sat in bed, the echoes of last night’s argument still fresh. His relationship with Beulah had become a battlefield—each conversation a skirmish, a war of
D for Discipline
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Dumebi faced a familiar dilemma: should she pour a whiskey to drown her anxiety or lace up her running shoes to chase it away?
The bottle glimmered enticingly, promising an escape from her racing thoughts, while the running trail called to her a path to clarity and strength. Heart pounding, she hesitated. Memories of past nights spent in regret tugged at her. With a deep breath, she chose her sneakers over the glass. As she ran, the weight of anxiety began to lift, reminding her that the healthier option was worth every step. What do you think she did when she got home, though? Sigh.
E for Empathy
Esmee prided herself on her empathy, always ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. But when her friend began leaning heavily on her,
sharing his every problem and expectation, she felt the weight grow unbearable. One evening, while he vented about his latest crisis, she interrupted. “I care about you, but I can’t be your only support.”
Esmee sighed, relieved. Setting boundaries didn’t mean she cared less; it meant she could offer her best self without losing herself.
This conversation is only this easy in the movies
(and in articles in THEWILL DOWNTOWN)
F for Faith (and Fate)
Faith and Francess were inseparable, battling cancer side by side. They shared laughter, tears, and dreams of a future beyond their illness. But when Francess lost her fight, Faith’s heart shattered. She was scheduled to speak at church about her unwavering faith and survival, but she was at Francess’s funeral instead. As she listened to the eulogies, doubts flooded her mind. What had faith done for Francess? What was the point of belief in the face of such fate? Faith clutched Francess’s photo, pondering the fragility of life, realising that sometimes, faith and fate felt impossibly intertwined.
This one broke my heart. What about you?
FILMMAKER AND STORYTELLER OMONI OBOLI
Filmmakers
have a significant influence on shaping the film industry. They enliven stories with their unique storytelling, igniting debates and promoting societal change. These tales frequently subvert expectations, draw attention to social problems, and inspire action. In addition to providing entertainment, filmmakers have utilised their profession to promote social change and raise awareness of important issues such as women’s rights, domestic abuse, and other critical concerns.
Among the Nollywood directors leaving a lasting impression is Omoni Oboli. She has been in the industry for a long time and is still well-known for her ability to convey compelling and thought-provoking stories. She is an actress, scriptwriter, director, and producer. Her well-known film series Wives on Strike, which debuted in 2016 and had a sequel in 2018, is the ideal illustration of this. Both films combined lighthearted elements with serious subjects, highlighting problems like women’s rights and domestic abuse. Omoni is now prepared to bring back the charm, humour, and social impact that viewers have grown to love in the muchawaited third part, The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Omoni Oboli discusses her journey as a filmmaker, the inspiration behind The Uprising, and how she continues to use her platform to drive conversations around social change. She also opens up about her personal life, including her recent experience of becoming a grandmother and what this new phase means for her personally and professionally.
How did your journey into acting begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in Nollywood?
