DT NOW MAY 28, 2023

AMVCAs The Special EDITION

Let's face it, profiling exists; people judge others based on their appearance, clothing, and overall charisma. A survey has revealed why men dress well and maintain a good grooming habit, and many of the men say that while they love to look good, they also enjoy hearing compliments from ladies on how they look.

The 9th edition of the African Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) concluded on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the stars arriving on the red carpet in show-stopping fashion.

The AMVCA is an annual ceremony hosted by Multichoice Africa in Nigeria. It was founded in March 2013 to recognise the many talents in the African entertainment industry.

THey there, welcome! his week I learned (again) the power of rest; you see, I don't stop! I have to work on something all the time, but you know that thing your body does and shuts down on you? Yeah, that happened, and I had to take a short break, so I was forced to watch the AMVCAs on TV while on bedrest. So it’s only fitting that this week’s cover is a special AMVCAs edition! If you are a fan of the Nollywood industry, you probably have some favourites, as I do, and seeing your favourites not win awards can be a little disheartening, though that is not to say that those who did win did not deserve them.

This season, I was rooting for Nse Ikpe-Etim and Ini Edo because have you seen Shanty Town? As well as Kunle Remi, who was also fantastic in Anikulapo! That being said, congratulations to all of the winners. Our spread includes a lavish coverage of looks for the night as well as a full list of winners for 2023.

You also get an inside look at what went down at AMVCAs day 2 Fashion Night hosted by Mai Atafo & Ifunaya Igwe where designers got to create looks judged right off the runway.

This week, Dr Ikunna asks if it's time for men to share the physical and mental burden of contraception. As usual, she shines a light on this important decision that couples must discuss or decide at some point.

Danielle is subtly “dragging” people who have toxic tendencies in relationships as she asks you to look inward to make sure you are not the red flag in your relationship, which is gold.

There’s an article about working remotely and how to deal with the “issues” that come with this “almost lonely” way of working, a common aftermath of the COVID pandemic. If you’ve been struggling with this, it will definitely help.

We have other interesting bits for you this week. As always, this edition has been specially curated for you.

Read, enjoy, and share!

See you in the next one.

Olamide Olarewaju CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Moments From AMVCAs Day II THE FASHION NIGHT

BY DANIELLE ANENE & FAITH OKENWA

The AMVCAs ceremony continued on Day 2 at the Jewel by Aeida event centre, which featured a grand fashion runway show and the nominees' gala. The event began at 6:30 p.m., with light refreshments and branded drinks distributed throughout the hall. The evening's hosts were fashion expert Mai Atafo and broadcaster Ifunaya Igwe. Entertainment personalities from various sectors walked the red carpet, mostly dressed in top African designer labels.

Competing designers were asked to get creative with different brands and use their colours to create outfits for the runway during the fashion runway. Voting was done via barcodes, with guests using their phones to select their favourite design. Cash prizes were awarded to two winners of the brand fashion competition (one contestant won twice).

Dakore Egbuson-Akande, the actress, surprised the guests by modeling for Amstel Malta in a green and orange aso-oke beaded two-piece and a bob fringe. Pepsi used Big Brother housemates Hermes, Beauty, and Saskay to walk the runway as models for the evening.

Praiz and Benson, aka Buju, provided the evening's musical entertainment. While Benson performed hit songs such as ‘Gwagwalada’ and ‘Finesse’, Praiz wowed the audience with songs such as ‘Folashade’ and ‘I Love You’. With the finger foods and drinks flowing nonstop, it was clear that everyone was having a great time.

The after party began immediately after the fashion runway award winners were announced, and the DJ and the night's hypeman took over as the crowd danced into the early hours of the morning.

Are You The Red Flag

BY DANIELLE ANENE

It is quite easy to call people out when they show signs of toxicity in a relationship; we are quick to name these signs and build a case against them; sometimes we even go so far as to cut them off or break up with them if we are in an intimate relationship with them. If you frequently find yourself in a toxic situation, you should conduct an introspective check to ensure that you are not the red flag or signs reflecting it. This edition will concentrate on some toxic traits to watch out for in yourself to ensure you are not the one with the red flag.

GASLIGHTING

Do you try to deflect, manipulate information, trivialise an issue that is important to your partner, or make the other person feel bad for inquiring about a situation about which they are unsure? If you feel the need to be right all of the time, even when there are clear indications that you are wrong, you may be suffering from gaslighting. What this does for your partner or the recipient is an unwarranted assault on their sense of self and self-worth, which destroys trust and calls their grasp on reality into question. You can avoid this by putting yourself in their shoes, admitting your error, and then attempting to reach an amicable agreement.

