Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
BOLAJI OGUNMOLA Bold, Brilliant, And Unapologetically Herself
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
CONTENT
EDITOR’S NOTE
12
5 Tips for Applying Blush Correctly
13
New Year Mental Check-In
Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
BEAUTY
B
olaji Ogunmola is one of her generation’s most compelling and dynamic actors. In her career spanning over a decade, she has been very intentional, choosing roles that challenge stereotypes, amplify women’s narratives and push the industry into new creative territories. In her 2025 high-energy, female-led action-comedy, Gingerrr, she delved into a role she had never played before, which was extremely challenging; however, she wanted to make it relatable and authentic. So, she watched films, researched with her director and went over the script several times to help her prepare for her character. To understand the business of acting, Ogunmola trained at the Royal Arts Academy. Now with over 100 films to her name, she has honed her acting skills, but Ogunmola says she isn’t there yet; she is still evolving. As Nollywood evolves, she would like to serve as its ambassador. In all of this, Bolaji Ogunmola believes you should take life easy and be grateful to God. Read her story on pages 8 to 10 For travellers who know when to travel, January is a hidden gem. The festive rush is over, and airports are calmer. January travellers can experience the world without queues and explore destinations without distractions. This week’s travel article suggests why January might be the smartest travel month you are not taking advantage of. Scroll to page 14 for this. Blush adds a fresh look to your face; however, misapplying it can throw everything out of balance. Too much blush, and you’ll look like a clown, and too little will make you look like something is missing. This week’s beauty page highlights tips for applying blush correctly. I hope you learn a thing or two from it. Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah
@onahluciaa
+2348033239132
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Writer: Johnson Chukwueke Design & Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Avenue, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888
WELLNESS
14
TRAVEL
15
04-05 FASHION
07
Untold Truths
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
8-10 COVER
11
LUXURY SILK
The Future of Fashion Is Sustainable
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
16
REVIEW
Questions You Should Ask Yourself This January
Why January Is the Best Month to Travel
This Time
Anaconda
You Don’t Have To Become Someone New In 2026
Bolaji Ogunmola Bold, Brilliant, And Unapologetically Herself
When January Gets Quiet
WHAT YOU SAID Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with 5 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food,entertainment, fashion and beauty. 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. Ada Obiajunwa @aaddaahh - Contributing Writer Ada Obiajunwa writes from Lagos about the big truths tucked inside ordinary moments — friendship, self-discovery, and the quiet revolutions of everyday life. She believes in the power of presence, good banter, and decoding the unsaid. Through her fragrance studio, WhiffWonders, she also crafts scents that weave memory and emotion into experiences that feel like home.
VOL 5 NO. 52 • NEW YEAR EDITION 2026
CHEF STONE
REDEFINING NIGERIAN CUISINE, ONE PLATE AT A TIME
@_therealmoga my amiable @chefstoneofficial super proud
@chef_d.gh
@the_chidera
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FASHION
THE FUTURE OF FASHION IS SUSTAINABLE AND AFRICA IS SHAPING THE NEXT GLOBAL SHIFT BY JANE MICHAEL EKANEM
T
he global fashion industry is at a decisive turning point. As climate change, ethical production, and responsible consumption dominate international discourse, sustainability is no longer optional—it has become the new benchmark for relevance. Today, fashion capitals from New York to Paris measure success not only by creativity and commercial reach, but by ecological responsibility, material innovation, and social impact. In this global shift, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: Africa is not catching up—Africa is leading. Fashion is currently the world’s second-largest polluting industry, responsible for over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, nearly 20% of global wastewater, and carbon emissions exceeding those of aviation and shipping combined. The fast-fashion model promotes rapid consumption, short garment life cycles, and excessive waste. In response, consumers—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—are demanding transparency, durability, and environmentally conscious design. Long before sustainability became a global buzzword, African communities were already practising it. In Nigeria, traditions such as garment repair, upcycling, seasonless wardrobes, and slow craftsmanship have been embedded in daily life for generations. Indigenous textiles like Akwete, Adire, Aso-Oke, and Okene cloth exemplify circular design through durability, natural dye processes, and minimal waste. Through my initiative, Revamp Your Style, I advocate for rethinking the lifecycle of garments. Instead of disposal, clothing is recut, redraped, restyled, and reimagined. This approach reduces textile waste, promotes affordability, and challenges designers to innovate within limitations.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
FASHION Beyond styling, the next frontier of sustainability lies in textile innovation. My work explores an adaptive hybrid fabric that interweaves breathable natural fibres, locally dyed Adire elements, and engineered synthetic threads. The result is a climate-responsive textile—cool in heat, insulating in cooler environments—suitable for Africa’s weather realities and globally relevant for multiseasonal fashion. This innovation supports local artisans across multiple Nigerian states, reduces dependency on imported textiles, creates micro-enterprise opportunities, and contributes to Nigeria’s creative economy. Sustainability is not a Western invention—it is a global necessity. Africa brings a balance of creativity, heritage, and conservation. By embracing responsible production and textile innovation, Nigeria is helping define the future of fashion.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