I first got into the industry way back when it was called “Home Video”. Friends of mine from school, UNIBEN, had gone to Lagos and seen and been a part of productions. When they got back, they had stories to tell, and I couldn’t wait to go with them on their next trip back to Lagos. I met a few of the veterans then, and after some ‘waka pass’ (playing extras) roles, I finally landed a speaking role as RMD’s and Liz Benson’s maid in a movie. To me, I had arrived! It was a taste of something I never wanted to let go of. It was purpose and fulfilment all in one for me. I was like a fish in water. After that, I got the lead roles in Fidelis Duker’s and Hilda Dokubo’s movie Another Campus Tale. Everything was perfect. My friends and I went through all the teething stages of actors in that era. There were no cellphones, so we had to take public transport to joints where we were most likely to hear about movie auditions, then take public transport to designated spots where the results of the auditions would be pasted on a board. Somehow, it didn’t matter as much then because our excitement made the suffering and hustle less daunting than it was. The downside was that my school work suffered greatly. I was already a first-class material, and I couldn’t cope with work and school, especially then when the movie industry wasn’t particularly structured. The disruptions took its toll, and not wanting to disappoint my mother who had practically sacrificed so much to get me into the university, I gave up on my dream of being an actress to complete my studies. I finished with a 2nd Class Upper division, and as soon as school was done I had planned to do a master’s degree in France because I had studied foreign languages, majoring in French, but that was not to be either. I got married as soon as I finished school, and with all that and childbearing, Nollywood was not to be until after 10 years. I came back as the new girl and found it nearly impossible to break into the industry as an actor, let alone landing a leading role position I once held. This was until Lancelot Imasuen introduced me to Emem Isong. Lancelot had directed me in a lead role earlier in 1996 when I first started in the industry. She auditioned me, along with her friend Vivian, and both gave me confidence that I had what it took to be a leading lady. Emem was doing a movie then, but told me that she would’ve given me a role but my talent was way beyond a small role, which is all that was available in the movie she was preparing for at the time. She asked me to be patient until the right movie came along, and it did. I played alongside Genevieve and Desmond in the movie Unfinished Business, and the rest is history. Before I broke in, I was writing scripts of my own story and helping with other people’s stories. One such story is what Emem produced, and I was given the supporting role. In writing such scripts, I began to nurse the idea that I wanted to make my movies, now called Nollywood films, and this made me enroll in the New York Film Academy in New York, where I studied movie directing. My first movie Being Mrs Elliott became my directorial debut, and since then, acting, directing, and producing have been my passion and work.
“All I need is the loving warmth of my husband and children to make me feel safe and loved. I can recoup to go again to the battlefield, and so my home is my haven where I have my batteries recharged. ”
me. The fact that I am producing, directing, and acting is the role to end all roles. Directing is fun and gratifying to see the finished product from start to finish, knowing that you did not only act in it but directed every aspect of it. It’s in a combination of directing and acting and producing these movies that the challenge is. If it was just directing, I may have some moments of rest in between to recoup, but I’m either directing a scene, acting in a scene, or taking care of production logistics and issues while acting and directing the scenes. This is what makes it such a daunting task that if I didn’t enjoy what I do it would have led to me burning out. It’s challenging, but if anyone could do it, then it would be easy. Like a woman after giving birth, when the production is done and dusted, and after the resting period, you can’t wait to get into another project that’s gotten you excited again.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your acting career?
Acting affords me the pleasure of playing so many roles, being so many different kinds of people, and going through so many different emotions and experiences in one lifetime. I’ve learned to enjoy them all and judge them all while living them all. This has led me to understand life’s most important thing: that acting is a job and not your reality. For any good actor, getting into and out of character takes time and emotional stress, and it can take its toll on you if you don’t have a good support system to manage such high and low emotional investments into a character and project. So, I’ve learned to value family even more and the peace and tranquillity that comes with having that aspect as a stabilising force in my wholeness as a person. Family reminds me about what’s most important, and that life is not drama unless you make it so.
“As
a director,
in the
process
and
that
How do you balance being both in front of the camera as an actress and behind it as a director?
You’ve played many diverse roles over the years. Which role has been the most challenging for you, and why?
As an actor, my role in Lonzo Nzekwe’s classic Anchor Baby was the most emotionally draining for me, owing to the subject matter of the movie, while Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine was the most physically exerting. My role as a movie producer is also very challenging for
shine, not your incompetence. You’re not struggling for a role with any man because they can’t have your roles, but you’re competing with women of your peers, so take time out to hone your skills until it’s second nature to you. When you step into an audition, organised or impromptu, ensure you’re always prepared. Know your value. Don’t overestimate or undermine your value. Be real with yourself because that’s the only way to make a true assessment and grow. A false reality will not allow you to grow. If you aspire to be a director or producer, do what everyone does: ask for help and get training. There are tons of materials online to help you, and unless you’re unsure of what you want because you think there’s a world out to get you, go at it with all you have, but be cautious with people so you don’t become a victim or a statistic in another person’s sinister agenda.
How do you manage to stay grounded and focused with all the success and recognition you’ve achieved? All I do is work. Many people, men and women, go to work every day, and when they get home, they hang up their boots and relax. I don’t carry my accolades home. I don’t need it there. All I need is the loving warmth of my husband and children to make me feel safe and loved. I can recoup to go again to the battlefield, and so my home is my haven where I have my batteries recharged. Without this, I don’t know how else I would’ve coped. More importantly, I have God and His word to comfort me daily and keep me grounded, reminding me that I may be adored out there but I don’t let it get to my head, for all adoration belongs to God.
