Ya public servant, a broadcaster, and a national commentator. Yet, at every stage, what stands out is not the title but the transition. Abati has always been evolving. Always becoming. His brilliance announced
ou know how one random tweet can suddenly spark a national debate? I recently stumbled upon one that read, “Nigerian designers love to scream luxury, but most of them don’t even know what luxury means.” Brutal, but let’s be honest, it’s not a new sentiment. For years, we’ve argued about what qualifies as luxury in Nigeria. Is it the price? Is it exclusivity? Is it the number of celebrity clients you’ve dressed? Or is it the experience — the craftsmanship, the storytelling, the attention to detail that lingers long after the outfit leaves the atelier? Because truthfully, that tweet wasn’t entirely wrong. Many have used “luxury” as a blanket justification for high prices, even when the experience or product doesn’t match the cost. Add to that the global wave of rising prices from European designer labels to local ready-to-wear brands, and you start to understand why frustration brews so easily. However, lately, a few Nigerian designers are finally doing the work — redefining luxury from the inside out. They’re focusing on the small things: the quality of finishing, packaging, communication, aftercare, and even the emotional experience attached to owning a piece. It’s a refreshing new chapter — one where luxury is not just expensive, it’s intentional. One where “Made in Nigeria” doesn’t mean “manage it like that,” but instead, “crafted with pride.” We’re talking about designers who are creating timeless pieces with thought, not haste; who are training artisans, building infrastructure, and understanding that luxury is a culture, not a hashtag. And if you’re curious about the how, read our story “6 Ways Nigerian Designers Are Redefining What Luxury Really Means.” How are you doing, by the way? It feels like we’ve all been walking around with a cloud hanging low over our heads. The news lately has been… heavy. Security concerns, anxiety, uncertainty — it’s a lot. It’s hard not to feel that weight. However, I hope you’re still finding little pockets of peace. Be prayerful, be strong, and be positive. Whatever happens, we’ll get through this. Because no matter what anyone tries to say, no matter who attempts to divide us — Christian, Muslim, whatever our beliefs — we are one Nigeria. And that unity, that shared resilience, is something we can’t afford to lose. Let’s not let people with bad intentions destroy that. And as the year slowly draws to a close, breathe, rest, pray, dress up, laugh when you can. The fact that you’re here, reading this, still trying, still showing up — that’s enough for now.
YOUR GUIDE TO LOOKING POLISHED— EFFORTLESSLY
Some people just have it—that calm, polished elegance that looks so natural you’d swear they woke up like that. And you’re left wondering, how? Here’s the real secret: it’s not about money or chasing every trend. It’s about intention. Knowing what works, keeping things simple, and paying attention to the small details. Looking put-together isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. And for anyone who struggles, here’s how everyday dressing can start to feel naturally easy.
By Funke Babs-Kufeji
The Magic of Simplicity
There’s something unforgettable about people who always look effortlessly stylish. You know the friend who pairs jeans with a plain white shirt yet somehow looks editorial? Her secret isn’t a wardrobe filled with designer tags—it’s confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of what suits her. Effortless style lives in the quiet choices, not the loud ones.
you’ll find yourself reaching for these pieces without even thinking.
Fit Is Everything
Even the most stunning outfit falls flat if the fit is wrong. A quick adjustment from a tailor can transform anything. Clothes should skim—not grip, squeeze, or drown you. Once you master the silhouettes that flatter your shape, shopping becomes a breeze. You simply know what works.
Build on the Basics
Simplicity is where effortless dressing begins. Choose pieces that flatter, fit well, and work seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe. A crisp white shirt, good denim, a sharp blazer, neutral knits, and polished shoes—these are the anchors of an easy, reliable style formula. They never age out, and with the right accessories, they move effortlessly from brunch to late-night drinks.
Neutrals Never Fail
Neutrals are the backbone of refined style. Think beige, black, navy, white, and warm browns. They’re clean, calming, and instantly cohesive. Pair them with timeless fabrics—linen, cotton, silk—materials that breathe well and always look polished. The result? Simplicity with impact.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
The quieter your wardrobe, the better it works. Skip the clutter of fast trends and build around quality staples. A single, beautifully made shirt will outperform a stack of flimsy ones any day. Good fabrics drape better, last longer, and make you feel instantly more pulled together. Over time,
Grooming Counts
Style doesn’t end with clothes—it starts with grooming. Clean nails, tidy hair, pressed fabrics, and fresh scents say more about you than any designer logo ever could. You don’t need full glam or a complicated hairstyle. A neat bun, a swipe of mascara, or hydrating lip balm can elevate your whole look.
The Power of Subtle Accessories
Accessories are the quiet finishing touches that make an outfit feel complete. A structured bag, simple gold hoops, a silk scarf, a clean pair of sneakers—these small, thoughtful additions pull everything together. The magic is in choosing fewer things but choosing well.
Confidence Is the Real Secret
Ultimately, effortless style has less to do with the clothes and everything to do with the woman wearing them. Confidence is the best accessory you’ll ever own. Walk tall, smile, and wear what feels good. Effortless style isn’t about trying; it’s about ease, intention, and the quiet confidence that speaks before you even say a word.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
ART X LAGOS MARKS 10 YEARS WITH RECORD ATTENDANCE AND A LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY EDITION
ART X Lagos wrapped its milestone tenth edition over the weekend, delivering its most ambitious fair yet and reaffirming its place as West Africa’s leading international art event. Held from November 6–9 at the Federal Palace in Lagos, the anniversary edition — themed “Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide” — drew record numbers of collectors, cultural figures, and global audiences.
The Opening Ceremony on November 7 welcomed notable dignitaries including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier; and leading private-sector partners such as Atedo Peterside, Jim Ovia, Stephen Kauma, Bolaji Balogun and Olumide Oyetan. Founder and Chairman, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, reflected on the fair’s decadelong journey, noting that ART X Lagos “stands both rooted and reaching… building boldly, with ambition and purpose.”
