THEWILL DOWNTOWN APR. 25 EDITION

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

AMAJU PINNICK Warri to The World!

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo: @HairByUgo

CONTENTS

8-11 COVER STORY:

AMAJU PINNICK Warri to the World!

LEADERS HAVE THREE FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES: THEY CRAFT A VISION, THEY BUILD ALIGNMENT, AND THEY CHAMPION EXECUTION Anonymous Taking on the mantle of responsibility is a task we all are placed with as human beings at some point in our lives. Some start really early depending on a number of factors ranging from family income to environmental challenges, culture, religion, geographic location, belief systems and so much more.

The average Nigerian understands that to survive here means to put in everything you have that often times yields just enough to get by, with many never living up to their full potential.

Amaju Pinnick has succeeded in re-writing what it means to be an average Nigerian -born into what he describes as the best polygamous family ever of 19 children- he has risen from the heartland of the Niger-Delta to become one of the most influential men in soccer globally. He is the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, a member of the CAF executive committee and one of them 37 FIFA executive council members!

Born, raised and educated in Nigeria, he is extremely passionate about this country. More importantly he is a man that is both a dreamer and a doer, armed with an unshakeable belief in the divine, while keeping his eyes firmly on the prize. The indomitable Warri spirit one hears so much about is evident in the cover interview. The words practically crackle with excitement as Mr Pinnick speaks exclusively to DOWNTOWN about his family, his faith and of course football!

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LIVING

Healthy Tips to Know this Ramadan

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ODDBOD & THE CITY

Enjoy your favorite Sunday read and you’ll see us next week.

Trying my Luck

LATASHA NGWUBE

6-7

@latashalagos

FASHION:

RED-Y MADE AUSTYN OGANNAH

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEf Editor: Latasha Ngwube Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Beauty Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahgram Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Senior Writer: Chisom Njoku @inchisomwetrust Contributing Writer: Boluwatife Adesina @bolugram Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs House Photographer: Rachel Seidu @rachelseidu Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Interns: Sophia Edisi, Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’

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LIVING

15 BEAUTY

DIFFERENT WAYS TO EXFOLIATE

3 Minimalist ideas to improve your living space

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WORDS TO EAT BY

Clandestine Matters

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

LIVING

FASHION

HEALTHY TIPS TO KNOW THIS RAMADAN Meals to avoid

Y

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

et again another month of Ramadan is upon us. During this holy month, Muslims are required to fast from dawn to sunset each day for 30 days and are to refrain from vices such as drinking and smoking.

This period can be hard for Muslims not to be able to eat whatever they want and also limiting the amount of energy they exert on daily tasks. Staying hydrated and energised can be a tough ask of anyone during this duration compounded with the natural hustle and bustle of Nigeria.

But where there’s a will there is a way. Here are a few tips that will help you ride this

Focus on what you eat As simple and cliche as this might sound, it’s one of the most misconstrued parts of this holy month. The meal eaten at dawn (Suhür) is very crucial.

It gives the body the required nourishment for it to keep running optimally.

Skipping this meal doesn’t make you an expert in fasting. There is no such thing. High fibre and protein meals should be an important part of your diet.

While munching during dusk (iftãr), resist the urge to bombard yourself with breakfast, lunch, dunch and dinner all at the same time and focus on getting your energy levels back up.

Dates and lots of water Isotonic drinks are a good source of energy, minerals and vitamins.

Going to bed with a heavy stomach will increase the chances of constipation during Ramadan.

Stay away from salt, caffeine, fried and processed food during this holy month.

The inclusion of too much salt during the preparation of meals can cause dehydration while fasting and increased heart levels. The diuretic effect caused by caffeine is a reason why it should be avoided.

Sugar, fried and processed food during this period and after isn’t advisable because of the health threat they pose. Swapping them out for healthier alternatives will do a world of good.

Cleanliness is next to…

Refrain from using this period to exhibit certain unhygienic tendencies. Dental hygiene shouldn’t be overlooked! Think not of yourself but those around you.

Persons with lengthy beards should endeavour to groom them properly to avoid food particles from falling into them.

Make time for a nap Keeping everything in moderation is important during Ramadan and this also reflects during taking naps and resting. Sleeping the whole day is a technique young people use to pass time till dusk but It isn’t the best use of time now is it?

Exercise This may or may not come to you as a surprise but keeping physically active during Ramadan has its health benefits. Abstain from high intensity work out and focus on keeping it light and simple.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

FASHION

The Bulls

All You Need To Know About

this is a deeply held desire to ponder and consider their every move (as well as yours).