I’m invested
of
production
the value proposition
my world brings to the table, but as an actor, I’m invested in the believability of the character and how to help draw the best performance out of me...”
You have to love both. They’re two different aspects of filmmaking. As a director, I’m invested in the process of production and the value proposition that my world brings to the table, but as an actor, I’m invested in the believability of the character and how to help draw the best performance out of me and my colleagues in every scene. I enjoy acting. It’s second nature to me, and I love directing too. The real challenge is in producing the movies, which I also love. As a director, you’re both professionally invested in every scene and in every character to bring life to a script as you visualise it. As an actor, I focus on each scene while understanding the character and backstory of the characters I play. The balance is my understanding of each role and knowing which hat I’m putting on at each moment. Especially for me because I wear many hats. The most beautiful aspect of directing is having a competent team behind you making it all happen. As an actor, I simply do my job and try not to conflate the two roles, even when I wear both hats.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to make it in Nollywood?
Firstly, do not play the sexist game of ‘woe is me because I’m a woman’. I never saw myself as a female filmmaker or actor, but a professional in all those areas. Don’t act like a victim. No role is worth degrading yourself for. Bring your professionalism into your workplace and let your value and talents
What can audiences expect from The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 that’s different from the previous films? The story will surprise you - you will come thinking you know what to expect but you’ll leave the cinema with your mouth open in shock! It can be seen as a standalone film. You don’t need to watch the others. I can say with confidence that it is the best of the series. I especially wanted this story to resonate in ways that we can all relate to in such a way that it reflects life, yet it still has those fundamental elements that make Wives on Strike what it is. The performances - every scene is a masterclass on acting! The characters will blow your mind, especially the role Hilda played in it. Many will be amazed by the new direction the story takes. All in all, it is a work of art that is better experienced than told.
How did the idea for the Wives on Strike series originally come about?
My husband was thinking about the Aba women riots and wanted a story like that but with comedy. I wanted a story that would address the child bride issue in the country. We concluded with the story and put together a stellar cast to execute it. It was a simple concept but with heart. Initially, to be honest, I didn’t think it would be this big, but it goes to show that if you’re committed to doing the best that you can, eventually, the people will buy into whatever you’re selling.
The movie deals with serious issues through comedy. How do you find the balance between humour and delivering important messages?
I have seen very compelling stories get very little audience exposure and very mundane content being blockbusters. Films are first and foremost about entertainment. It’s easier to swallow a bitter pill wrapped with sweets than to take it as it is. So we decided that comedy was the best medium to get this very important
community, violence, justice, friendship, and the bond between a mother and her child. The diversity of the women and their differences, though they sometimes overstepped their boundaries, did not affect their affection and friendship with each other. That foundation ensured that in such times when they needed each other to step up, each person in their way was available for all others when it mattered the most. Many will come out shocked, excited, angry, confused, sympathetic, and with a new sense of urgency for some of our themes in the movie, but everyone will be satisfied. Did you encounter any challenges while producing or directing this third instalment of the franchise?
Filming isn’t easy. It has its logistical challenges. Every filmmaker knows this, and this is often factored into our budgeting. Whether it’s the disruption of area boys, or the lack of necessary props and locations to create something in particular, these are what makes us resilient and motivated to find ways and not excuses to surmount those challenges. In other words, yes we had challenges, but as they say “the show must go on”.
How do you feel the Wives on Strikeseries has influenced conversations around domestic violence and women’s rights in Nigeria?
The very first one opened up conversation in places where that seemed to be taboo. Before making the movie, I didn’t know that the child bride issues were across the entire north, south, east, and west of the nation. Some legislative changes were pushed in that period to challenge and enact laws to address the issue of child brides. I was glad with the results, and we only pray that this effort doesn’t stop.
story out there. It got to areas of our country and into the hearts of many who wouldn’t have been touched with this subject any other way, and I’m glad that the exposure met our expectations. It was still a gamble, nonetheless. I would say it is also a favour that it had the reaction and traction that’s become the norm for the series.