THREATENING TO SPLIT

If you suggest a breakup at every turn of disagreement, this is an emotional way of getting your way or shutting down your partner's stand on issues concerning both of you, and it is not a healthy trait to have. These threats will only make your partner more docile or cause them to lose trust in your relationship. This could also lead to less intimacy and closure in your relationship, which is a quick way to a downward spiral. Rather than suggesting it, resist the urge and allow yourself to calm down and envision a peaceful resolution to the situation.

PASSING THE BLAME

If you ever find yourself blaming everyone else and not taking any responsibility for your own actions, you must accept that you may be contributing to the problem. Playing the blame game will only harm your relationship; instead, accept responsibility for your actions and work to improve your character; this is what will improve your relationship once you begin acting correctly.

CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR

When you're in a relationship, you have to listen to your partner as well because they're an equal part of the equation. Trying to impose your will on them is a clear indication

that you need to work on your need for control. They are also humans with equal needs and desires, so practising compromise is the healthy way of working things out with your partner.

NOT RESPECTING BOUNDARIES

Understanding that your partner will have different activities and interests than you do gives you and your partner the opportunity for individual growth and development. It also removes resentment and allows you to respect their personal boundaries while maintaining your own.

ISOLATION

This is a classic red flag, and if you find yourself encouraging your partner to disconnect from friends and family, or even enforcing the separation and having their world revolve around you, you should be aware that in this case, you may be the toxic one in the relationship. Retracing your steps and becoming a better partner would imply encouraging them to have a life outside of you and giving them the freedom to discuss those relationships with you. The list goes on and on, but the point of this article is to help you reflect on your personality to ensure that you are free of toxic traits.

GROOMING AND FASHION TIPS For A Dapper Look As A Man

BY DANIELLE ANENE

Let's face it, profiling exists; people judge others based on their appearance, clothing, and overall charisma. A survey has revealed why men dress well and maintain a good grooming habit, and many of the men say that while they love to look good, they also enjoy hearing compliments from ladies on how they look. Women have been known to be drawn to men who have clean looks and smell.

In this edition, we'll share some tips on how to achieve that dapper look that gives you that classic man vibes.

PHOTO: kingsmen_fotography

Spending money on skincare as a man is not a splurge if you think of it as an investment in your health and self-confidence; think of it as the exercise your face requires, just like you eat healthily, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Men's skin is 20% thicker, greasier, and less fragile than women's. Men's skin may be more prone to acne in their younger years due to increased sebum production. Shaving can cause irritation, and sun exposure increases the risk of premature ageing. This is where having a proper skin routine comes in handy. Using the basic care steps of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising, feel free to consult with a dermatologist for a routine that works for you.

There is no need to give in to the desire to play it safe and opt for traditional colours such as black, nude, and brown; being daring and experimenting with colours such as blue, magenta, burgundy, and the like gives you an edge and unlocks your fashion flair. Learning to pair contrasting colours and style them appropriately gives the appearance of sophistication.

There is nothing more sexy than the right haircut that suits a man's face; there is no need to follow the latest type of haircut trend; what you should be looking for is if the haircut looks good for your face shape; just like clothes, a hairstyle is not one size fits all. Every face shape has a few styles that will accentuate your features and make you appear more attractive. If your face shape is oblong or oval, for example, you should try an afro tapper fade (if you like your hair fuller) or a Caesar fade.

Having a good or bad smell leaves a lasting impression on everyone you meet; it's the part that people remember. Smell has been linked to one's emotions and forms part of one's memories. Aside from the reaction of others to your scent, having a signature scent improves your mood, confidence, and makes you more attractive than you would be otherwise.

Is there any truth to the idea that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their shoes? We cannot confirm this, but we can tell you that a man's shoes can reveal his social standing, and they are the finishing touch to your outfit.

1. SKINCARE

2. COLOUR COORDINATING WITH YOUR SKIN TONE

3. HAIRSTYLE

4. SIGNATURE SMELL

5. SHOES

THE SPECIAL AMVCAs EDITION

BY DANIELLE ANENE

The 9th edition of the African Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) concluded on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the stars arriving on the red carpet in show-stopping fashion.

The AMVCA is an annual ceremony hosted by Multichoice Africa in Nigeria. It first held in March 2013 to recognise the many talents in the African entertainment industry. Since the inception of this incredible award ceremony, it has become a medium for unifying the African entertainment industries, as various stars from various segments of entertainment from all over Africa gather in Nigeria to not only be recognised, but also to socialise and catch up. Awards are usually given for entries about films, short films, and series that aired the previous year, and there are nominees for different categories listed, with only one winner.