SALLY CHIWUZIE
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
UNTOLD TRUTHS YOU DON’T HAVE TO BECOME SOMEONE NEW IN 2026
I
n the past, I would have jumped on the bandwagon without hesitation. New year, new goals, new intentions, new promises. There is something genuinely exciting about the idea of a fresh start, and I don’t dismiss that at all; in fact, setting goals can be energising. Vision can be clarifying. Hope can feel like oxygen. However, what those glossy New Year narratives rarely account for is inevitability. Or juxtaposition. Or life. They don’t leave room for the unexpected detour, the quiet grief, the unanswered question, or the reality that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line. They don’t account for the fact that you can be healing and hurting at the same time, hopeful and tired, moving forward and standing still — all in the same breath. So, this year, I am choosing a different approach. I will still have goals, but they will be held with grace.
They will honour all I have learned, not erase them. They will give the transforming version of me space and permission to grow gently, in my own way, at my own pace. There will be room for adjustment. Room for rest. Room for being human. Most importantly, there will be no requirement to fundamentally alter who I am. Exactly as I am is perfect for me, and I do want that same
freedom for anyone reading this. Just because something works beautifully for someone else does not make it wrong that it doesn’t work for you, and just because your path looks quieter, slower, or less obvious does not make it less valid. In my professional life, I am widely recognised for stakeholder management — the art of understanding people, navigating dynamics, and meeting different needs without trying to force everyone into the same shape. This year, I want to perfect that art in my personal life. To understand who and what I am surrounded by. To observe without immediately trying to remodel. To place people on pedestals according to individual merit, not proximity or expectation, and, perhaps most importantly, to never chase love. Not approval. Not validation. Not belonging. Love that has to be chased is rarely love that sustains. I also carry into this year a deep awareness that depression is real. I have seen it up close. I have witnessed people who appeared to be thriving externally while quietly fighting not to drown internally. I have learned, sometimes painfully, that all is not always as it seems. So this year, I want to lead with gentleness — for myself and for others. I want to lead with curiosity rather than assumption, with compassion rather than comparison. I want to hold on to hope and optimism, not because life has been easy, but in spite of it. Regardless of setbacks. Despite how long the night feels, because day does eventually break. It always has. I want to continue growing my prisoner of hope ability - that quiet resilience that believes in light even when it can’t yet be seen, and to share it wherever I can, not as a sermon, but as an offering. …and yes, I want to explore love – not recklessly or desperately but honestly and with openness – with discernment and courage. So, if we are looking to call it a New Year’s resolution, mine looks something like this: To live 2026 with intention and grace. To allow goals without rigidity. To honour growth without urgency. To remain curious without fear. To remember that becoming does not require abandoning who you already are. You don’t have to become someone new this year. You are allowed to continue to be you softly, honestly, imperfectly — exactly as you are. And I truly wish upon you this same permission. May we thrive. Happy New Year! See you next week.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER
BOLAJI OGUNMOLA BOLD, BRILLIANT, AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY HERSELF
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER
I
n an industry where talent is abundant but true presence is rare, Bolaji Ogunmola stands out as one of Nollywood’s most dynamic, compelling, and quietly powerful actresses of her generation. Over the past decade, she has built a career rooted in intention, choosing roles that challenge stereotypes, amplify women’s narratives, and push the industry into new creative territories. From her early days on Next Movie Star to her breakout performances in Sobi’s Mystic, Tough Love, and All Shades of Wrong, Ogunmola has continually proven that she is more than a screen face; she is a storyteller with depth, versatility, and ambition. 2025 marked a defining moment in her career with Gingerrr, the high-energy, female-led action-comedy that took the Nigerian box office by storm. Not only does she star in the film alongside fellow powerhouses, but she also steps behind the camera as one of the executive producers, asserting her place in Nollywood’s new wave of actors shaping their own narratives and influencing industry direction. Her performance in Gingerrr captures exactly what makes her compelling: confidence, charisma, emotional agility, and a refreshing ability to hold her own within an ensemble cast without losing her individuality. But beyond the spotlight, Bolaji is just as intriguing. She speaks candidly about beauty standards, about the pressures placed on young women, and about the emotional labour expected of firstborn daughters, conversations that have endeared her to a growing audience of young Nigerians who see their own stories reflected in hers. She is warm, witty, grounded, and unmistakably self-aware. In this exclusive interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, she takes us through the journey of her evolution, her craft, her bold venture into production, and the woman she is outside the camera’s gaze.