Across four expansive locations within the Federal Palace grounds, the fair featured 15 galleries from across Africa and the diaspora, alongside the debut Spotlight Galleries section for emerging spaces. Special Projects curated by Missla Libsekal stood out, including Nengi Omuku’s External Realities, Internal Geographies sponsored by Chapel Hill Denham, and Temitayo Ogunbiyi’s participatory installation WHERE THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS HOPE.
The inaugural ART X ICON exhibition dedicated to J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, sponsored by Zenith Bank, unfolded across three locations and will remain open to the public until December 31. Other highlights included ART X Live!, ART X Cinema, The Library, Speakers’ Corner, and extensive educational programming that welcomed over 750 schoolchildren.
COCKTAILS, CONVERSATIONS, AND CULTURE: LAGOS COCKTAIL WEEK 2025 BROUGHT
LAGOS’ LIFESTYLE SCENE TO LIFE
The 11th edition of Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW), Africa’s biggest celebration of cocktail culture, returned from October 17th to 24th with fresh, innovative experiences that highlighted Lagos’ evolving lifestyle scene.
To open the festivities, Rosasina partnered with LCW for an exclusive stakeholders’ dinner, where guests enjoyed nine signature Rosasina cocktails—each crafted to showcase the brand’s creativity—paired with a four-course gourmet dinner. The evening blended fine dining with brand storytelling and networking, setting the tone for the week ahead.
On October 21st, the Food & Beverage Industry Mixer—jointly hosted by LCW, the Nigeria Food Summit (NFS), and Hard Rock Café Lagos—celebrated the synergy between Nigeria’s food and beverage sectors. Chefs, mixologists, and industry leaders connected through conversation, competition, and collaboration, reinforcing the link between culinary innovation and cocktail culture.
The Gin Mare “Bar Takeover” on October 22nd offered guests an elegant, Mediterranean-inspired cocktail and dining experience, while the LCW Seminar on October 23rd sparked insightful discussions on the evolution of Nigeria’s cocktail and hospitality industries. Held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, the seminar featured respected industry voices, including Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Chara Allotey, Oladunmoye Ayiri, and others.
The two-night Cocktail Village once again delivered an epic experience with complimentary cocktails from partner brands such as Tanqueray, Rémy Martin, Don Julio, Jack Daniel’s, Gin Mare, Gordon’s Gin, Bold ‘98, Da Vinci Gourmet, and more. Guests enjoyed music, games, networking, and the highly anticipated Bar Battle finale, where winners earned cash prizes courtesy of Gin Mare, Davinci Gourmet, and Johnnie Walker.
Since its launch in 2014, Lagos Cocktail Week has grown into a West African landmark, championing mixology craftsmanship through events, seminars, and training initiatives.
BISOYE OLORUNNIMBE, KAYAT MURI OKUNOLA
LANRE DA SILVA, LARA RAWA, FEMI DA SILVA
TOKE BENSON
HANNI X WANDI
DAALA ORUWARI
BISOLA DEJONWO & ELOHOR AISIEN
THE SHIRT EDIT: CLASSICS EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN
No matter your style, there are a few shirts every man should have in his wardrobe, the kind that make you look good without trying too hard. Shirts can completely change how you come across: neat, relaxed, confident, or even careless. The right ones help you stay ready for anything: work, dates, weekends, or weddings. Building a solid shirt collection isn’t about having a hundred options: it’s about having the right ones. With these few essentials, you can dress for almost anything without stress. Whether it’s Monday morning or Saturday night, you’ll always have something that makes you look sharp, confident, and ready to go. After all, good style isn’t about trying too hard; it’s about making simple things look good.
By Funke Babs-Kufeji
The Classic White Shirt
If your wardrobe were a football team, the white shirt would be the captain. It’s the one piece that works everywhere. Pair it with dress pants and you’re ready for a meeting, wear it under a blazer for an event, or roll up the sleeves and throw on jeans for a casual evening out. A good white shirt says you’re put together even when you didn’t plan to be. The key is fit - it should be crisp, clean, and not too tight. Iron it well, keep a spare one for emergencies, and you’ll never look out of place.
The Polo Shirt
Somewhere between formal and laidback, the polo is every man’s reliable in-between. It’s perfect for casual Fridays, lunch dates, or when a T-shirt feels too casual but a button-down feel too formal. Go for solid colours like navy, white, or grey; they work with everything. A well-fitted polo gives you that easy confidence that says you have your life (mostly) together.
The Casual Button-Down
Think of this as your everyday “I made a little effort” shirt. It could be a soft cotton, denim, or linen piece you wear untucked with jeans or chinos. It’s great for weekends, errands, or brunch with friends. Patterns like checks, stripes, or subtle prints give it personality without making it loud. This shirt adds variety to your wardrobe and can easily move from day to night.
The Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt sits comfortably between dressy and relaxed. It’s thicker than a dress shirt but neater than your casual weekend wear. You can wear it with trousers or jeans, tucked or untucked, and it always looks intentional. Pale blue and white are timeless options. It’s the shirt version of a good friend, dependable, easygoing, and always appropriate.
The T-Shirt That Fits Right
Every guy owns T-shirts, but not everyone knows which ones actually look good. The perfect tee isn’t too long, too tight, or covered in graphics. It should fit well around the shoulders and chest and skim the body without clinging. Stick to neutral colours like white, black, or grey; they’re easy to pair with anything. A clean, well-fitting tee can look just as stylish as a fancy shirt when worn with confidence.
The Statement Shirt
Everyone needs at least one shirt that stands out, maybe a bold print, bright colour, or interesting texture. It’s the shirt that makes people say, “Nice one.” Wear it when you want to have a bit of fun or show some personality. Just balance it out with simple trousers or jeans. The trick is to own the look, not let the shirt wear you.
EMMY KASBIT
for mobolaji DAWODU, IT ALWAYS COMES BACK TO PEOPLE
parents on both sides of the Atlantic was the icing on the cake. It allowed me to move through the world like a chameleon. I can only be who am. Everything do starts from who I am and how I was raised. It’s about being authentic, honest, respectful of your surroundings, and understanding that life is about perspective. Most things aren’t real; they’re perspective. And again, it comes back to people. How you encounter them and how you react.