HERE IS A LIST OF THIS EDITION'S WINNERS:

1. Best Actor in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series)

- Samuel Perry as Broda Shaggi

2. Best Actress in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series) - Bimbo Ademoye as Selina

3. Best Actor in a Drama – (Movie/TV Series)

- Tobi Bakre – Brotherhood

4. Best Actress in a Drama – (Movie/TV Series)

- Osas Ighodaro – Man of God

5. Best Supporting Actor (Movie/TV Series)

- Abdisattar Ahmed – Gacal

6. Best Supporting Actress (Movie/TV Series)

- Efe Irele – Four Four Forty Four

7. Best Short Film

- Adeoye Adetunji – Pa Aromire.

8. Best Online Social Content Creator

– Elozonam and Kie Kie – Back From The Future

9. Best Original Telenovela – Mpali

10. Best Unscripted Original - King Bugar

11. Best Original Comedy Series - Njoro Wa Uba

12. Best Original Drama Series – Ricordi

13. Best Art Director - Wale Adeleke

– King Of Thieves (Agesinkole)

14. Best Costume Designer (Movie/TV Series)Adeola Art-Alade – The Real Housewives of Lagos (Reunion Episode)

15. Best Lighting Designer (Movie/TV Series)

- Mathew Yusuf – Brotherhood

16. Best Picture Editor (Movie/TV Series)

- Holmes Awa & Daniel Tom – Crime & Justice

17. Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series)

- Anu Afolayan – Anikulapo

18. Best Soundtrack (Movie/TV Series)

- Kent Edunjobi – Anikulapo

19. Best Writer (Movie/TV Series)

- Sola Dada – Anikulapo

20. Best Cinematographer (Movie/TV Series)Loukman Ali – Brotherhood

21. Best Movie (Southern Africa)

- Jewel – Elvis Chucks

22. Best Movie (East Africa)

- Click Click Bang – Philip Karanja Njenga

23. Best Movie (West Africa)

- Brotherhood – Jade Osiberu

24. Best Television Series (Crime & Justice)

– Yinka Edward

25. Best Documentary

-Nigeria-the Debut – Nora Awolowo

26. Best Director - Loukman Ali – Brotherhood

27. The Multichoice Talent Factory Film

– Leaked

28. Best Indigenous Language, Swahili (Movie/TV Series)

- Philip Karanja Njenga – Click Click Bang

29. Best Indigenous Language, Yoruba (Movie/TV Series)

- Anikulapo – Kunle Afolayan

30. Best Indigenous Language, Hausa (Movie/TV Series)

- Aisha – Abubakar Bashir Maishadda

31. Best Indigenous Language, Igbo (Movie/TV Series)

- Uhuruchi – Victor Iyke

32. Best Overall Movie (Africa)

- Anikulapo – Kunle Afolayan

33. Industry Merit Award - Patience Ozokwor

34. The Trailblazer Award - Angel Onigwe

35. Best Dressed Male - Enioluwa Adeoluwa

36. Best Dressed Female - Beauty Tukura

Is it time for men to share

the physical and mental burden of contraception with women?

BY DR IKUNNA ONWUANIBE

The use of contraception can be lifechanging for young girls, as unplanned pregnancies can be the difference between continuing education and pursuing their future dreams. There is a persistent awkwardness globally when it comes to discussions on sexual health. Parents find it challenging to discuss contraception with their children and protest when schools attempt to include it in their curriculum. “Do not let a boy touch you”, which is hardly contraceptive advice, is the default advice that the majority of young girls receive from their mothers just before they head out to university. Even though a high proportion of young women have sexual intercourse without using contraception, the number of young women with unplanned pregnancies is much lower than expected. Many girls seek back-street abortions because of the stigma of being an unmarried woman with a child. This is changing as more women now choose to be single parents. The use of contraception is low in Nigeria. According to the UNICEF 2021 survey, only four out of ten women in Nigeria use contraception. The barriers to contraception use include social norms, misinformation about adverse effects, and a lack of access to good sexual health advice and clinics. Research has consistently shown that contraception is cost-effective. Contraception helps to plan pregnancies, reduce unplanned pregnancies, and unpremeditated abortions, and reduce maternal and newborn deaths. No woman should die having a child they did not intend to have in the first place.

THE BASICS

A sperm and egg must meet to fertilize the egg for pregnancy to occur. Sperm can survive in women and fertilize an egg up to seven days after sex. However, the eggs survive for only 24 hours after ovulation, resulting in an eight-day fertility window. This means that the fertile time is about eight days; this is anytime from seven days before ovulation to one day after sex. So, pregnancy could be prevented by either abstaining from sex during these eight days or by using contraception.

