Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
Building Impact Through Partnerships
Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11, 2026
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
CONTENT
EDITOR’S NOTE
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Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
BEAUTY
M
uyiwa Olowoporoku is one of those professionals quietly working to shape the health industry from the inside out. His career spans several sectors, including health, fintech, energy, finance and the creative economy, and he has built a reputation as a marketing and partnerships leader who understands both people and systems. He was drawn to marketing and strategic partnerships by curiosity— being fascinated by how ideas travel; how strategy, when communicated well, can influence behaviour, unlock value, and bring people together around a shared purpose. Olowoporoku consistently gravitated toward roles where storytelling, commercial thinking, and relationship-building intersect. Over time, that instinct became a deliberate professional focus for him. Having worked across several sectors, he can adapt his strategy when moving from one to another by understanding stakeholders, incentives, and value creation. Although the sectors may differ, the fundamentals of strategy remain consistent. In his current role as the Head of Membership and Partnerships at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), he is working at the intersection of policy, private capital, and public good, helping to redefine how healthcare is financed and delivered in Nigeria. Read more about Muyiwa Olowoporoku on pages 8 to 10. It’s the new year, and everyone is making resolutions. One of the many resolutions we ought to make is to take our health more seriously. In this week’s issue, our health page highlights tests every man should do as soon as they clock 40. You’ll find this on page 13. This week, we review Avatar: Fire And Ash, the third chapter of the sci-fi saga. I haven’t seen it yet, probably because I wasn’t a fan of the first one. For the Avatar fans out there, this one’s for you. Do let us know your thoughts on the movie. 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
13
HEALTH
14
HOME & AWAY
15
04-05 FASHION
Stylish Ways to Wear Velvet Pants
Health Screening For Men By 40
Reason for the Season. Family or Jesus?
Caught Off Guard
Avatar: Fire And Ash
Untold Truths
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
Gratitude Doesn’t Arrive Loudly
8-10
Muyiwa Olowoporoku
11
The Year You Realise You’re the Adult in the Room
LUXURY SILK
16
REVIEW
07
COVER
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
5 Things to Know Before You Dye Your Hair
Building Impact Through Partnerships
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.
Kehindé Fagbule - Contributing Writer Inspired by the events happening around him that weren't quite right, Kehindé picked up writing as a medium of self-expression early into his adolescence. His pieces, often espousing liberal ideologies, aim to set the ball rolling on difficult conversations that society would otherwise dodge.
WHAT YOU SAID Issue No. 256 • JANUARY 04, 2026
BOLAJI OGUNMOLA Bold, Brilliant, And Unapologetically Herself
@i_am_katefabby Way to go girl, you deserving
@y.e.t.u.n.d.e Bolaji Ogunmola is who she thinks she is and more
@pre_ciousnkechi Love her
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11,2026 2026 January 11,
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FASHION
STYLISH WAYS TO WEAR
VELVET PANTS BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
V
elvet pants are the ultimate statement piece for anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe. Soft, luxurious, and versatile, they can instantly turn a simple outfit into something chic and sophisticated. While they may seem tricky to style at first, velvet pants can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The key is knowing how to pair them with the right pieces, textures, and accessories. Here are stylish ways to wear velvet pants that will make you look effortlessly fashionable.
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Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FASHION
CASUAL CHIC WITH A T-SHIRT AND SNEAKERS Velvet pants don’t always have to be formal. For a relaxed, stylish look, pair them with a well-fitted plain t-shirt and your favourite sneakers. This combination balances the luxurious texture of velvet with a laid-back vibe. You can add minimal jewellery, like small hoop earrings or a delicate necklace. This look is perfect for brunch, casual outings, or running errands while still looking polished.
PAIR WITH A SILK BLOUSE dFor a more dresse ne bi m co , le sty up a velvet pants with . se ou silk or satin bl of ss ne The smooth silk complements the soft texture of velvet, creating a t refined and elegan se oo appearance. Ch ral a blouse in a neut d ad to ne or jewel to t. tfi ou ur yo depth to dte in po th wi Finish toe heels or ankle boots and subtle accessories like a lt. clutch or a thin be r fo l ea id is This look , es rti pa s, te da dinner t en or any evening ev to nt wa u yo e er wh ted make a sophistica impression.
LAYERED LOOK WITH A BLAZER OR JACKET Velvet pants can also work beautifully in a layered outfit. Pair them with a tailored blazer for a smart, fashionforward style. A fitted blazer in a neutral colour like black, beige, or grey can make your outfit officeappropriate.