What are some of the key themes explored in The Uprising that audiences should pay attention to?
Some of the themes are kidnapping, protest, revenge, betrayal, political oppression,
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! How does it feel to embrace this new role at 46 and how has this new chapter in your life affected your perspective on family and career?
Thank you. It feels great to be a grandma. I don’t take such things for granted. It’s a blessing to live to see your grandchildren. That’s most people’s dream, and God just handed it to us on a platter. And at 46? I couldn’t be more excited. It does change a lot for me. I have a different perspective on life. Suddenly, I’m not doing what I’m doing for my children alone, but it’s now for my posterity, my children’s children, and beyond. The idea of family takes on a whole new meaning. It transcends a generation or two, but now a third generation that’s from my husband and I. I feel so blessed. I am now a glam ma! (laughs).
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female filmmaker in the Nigerian movie industry?
I haven’t faced any major challenges as a female filmmaker, but as a filmmaker, I face the same challenges as all filmmakers. I have to be honest, the movies I’ve made have been done with no aspect of it being easier or harder simply because I’m a woman. I haven’t encountered any such clear distinctions to be able to make that call. Nollywood is such that if you have the funds to make your movie, and you have the expertise to do it, then you can make a film. The crew only responds to money. You’re either punished or rewarded at the box office on the merits of your work and not your gender. A competent crew, both male and female, do not take your job because you’re a woman but because you can afford them, and they can and want to work with you. I believe there are more challenges for actresses, but hardly any I know of for a female filmmaker.
What are your thoughts on the representation of women in Nollywood, both in front of and behind the camera?
I believe we’re well represented. You can see that the top-grossing filmmakers in Nigeria currently are mostly women: Funke Akindele who is the highest-grossing filmmaker, and the second is Mo Abudu and her Ebonylife production. In the top ten highest-grossing films, we’re well-represented. What I’m saying is that all in all, there may be more men in general, but this isn’t as a result of any deliberate hindrance of women but may be of other factors such as funding and training to be filmmakers or the desire to be a filmmaker, to name a few. I’ve seen more and more women who had been comfortable just producing movies venture into filmmaking. There are more leading ladies than leading men in general, such that the number of top male leads is a problem sometimes for filmmakers. Actresses who can deliver are much more available than our male counterparts. This is so since, after the period when the marketers controlled film production, they were predominantly male. A few women like the late Amaka Igwe and Emem Isong held the fort for us during that era, and they paved the way for female producers to make inroads into the industry and establish their place. I was particularly helped by Emem and she’s still involved in production and more importantly in training actors like some I use in my movies on YouTube, and soon to be used in my cinema productions. She has been producing many of the big names in Nollywood cinema and movies generally. So, women in Nollywood have come a long way from asking for a seat at the table to building their tables. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re so far on the right path.
BEAUTY
Fatty Alcohols in Skincare
6
Benefits
You Need to Know
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
It’s
common to associate harsh, drying substances with the term alcohol in skincare products. However, not all alcohols are made equally. One unique kind of alcohol that can work wonders for your skin is fatty alcohol. Lotions, creams, and other skincare products frequently contain these chemicals. What are fatty alcohols, and what makes them beneficial to skin health? In this article, we’ll look at the six main advantages of fatty alcohols in skincare.
WHAT ARE FATTY ALCOHOLS?
Alcohols, referred to as fatty alcohols, are made from natural fats and oils, including coconut or palm oil. They soften and smooth the skin, in contrast to drying alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. They are well known for their thick, creamy texture and moisture-retaining properties.
6BENEFITS OF FATTY ALCOHOLS
1.MOISTURISING THE SKIN
One of the main advantages of fatty alcohols is moisturising the skin. Because they function as emollients, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol aid in softening and smoothing the skin. These alcohols create a protective coating on the skin’s surface to shield it from drying out while maintaining moisture levels. For those who have sensitive or dry skin, fatty alcohol should be your go-to product.
2. IMPROVING TEXTURE AND FEEL
Fatty alcohols are frequently used in skincare products to enhance their feel and texture. They give creams and lotions a rich, viscous consistency, making them simpler to apply and spread evenly across the skin.