You’ve been doing this for a long time. You’ve styled some of the biggest names. What still keeps you excited about getting dressed, professionally or personally?
Getting dressed? Man, I’m a peacock. I want to be fly. Like my father before me, my mother before me, my grandmother before me. Nigeria is colourful — weddings, funerals, parties, the glamour. Self-expression is all we have. It’s free. So I’ll express myself till I die. have one life, I’m going to keep it popping until the end.
You often mention your mother and grandmother’s influence. What lessons still guide your creative decisions today?
By Ayo Lawal
You know that feeling when you meet someone who is doing the very thing you dream of doing — not in theory, not on Instagram, but in real life, in front of you? Same skin. Same roots. Same “background,” as Nigerians like to say. There’s something quietly revolutionary about it. Suddenly, the world feels less abstract. Possibility feels closer. And even before the conversation starts, something in you shifts — because seeing someone who looks like you excel at the highest level reminds you that your dreams aren’t delusional. They’re reachable.
That was what meeting Mobolaji Dawodu felt like. A moment of recognition. A moment of, “Oh. This is possible.”
Mobolaji Dawodu is in Lagos for the season — that sweet, creative stretch where fashion, film, art, and culture all start touching each other in the most Lagos way. He’s here to show parts of his world, to exhibit a slice of the work that has shaped global menswear and carried our story into rooms where we aren’t always expected. And somehow, in the middle of the city’s noise and brilliance, I found myself in ALÁRA, sitting beside him, having a drink and an intense conversation.
And at the centre of Mobolaji’s world, beyond the fashion, the history, the flights, the global sets and glossy editorials, is one simple philosophy he repeats like a heartbeat: “It all comes back to people.” In his universe, style doesn’t exist without people. Fashion doesn’t move without people. Stories don’t breathe without people. Even this conversation — him, sitting next to me, and me, recording — only exists because of people. “Without people, who would I be dressing? Who would you be interviewing?” he says. And suddenly, everything he’s built over two decades — the editorials, the films, the culture-shifting images — makes perfect sense. What follows is an edited conversation with someone I can only describe as the G.O.A.T.
You’ve lived across Lagos, New York, and different cities all over the world. Movement and meeting diverse people are a huge part of your life. Do you think that has influenced the way you see beauty, identity, and style? Absolutely. My formative years were in Nigeria, so Lagos is my foundation. Lagos is layered; it’s intense, and it teaches you how to survive anywhere. Being raised here gives you the tools to adapt.
And yeah, I’ve been to over 100 countries and the way I see things is shaped by all the people I’ve met. I don’t subscribe to stereotypes because I’ve seen the world. Clothes are great, beauty is everywhere, but without people we’d have nothing. Without people, who would THISDAY Style be speaking to? Why would we have phones or social media? For me, it’s really about people. People are everything. If someone researched your work, they’d describe it as global but still rooted.
How are you able to keep your identity alive in spaces that expect you to blend in?
Well, my dad is Nigerian, and my mother is Black American. So in the real sense, I’m African American. That duality shaped me. Nigeria gave me my power, and having
Authenticity. And collaboration. never want to style someone in something they’re uncomfortable in. I’ll push you, but I also respect boundaries. always want dialogue. You hate it? We remove it. You’re unsure? Let’s figure out if it’s uncomfortable because it’s new or because you don’t like it at all. Styling is not about me — it’s about adapting my ideas to someone else. The best stylists understand that. That’s why I do films too. Sometimes you see shoots where the clothes are wearing the person — that’s not my vibe. I want balance. I remember styling Brad Pitt over three cities, and he said, “Mobolaji, have kids. Don’t make me look crazy. “ And I told him, ‘I have kids too!” (laughs) get it. I respect that.
In your opinion, what makes someone stylish?
Being comfortable. Being true to yourself. If you wear a T-shirt and jeans and feel good, that’s style. Taste is about how you move in the world — not just clothes. How you behave. How you treat people, especially when they have nothing to offer you.
So taste informs style?
Taste and comfort, yeah. Being stylish is being comfortable. If you wear a white T-shirt every day and that’s you, respect. Be who you are.
You move between editorial, film, fashion, and commercials. What does each medium give you that the others don’t?
I love this question. Editorial — I’ve had something in a magazine non-stop for 20 years. Editorial keeps me updated with the world. I’m a history nerd. I like knowing what’s going on. Film — I love formulating characters and stories. It uses everything I’ve learned from traveling and meeting people. Commercials — that’s marketing. I studied fashion marketing. I love selling. I love pop culture. And all three worlds inform each other. My editorials influence my costume design. My costume design influences how style celebrities. It’s all connected.
Fashion can feel like a bubble. How do you stay connected to real life and real people?
By not only doing fashion. consult for brands. was in China for five weeks. was in India. Thailand. I read a lot of history. research visuals. I’m big on references. And also, I’m outside! Today I went to Balogun — spoke to the global editorial chief of GQ, spoke to Aziz Ansari, and then, I got stuck in the rain buying hats at the mosque. How do stay connected? stay in the world — Simple.
Do you think about legacy? What do you want people to say about you? That I was honest. And was fly; That’s it. And want my daughter to know who her father was, the impact I had on the world, and the impact I had on her. I want her to be proud of where she comes from.
You’re bringing pieces of your archive to Alara. What does this moment mean to you?
It’s beautiful. I’ve been coming to Nigeria on my own since I was 20. My father used to ask, “What are you doing?” (laughs) I even produced a clothing line here over 20 years ago. Alara is the best store in Africa. One of the best platforms for art and culture. Mrs Folawiyo is important for youth culture, for Nigeria, Africa, and the world. She’s a custodian of taste. I’m honoured to call her my friend.
Final question: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you that doesn’t fit the fashion-director image?
I’m a really good cook.
What’s your go-to dish?
My cooking isn’t exotic, but it’s good. And I’ve pulled a lot of women with my jollof rice, too.