PAIR WITH A SWEATER
In cooler months, velvet pants are perfect for creating a cosy, stylish outfit. Pair them with a chunky knit sweater or a turtleneck for warmth and texture contrast.
Velvet pants are versatile and can suit many occasions, from casual days out to elegant evening events. The key is to mix textures, keep proportions balanced, and choose accessories that enhance the luxurious feel of velvet.
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11, 2026
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
SALLY CHIWUZIE
UNTOLD TRUTHS @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
Gratitude doesn’t arrive loudly
T
here is a version of New Year energy that rarely gets spoken about. The one that comes after the intentions have been set. After the vision has been named. After the declarations have been made out loud. It’s the quieter stretch that follows the days where the body moves forward, but the spirit lags behind. Where you know what you believe, but still feel offbeat – low, uncertain, fighting thoughts you thought you had already outgrown. That was me, in the days between the turn of the year and my son’s birthday. I had written with clarity about not needing to become someone new - about honouring lessons learned and allowing them to carve the road ahead. I had named what I hoped 2026 would hold - intention with grace, growth without urgency, courage without fear and still I found myself in a funk. Not dramatic. Not catastrophic, just quietly defeated. I share this because it matters to say plainly: being down is allowed. It doesn’t cancel your progress. It doesn’t undo your insight. It humbles you. It reminds you that awareness does not exempt you from being human. Then came a few days after the new year - my son’s birthday; with it, perspective arrived gently but decisively, because birthdays, especially your children’s, have a way of grounding you in evidence. In receipts. In truth, that cannot be argued with. I looked at my two adult children — Gen Z, sharp, thoughtful, kind and felt a wave of awe that caught me off guard. Awe that I raised this. Awe that somehow, through exhaustion, mistakes, uncertainty, and improvisation, I successfully shepherded two humans into adulthood. In that moment, another truth rose up quietly: it takes a village to raise a child. Not just family. But friends. Mentors. Strangers who showed up at the right time. Voices of encouragement when mine was tired. Speaking up helped. Saying ‘I’m struggling’ helped. Naming the weight lifted is just enough for others to step in, not always to fix, but to hold. And in holding, to remind me that I was never doing this alone. That’s when I noticed something else. For every doubt I had been entertaining, life presented me with multiple reasons to be grateful. Not all at once. Not dramatically. But persistently. Quietly. Almost conspiratorially. It felt as though the universe had decided to interrupt my internal narrative. A conversation here. A message there. A moment during a run. Laughter over coffee.
The unmistakable sense that there were angels around me - some human, some unseen, and that even where help could not arrive in physical form, somehow, someway, a path was still being made. Not always clearly. Not always quickly. But faithfully. It dawned on me that gratitude is deeply underrated. Not the loud, performative kind. Not the forced lists. But the kind that sneaks up on you in ordinary moments and rearranges your perspective without asking permission. Because for everything you have, someone else has wanted exactly that. A child. A second chance. A body that still moves. A mind that still questions. A future that still holds possibilities. That doesn’t mean we are never allowed to feel low. It doesn’t mean sadness is ungrateful. It means that gratitude isn’t the absence of pain — it’s the companion that helps you carry it. It means that perhaps the deeper truth is this: the more we learn to appreciate what we have been trusted with, the more capable we become of holding what comes next. This is not because gratitude earns rewards, but because it expands our capacity. Capacity to notice. Capacity to receive. Capacity to believe that even in the most ordinary days, something miraculous is unfolding. Lately, it feels like life has been singing that truth back to me — that the everyday moments matter more than we realise. That there is something sacred in the ordinary. Something steady. Something enough.