They like to analyse… everything. And it’s this eternal deliberation that makes them so stubborn. They have already thought it all through and therefore are totally clear on, and committed to, where they stand.

SENSUOUS (misinterpreted as greedy)

Taureans are intensely physical creaturesthey revere the pleasures of the material world (rather than imaginative capers or fantasy stories). So: food, drink, chilling, pampering, shopping, sex. Basically, that’s it.

That activity-combo is what makes Taurus tick. And, they can have difficulty finding the off button for the aforementioned. This can lead them into trouble...

TAURUS: APRIL 21 - MAY 21

CHILLED (misinterpreted as zoned out)

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULẸ

“ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?”… this is something that partners of Taureans will get used to screaming, in sheer frustration and desperation, through locked doors/down stairways/into their other half’s face. Nope, they’re not listening to you (unless you’re offering food/drink/ sex/money). They are thinking. Or even, sometimes, just, you know, “chilling”.

Taureans love doing nothing. Just being kind of vacant. Let them be. It means you can get on with whatever you want to do and they won’t bother or fuss over you. Enjoy it!

P

erhaps the most misunderstood star sign, a lot of people think of Taureans as laid back, lazy and stubborn. Sure, they can come off like this sometimes, but actually, those behaviors are driven by a more intellectual and analytical nature than they are credited with.

Born between April 21 and May 21, Taureans ponder deeply on all matters… this could range from love, life, money, work, the weather to something as less significant as a random Netflix series from last year. They deconstruct situations carefully, pull them apart to understand how things work and what makes people tick. This takes a while (hence them seeming lazy) and when it’s done means that their conclusions are thorough and rock-solid (hence why they seem stubborn because they know their own mind).

Genevieve Nnaji

Mikel Obi

Money

The key to a lot of physical pleasure, and therefore the access code to their enjoyment of life (as well as quelling their deep-rooted Earth sign desire for security). ALL Taureans obsess over, respect and manage their money. They enjoy investing and saving.

To get an idea of the classic Taurean personality traits and types, we need only to look to some of the most famous bulls (the sign’s spirit animal): Mike Adenuga, Adele, LatashaLagos (our editor), David Beckham, Malcom X, Damilola Adegbite to name a few.

Taureans can be gentle and they can be fierce, they don’t like to be pushed, they have strong opinions, and they love their

Food

Malcom X Lizzo home comforts.

TYPICAL TAURUS PERSONALITY TRAITS PERSEVERANCE (misinterpreted as possessed)

If you want something done then ask a Taurus. No task or challenge will beat them, they have endless reserves of tenacity, patience and resilience.

As the tide on the shore, they’ll just keep coming back at it - Till it’s something it’s time to move on from i.e. relationships, feuds, unwinnable video gaming competitions, etc.

AESTHETIC (misinterpreted as: fussy)

This star sign likes the good life, prioritizes their comfort and pleasure over pretty much all else, and loves luxury. Their appearance, their homes, their material world will look, feel, smell and taste awesome! Remember this on birthdays and Christmas. Do NOT think the regular handbag from the local retail market will hold sway with this gal. Nope. They only want “the best”.

PATIENT (misinterpreted as: immovable)

Taureans live life at a slower pace than most other people (they’re usually late for stuff, too). What actually drives

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WHAT ARE TAUREANS INTO?

Taureans don’t eat to live, they live to eat. Food is massively important and they enjoy cooking and hosting dinner parties but, even more, going out to eat at any given opportunity. Natural-born food bloggers!

Chilling

They don’t even need Netflix. Just give them a dressing gown, a fluffy blanket and some peace and quiet and they can stay on that sofa for HOURS. Doing NOTHING.

Flirting

I can’t put my finger on why, exactly, but Taureans are always hot stuff and draw admirers like moths to a flame.

They only need to glance at a dating app, and it lights up with invitations. They know how to have a good time, so they make for a great company - in love or friendship! They love attracting admiring attention and are expert flirts.

Shopping.

It’s not just a necessity or pragmatic listdriven activity but, rather, a specialist event undertaken for its own pleasure.

They’re the kind of people who will go “downtown” all day, browsing and ambling around their favourite boutiques and stores (with a nice lunch too, obviously). They take shopping seriously. Don’t tag along unless you do too - you’ll be bored…

We understand now and we love you.

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

FASHION

ODUN OGUNBIYI

ODDBOD & THE CITY not stop rotating if I unclenched a little.