RENI FOLAWIYO AND MOBOLAJI DAWODU
DR. RUEBEN
ABATI
A LIFE STILL UNFOLDING
BY KONYE CHELSEA
A
t sixty, Dr Reuben Abati stands in that rare place where experience, intellect and a sharpened sense of self finally converge. His journey — layered, restless, continuously unfolding — is the story of a man who has refused to stay in one place intellectually. He has been a scholar, a journalist, a columnist, a media strategist, a public servant, a broadcaster, and a national commentator. Yet, at every stage, what stands out is not the title but the transition. Abati has always been evolving. Always becoming.
His brilliance announced itself early. He graduated with First Class Honours in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar, earning the Vice Chancellor’s Prize and recognition as a National Merit Scholar. He went on to earn both a Master’s and a PhD from the University of Ibadan before turning thirty, later expanding his training as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow in Journalism at the University of Maryland. A Law degree from Lagos State University, a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, and leadership training at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, completed a multidisciplinary education that would shape the breadth of his voice.
Before the spotlight, he lectured — a period that grounded him in discipline, research, and the rigour of critical thought. But it was at The Guardian that he found a national platform. Joining the newspaper in 1991, he rose to become Editorial Page Editor and, eventually, Chairman of the Editorial Board. His editorials — sharp, elegant, deeply informed — helped shape opinion during one of the most intellectually vibrant periods of Nigerian print media. There was Patito’s Gang, which introduced a wider audience to his clarity and wit, and later, his transition into public service as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan — a role that tested his resilience and sharpened his understanding of power at the highest level.
Today, as co-anchor of The Morning Show on Arise News, host of City Talks with Reuben Abati on City105.1FM, and the mind behind Tuesday With Reuben Abati in THISDAY Newspaper, he remains one of the country’s most compelling and consistent public voices — thoughtful, measured, and still evolving.
Few have travelled his path, and even fewer have returned with their integrity sharpened rather than softened. At sixty, Reuben Abati is not merely reflecting on his journey; he is standing firmly in it — seasoned, clear-eyed, and still very much a force. In this milestone interview, he reflects on turning 60, the lessons that shaped each chapter of his life, the demands and contradictions of public service and the private man behind the public persona.
NWABOGOR
Happy Birthday, Sir. Sixty is a milestone. When you look back, what do you think has shaped you the most: your education, your upbringing, or the many rooms you’ve sat in across academia, media, and politics?
Thank you. If I have to pick one, I would say my upbringing. I grew up in a disciplined, humble environment in Abeokuta. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of education. That foundation is the bedrock of everything. But you are right to probe deeper. Beyond the discipline, was also blessed with a certain intellectual curiosity from a very young age. found that could see things from a divergent perspective, often looking beyond the surface to deduce what others might miss. My family structure was also formative; my mother had children from a previous marriage before she married my father, and I became her first son in the new union to my father.That position came with an unspoken weight of responsibility, a need to prove myself, to bridge worlds, and to succeed not just for my own sake, but for my siblings and the new family unit. So, it was a combination of that foundational upbringing, an innate cerebral giftedness, and an early sense of duty. My education and the various “rooms” I’ve sat in have been the theatres where that unique combination was tested, refined, and applied.
You earned your PhD at 24, an extraordinary feat by any measure. What was driving that kind of ambition at such a young age?
It was a combination of intellectual curiosity and a burning desire to prove myself. I was a young man in a hurry. had graduated with a First Class and was the University valedictorian; the momentum was there. But more deeply, saw education as the most potent weapon for advancement. I wasn’t from a wealthy or connected family; my brain was my only currency. Getting that Ph.D so early was my way of forcefully opening a door and declaring, “I have arrived.” My father, meanwhile, always remined me that I was not doing anyone a favour, after all it is my name that would be on the certificates not his. And you’ve touched on a crucial point: that weight of responsibility. As the first son in my mother’s new marriage and my father’s old age adventure, there was an implicit expectation to excel, to justify the hopes invested in me. That personal pressure, coupled with the intellectual confidence was developing, created a powerful engine for ambition. It wasn’t just about being smart; it was about fulfilling a destiny and lifting the expectations placed upon my shoulders.
Theatre Arts, Law, Journalism! That’s quite the mix. Were you consciously building a multi-dimensional career, or simply following your curiosity?
(Laughs) It was more following curiosity and opportunity. But this is where that divergent perspective comes in. I never saw these fields as separate silos. Theatre Arts gave me an understanding of the human condition, narrative, and performance—all crucial for journalism and public communication. Journalism became my calling, the platform for engaging with society. Law was an addition, a desire to understand the framework that governs society, to have another language of power. also studied journalism, management and leadership. My mind has always been drawn to the connections between seemingly disparate fields. I was subconsciously building a holistic understanding of how society
works: the stories we tell (Theatre), the rules that bind us (Law), and the platform for public debate (Journalism). So, in retrospect, it looks like a master plan, but at each point, I was simply following a deep-seated intellectual urge that refused to be confined to one discipline. Life itself is multi-dimensional, and sought tools to engage with all of it in a multidisciplinary manner.
Your decade at The Guardian defined an era in Nigerian journalism. What do you remember most vividly about those years?
The intellectual rigour and the towering personalities that shaped that environment. The Guardian then was more than a newspaper; it was an institution, a place of immense pride, and we saw ourselves as the conscience of the nation. I remember the intense editorial meetings, the fierce debates over a single word in a headline, the commitment to getting it right. spent 21 years at The Guardian, by the way, and also wrote for the newspaper for an additional six months or so after returned from Abuja as Presidential Spokesman.
The people made the newspaper what it was. We worked under the visionary leadership of our publisher, Mr Alex Uruemu Ibru, who provided the shield that allowed us to practice journalism without fear or favour.