So if you find yourself low, unsure, or quietly fighting negativity, let that be allowed. But don’t let it be the whole story. Pause long enough to notice what still stands; what still breathes, what still loves you back. Sometimes the shift doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from seeing clearer. Sometimes, gratitude doesn’t arrive as a breakthrough — it arrives as a whisper that says: Look again. You are surrounded. This is not a sermon. It’s a reminder. That funk does not disqualify you. That help often comes through people, and even in the most ordinary seasons, a way is being made — quietly, faithfully, and just in time. ‘See you’ next week
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY January 11, 11,2026 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER
MUYIWA OLOWOPOROKU Building Impact Through Partnerships
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Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER
I
n today’s fast-moving world, influence isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s strategic, intentional, and quietly powerful. Muyiwa Olowoporoku belongs to that rare class of professionals shaping industries from the inside out. With a career that spans health, finance, energy, fintech, FMCG, and the creative economy, Olowoporoku has built a reputation as a marketing and partnerships leader who understands both people and systems. Currently serving as the Head of Membership and Partnerships at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), he is at the forefront of driving collaborations that translate private-sector strength into real, measurable public health impact. Before PSHAN, Muyiwa played key roles in shaping brand narratives and corporate strategy at VFD Group Plc and ARTSPLIT, where he bridged business objectives with culture, innovation, and growth. Across every role, one thing remains constant: his ability to connect vision to execution and partnerships to purpose. Armed with a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and professional affiliations that span local and international bodies, Muyiwa Olowoporoku represents a new generation of African leaders redefining what influence looks like. In this exclusive interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, he takes time to explore his journey, mindset, and the thinking behind the impact.
What first drew you to marketing and strategic partnerships, and was this always the path you pictured for yourself? My path into marketing and strategic partnerships was driven by curiosity more than certainty. I’ve always been fascinated by how ideas travel; how strategy, when communicated well, can influence behaviour, unlock value, and bring people together around a shared purpose. While I didn’t set out with a rigid career map, I consistently gravitated toward roles where storytelling, commercial thinking, and relationshipbuilding intersect. Over time, that instinct became a deliberate professional focus for me.
and sectors taught me how to think on my feet, communicate with precision, and take responsibility for outcomes. It instilled discipline and adaptability, qualities that still anchor how I approach leadership today. You’ve worked across several industries. How do you adapt your strategy when moving from finance to health or even the art world? It is true that the sectors may differ, but the fundamentals of strategy remain consistent: understanding stakeholders, incentives, and value creation. What changes is context. Finance demands trust and precision; health requires ethics, empathy, and longterm thinking; the art world thrives on culture and emotion. I adapt by listening deeply, learning each sector’s language and pressures before shaping strategies that feel authentic and relevant within that ecosystem.
improved and institutions strengthened. In your view, what separates a good brand from a truly trusted one in today’s Africa? Interesting! A good brand communicates well; a trusted brand behaves consistently. In today’s Africa, trust is built through transparency, local relevance, and followthrough, especially when it’s inconvenient. People are discerning; they can tell when a brand is present for the long haul versus when it’s chasing short-term attention. Again, it’s a combination of all that has ” been said already.
“Storytelling is critical. Data may persuade, but stories connect. Lasting partnerships are built when stakeholders see themselves in the narrative; when purpose, value, and outcomes align. Storytelling humanises strategy and turns collaboration into shared ownership.
What excites you most about your work at PSHAN right now? What excites me most about PSHAN is the opportunity to shape systems, not just projects. We are working at the intersection of policy, private capital, and public good, helping to redefine how healthcare is financed and delivered in Nigeria. The ability to build models that can scale nationally and potentially influence how healthcare partnerships work across Africa is deeply motivating.
In your opinion, how important is storytelling in building partnerships that last? Storytelling is critical. Data may persuade, but stories connect. Lasting partnerships are built when stakeholders see themselves in the narrative; when purpose, value, and outcomes align. Storytelling humanises strategy and turns collaboration into shared ownership. Outside work, how do you unplug and recharge? Outside work, I value quiet moments such as reading, reflection, and time with close family and friends. I also draw energy from creative spaces, i.e. art, music, and culture, which help me reset and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
How do you convince private-sector players to invest in long-term health outcomes rather than short-term wins? Convincing private-sector players to invest in long-term health outcomes requires reframing the conversation. Health is not just a social good; it’s an economic enabler. Strong health systems reduce risk, improve productivity, and stabilise markets. By combining credible data, strong governance structures, and trusted partnerships, we demonstrate that health investments are strategic, not charitable— and that their returns, while not always immediate, are enduring.
“For me, impact goes beyond dashboards and reports. It’s about whether systems work better for people who are often unseen. True impact is sustainability interventions that continue to deliver value long after the initial funding cycle ends. Metrics are important, but impact is ultimately felt in lives improved and institutions strengthened.”