Turns out, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Trying my L

“Ods, there is space on the jet. You want to come to Jos for the day?”

“Heck yeah,” I replied and then proceeded to panic.

Luck

Make no mistake you will second and third guess yourself when you step out of your comfort zone, but you just have to take deep breaths and fall into the abyss. Good things are on the other side of your self-imposed barriers.

ast week I innocently asked, “Where is the rain?” and was slightly alarmed at the response from the heavens—a fullfledged deluge here in Lagos, things were happening in Abuja, and I got videos from all along the coast as far out as Liberia. I got my rain, and we were grateful for the cool weather. So just in case… *ahem* I am going to ask, “where is my MONEY?!”

This is Oddbod and the City, my Lagos adventure

Just Say Yes Sometimes in this life, you just have to get out of your own way. What I know about myself is I hate surprises and I am the least spontaneous person you will ever meet. It’s not something I am necessarily proud of, but it does mean that I have kept a diary/planner since the age of 13. My mum got me started, and these days to be frank, if it isn’t in my diary, it isn’t happening.

The upside to this, I am told, is I come across as super organised what you will find out to your peril though is, I am not the girl to invite last minute on an adventure.

The pandemic lockdown has rearranged my brain somewhat and I have been toying with the idea that maybe, just maybe, the earth would

So there I was on the tarmac a few days later and I tell you, I could definitely get used to the private jet lifestyle (Lord, are you listening) especially with the Covid created chaos that is air travel these days. We took off and, a little shimmy shimmy through the clouds, a skip around some rain, some whisky to keep the nerves steady, then we were at Jos. It was all contrasting rocky terrain and amazing blooming trees of the kind I have not seen since I was a child at my father’s farm. In the shade the breeze is cool, and my allergies were nowhere to be found.

All sorts of fruit grow up there like strawberries and mangoes the size of a baby’s head. When I heard that we grew coffee in Jos I just had to have some. Luckily, we had travelled up north with a local and I was immediately hooked up to the services of Kim’s Coffee who whipped up a batch of medium roast to go. The smell my people … divine. Super affordable too. Did we all know about this though? That we grew our own coffee?

Let me take a little time here to say how much I appreciate getting to enjoy a little of Nigeria’s cultural hidden gems that I otherwise would never have experienced.

The entertainment was provided by a troupe of Angas people, a minority ethnic group that migrated from Bornu and settled in the highlands of Plateau State. The music was unlike anything I had ever heard before, their drums were light and lyrical so that the whole experience was magical and midsummer nights dreamy. I am guessing the accompanying woodwind section had much to do with that vibe.

Some good food, some air kisses and kneeling later on, then I was back on the plane headed back. We finished the night off with some sushi and champers and it was time for bed. It took two to three business days to recover from it all ( these old bones, you see) but I regret NOTHING.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

STYLE

Suits Wearing a red suit is like making a bold statement.

It takes only the bold and daring to pull off this look.

Just like men, women also find men in red very attractive.

Tiwa Savage

Alex Ekubo

Dresses A lady in a red dress can be perceived to be more attractive, glamorous and confident than one dressed in any other colour.

RED-Y MADE

BY SOPHIA EDISI

W Shoes Red shoes complement any outfit and they never go out of style.

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hat colour catches your eye most times when you look around you? Your guess is as good as mine... red. What makes it such an attractive colour? Well, red means different things to different people. Sometimes it symbolises life, passion, confidence, energy and much more. Let’s not forget that it could also signal danger. The colour red is quite popular, no doubt and it can be infused into practically everything in our lifestyle, from home décor to wardrobes. Let’s look at a few things that come in this bold colour.

Tie In the professional world, a red tie symbolises power and self-confidence.

It also indicates that you are in absolute control and ready to conquer greater heights.

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

STYLE

Lipstick Cigar Cases A red cigar case is usually quite attractive to the eyes, compared to other colours.

Idia Aisen

Red lipstick looks good on every woman, regardless of their skin tone. All you have to do is find the right shade for your complexion.

Bag Much like shoes, a red bag literally goes with anything except an orange coloured outfit (personal opinion). Using a red bag as an accessory upgrades your outfit from simple to chic.

Cars

Wristwatch This is a perfect representation of intensity.

Red wristwatches are worn by strong, bold individuals who know what they want.

Some people believe that riding in a red car shows that you are ambitious, you love attention and you want others to see you as an easy-going person.

Decoration Red decors raise the energy level in your living room, evoking feelings of excitement and warmth.