And then there were the master craftsmen, the editors who honed our skills and our conscience: journalism icons like Professor Olatunji Dare, Mr. Lade Bonuola, Mr. Femi Kusa, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Chief Andy Akporugo, Mr Eluem Emeka Izeze, Mr. Sully Abu, and of course those who built the foundation that my generation inherited- persons like Dr. Dele Cole, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Dr. Stanley Macebuh, Dr. Onwuchekwa Jemie, Sonala Olumhense, Greg ObongOsotshe, Amman Ogan, Odia Ofeimun and a host of others. They wielded the power of the mind, crafting narratives that swayed society and held power accountable. Their dedication to accuracy, integrity, fairmess, balance and intellectual eloquence was a daily masterclass. We were a band of intellectuals, and the newsroom was our arena. The owners understood this mission, which is why those in power often sought to control or even silence us. But we stood firm. It was a time when the editorial page was a mustread for policymakers, and you felt the weight of that responsibility every single day. The pressure was immense, but it was also the most fulfilling period of my professional life. We weren’t just reporting events; we were actively, and fearlessly, shaping the national conversation with a pen that was truly mightier than the sword.
You co-hosted “Patito’s Gang” long before talk shows became trendy. It gave Nigerians something rare at the time — intellectual television that was also entertaining. What was the vision behind that show? The vision was to democratize intellectual discourse, deepen it, hold government accountable and generate alternative ideas. It was the vision of Professor Pat Utomi, an actively engaged public intellectual, a man of action and if I may add, a patriot in the truest sense of that expression. He wanted to take complex national issues out of the ivory tower space, into living rooms to conscientize the public. The programme was patterned after “The Capital Gang”, a weekly political talk show on CNN between 1988 – 2005, and also McLaughlin & Co. We had fun doing our own Patito’s Gang. Advertisers were reluctant to sponsor it but Professor Utomi spent his own personal resources to keep the programme going for about two decades. It was an exciting time with an exciting team which included M.M. Ibrahim, Austin Nweze, Charity Shekari, Pini Jason, Oby Ezekwesili, Onukaba Adinopyi-Ojo, Frank Aigbogun, Bilkisu Magoro, Peter Bankole and Chris Asoluka. The show was produced by Vivante Media. We were a deliberately diverse set of voices: journalists, political economists, a socialist, and a conservative political philosopher. When we debated Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) or the June 12 crisis, it wasn’t a monologue; it was a clash of ideologies that made the issues come alive. We even had a Vox Populi segment. And a My Take segment as well. We
were informing, provoking, and entertaining simultaneously.
You’ve lived through the full arc of Nigerian journalism — from print to broadcast to digital. Between the serenity of writing and the adrenaline of live television, which gives you more satisfaction today?
They satisfy different parts of me. Writing my “Tuesday with Reuben Abati” column for ThisDay is a solitary, contemplative act. I have time to refine my thoughts on issues like the cost of living crisis or electoral reforms. Live television, on The Morning Show, is a performance. The adrenaline during our live coverage of the 2023 elections or when grilling a minister on a policy failure is addictive. If I must choose, I’d say live television gives me a unique satisfaction today amongst many other things. The ability to directly interrogate a guest, like when we pressed for details on the Central Bank’s naira redesign policy, puts you in the engine room of history in realtime.
In 2011, you crossed from analyzing government to being inside it. What was the biggest culture shock when you moved from journalism into power?
The sheer inertia. As a journalist, wrote a scathing piece on fuel subsidy corruption and expected action. Inside, saw that turning the government’s massive vessel even one degree to the other required navigating a labyrinth of bureaucracy, vested interests, and political calculations. The second shock was the loss of personal liberty. Overnight, my personal opinions vanished. Every word was now the voice of the Presidential Villa. When had to defend the government’s position on issues like the Boko Haram insurgency, even against my earlier writings, I felt the weight of that responsibility. The freedom to speak my mind, a journalist’s lifeblood, was the first casualty. It was a different kind of assignment, but it was worth the experience and the effort. Most journalists have no idea how government works and so, it is easy to speak from an arm-chair. Walking on both sides of the street can be eyeopening. For me, it was like getting another Ph.D. Political jobbers can be hypocritical! A democracy where people are just looking for what to eat is sad.
As Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, you were in one of the most visible and challenging positions in Nigeria. What was the hardest part of that job?
The hardest part was the constant battle against a torrent of misinformation, often from within the political arena itself. Defending the government’s stance on the Chibok girls kidnapping (#BringBackOurGirls) against a wave of national and international outrage was emotionally and professionally draining. You’re fighting a war on multiple fronts: the opposition, a skeptical media, and even factions within the government. You have to stand at the podium and present a united front, a coherence that often doesn’t exist behind the scenes. It’s a high-wire act where you are trying to balance loyalty to your principal, the truth as you know it, and the often-hostile expectations of the public.
Your return to journalism — particularly through The Morning Show on Arise News — has been nothing short of a renaissance. How different is it anchoring live television compared to writing opinion columns?
It’s the difference between being a playwright and an actor. write the column in solitude; it’s my script. On live TV, have to perform it in real-time
with other actors. Being the lead anchor, a memorable instance was an interview with a governor about security votes; I had to listen to his evasions, recall data from my columns, challenge him with facts, and control the flow of the conversation—all live. Or do you want me to talk about the performance of politicians generally, and my rating of some of the persons in President Tinubu’s cabinet? The “renaissance” people talk about is the joy of reclaiming my own voice. On live TV, my questions are my opinions, delivered with an immediacy that is fresh.
So you have gone from questioning those in power to becoming part of power, and then back to questioning it again on live television. How has that journey changed your understanding of both leadership and accountability?
It has given me empathy and perspective, but it has also steeled my resolve. now understand the constraints leaders face. When I criticize President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies today, do so with the knowledge of the complex trade-offs involved, having seen similar dilemmas in the Jonathan cabinet. However, that experience has made me a more dangerous critic, not a softer one. I know where the levers are, I know the excuses that are made in closed-door meetings, I know where the corpses are buried. So, when question the CBN’s forex management, I know exactly which doors to point to. My journey has reinforced the conviction that without relentless public scrutiny, power becomes insular. The media’s role is not just important; it is existential.
True peace for me is found in the simple, unscripted moments away from the public eye. It is in the warmth and tranquility of my home, specifically in the quiet, cherished company of my wife, Kikelomo.