3. ENHANCING PRODUCT ABSORPTION
Fatty alcohols also have the remarkable property of improving skincare product absorption. They serve as a thickening agent, facilitating a deeper skin penetration of the active compounds in your skincare products. This implies that the essential components, such as antioxidants and vitamins, can function better.
4. SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN
Fatty alcohols can be your best friend if your skin is sensitive. In contrast to certain other ingredients, fatty alcohols are mild and calming. They aid in calming irritated or inflamed skin by forming a barrier that traps moisture and keeps out dangerous substances.
CONCLUSION
5. ACTING AS A STABILISER IN PRODUCTS
Fatty alcohols also serve as stabilisers in skincare products, preventing ingredient separation. They are responsible for the smooth, constant texture of a cream or lotion. They help to bind the oil and water components together, ensuring that a product’s formula stays effective for a longer period.
6.CREATING A PROTECTIVE BARRIER
Fatty alcohols create a thin, shielding layer on the surface of the skin. This barrier keeps the skin from losing moisture while protecting it from environmental stresses like pollution and bad weather. This is important because it keeps your skin hydrated and healthy, especially in a dry or polluted area.
Contrary to popular belief, fatty alcohols do not have drying or damaging effects. As opposed to that, they are strong allies for skincare that can hydrate, shield, and improve the effectiveness of your skincare products. Using products with fatty alcohols can help enhance the appearance and health of your skin, regardless of whether you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin. It is, therefore, safe to believe that fatty alcohols will provide genuine value to your skincare regimen the next time you see their name on a product label.
BON APPÉTIT
Best of Intercontinental Dishes Bringing Fiji’s Flavours to Your Table
The beautiful country of Fiji, with many enchanting islands, is one of the most visited destinations for an unbeatable vacation experience. Surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s no surprise that anyone would want to experience this in person.
But an astonishing view isn’t the only great thing Fiji offers its locals and guests. Another delight from Fiji is the local favourite, Kokoda. Kokoda is a traditional Fijian dish that captures the essence of the Pacific Islands with its refreshing, tangy, and creamy flavours. It’s a raw fish salad that has become a symbol of Fijian cuisine. The dish is simple yet flavourful, relying on fresh ingredients to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. So, for our food lovers, let’s help you bring a taste of Fiji to your home with a complete recipe for preparing Kokoda.
Ingredients
• 500g Fresh fish
• ½ Cup lime or lemon juice
• 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 Cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 Green chilli, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander or parsley
Preparation Steps
Prepare The Fish
Start by cutting the fish fillets into small, bite-sized cubes. Place the fish in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour the lime or lemon juice over it. Ensure all pieces are covered in juice. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the citrus to “cook” the fish, changing its texture and appearance.
Drain And Mix
After marinating, drain the excess lime or lemon juice from the fish. This prevents the dish from being too sour. In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated fish with the coconut cream, onion, tomato, cucumber, and chilli. Stir gently to combine everything.
Season And Serve
Season the kokoda with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh coriander or parsley. Serve the dish chilled, ideally in a coconut shell for an authentic presentation or in a small bowl. Kokoda is often enjoyed as a starter or a light main course, accompanied by fresh bread or cassava chips.
An extra tip for your Kokoda is to use the freshest fish possible, which will also influence its taste. Other than that, you are good to go and are set to have a culinary experience that brings the flavours of Fiji to your table. Bon appetit.
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
Banke Kuku
Merging Fashion And Sustainability
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Banke Kuku’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Oceans,” made a bold statement at her exclusive runway event held at the Royal Box in Lagos. The collection draws inspiration from the ocean’s natural beauty and calls attention to the vital topic of environmental sustainability, it was a remarkable gathering of industry leaders, celebrities, and environmental advocates.
Style influencer Ozinna Anumudu hosted the night, setting the tone for an evening focused on fashion as a vehicle for change. Banke Kuku’s collection which was made from stunning eco-friendly fabrics, took center stage as models strutted down the runway. The designs captured the depth and serenity of the sea.
The evening saw notable figures such as Mo Abudu and Toke Makinwa, alongside Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Remi Tinubu.
Guests were treated to a fully alluring experience.