The film is driven by four strong female characters. How did you prepare for your role, and what part of her felt closest to your real personality? It wasn’t something I had played before, so it was new to me, and extremely challenging. But what I wanted to do was make it relatable and as authentic as someone who was struggling and found herself making bad decisions and still in love with this person. Someone who wanted to make amends, try to get out of a life that she was sucked into. So, having to watch films, research with my director, and go over the scripts over and over again, it really helped in preparing for the character.
people who had no experience in the fight. It was very interesting to do and to watch on the big screen. Gingerrr has been celebrated for redefining femaleled action in Nollywood. What impact do you hope this film has on the roles women get in the industry? Well, to be honest with you, women are for me, the bedrock of anything you know. So, having to see that women can do it, maybe it will help and inform people in general, investors, producers, film executives that they can bank on femaleled action films and whatnot. It would also be a good avenue to promote collaboration between women in the industry as well in order to beat our own record of femaleled films. So when people see the beauty of it and how the films excel, it leads to even more in the industry.
“I would say I am still evolving. I wouldn’t say I am there yet; there’s just so much more in store for me. I will say that every role I have taken has gotten me here, and it’s a preparation for what I am doing now, and what I am doing now is preparation for what I am going to do next. So it has shaped me, that one role, that one scene, that one lead character, that one Youtube film, it has all shaped me into becoming what I am today, and I am grateful for it all”
You trained at the Royal Arts Academy. How did that experience shape the actress we see today? So I just left the University of Ilorin, and I said to myself that since I knew what I wanted to do, and it involves being in the entertainment world, I might as well go for it. One thing I always believed in is that you learn, and you also create. You could even create friends and have a network of people, but you have to have a starting point. For me, Royal Art was my starting point I needed in Lagos in terms of learning, even if I have experience, just teach me more. So things like the longos, I also had to understand what the business is all about, know what being an actor is all about. So that was why I went to Royal Art, and it was the only one I knew at that time. I just said I was going in to learn, network as well, and that was how I started my journey. I am just grateful because it was the beginning of understanding what being an actor entails and all.
“Well, to be honest with you, women are for me, the bedrock of anything you know. So, having to see that women can do it, maybe it will help and inform people in general, investors, producers, film executives that they can bank on female-led action films and whatnot. It would also be a good avenue to promote collaboration between women in the industry as well in order to beat our own record of female-led films. ”
The heist scenes were fastpaced and intense. What was the most challenging (or fun) moment for you on set? My goodness, the action sequences were so funny and so interesting because we had to practice, and you know, because in the movie, we are women from different walks of life who have no training of any sort, we had to still portray them as
has gotten me here, and it’s a preparation for what I am doing now, and what I am doing now is preparation for what I am going to do next. So it has shaped me, that one role, that one scene, that one lead character, that one Youtube film, it has all shaped me into becoming what I am today, and I am grateful for it all.
You’ve starred in over 100 films. Looking back, what moment made you feel, “Yes, I’m truly becoming the actor I dreamed of”? I would say I am still evolving. I wouldn’t say I am there yet; there’s just so much more in store for me. I will say that every role I have taken
As an actressproducer on the project, how did balancing both roles shape your experience making the movie? It was quite easy because we had an onsite producer as well. So we did a lot of the heavy-lifting before we got on set, and then we left it for the onsite producer to take it on, so yeah, it was quite easy, and if there was a need for us to intervene and step in on set, we would do that. But majorly, we had to delegate as well.