Arise News has become a major voice in Nigeria’s public discourse. What do you think it represents in a media landscape often accused of timidity?
Arise News represents a commitment to bold, independent, courageous, and assertive journalism. In a landscape where timidity is often the price of survival, we have created a platform that asks difficult questions. Our coverage of the #EndSARS protests and its aftermath, for instance, was fearless and comprehensive, giving a platform to the youth and holding security agencies accountable. We are not afraid to lead the conversation on issues others might avoid, like the illness of President Muhammadu Buhari when he was in office, or the political manoeuvring in the National Assembly. We aim to hold a mirror to society, no matter how uncomfortable the reflection may appear. We are a standout news channel, and we are determined to remain so.
You’ve interviewed some of the most powerful people in Nigeria. Who has been your most memorable guest — and why?
While I’ve had many, my interview with former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains particularly memorable. Here is a man who is a historical figure in his own right, fiercely intelligent, and with very strong opinions. Interviewing him is an intellectual chess game. remember asking him about his famous “I dey laugh” letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his subsequent fallout with him. He was typically forthright and combative. Navigating that conversation, trying to get beyond the prepared statements and into the real motivations, was a professional high point. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and that keeps you on your toes every second. I have of course also interviewed so many world leaders: President
Muhammadu Buhari, Sir Shridath
Ramphal. Mr. Kofi Annan, Sir Ketumile Masire. can easily publish a book of interviews that tells a useful story.
The Nigerian media is often accused of being polarized or compromised. How do you stay grounded and objective in such an environment?
By constantly reminding myself of my foundational ethics, learned from my days at The Guardian. My credibility is my greatest asset. For example, when covering the primaries of the major political parties, am often pressured from all sides. But I strive for fairness. If the APC makes a credible argument, will acknowledge it. If the PDP puts forth a flawed candidate, I will point it out. I am not owned by any “Lagos Boys” or “Aso Rock” clique. It’s about being guided by evidence and the public good. When I criticise my former principal, President Jonathan, or praise a policy from a former critic like President Buhari, it confuses people, but it simply reflects my commitment to principle over expediency.
What’s the most misunderstood thing about Reuben Abati?
That am arrogant. I think people often mistake the confidence and directness display in professional settings for arrogance. But at my core, I am a deeply introverted person. The bold voice on television or the sharp pen in my columns is not my everyday persona. It is a tool I deploy when the critical need arises, when society demands commentary, or when my professional duty calls for it.
My natural state is one of quiet observation and reflection.
The other significant misunderstanding relates to my personal life. People may see that have children from more than one marriage and assume I am polygamous by nature or choice. want to be clear: I am not polygamous. My life’s journey has simply toed a path where destiny and circumstance led to having children from different marriages. It is a personal reality, not a philosophical endorsement of polygamy. I am a private family man at heart, and the public narrative often oversimplifies the complex tapestry of a person’s life. Let me stop here.
When you’re not talking or writing, what brings you peace?
True peace for me is found in the simple, unscripted moments away from the public eye. It is in the warmth and tranquility of my home. It is in the warmth and tranquility of my home, specifically in the quiet, cherished company of my wife, Kikelomo. Our peaceful family time whether it is watching a movie together, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the comfort of our own space—is what truly recharges me. My wife has made me a believer in taking annual vacations as well; disconnecting from the relentless news cycle to spend quality time with my family not as luxury, but as necessity; now that has been her own work culture over the years. It is in these moments, far from the headlines and the studios, that am most at peace.
Finally, when the story of your life is told, what headline would you want it to carry?
“He Used His Voice: The Story of a Boy from Abeokuta Who Served His Country with His Pen.” That would be enough for me. To be remembered as someone who contributed to the national conversation, who served in different capacities with integrity, and who never stopped believing in the potential of Nigeria. More importantly, a committed family man.
LOVE IN YOUR 30S: 12 THINGS NOBODY TOLD US (BUT SHOULD HAVE)
There’s a particular kind of clarity that arrives in your 30s — quietly, almost respectfully — like it knows you’ve been through enough chaos. It comes somewhere between learning to prioritise your peace, buying high-thread-count sheets, and developing an inexplicable love for scented candles. Suddenly, your heart wants different things. Softer things. More deliberate things. Love in your 30s isn’t the frantic, roller-coaster version you survived in your 20s. It’s an honest recalibration. It’s still funny, still surprising, still unpredictable… but the lessons hit differently. Here are the things nobody quite prepares you for.
1. The calm will confuse you before it comforts you.
Healthy love feels strange at first. When someone is consistent, kind, and emotionally predictable, a part of you wonders if something is missing. You keep waiting for the “catch.” But then you realise that the quiet isn’t emptiness — it’s stability. Your body slowly stops bracing for chaos. That’s when you know you’ve grown.
2. Your tolerance for nonsense evaporates overnight.
Not gradually — instantly. You can sense unserious energy from two sentences in a text. The moment someone says, “I’m not ready for anything serious… but let’s see,” your spirit simply packs its bags. Age gifts you the confidence to leave with grace and zero self-doubt.
3. You start dating with your future sitting at the table.
In your 20s, dating was vibes, brunch, chemistry, and reckless optimism. In your 30s, it’s compatibility, values, emotional maturity, lifestyle alignment, and whether this person contributes to your peace. It’s not about pressure — it’s about protecting the life you’re building.
4. Everyone comes with a past — and it’s not a red flag.
People in their 30s carry stories: heartbreaks that matured them, careers that reshaped them, sometimes co-parenting responsibilities, sometimes therapy journeys. You learn to look
beyond the history and assess how someone managed their past — with accountability or avoidance. The difference is everything.
You still appreciate a fine man, but emotional fluency? That’s the real luxury. Someone who can apologise without ego, communicate without defensiveness, and love without confusion is suddenly unfairly attractive. Self-aware men become the new heartthrobs.
6. Solitude becomes a premium pleasure.
You enjoy companionship, but you no longer fear being single. Your home, your routines, your skincare nights, your silence — these things become sacred. You stop dating from loneliness and start dating from wholeness.