First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazak
Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Kenes Gloww
5 Signs of UNHEALTHY EMOTIONAL
ATTACHMENT in Relationships
1. CONSTANT NEED FOR REASSURANCE
When you have an unhealthy emotional attachment, you frequently require continuous comfort from your lover. “Do you love me?” or “Are we okay?” may be questions you ask all the time. You feel nervous or uneasy about where you stand, even when there’s no need for concern. It can be draining for both partners in a relationship to always feel validated. The foundation of a strong relationship is trust, not endless questions to feel secure.
2. LOSING YOUR OWN IDENTITY
An unhealthy attachment may exist if you put your partner’s needs above your interests, hobbies, or social time. You can start to lose sight of who you are outside of the relationship or feel you must participate in everything your partner does. In a healthy relationship, both individuals retain their uniqueness as they grow together. Having a distinct identity and life is important.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
In a good relationship, friendship, growth, and joy can be experienced, whereas strain, insecurity, and dissatisfaction can result from an unhealthy emotional attachment. It’s acceptable to be emotionally attached to someone, but there’s a thin line separating healthy and toxic relationships. Unhealthy attachment has the potential to harm the well-being of both spouses if it is ignored. The following five indicators suggest that your relationship is suffering from unhealthy attachment.
3. FEAR OF BEING ALONE
The fear of being alone is a clear indicator of unhealthy attachment. If the idea of being apart from your partner, even for a brief while, makes you feel scared or apprehensive, it can mean that you depend too much on them for emotional stability. Both partners should be able to spend time apart in a healthy relationship without experiencing anxiety or uneasiness. Having a balanced relationship requires being at ease in one’s own company.
CONCLUSION
4. OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR PARTNER
Thinking about your spouse all the time, even when you should be concentrating on other things like your job, school, or personal goals, is a common sign of unhealthy attachment. If you find yourself thinking about your spouse all the time, checking your phone for messages, or wondering what they’re up to, it could be an addiction rather than love. Good relationships give people the mental room to concentrate on other facets of life without becoming consumed by their partner.
5.EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCY
When you’re emotionally reliant on someone, your pleasure and mood are determined by how they treat you or how much time they spend with you. You experience happiness when they show affection and sadness when they don’t. You and your spouse may get exhausted from this emotional rollercoaster. While emotional support is necessary for a healthy relationship, it shouldn’t be your only source of happiness. You should be able to have security and happiness in your own life.
Unhealthy attachments can cause anxiety, tension, and an uneven relationship where one partner feels stifled and the other feels insecure. Early detection of these symptoms can assist you in resolving the problems and pursuing a happier, more satisfying relationship. Remember that mutual respect, trust, and individuality are the foundation of a healthy relationship. It’s critical to feel safe in your relationship and within yourself.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
MOVIE REVIEW:
Joker: Folié a Deux
You may find yourself watching Joker: Folie à Deux, wondering if its subtitle (which roughly translates as “a shared madness”) applies to the characters or the filmmakers.
Todd Phillips’ sequel to his 2019 hit Joker, which brought lead actor Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award in the title role, is a huge swing: It’s a courtroom drama/musical in which Phoenix’s incarcerated madman Arthur Fleck/Joker meets up with the equally deranged Harley Quinn (here called Lee, and played by Lady Gaga) as he’s about to stand trial for murder, and they express their mutual love and nihilism by singing (or whispering, for some reason) a lot of mid-century classic songs to each other, very slowly.
It’s an odd decision, to put it mildly. It’s not that musicals can’t effectively explore darkness (see Sweeney Todd if you doubt); it’s that in order to do so, you have to let people actually sing. Lady Gaga is possessed of a gloriously swooping voice that’s at home in any style of song, but here she spends much of the movie croaking out lyrics in a cramped, scratchy whisper. It makes sense for the character — Lee, who’s in a psychiatric hospital is clearly deeply disturbed — but it’s a waste; why not give us a few more fantasy sequences and really let her sing (the first film had numerous scenes that did a great job of blurring the edges of Arthur’s reality, why not again here)? Phoenix, a passable if small-voiced singer, likewise fails to soar (though — who knew? — turns out he can tap-dance). What both of them ultimately prove is that near century-old show tunes like “That’s Entertainment”, “What the World Needs Now”,
and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” can sound thoroughly creepy if you slow them way down; this is, perhaps, not enough of a reason to make a movie.