There should be some discussion on who (the woman or man) holds the responsibility for ensuring

that pregnancy is prevented and planned in a relationship. The feminist would argue that both parties should bear equal responsibility for preventing unplanned pregnancies, others believe that as women shoulder the responsibility of carrying pregnancies, the onus lies with the women.

CONTRACEPTIVES AVAILABLE FOR MEN

The male condom is widely accessible for men to use. When correctly used every time one has sex, only two out of one hundred women, who use condoms, will fall pregnant in one year. However, with typical use and less discipline, fifteen out of a hundred women will get pregnant in one year. Condoms are designed to stop sperm and egg from meeting. Condoms are the only contraceptive with the additional benefit of preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Some couples use “the pull-out” or withdrawal method. This is when the man pulls out just before ejaculation. This method is better than not using any contraception, but it is still a high-risk plan because about one in five couples who use pull-out alone will have an unexpected pregnancy. This method is high risk for several reasons: sperm can be released before ejaculation; the man has to pull out at the right time, so he needs to be disciplined; the man must ensure that no semen is deposited anywhere near the entrance of the vagina as sperm can swim up to the vagina and into the womb, enabling sperm and egg to meet. There are documented instances of unplanned pregnancies when women have had unplanned pregnancies without penetrative sex.

Vasectomy, or male sterilization, is also available to men. This is highly effective, as only one in about two thousand couples will have an unexpected pregnancy. It is permanent because it is not easily reversible. Most men do not opt for this method because of social norms (such as the belief that the responsibility should lie with women) and the wrong assumption that it would affect their libido and sexual function.

The critical question is why we do not have

a male oral pill. The female combined pill was created 60 years ago, but the long-awaited oncedaily male hormonal drug, designed to stop sperm production, is still being researched. Scientists are working on how to balance effectiveness and adverse effects. So, the wait for an opportunity for men to choose a pill rather than condoms, pull out, and have a vasectomy continues.

BOTTOM LINE

The unconscious bias about who assumes responsibility for contraception remains. Why should women still endure most of the responsibility for pregnancy prevention? However, can women entrust men with the responsibility of pregnancy prevention?

Dr Ikunna Onwuanibe Family Physician at Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic Landmark Towers, Oniru, VI, Lagos @ikupopsicles

Ikunna has over 25 years of experience in family medicine and holds a master's degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her main interests are women’s health and the prevention of long-term illnesses. Ikunna is a co-founder of the Be a Sister Foundation and a director of the Angel Rays Foundation. Both charities support the well-being of young people and motherless babies.

TURNING YOUR HOME Into A Work Out Den

BY DANIELLE ANENE

M

aking exercise a lifestyle can be a difficult feat to start especially if you are a busy professional who does not have the option of working from home, so you are either left with the option of attending an early morning or latenight gym, walking or running around your home base. Whether by choice or necessity, having a dedicated space in your home to exercise without thinking of compromising on travel time to the gym can make it easier to keep fit and effortlessly include exercise into your daily schedule. Generally, turning a bedroom, basement or attic into a home gym is a convenient method to help make your daily weight training or cardio routine easier. Keeping in mind the size of your house and your style of work out, you would need to dedicate a room for this new workout plan

In this edition we will listing a few items you will need to transform a bedroom into a workout room you'll actually want to spend time in. You do not have to get them all at once but you should have an idea on how to gradually build a home gym for your convenience.

Before you get on to buying the things needed, you need to keep in mind that choosing the right space is very instrumental in your new venture, if you have a big space then this means you might have a basement, a garage or an extra room you can use to build your home gym, for smaller place like a studio apartment you would have to dedicate a corner to this cause.

Once the space is sorted it will guide you on the type of equipment to get. Ventilation is very important for your home gym, so keep in mind to have a cooling system or a fan to help you cool down while you work out. You also want to be mindful of the type of flooring you have and the storage system for your new work out equipment. After this is sorted you can now buy your equipment. They include:

1 2 3

KETTLE BELLS

DUMB BELLS

JUMP ROPE

5

RESISTANCE BELT

7

6 9

WEIGHTED MEDICINE BALLS

BARBELL TREADMILL

8

STEP BENCH AND RISERS

With these pieces of equipment, your home will quickly transform into the ultimate work out den, which you will become obsessed with in no time!

5

Healthy Comfort Foods FOR THE REGULAR FOODIE

BY DANIELLE ANENE

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "comfort food"? Is it that snack that you reach for when you're not hungry but feel peckish? Or that food you reach for when you're in the middle of a project and can't afford to take a long break to prepare yourself a meal? Or could it simply be the snack you eat while thinking about work or assignments? Yes, we understand the feeling all too well, especially if you're a foodie.