7. The dating pool isn’t empty — it’s curated.
People aren’t “finished.” They’re just more defined. They know what they want, what they won’t tolerate, and what they’re willing to build. It forces you to be equally honest. Compromise still exists, but self-abandonment doesn’t.
8. Emotional safety becomes the sexiest thing in the world.
Grand gestures are lovely, but nothing beats feeling understood. A person who listens, remembers, reassures, and creates room for your vulnerability becomes priceless. Love stops being a performance and becomes a refuge.
9. Consistency becomes more romantic than intensity.
Your 20s celebrated big feelings; your 30s celebrate steady behaviour. Passion is great, but showing up — on the boring days, the stressful days, the ordinary days — that’s the real intimacy. You stop chasing fireworks and start valuing warmth.
10. Honesty becomes your default setting.
You don’t have the emotional stamina for mind games. You say what you want, what you expect, what you fear, and what you cannot entertain. You stop shrinking yourself or rounding your edges to be chosen. You learn that truth builds relationships; pretending drains them.
11. Healing becomes non-negotiable. You finally admit the role you played in past heartbreaks — the patterns you repeated, the red flags you entertained, the wounds you ignored. You prioritise growth, therapy, accountability, and better communication. You realise you can’t build healthy love with unhealed habits.
12. When it works, it feels nothing like your imagination — it feels better. It doesn’t knock you off your feet; it grounds you. It doesn’t sweep you into chaos; it settles you into clarity. You realise love isn’t supposed to feel like survival, auditioning, or hoping. It feels like choosing and being chosen. Like two grown people meeting each other where they are and still deciding, “Yes. Let’s do this.”
6 WAYS NIGERIAN DESIGNERS ARE REDEFINING WHAT LUXURY REALLY MEANS
For years, luxury in Nigeria was synonymous with distance — something you travelled to buy, a souvenir of sophistication stamped with a foreign name. But that definition feels outdated now. A quiet evolution is underway, and Nigerian designers are reshaping luxury into something richer, more grounded, and far more personal. What once depended on passports now depends on perception, and that perception has changed. Here are the seven shifts driving the new meaning of luxury in Nigeria.
1. Craftsmanship Has Become the True Status Symbol
Nigerian designers have always taken their time — long before the world romanticised “slow fashion.” Beaders, dyers, tailors, and textile makers have historically carried the weight of our fashion culture on their backs. What’s new is the way consumers now value that labour.
From Emmy Kasbit’s woven textiles to Onalaja’s hand-applied embellishments, craftsmanship has become the new currency of luxury — not an afterthought.
2. Culture Is Now a Luxury Language
The luxury conversation has shifted from imitation to interpretation. Designers are turning heritage into a signature — and customers are buying into it. A Banke Kuku print isn’t just a print; it’s nostalgia, symbolism, and cultural storytelling folded into silk. The kind of detail that makes the wearer feel connected to something deeper than aesthetics.
3. Ready-to-Wear Without Losing the Handwork
RTW is still relatively young in Nigeria, yet local designers treat it with the same devotion once reserved for bespoke. A “ready” dress here often carries hours of invisible detailing, careful finishing, and artisan work. Many designers have mastered this balance. Refined silhouettes, quiet drama, and craftsmanship that doesn’t disappear simply because the piece is on a rack rather than a custom rail. It’s accessible luxury, but without dilution.
4. Emotional Value Now Outweighs Logos
Luxury used to be about recognisable signatures — monograms, metallics, flash. Now, the emotion behind a piece is driving its desirability.
The bride choosing a meticulously beaded dress for its meaning.
The man wearing Orange Culture because it reflects who he is. The woman collecting handwoven pieces like art.
The new luxury is intimate. It’s personal. It’s felt — not flaunted.
5. Sophistication Has Quieted Down
Gone are the days when luxury had to be loud. Designers are redefining sophistication with restraint: clean cuts, thoughtful tailoring, refined structure. Victor Anate is a clear example. His pieces carry a softness and precision that say everything without shouting. The appeal is in the silhouette, the confidence, the elegance of simplicity.
6.“Made in Nigeria” Is No Longer Defensive — It’s Aspirational
The final shift is confidence. Nigerians no longer compare local luxury to Europe; they compare it to excellence, full stop. And our designers meet that standard — while bringing something unmistakably our own. Stylists abroad now request Nigerian brands as part of their regular pulls. Diaspora clients shop them for quality, not sentiment. And local clients say, with pride, “It’s Nigerian.”
THE GLOW-UP ESSENTIALS YOU NEED NOW
There’s something quietly powerful about a glow-up season. Not the dramatic kind you see on TikTok, where someone disappears for two weeks and returns looking like they’ve been on an undercover retreat with Beyoncé’s glam squad. No — the real glow-up is slower, softer, and far more intentional. It’s the version where you decide you’re tired of feeling dull, stretched thin, or just ordinary, and you start choosing yourself in small, deliberate ways. Before you know it, it shows — in your skin, your energy, the way you enter a room.
A glow-up isn’t just about beauty. It’s about maintenance, mindset, and mood. It’s about creating your own definition of “better” and leaning into it. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to level up quietly, gracefully, but firmly, here are the essentials your present self will thank you for.
1. The Skincare Routine That Finally Makes Sense for You
We’re past the era of trying the entire shelf because a 19-year-old influencer swears by it. Your glow-up begins with skincare that actually respects your skin’s needs — not what’s trendy. A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip. A hydrating serum that gives you that morning dew look. A moisturiser that doesn’t pretend to be doing the bare minimum. And sunscreen, always. Even if you’re indoors. Even if it’s raining. Even if it’s 6 p.m.
2. A Signature Scent That Feels Like You
There’s a reason why people with signature fragrances always seem more put together. A scent becomes a quiet part of your identity — the soft trail you leave behind, the memory trigger, the final brushstroke to your mood. Whether you’re into warm ambers, delicate florals, or clean, minimalist fragrances, choose one that matches who you are now, not who you used to be. The right scent gives a glow that’s invisible but unforgettable.