Looking back, which early career experience shaped the professional you are today the most? Agency work, early in my career, had a profound impact on me. It was fast-paced, demanding, and unforgiving, but incredibly instructive. Working across multiple brands
What does “impact” truly mean to you beyond metrics and reports? For me, impact goes beyond dashboards and reports. It’s about whether systems work better for people who are often unseen. True impact is sustainability interventions that continue to deliver value long after the initial funding cycle ends. Metrics are important, but impact is ultimately felt in lives
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11, 2026
COVER
What personal values guide the decisions you make in your career? Integrity, curiosity, and responsibility guide my choices. I believe in principled work, continuous learning, and leaving systems better than I found them. These values shape both the opportunities I pursue and how I show up. If you could give one piece of advice to young professionals trying to find their footing, what would it be? Build competence before chasing visibility. Focus on learning deeply, delivering consistently, and cultivating relationships with integrity. Careers are marathons, not sprints; clarity and confidence come with time and an intentional growth mindset.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
LUXURY SILK
ADA OBIAJUNWA @aaddaahh
THE YEAR YOU REALISE YOU’RE
THE ADULT IN THE ROOM I
t doesn’t arrive with an announcement.
“You’re doing fine.”
There’s no ceremony for it. No conversation where someone officially hands you the role. One day, you just notice that certain things keep landing with you.
You’re just expected to manage.
Decisions. Bills. Worries no one else seems to be tracking.
January has a way of clearing out distractions. The noise fades. The pace slows. And in that quieter space, you see your life more clearly.
At first, it feels temporary. Like you’re stepping in until someone more qualified shows up. You assume this is a phase. A season. Something you’ll hand back when life settles. But the year moves on, and no one comes to collect it. This is usually when it dawns on you, quietly, that you’re the adult in the room now. Not because you feel particularly wise or ready. But because when things wobble, people look in your direction. When something needs fixing, your name comes up. When silence stretches a little too long, you’re the one who fills it. It’s a strange realisation because it doesn’t come with confidence. It comes with responsibility. You start noticing how often you’re the one holding things together without saying so. Making calls that no one sees. Planning ahead so others don’t have to worry. Absorbing pressure because someone needs to. And what makes it heavier isn’t the work itself. It’s the absence of supervision. No one is checking if you’re okay with the weight. No one is reminding you to rest. No one is standing behind you saying,
The start of a new year tends to make this more obvious.
You notice that while everyone else is talking about fresh starts and clean slates, you’re already thinking about continuity. What needs to keep running. What can’t afford to pause just because the calendar changed. You realise that adulthood isn’t marked by independence alone. It’s marked by responsibility that doesn’t reset. You don’t stop needing care just because you’ve become reliable. But somehow, the world treats it that way. What no one tells you is that this shift can feel lonely. Not in a dramatic sense. Just in the way that comes from being the one who remembers everything. The one who plans ahead. The one who holds the long view while others live moment to moment. You can be surrounded by people and still feel singular in your role. And yet, there’s something quietly grounding about it, too. You begin to trust yourself in a new way. Not because you have all the answers, but because you’ve proven, repeatedly, that you can hold uncertainty and keep going. You’ve become someone who doesn’t panic at
the absence of direction. Someone who can make decisions without applause. Someone who understands that stability is often built in unglamorous moments. That’s not a small thing. Still, it’s important to say this out loud. Being the adult in the room doesn’t mean you don’t get tired. It doesn’t mean you don’t need support. It doesn’t mean you’re supposed to carry everything silently. It just means you arrived here without fanfare, and the year noticed before you did. So if this year feels different already, not because you’ve changed, but because what’s being asked of you has shifted, you’re not imagining it. You haven’t missed the excitement of a fresh start. You’ve stepped into something steadier. And sometimes, that awareness is enough to help you carry it a little more gently. And maybe that’s Luxury Silk.
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
BEAUTY
5 Things to Know
BEFORE YOU DYE YOUR HAIR BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
C
hanging your hair colour can be exciting. It’s one of the fastest ways to switch up your look, boost your confidence, or try something completely new. But before you grab that dye or sit in a salon chair, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Dyeing your hair affects your texture, your routine, and even your pocket. Knowing these things ahead of time helps you avoid mistakes and get the best results. In this article, we will show you five things to know before dyeing your hair.
DYEING YOUR HAIR NEEDS MAINTAINANCE
A lot of people love the new colour but forget that dyed hair needs extra care. Colour fades with washing, sun exposure, heat styling, and even the type of shampoo you use. If you’re not ready for that level of maintenance, consider something low-commitment like highlights or darker shades that grow out better.