Nollywood is evolving fast, with streaming, bigger budgets, and action films like Gingerrr. Where do you see yourself in this new wave? I just want to be an ambassador for Nollywood, you know. I don’t believe that one actor should be streamlined to one thing, you are an actor, and you shouldn’t be boxed in. Do not allow people to box you in. Like saying you are supposed to be on Africa Magic, you are not supposed to be on Iroko, you are supposed to be on the big screen, and you are not supposed to be on streaming. We are actors, we show up, and show up well, regardless of whatever platform that’s coming. We come up and show that we can perform across the board. In terms of where we are now and how it works in my favour, I just believe it will work in my favour through God’s help. It is also the fact that I can play in different realms and meet more people, cause truthfully, my goal is to reach more people, and bring more people to our side. I have had conversations with people, and they were like, they don’t watch Nollywood movies, so as many people as I can reach, I believe I would have to use our product to get to them. Whether I am on YouTube, Africa Magic, streaming on Netflix, or in the Cinema, I am just happy to be an ambassador who produces and creates good work. When you’re not acting, producing, or on set, what does a “perfect Bolaji off-day” look like? I sleep, I watch television, and I eat. I am a very introverted person, and I know a lot of people will not believe it, but I don’t like the noise as much. For me, it’s a job, and I go back to real life by being home. You know, being just Bolaji Ogunmola, who is just a girl, a sister, a daughter, and a neighbour. You’ve been very open about surviving real-life scares. How has that shaped your outlook on life? Honestly, it’s just to take it easy and be grateful to God. The gift of going out and coming in is so underrated; you don’t think about it much or as a big item, but it’s a gift from God. I am so grateful to be here.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
COVER
Anything can happen at any time, and people will move on; that’s the truth. So you have to take one day at a time, take your health seriously. Your health is important, your safety is important, and make sure that you are your own priority; that’s what I do these days. I prioritise myself, it is very important because if you die, they will find a way to continue it and finish it as well without you. So it’s important to make sure that you prioritise yourself. If you weren’t an actress, what career do you secretly think you would have excelled at? There are honestly two choices for me, though. I would have been a lawyer, that’s number one, or I would probably be into Real Estate, but I think being a lawyer would have been very much top of my radar if I am being honest.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
LUXURY SILK
ADA OBIAJUNWA
WHEN JANUARY GETS QUIET
@aaddaahh
J
anuary comes in quietly. After Detty December and oblee season have passed, the year shifts. The movement slows. The messages reduce. The constant doing eases up. Life doesn’t stop, but it’s no longer shouting at you. And for a lot of people, that quiet feels heavier than expected. Not because nothing is happening, but because there’s suddenly space to notice what’s been happening all along. Most of us don’t pause long enough to connect the dots in our own lives. We move from one thing to the next, responding, adjusting, getting through the day. December makes that easy. It’s busy. It’s noisy. It gives you somewhere to stay occupied. January takes that away. And when the noise drops, it’s easy to think something is wrong. You start telling yourself stories. That you should feel clearer by now. More focused. More ready. But January isn’t exposing a problem. It’s just removing the distraction. December gives you permission to stay busy. There’s always somewhere to be, something to attend, someone to reply. Even being tired feels normal because everyone else is tired too. January removes that permission. The crowd thins out. The noise fades. And you’re left with your actual life. This is probably why people say January is the longest month in the calendar. Not because it has more days. But because time feels slower when you’re no longer distracted. When there’s no rush pulling you forward. No event anchoring your energy. Days don’t stretch. Awareness does. January also feels long because reality returns. December spent the money with confidence.