3. Real Sleep (Not the 4-Hour “Hustle Culture” Nonsense)
No serum can compete with eight hours of sleep. Your face knows when you’ve been pretending. Proper rest tightens what needs tightening, brightens what needs brightening, and fixes what expensive creams claim to. A glow-up means respecting your bedtime like it’s a personal boundary. Put your phone down. Dim the lights. And embrace sleep as skincare.
4. Clothing That Fits the Life You Want — Not the One You’ve Outgrown
Everyone talks about fashion trends, but no one talks enough about the confidence that comes from clothes that truly fit — your body, your lifestyle, your aspirations. It might mean upgrading your basics: crisp white tees that don’t disintegrate after one wash, jeans that flatter every curve without the suffocation, a blazer that convinces even you that you’re entering a new era.
5. Hydration Like You Actually
Mean It
It sounds cliché until your skin, mood, and energy suddenly improve from something as simple as water. But
hydration isn’t just about chugging from a giant bottle in public. Think hydrating foods: cucumbers, citrus, berries. Think herbal teas that make you feel like you’re at a spa. Think electrolytes when you’ve had a stressful week. Your skin glows when your cells stop begging for mercy.
6. A Mindset That Prioritises Emotional Clarity
The real glow-up? Emotional peace. Less spiralling. More boundaries. Less performing. More authentic connections. It’s knowing when a situation is draining you and stepping back without guilt. It’s learning to say “no” without writing a dissertation. When your mind is uncluttered, your glow becomes louder. People see it before you speak.
7. The Little Luxuries That Make Daily Life Feel Premium
A good body oil that makes your skin gleam. Satin pillowcases. Fresh nail polish. A well-organised vanity. A weekly mask that feels like a ritual. These small luxuries are not frivolous — they’re grounding. They remind you that you deserve softness even on ordinary days. That your glow isn’t a performance; it’s a lifestyle.
8. Movement That Feels Good, Not Punitive
Glow-ups are not punishment disguised as fitness. They’re movement in ways that celebrate you — a long walk while listening to a favourite playlist, Pilates that lengthens the stress out of your spine, dancing alone in your room, yoga stretches before bed. When your body feels alive, your energy follows.
9. A Social Clean-Up (Yes, It Counts)
You can exfoliate your face, but sometimes you also need to exfoliate your circle. The glow-up essential here is simple: keep people who brighten your life, not those who dim your confidence. Delete, mute, unfollow — digitally and emotionally. Protecting your peace is a beauty secret no one talks about enough.
10. A Renewed Sense of Self
The biggest glow-up is not external. It’s the moment you realise you’re allowed to reinvent yourself — quietly or loudly, slowly or suddenly. It’s the confidence that comes from choosing yourself on purpose—little by little, day by day.
LDA AT 20: THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
Lanre Da Silva Ajayi understands women in a way that few designers genuinely do. Not as abstract muses, but as real individuals who dress with intention—women who move through Lagos, London, and everywhere in between with a desire to look timeless, expressive, and completely themselves. So when she marked her 20th anniversary, the audience that gathered felt like a living anthology of her work: long-standing clients in treasured LDA classics, younger creatives who grew up seeing her pieces in the pages of magazines, industry names who recognise the discipline it takes to stay relevant for two decades, and curious newcomers eager to see how a pioneer evolves. The atmosphere was polished, not performative; celebratory, not chaotic. It mirrored the designer herself— confident, meticulous, and guided by an internal rhythm rather than external noise.
A Two-Decade Blueprint
Since founding her label in 2005, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi has built a brand with a point of view: vintage glamour reinterpreted through African craftsmanship, femininity expressed with structure, and embellishment handled with restraint. She has always designed with narrative intention, creating pieces that not only look beautiful but hold emotional weight.
Her aesthetic—rooted in 1940s silhouettes, intricate lacework, and metallic textures earned her global recognition early on. Vogue features, runway invitations, and the rare achievement of retail placement at Milan’s Spiga 2 Concept Store cemented her status as one of Africa’s notable voices in luxury fashion. Yet, despite the international spotlight, her strongest impact has remained at home, where her garments continue to shape how Nigerian women interpret elegance.
The Anniversary Collection
The Spring/Summer 2026 Anniversary Collection was a clear, confident refinement of her signature vocabulary.
Her fabric choices echoed her past while embracing the present: adire reimagined with sophistication, tulle serving as a textural counterpoint, and fluid silks and organzas adding movement. Sculptural sleeves, defined waists, and architectural shapes—a hallmark of LDA—returned with a sharper, more modern sensibility.
What the collection communicated most was ease. Not casualness, but the ease of a designer fluent in her own language. L
A Fashion House Rooted in Women’s Lives
Lanre’s designs have lived everywhere: bridal suites, red carpets, milestone birthdays, intimate celebrations, editorial covers, and family albums. People return to her not because of trend cycles, but because her clothes are built to hold meaning.
A Celebration That Looked Forward
The event itself, produced by Elizabeth Elohor of Beth Model Management, was executed with the sophistication expected of a major fashion house. Celebrity models, a refined guest list, two surprise musical performances by Waje and Tiwa Savage —all delivered seamlessly, but without unnecessary excess.
More importantly, the evening extended beyond celebration. Lanre used the anniversary to relaunch Runway Renaissance, her mentorship platform dedicated to nurturing emerging designers across the continent. Three young creatives — 1407, Garcelle Williams, and Hue — were selected to showcase alongside her—a deliberate gesture that mirrors her own beginnings and underscores her commitment to the industry’s future.
A Legacy Defined by Discipline
Lanre Da Silva’s staying power is not accidental. It comes from discipline—her meticulous approach to tailoring, her respect for craft, her refusal to dilute her aesthetic for mass appeal, and her ability to evolve without abandoning her core identity.
Twenty years in, she is not reinventing herself for affirmation; she is fine-tuning a perspective she has spent decades shaping. The Anniversary Collection captured this evolution without theatrics: a confident designer standing exactly where she intends to be.