YOUR HAIR HEALTH MATTERS A LOT Before you dye your hair, take a moment to assess its condition. Colour sits better on healthy hair. If your hair is already dry, weak, breaking, or has many split ends, dyeing it may make things worse. Colour can be harsh, especially for blondes or bright fashion shades. It’s good to deep-condition your hair, trim rough ends, and treat any dryness before colouring.
NOT ALL COLOURS COME OUT THE SAME ON EVERYONE One shade can look different depending on your natural hair colour, texture, and even past hair history. For example, someone with dark hair who wants a bright colour like red or ash blonde may need bleaching first. Meanwhile, someone with lighter hair might get the same colour easily.
YOU MAY NEED TO ADJUST YOUR HAIR ROUTINE Dyeing your hair changes your routine. You’ll need to moisturise more, reduce the use of heat, and use products that protect the colour. If you bleach your hair, you’ll need even more moisture and protein treatments, as bleach weakens hair. This doesn’t mean your hair becomes “hard work”; you just need to be ready to show it a little more love.
A PROFESSIONAL TOUCH CAN SAVE YOU STRESS Dyeing your hair at home is tempting, but it doesn’t always come out as expected, especially with tricky colours like blonde, ginger, burgundy, or ash. A professional can assess your hair health, choose the right formula, mix the shades, and ensure your colour comes out clean and even.
Dyeing your hair is fun and expressive, but knowing these simple things helps you get the look you want without unnecessary stress. If you prepare your hair, choose the right shade, and stay ready to maintain it, your colour will look fresh and beautiful for a long period of time.
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Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
HEALTH BEAUTY
Health Screening For Men By 40 BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
L
et’s be honest, most men do not love hospital visits. Many wait until something hurts before calling the doctor. But the truth is, prevention beats cure every time. Turning 40 is a milestone that signals it’s time to get proactive about health. It may seem like there’s never enough time to spare between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and social commitments, resulting in health often taking the back seat for many men. But as the big 4-0 approaches, it’s time to pause and prioritise what really matters, your well-being. Regular health screenings can catch potential issues early, helping you stay strong, sharp, and ready for everything life throws your way. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, but you do need to understand what your body’s saying. Think of check-ups as maintenance, the same way you would service your car to keep it running smoothly. These screenings are not just about detecting illness; they are about building a longer, healthier, and more energetic life. To help you know where to begin, here are the essential screenings every man should prioritise by 40.
BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL CHECKS Hypertension and high cholesterol are silent threats; they show no symptoms until real damage is done. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year and your cholesterol levels every 3-5 years. These quick tests can help prevent heart disease and stroke, two of the biggest risks for men over 40.
BLOOD SUGAR TEST Diabetes does not always announce itself. A simple fasting blood sugar or A1C test can reveal early warning signs. Catching it early can prevent complications and help you better manage your energy levels and weight.
EYE AND DENTAL EXAMS Vision and oral health are often overlooked, but both play vital roles in overall wellbeing. Eye exams can detect early signs of glaucoma, while regular dental check-ups can prevent infections that affect more than just your mouth. Healthy eyes and teeth are underrated confidence boosters.
PROSTATE HEALTH SCREENING
WEIGHT, FITNESS, AND LIFESTYLE CHECK
By 40, prostate health should be on your radar. Talk to your doctor about the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, especially if there’s a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection makes a world of difference, and peace of mind is priceless.
Beyond tests, your lifestyle habits matter. Keep tabs on your BMI, waist measurement, and physical activity levels. Ask your doctor for tailored fitness and nutrition advice, not just to look good, but to feel stronger, sleep better, and age gracefully.
Turning 40 doesn’t mean slowing down; it means levelling up. Getting these screenings is not a sign of weakness but wisdom. Regular check-ups aren’t about fear; they’re about freedom, freedom to live longer, move better, and enjoy life fully. So, book that appointment, roll up your sleeve, and take charge of your health. Remember to also do your part in changing your lifestyle to a healthier one. After all, the best gift you can give your future self is a strong, healthy you.