January opens the app and waits. Most people have already enjoyed the celebrations, travelled a little, gifted generously, and lived a little. Then the month starts properly, and it’s time to stretch what’s left until payday. Nothing dramatic. Just real life settling back in. January has a reputation for being too serious, as if the month personally decided to stop entertaining us. But really, it’s just not interested in distracting us. What makes January uncomfortable isn’t that you’re lost. It’s that you’ve been running on momentum for a while and didn’t notice. Not because you were doing anything wrong, but because stopping wasn’t really an option before. This is usually when certain thoughts show up quietly. Am I actually tired, or just overstimulated? Do I like the life I’m returning to, or have I simply been managing it? They don’t arrive with answers. They don’t demand action. They just sit there, waiting to be acknowledged. And that’s all January asks for. Not plans. Not resolutions. Not a new version of you. Just honesty. Honesty about what feels heavy. About what feels unfinished. About what no longer fits but you’ve been carrying anyway. You don’t have to fix any of it yet. You don’t have to decide anything. You just have to stop pretending it isn’t there. That small shift changes how the month feels. Soon enough, life will speed up again. Messages will return. Schedules will fill. Distraction will be available on demand. But this brief quiet matters. It’s the moment before the year settles back into familiar patterns.
So if January feels slower than you expected, or quieter than you’re comfortable with, it doesn’t mean you’re failing the year. It probably means you’re finally close enough to yourself to notice what’s been going on. And sometimes, that awareness is the most honest place to begin. Maybe January doesn’t feel long at all. Maybe it just feels honest. And maybe that’s the Luxury Silk.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
BEAUTY
5 TIPS FOR APPLYING BLUSH CORRECTLY BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
B
lush is that little touch of colour that can transform your entire look, adding a fresh look to your face. But misapplying it can throw everything out of balance. Too much can make you look overdone, and too little can make it seem like you skipped it altogether. The key is knowing how to apply it properly. Whether you’re a beginner or someone trying to perfect your makeup game, in this article, we will show you five easy and practical tips that will help you apply blush the right way and make it look natural every single time.
USE THE RIGHT TOOLS
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BLUSH FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE The first step to getting blush right is understanding your skin type. The texture of your blush matters just as much as the colour. For example, if your skin tends to get oily, go for a powder blush, which helps control shine and stays longer on the skin without slipping off. Powder blushes are also easier to blend on oily skin. When you use a formula suited to your skin type, your blush blends better and lasts longer, giving you a smooth, natural finish.
PICK THE SHADE THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR SKIN TYPE
Choosing the right blush shade makes all the difference between a natural glow and a harsh, mismatched look. The goal is to find a shade that mimics the natural colour your cheeks turn when you blush. If you’re unsure, try smiling and looking at the natural colour of your cheek; that’s usually a good guide for choosing your blush shade. Picking the right colour helps your face look fresh and balanced, instead of washed out or overly red.
The tools you use for applying blush play a big role in how smooth and natural your result looks. A fluffy, mediumsized brush is perfect for powder blush because it spreads colour evenly across your cheeks without leaving harsh lines. Always tap off any excess product from your brush before applying it; it’s easier to build up colour than to remove too much. Avoid using stiff or small brushes, as they can cause the blush to sit in one spot rather than blend properly. The right tools help you achieve a soft, blended glow that looks effortless and natural.
APPLY ACCORDING TO YOUR FACE SHAPE Where you place your blush can completely change the shape and balance of your face. Blush isn’t applied the same way for everyone; it depends on your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, apply blush slightly above your cheekbones and blend it upward toward your temples to give your face a lifted look. No matter your face shape, always blend in circular motions to avoid harsh lines.
BUILD GRADUALLY When it comes to blush, starting small is the golden rule. It’s always easier to add more colour than to remove it once it’s too much. Begin with a light layer and gradually build until you achieve your desired glow. Remember, blush is meant to make you look naturally radiant, not painted. The best blush application looks like your skin, only healthier and brighter.
Blush is one of the simplest makeup products that can completely brighten up your look when used correctly. It’s not just about adding colour; it’s about knowing the right type, the right shade, and the right placement for your unique face.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
WELLNESS BEAUTY
NEW YEAR MENTAL CHECK-IN
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF THIS JANUARY BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
I
t’s the new year, and many people are penning down their resolutions. But you see, January isn’t just about resolutions and fresh starts; it’s also the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and check in with your mind. Before the year speeds up, ask yourself the questions that truly matter. The new year often arrives with loud expectations: new goals, new habits, new energy. Social media fills up with vision boards, gym sign-ups, and declarations of becoming “a better version” of ourselves. But beneath all the excitement, January also offers something quieter and more powerful: space. This is the month to reflect before rushing forward. A mental check-in isn’t about fixing everything or having all the answers; it’s about awareness. How did last year really affect you? What stayed with you emotionally? What are you still carrying? Taking time to ask yourself the right questions can help you move through the year with clarity instead of pressure. Here are some grounding questions to help you reconnect with yourself and set an intentional emotional tone for the months ahead.