Now, the general misconception could be that comfort foods are unhealthy and can have an adverse effect on your eating habits or health. While we admit that there are comfort foods that are delicious yet not healthy for constant consumption, this week’s edition will bring you healthy snacking options for when you get in a peckish mood and are not up for cooking.

1APPLE CRUMBLE ENERGY BALLS

This is a quick 10 minutes prep and can be made in batches for later. They are naturally sweetened by the dates and dried apple, balanced with dietary fiber as well as the heart-friendly, mono-unsaturated fat from almonds. The sweetness in this snack is satisfying enough to soothe your craving and also boost your concentration for work.

2 4

OATMEAL COOKIES

The cookie is mostly high-fiber oats, with just 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour. Add some quality dark chocolate chunks and tart dried cherries for your perfect sweet treat and pick-me-up snack moments. This is a great option for you if you are on a weight loss journey but do not want to give up eating cookies.

This snack is seriously so easy to make that you can have your sweet, crunchy snack ready to eat in under 30 minutes with an air fryer! All you need are apples, cinnamon for flavoring, an air fryer, and about 30 minutes of your time, and viola! You have your healthy snack.

3 5

Kettle corn is popcorn that is topped with sugar and salt. The combination makes for an addictively sweet, high-fiber treat that’s perfect for movie night, an afternoon sugar craving, or on the snack table while working. For a more spicy feel, you can cook your pack of popcorn with oil, chili, garlic, and rosemary. This recipe is highly recommended for you if you want something gluten and diary free. A portion of popcorn also provides good-for-you plant compounds called polyphenols, which are protective and help keep you healthy.

If you’re looking for snacks safe for blood sugar levels and blood pressure, then sweet plantain chips and potatoes should be your go to comfort foods. They promote proper digestion because of their fiber content and aid in weight loss. You can choose to flavour them with any seasoning of your choice.

These delicious treats are not just comfort snacks but have dietary benefits for foodies like us who are still cautious about our waistlines. Although they are healthy, you are still advised to remember to have a well cooked meal during your active work time.

APPLE CHIPS

KETTLE POPCORN

BAKED PLANTAIN OR SWEET POTATO CHIPS

HOW TO OVERCOME ISOLATION When Working From Home (After Working In An Office)

BY DANIELLE ANENE

Prior to the Covid lockdown, offices had been an integral part of our experience and work relationships for a long time. We all worked from the office, and while we were exhausted from the daily commute, it had its benefits, such as lunch breaks, gisting with our coworkers, and having an actual physical connection; we never imagined a world where we could work from home. While this new arrangement may be helpful for some, it has impacted many people who are not used to working on their own. Some research has shown that working from home may have a negative impact on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. If you fall into this category, this edition will be very useful to you because we will discuss some ways to cope with working from home.

CREATING A DEDICATED WORKSPACE

Having a functional workspace set up in a corner of your home puts you in a work mode and motivates you to be creative and productive. It is recommended that you position your workstation near a window or against a wall to improve your concentration.

DECORATING THE WORKSPACE

If you still want to feel like you're in an office, decorate your workspace with small touches such as a proper desk and table, some table

decorations such as a table picture, small artificial plants, and table top figurines. Get ergonomic work equipment to ensure your comfort and to reduce the risk of injury or muscle pain from long periods of sitting.

DEVELOP A ROUTINE

Mirror the pattern of working from the office by having a resumption schedule, lunch break, and closing time. Working at all hours can be tempting, especially if your work tool is at home and always within reach. Creating a schedule also helps you stay focused on tasks to complete per day and helps you create healthy work boundaries so that your colleagues know when they can reach you for work-related conversations.

REACH OUT FOR HUMAN CONNECTION

Loosing track of time while working is completely normal because you are absolved on your system working. You need to intentionally reach out to your colleagues to either ask for references on work stuff, ditch sending a whatsapp message and instead send a voice note or even make a call, making efforts to be connected with your colleagues even though you are working remotely helps to keep the connection that, while it may not compare to a physical office, but it does help to keep the connection.

THINK OF WORKING FROM HOME AS A GIFT

Working from home is a blessing once you consider the obvious fact that you cannot have physical interactions with your coworkers. While working remotely may have taken away the fun of working with a team and making a few close friends, it has also given you the freedom to work from literally anywhere, allowing you to travel while still completing your tasks.

As a social being, it may be difficult to adjust to this new way of life, but we know that once you get used to it, if you come around, it may not be so bad that you will not want to live any other way.