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Issue No. 257 • JANUARY 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
HOME & AWAY
KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
REASON FOR THE SEASON. I
Family or Jesus?
remember the first time I spent a New Year’s Eve (NYE) away from the church, and how it felt. In Nigeria, it’s just not something you do—the significance of entering the new year in God’s presence is generally considered vehement. Churches are often packed, and it does not matter if you have not been worshipping all year; there should be no reason you miss church on “crossover” night. So growing up, I would always go to church with my family to observe the crossover night. And although we went to church at least three days a week, all 52 weeks of the year, the crossover was an unquestioned tradition. As I grew older, I began to share my time between God and a budding social life—I would go to church on the 31st night and shout Happy New Year! In the Lord’s presence, then speed off to the Bar Beach to watch the Lagos Countdown carnival and party with my favourite music celebrities as morning crept in. Eventually, I would abandon both traditions altogether, but I remember the year I stopped.
Back home, the fear of missing out—FOMO is a valid reason why most people go to church on New Year’s Eve. And that is the entire country’s shared tradition, at least for the Christian half of it. If I grew up in New York, I’d have fancied being one of over a million people gathered in freezing temperatures for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop—a tradition dating back to 1907. Although it appears less of a festival, more of a mass endurance ritual, it is undeniably iconic and would’ve been my jam. If I were raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I would be at the Copacabana (Réveillon), one
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of the largest NYE gatherings in the world. The appeal of dressing in white for peace and renewal, letting off fireworks over the Atlantic, enjoying music and dance performances, and making offerings to Yemanjá (the sea goddess) sounds like the perfect blend of spiritual, chaotic and joyful, and I would have been all over it. Often called the world’s most famous NYE celebration, the Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve in Australia, centred around the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, would have been where you’d find me if I grew up in Australia. The fireworks shows are always a spectacle. And just like the Lagos Countdown at the beach was a multi-day festival, if I were Scottish, the Hogmanay Festival in Edinburgh would have been my cup of tea. A massive street party, torchlight processions, concerts and ceilidh dancing all sound like my vibe. In comparison, the Nigerian NYE tradition is not as festive, and you can argue that just like on
Christmas, the religious approach substitutes secular gathering and partying. One of my biggest culture shocks is how Christmas is celebrated differently in the West. Where the special day is heavily commercialised and all about quality presents-exchanging family time abroad, in Nigeria, it is deeply religious and going to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus is non-negotiable. But that is not magical, is it?
The Nigerian New Year’s Eve tradition is akin to Christmas in that it is another special day that is spent communally in church rather than intimately with family (on Christmas), or more festively (on NYE). It may come across as simplistic and naive, but I think a lot of the rot that blemishes Nigerian society can be directly traced to family dysfunctions at the grassroots level. How many family gatherings do we have that are genuinely about good tidings and vulnerable/ visible exchange of love and affection? When people misbehave, a common question to ask is if they are loved at home. Family is our earliest interaction with society, and so it is not rocket science to assume that if one feels loved, seen and heard by their own kin, they are likely to extend that gesture to the outside world. And if they grew up in a cold-hearted habitat where love and affection are not enunciated enough, they are likely to find it tricky to tolerate the world around them. The Nigerian family unit is starved of intimate gatherings that should otherwise be the focal point of the festive season. Wherever we are in the world, whatever we have been up to all year, however rocky our relationship has been, the final days leading to the new year should be a period of reset, to dole out warm hugs, apologise for any wrongdoings, reaffirm our love and commitment towards each other, hold hands and find optimism for the year together because this is exactly what Jesus would have wanted.
Issue No. 257 • January 11, 2026
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
s e l c i n o r h c ’s y s s ca
CAUGHT OFF GUARD K
elvin had said he might not come around. He said it casually, like it didn’t matter, and I pretended it didn’t either. I spent the evening doing nothing in particular; scrolling, moving things around, opening drawers I didn’t need to open. That was how I found it. At the back of the drawer, wrapped in an old nylon, like something I had been hiding from myself. I picked it up and laughed quietly. It felt strange holding it again, like running into an old friend you haven’t spoken to in years. There was a time it had been my comfort, my release, my little secret. Then life happened. Stress happened. Love happened. And somehow, I stopped needing it. Or maybe I just stopped making time. I stood there for a while, just looking at it, remembering moments when it had helped me sleep, helped me breathe. I didn’t overthink it. I locked the door and climbed onto the bed, suddenly feeling shy even though I was alone. When I turned it on, the sound felt loud in the quiet room. My heart started beating faster for no real reason. I lay back, spreading myself out like I deserved the space, like I wasn’t rushing or hiding. I closed my eyes. It wasn’t wild or dramatic. It was slow, familiar, almost comforting. My body reacted before my thoughts could catch up. I pressed my lips together to stay quiet, gripping the sheets, feeling heat build in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was so focused on the feeling; on myself, that I didn’t hear anything else. Until the door opened. “Fuck,” I said out loud. Kelvin stood there, keys still in his hand, shock written all over his face. My first instinct was to cover myself, to apologise, to explain. But before I could do any of that, he walked closer. “You don’t have to stop,” he said. My chest tightened. He took it from me gently, like he wasn’t mocking me or judging me. He watched my face instead of my body, like he wanted to understand what I was feeling. When he changed the speed, my breath hitched without my permission. I felt exposed in a way that wasn’t embarrassing. Then it died. I groaned, half laughing, half frustrated. “I haven’t charged it in forever,” I muttered. He didn’t say anything. He just moved closer, his hand replacing it, warm and sure and very real. That was when I completely stopped thinking. Everything after that blurred into heat, closeness, skin on skin. There was nothing fancy about it. Just want. Just need. Just us.