How Do I Actually Feel About the Year That Just Ended? Before focusing on what’s next, sit with what was. Did last year exhaust you, excite you, challenge you, or all three? Naming your emotions without judgment helps you process unfinished feelings rather than burying them. You’re allowed to feel proud and disappointed at the same time.
What Drained Me, And What Gave Me Energy?
Think beyond productivity. Which relationships, routines, or commitments left you feeling heavy? Which moments made you feel lighter, calmer, or more like yourself? This question helps you recognise where boundaries are needed and where joy should be protected.
What Do I Need More of This Year — Rest, Courage, or Support? Not every year needs to be about hustle. Maybe what you need most is rest. Or the courage to leap. Or support you’ve been afraid to ask for. Identifying your emotional needs early helps you build a year that nourishes you rather than depletes you.
Am I Carrying Emotional Baggage Into the New Year?
What Does a “Good Year” Truly Mean to Me?
Unspoken resentment, unresolved conflict, and self-blame quietly shape our mindset. January is a chance to acknowledge what you’re holding onto and decide what deserves to move forward with you. Healing begins with honesty.
Forget external standards. A good year doesn’t have to look loud or impressive. It might mean peace of mind, emotional stability, healthier relationships, or simply feeling okay more often than not. Define success on your own terms, and feel free to write them down to remind yourself.
A new year doesn’t demand perfection; nobody is perfect. By checking in with your mental and emotional state, you permit yourself to grow gently, honestly, and intentionally. January isn’t a race; it’s a reset. Ask yourself the questions that ground you, and let your answers guide the year ahead.
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Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
TRAVEL
WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST MONTH TO TRAVEL
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
W
hile most people are busy easing back into routine, January quietly offers one of the most rewarding travel windows of the year, calmer, cheaper, and surprisingly refreshing. January has an unfair reputation. It’s often labelled dull, slow, or anticlimactic after the buzz of December. But for travellers who know where to look, January is actually a hidden gem. The festive rush is over, airports are calmer, cities breathe again, and destinations feel more authentic. There’s less pressure to perform, less competition for space, and more room to actually enjoy the journey. Travelling in January isn’t about chasing hype or ticking boxes; it’s about ease. It’s for people who want to explore without queues, experience destinations without distraction, and start the year feeling inspired rather than exhausted. Whether it’s a quiet beach escape, a cultural city break, or a nature-filled retreat, January travel allows you to move at your own pace and reset properly before the year fully takes off. Here’s why January might just be the smartest travel month you’re not taking advantage of.
Better Deals Without Compromise January is the prime season for travel deals. Airlines, hotels, and tour operators drop prices after the holiday rush, making it easier to travel without overspending. You’re not sacrificing comfort either; in many cases, you’re getting better rooms, upgraded services, and more flexible booking options simply because demand is lower.
A Softer Start to the New Year Travelling in January feels intentional. It’s less about escape and more about reset. Being in a new environment helps you reflect, set clearer goals, and start the year with perspective. Whether it’s journaling in a quiet café or walking unfamiliar streets, January travel encourages mindfulness rather than motion.
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Perfect Weather in Many Destinations From Southeast Asia to parts of Europe, January offers mild, comfortable weather, free of extreme heat or peak-season chaos. It’s ideal for sightseeing, walking tours, and outdoor adventures without feeling drained. Even winter destinations feel more charming when they’re not overcrowded.
Travel Without Pressure or FOMO There’s no rush to keep up with social media trends in January. You travel for yourself, not for validation. No packed itineraries, no pressure to “do it all.” Just rest, exploration, and enjoyment, exactly how travel should feel.
Fewer Crowds, More Real Experiences January strips destinations back to their essence. Without holiday crowds, popular cities and landmarks feel more intimate and welcoming. Museums are quieter, restaurants are easier to book, and locals have more time to engage. You’re not rushing to see everything before closing time; you’re absorbing the atmosphere, taking it all in, and actually enjoying where you are.
January travel is choosing calm over chaos and quality over quantity. While others wait for “the perfect time,” January travellers are already making memories without the noise. If there’s one gift you can give yourself at the start of the year, it’s the freedom to explore without pressure. January delivers that beautifully.
Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
s e l c i n o r h c ’s y cass
THIS TIME I
used to think I was fine the way I was.
Then he went quiet for a bit. I felt his chest rise and fall under my cheek.
For years, sex was just sex. No feelings. No expectations. I wanted it, I got it, and I moved on. I did this with random guys. I knew how to enjoy my body without getting attached. It worked for me. Or at least, I thought it did.
“Can I ask you something?” he said. I nodded. “What does sex mean to you?” That question caught me off guard.
Then there was him.
I lifted my head and looked at him. Nobody had ever asked me that before. Ever.
We had been dating for months. Proper dating. Dates, calls, random check-ins, laughter. He didn’t rush me. He didn’t try to own me. He just stayed. And somehow, I agreed to be with him.
I thought about it for a moment. About all the nights that meant nothing. About how sex had always been easy for me, but talking about it never was.
That night, I was at his place for our usual movie night. We were on the couch, legs tangled, popcorn on the table, some random Netflix movie playing. Nothing special. Just us.
“I think… I use sex to feel close without being vulnerable,” I said slowly. “It’s easier than talking. Easier than explaining myself.”
Halfway through the movie, I don’t know what came over me. I shifted closer and slid my hand toward his trousers, slow and playful. He laughed immediately and caught my wrist.
He nodded like he understood. “I don’t want sex to be the only way we connect,” he said. “I want us to talk too. What we like. What we don’t. When we’re not in the mood. When something feels off.”
“Cassy, what are you doing?” he said, smiling. “We are halfway through the movie.”
That was the important thing. Communication. Not just bodies meeting, but honesty meeting too.
“I know,” I replied, not moving my hand away. He raised his eyebrow. “So, you want us to abandon the movie?”
“I don’t want to feel pressured,” I said. “And I don’t want you to assume anything just because we’re together.”
“Maybe,” I said softly. “Or maybe you want to stop me.” He didn’t answer with words. Instead, his hand slipped into my own trousers. I gasped without thinking. My body reacted before my brain could catch up.
“I won’t,” he said. “And you should always feel free to say no. Or say what you want.”
“You’re not fair,” I whispered. “You started it,” he said, his voice low now, serious in a way that made my stomach tighten. The movie kept playing, but we weren’t watching anymore. What happened next didn’t feel rushed or careless. It was intense, deep, overwhelming in the best way, on that same
couch. My body felt awake in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. Afterwards, we were snuggled up together, my head on his chest, his arm around me. The room was quiet except for our breathing and the movie still playing in the background.
I rested my head back on his chest, feeling something warm settle inside me. For the first time, sex wasn’t just about satisfying an urge. It was part of something real. And for once, I didn’t feel like running.
“That was… a lot,” I said. He laughed softly. “In a good way.”
PAGE 15
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 256 256 •• JANUARY JANUARY04, 04,2026 2026 Issue No.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA MOVIE REVIEW:
Scan this with your camera or click to Scan this with your camera or click access the playlist (Youtube Music) to access the playlist (Spotify)
Anaconda
WATCH OF THE WEEK
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS SEASON 2
Directed By: Tom Gormican Runtime: 1hr30min
I
t’s almost shocking how much Anaconda has going for it. Co-written by director Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten (the team behind the mostly clever Nicolas Cage metacomedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), the film has a clever premise and sports an A-list comedy cast headlined by Paul Rudd and Jack Black (with co-stars Steve Zahn and Thandie Newton). And yet, apart from a few mild chuckles here and there, the film just kind of trods along as if trying to reach an agreed-upon running time before rolling the credits. There’s nothing awful about it, but there’s little to recommend it, either. In a year in which comedy has struggled to regain its place in movie theatres, Anaconda doesn’t make a strong case for making the trip to the cinemas in search of laughs. You wouldn’t guess that from the set-up, however. Rudd plays Griff, an actor who’s struggled since a career-peak multipleepisode run on TV show S.W.A.T. Back home in Buffalo, Griff’s old friend Doug (Black) is experiencing his own frustrations, thanks to a job as a wedding videographer that doesn’t match his long-ago filmmaking dreams. When Griff and pals Kenny (Zahn) and Clair (Newton) gather in Buffalo to celebrate Doug’s birthday—which doubles as an occasion to break out one of the
PAGE 16
movies they made together as teens—Griff lays a surprise on them: he has the rights to the 1997 film Anaconda and would like the four of them to travel to the Amazon to remake it themselves. All they need is a boat, a snake, and a couple of locals to handle each. There’s a lot of potential in that scenario that Anaconda unfortunately leaves unrealised. The film’s best moments feature Black attempting to create a blockbuster on a minuscule budget, but we’ve already seen that done better in other movies. Black is reliable as always, but the film asks little more of him than to play the sort of character he’s played before. Same for Rudd and Zahn, who’s quite good as an eccentric sidekick, but when is he not? (Newton does her best to bring a severely underwritten role to life.) It’s as if everyone seemed to think that all the film needed was to assemble the right pieces and the rest would take care of itself. And with pros like these, they almost do. But who needs to see an almost-good version of what’s been actually good in the past? (One final mystery: are the poor effects a purposeful homage to the 1997 Anaconda’s effects? On second thought, who cares?) I won’t remember this one in a month.