Taking place a few years after the events of 2019’s Joker, this movie finds Arthur imprisoned, mocked by guards (“You got a joke for us today, freak?”) and, denied his customary Joker makeup, unable to be his true, gleefully psychotic self. But he finds a piece of that self in Lee, who locks eyes with him in a rehab singing class with psychiatric patients (no, it makes no sense that he’d be allowed to do such an activity) and promptly declares her love. “Are you crazy?” he asks her, admiringly.
The film alternates between elaborate fantasy sequences, with Joker and Lee as a sort of deranged Sonny and Cher and the rather more grim reality of the trial.
There’s plenty of talent on screen here, which makes Folie à Deux all the more maddening; a scene in which Lee applies eyeliner while warbling “I’ve Got the World On a String” is a mesmerizing reminder of Gaga’s uncanny charisma. But ultimately, this is a wild experiment that mostly falls flat. “I don’t want to sing any more,” says Joker near the end; not soon enough.
I personally feel Todd Phillips had no interest in making a sequel to his first Joker. There is a significant lack of effort compared to the first film on display here. It reeks of the studio seeing just how much the first film made (over $1Billion) and essentially mandating another one. All parties involved phoned this in and considering a large part of the film happens in the walls of a penitentiary, this was a collect call, made with no true passion behind it.
A Shared Madness, indeed.
Rating:3/10
Thoroughly disappointed
By January next year, I will have been writing articles on this page for four years. In that time, I have recommended all types of shows and films, asking you to watch dramas, high fantasies, and sci-fi epics. I do hope I’ve done a pretty good job of that.
One genre I’ve rarely proffered to you is comedies. I try to use this section of the page to recommend current shows (hence the “of the week” moniker), and if I’m being honest, there is very little in the way of excellent comedy anymore. I’ve found myself returning to the well of older sitcoms, and by far, the most rewarding of these rewatches has been my personal favourite comedy show of all time: Arrested Development
Originally airing for three seasons (we don’t talk about the two Netflix seasons) in the early 2000s, the show follows the wealthy, very, very out-of-touch Bluth family and their hilariously inept struggles after patriarch George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor) gets arrested by the Feds for fraud (and some light treason) at his retirement party aboard a yacht.
He leaves behind a stunned (not so stunned, it turns out) wife, Lucille (the late, great Jessica Walters), who, alongside the rest of the family, had been using the coffers of the family real estate firm, The Bluth Company, as her personal piggy bank for years. Aside from the middle son, Michael (Jason Bateman of Ozark fame), their children are an assortment of the most incompetent offspring on television.
GOB (George Oscar Bluth, a deliriously funny Will Arnett), Lindsay (Portia De Rossi) and 30+-year-old Man-child Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) round out the main cast of morons.
Shot in the same mockumentary style as The Office and Parks and Recreation but predating both by at least two years, it’s a show that is chock full of references, call-backs and running gags. The family’s travails to maintain a semblance of normalcy while simultaneously being the most abnormal bunch of idiots remain endlessly entertaining till today. A lot of episodes are directed by the Russo Brothers, who went on to helm massive ensemble projects such as Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, and it’s easy to see early signs of their ability to juggle large casts.
Each episode typically starts with each main character doing something typically daft yet disparate from the other, yet by the conclusion of the episode, all the
storylines crash into each other, and hilarity always ensues. It’s also a show that rewards repeat viewings (I’d know. I rewatch the first 3 seasons every other month), and you still catch a double entendre here or a sight gag there every single time. It’s hard to explain how a show with little to no redeeming characters can be so funny, but give it a try. It truly rewards you for paying attention.
If you’ve seen and loved Succession, I truly think this show is for you. The parallels between the characters are uncanny. The parents on both shows are horrible to their children, and you can draw almost direct (and hilarious) parallels between the Bluths and the Roy family (Michael Bluth is Kendall, Roman is GOB/Buster, and Lindsay is Shiv. Hell, you could liken Greg to George Michael, Michael Bluth’s son.) Everyone is horrible to each other all the time. It’s the best.
All episodes are available on Netflix (Only Seasons 1-3 matter).