After we were done, I pulled the duvet over my head, suddenly shy, suddenly aware of myself again. “Why are you hiding?” he asked, amused. “Because you caught me doing something embarrassing,” I said. He laughed softly. “It’s not embarrassing. It’s you.” I peeked out from under the duvet and looked at him. He looked relaxed. Happy. Like nothing about what he’d seen changed how he felt about me.
Maybe that was the best part. Sometimes desire isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, private, and a little awkward. And sometimes, when someone walks in at the wrong or right moment, you realise there’s nothing wrong with wanting yourself. That night, I didn’t feel ashamed. I felt human.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Issue No. 257 257 •• JANUARY January 11, 2026 Issue No. 11, 2026
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA 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)
MOVIE REVIEW:
Avatar: Fire And Ash Having died at the hands of the Na’vi, Quaritch and other fallen soldiers were later resurrected as Avatar “recombinants.” He seeks revenge against Jake and his family, now including his own son, Spider, who can’t breathe on Pandora without an oxygen mask. Lang is so good that he can make the clunkiest speeches work in his favour. Not so Champion’s Spider, who comes off just as annoying as he was in The Way of Water. Everyone hates humans, who want to destroy the Pandora environment and the animals, especially those cute whales known as tulkun. Our new antagonists are the Na’vi Mangkwan clan (aka the Ash People since they live at the base of a volcano), ames Cameron’s keen eye for visuals led by a piece of work known as Varang. She’s a and fine ear for dialogue are still on sinuous warrior whose motion-capture look is full display in Avatar: Fire and Ash, killer thanks to expert tech work and miracles, the third chapter in his sci-fi saga that sometimes seems like the never-ending physical and vocal, from Oona Chaplin—by far the most dangerous and dazzling scene-stealer story. At least two more chapters are in this third chapter. Varang is a powerful in the books. I keep wondering if this master world builder will ever leave the sorceress who rejects the goddess Eywa and the Three Laws (don’t ask) and hooks up planet of Pandora and start astonishing with the evil but flirty Quaritch to protect her us again as he did with The Terminator, starving people by any means necessary. Aliens and Titanic.
J
By the slogging last third of this threehour and 17-minute epic, I had given up all hope. If there is such a phenomenon that’s too much of a good thing, Avatar: Fire and Ash achieves it. As you probably know, 2009’s Avatar and 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water are now certified as No. 1 and No. 3 on the list of all-time box-office hits. And both picked up Oscar nominations for Best Picture. Can Avatar: Fire and Ash do the same? Never count out Cameron. But a numbness is seeping in that can’t and shouldn’t be ignored. What was once riveting now feels rote. What once made us want more of the same now makes us eager for the shock of the new. For the record, Fire and Ash picks up right where The Way of Water left off (It’s like the two parts of Wicked.). The family of disabled marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who joined the blue-skinned Na’vi after marrying Neytiri (Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña), is grieving their eldest son, Neteyam, who died in battle against grasping humans. The mourners include brother Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), baby sister Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), reincarnated adopted daughter Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and adopted son Spider (Jack Champion), the white kid who’s actually the bastard son of Colonel Quaritch (a dynamite Stephen Lang), now Na’vi himself but still not to be trusted.