Rating:3/10 Don’t bother unless you really like Jack Black
Pan. Meanwhile, Luke (Charlie Bushnell), who was behind the events of the first season, has put the camp at grave risk by poisoning the magic tree that protects it with a no-monsters-allowed barrier. (Important side note: That tree used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, before she died in a monster attack, and her father turned her into said magic tree.)
Percy and Annabeth, in particular, begin to come into their own, with actors Scobell and Jeffries bringing a healthy dose of wit and mischief to their characters. The standout, though, is a new character: Tyson (Daniel Diemer, utterly fantastic), a cyclops son of Poseidon and half-brother to Percy. Instantly likeable, Tyson’s effusive sense of loyalty and enviable charm are a delightful counter to a world filled with egotistical and selfish gods.
In quick order, Percy and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), daughter of Athena and the brains behind Percy’s sometimes reckless courage, discover how the two problems are linked. In order to save Thalia’s tree, they need the Golden Fleece The last time Percy Jackson went (from Jason and the Argonauts to summer camp, his mother was kidnapped, he was accused of stealing the lore), a magical item that can heal anything it touches. And as the Fates most powerful weapon ever known, the would have it, Grover knows where Olympian gods almost went to war with the fleece is: in the Sea of Monsters. each other, Percy nearly died a couple of How does he know this? Because times, and then he and his friends saved that’s where he’s been taken to. the world. It was a thrilling adventure for the demigod son of Poseidon, Like its source material, Season 2 enjoyably captured in the first season of gives its main characters (and their Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which actors) a bit more room to breathe. adapted the first novel in Rick Riordan’s long-running Percy Jackson series.
Sadly, the special effects used for his one eye are jarringly awful early on, often distracting from just how awesome Tyson is. Thankfully, it’s the only real visual issue that pops up, with the monster and set designs a step up from Season 1. (The eye effects do seem to improve as the season progresses.) A chariot race, in which the campers are asked pretty please not to kill each other, is a visual highlight and a reminder that real props can often deliver a better sense of physicality than special effects. (Equally fun: their GrecoRoman-inspired chart costumes.)
Season 2 doesn’t have the same compelling start as the first season, opening with disjointed sequences that deliver too much exposition and not enough at the same time. Both the narrative — based on The Sea of Monsters, the second novel in the series — and the visual effects initially feel rushed and stitched together, with neither receiving enough attention. However, by the time our heroes break free of the confines of Camp Half-Blood for the open, treacherous waters of adventure, the season finds its sea legs and becomes another excellent journey about family, friendship, loyalty and what it means to truly be a hero. The crux of Season 2 is two-pronged yet interconnected: Grover (Aryan Simhadri), a satyr and best friend of Percy (Walker Scobell), has gone missing while searching for the god
Find it on: Disney+
Minz - mo de ma [by any minz]
Major Lazer; Major League Djz; Tyla; LuuDaDeejay; Yumbs - Ke Shy
Davido; Victoria Monét - Offa Me (feat. Victoria Monét)
Papalee; Florence; Datslucy; Sarah - Dance with my Heart
Maeta - Questions
Yarden - Soul
CallMeTheKidd - Like2
CA$PAR - WAVEY FREESTYLE
sosocamo - keep steady