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Still, all the Na’vi firepower can’t help the dialogue that sounds written by people for whom English is not even a second or third language. Actually, Cameron, to his shame, wrote it with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The most risible line right now is: “We do not suck on the breast of weakness.” As ever with Cameron, the visuals come to the rescue. And they are eye-popping as the Na’vi fight on earth, sea and sky, swooping around like the 9-foot-tall feline warriors they are. But did they have to go to extremes? The final battle feels interminable. I kept checking my clock during this movie, a clear sign of poor pacing. The heart of the indestructible good ship “Avatar” is meant to go on and on like Celine Dion sang in that “Titanic” song. And it just might if the box office demands it (it’s already made $1 Billion. Fair enough.). But what was once riveting now feels rote. What once made us want more of the same now makes us eager for the shock of the new. Shy on humour and short on subtlety and soul, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is Cameron coasting on the past. As the premier blockbuster director on the planet, I just feel he’s been wasting his talents on these movies. He’s made three movies since 2009, and they’re these three Avatar movies. Yawn. I’d love the director of stunners like Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Abyss and Titanic to go back to what he does better than anyone in Hollywood: make bangers! It’s your move, Jim. The future calls.
Rating:6.5/10
WATCH OF THE WEEK
FALLOUT: SEASON 2
In a world without laws, what’s morality worth? Fallout Season 2 leans harder into that question as Prime Video’s adaptation grows darker, stranger and only slightly more focused. Season 2 of the streaming series — adapted from Bethesda’s long-running video game franchise, injects fresh energy in its latest round, with an expanded setting. But while it shows flashes of the same brilliance, it also exhibits the uneven storytelling that sometimes held Season 1 back. Set in the late 23rd century aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe, Fallout explores what it means to be human when civil society has collapsed, and ultimately who thrives in a wasteland. At the centre is Ella Purnell’s Lucy MacLean, forced to contend with the surface world after a sheltered lifetime underground in a radiation-proof vault. Still serving as the audience’s moral compass, Purnell grounds Lucy with both chirpy optimism and quiet strength, charting the slow collapse of her once-clear sense of right and wrong. Watching her desperately cling to principles in a world built to break them remains one of the steadier through lines in this batch of episodes. But it’s Walton Goggins as the nuclear-irradiated Ghoul — a bounty hunter hardened by centuries of survival, who once again provides the show’s real emotional heft, with intertwining flashbacks lending further insights into his pre-apocalypse life as screen star Cooper Howard (as well as the sequence of events leading to the apocalyptic scenario we currently find ourselves in). “Empathy is like mud,” says the Ghoul at one point, “you lose your boots in that stuff.”
This weary truth exemplifies the central push and pull between Cooper’s hardened cynicism and Lucy’s fragile idealism.
Kyle MacLachlan again impresses as Lucy’s father Hank, shedding the affable “vault dad” persona with last season’s closing twist. MacLachlan imbues Hank with a cheerful malevolence, giving the character an unnerving complexity — terrifying when he’s calm, downright scary when he smiles. One of the season’s stronger plotlines involves the corporate conspiracy within the vault societies. As secrets about their creation and purpose unfold, each episode probes deeper into the power dynamics at play in the postapocalypse, in the process offering a more insidious political edge to contrast with the overt brutality of the surface world. Shifting from the fallout of the first season’s finale into the Mojave Desert and eventually the neon chaos of New Vegas, the season
juggles several initially disparate plot threads. Momentum rises and falls depending on which character’s story is in focus. The tendency to veer into side stories also occasionally slows the pace, making some episodes feel like a scavenger hunt cluttered with unnecessary detours. While the supporting actors — including Aaron Moten as wayward knight errant Maximus and Frances Turner in flashbacks as Cooper’s wife Barb — all add to a patchwork of characters and environments, the sprawling nature of the storytelling means some get shorter shrift than others. Still, the sprawl helps create an everexpanding, unpredictable world. All told, Fallout remains messy and violent in its second season, but the intrigue and new mysteries largely retain the interest of longtime fans and newcomers. Anchored by strong performances (especially from Goggins and MacLachlan) and a willingness to grapple with broader questions about human nature and power, it remains a rare video game adaptation that treats its source material seriously while still remembering to have some fun.
Phony Ppl - Why iii Love The Moon.
edbl; Isaac Waddington - The Way Things Were
BNXN; FOLA - Very Soon
Arc De Soleil - Riders Of The Moon
Cordovas; Kamasi Washington - Wings
kwn - wn up
Amber Mark - Sink In
BINA. - Bossy
Ragz Originale; Miso Extra chandelier nightmares