Red wine

Roses Speaking the language of love is not complete without our all-time favourite... red roses. Red roses are the ultimate symbol of passion.

Red Velvet Cake Red Velvet cakes are quite appealing to the eyes and, of course, very delicious.

Imagine going on a date without a bottle of red wine. This is absolutely unthinkable. It is no secret that red wine has a long list of health benefits. It is also regarded as the ultimate beverage for couples going on a date because of its capacity to enhance a romantic mood.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

COVER

AMAJU PINNICK Warri to the World!

Pinning down Amaju Melvin Pinnick is no small feat.

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, FIFA executive council member, CAF executive committee member… and this is just his passion. The happily married father of 4 is also the Chairman of Brownhill Investments, a company with business interests that span from marine to property development across continents. He turned 50 last year at an intimate but classy affair where he performed with his wife and children before their guests. Showmanship is never far from Amaju Pinnick and neither is family.

As I settle down in his office to start this interview with the little window of time available, fortune smiles on me and I’m able to break the ice. A Twitter notification pops up and informs me rather cheekily that Jose Mourinho has been sacked from Tottenham and I blurt that out without verification. Amaju Pinnick immediately focuses on me as his eyes open slightly in disbelief…he’s hooked! We both begin scanning the channels on the sleek television screen in his office.

Within seconds on one of the sports channels, a banner scrolls by lazily with the confirmation of Mr. Mourinho’s dismissal- whose loss has become my gain in the moment and for a while at least I have Mr. Pinnick’s undivided attention until the phones start ringing again.

Talking to him, I catch a sense of purpose, duty and responsibility, the kind you read about great people in history and I immediately understand how this man has risen in the ranks to the dazzling heights he currently stands at. He is loyal to the ones upon whose shoulders he has climbed, grateful and cognizant of every window of opportunity and extremely hopeful.

He is also unafraid of his ambitions and proud of the Delta soil upon which he was born. His love of God and country lace his every word and it is easy to see how things would work in the favor of a man like this who truly believes.

Mr. Pinnick sits down with DOWNTOWN Editor Latasha Ngwube for an uncommon chat about his accomplishments in the Nigerian and global football space as well as all that he is grateful for right now.

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T

ell me a bit about your childhood?

Growing up was exciting, I come from a polygamous family. I’m the 14th of 19 children and I pride myself in having the best version of polygamy in the world because ours was a close-knit family where our parents preached two things; unity and education. You could hardly differentiate whose mom was who, a trait not common in polygamous homes.

What are some of the key lessons you learned from your father?

I was quite young but I was very close to him.

He was an amazing man and he wanted us to be very close, educated, and also follow some of his ways which I knew from the jump wouldn’t work, for example, polygamy and also smoking as he smoked a lot and ultimately died of lung cancer so I vowed never to smoke.

What sparked your interest in football and sports in general?

My late brother Patrick Okpomo was the former General Secretary of Nigerian football.

One of the finest football administrators that disrupted our football firmament. I call him my brother because there was no difference between the Pinnicks and the Okpomos. Till date, in our family home we still have brother Patrick’s room. At that young age, coming to Lagos and going for all the Super Eagles matches got me really and truly interested in football. I was very privileged to have my brother at that level and he would hold me by the hand to take me to see all the big games live and that’s where the dream started.

Congratulations on being one of the six Africans elected into the FIFA Executive Council; only the third Nigerian to ever be elected into the prestigious council. Was that part of the plan all along or it was just something that came up and you seized the opportunity?

Every football administrator eagerly and prayerfully anticipates getting to that level because it’s the highest level of football.

Even if I retired now, I would feel extremely thankful that I’ve been able to live this life because it is indeed a dream to be in the FIFA council and be among the 37 people who determine world football. The day I got elected, I wept because my late brother Patrick could not be here to live this dream but I’m doing it for us now. It’s something you have to be very intentional about but at the end of the day, I give glory to God. In 2014 when I became the NFF President, I had no

idea what plans God had for me; He has a way of moving you to that pedestal. After I survived an accident in 2011 that had me at death’s door, I’ve known that everything I would be is God’s will.

What was that experience like? Being so close to death.

It was frightening. Back then, I used to live in Warri and every year my wife and I held parties for married couples where older couples would counsel younger ones as well as share gainful experiences, and it became a big calendar event that people looked forward to.

At the end of every party there would be a huge fireworks display. This particular year, as usual, the display came at the end of the night but this thing came straight to my face and my entire jaw came off. I exclaimed Jesus! I told them to take me to various hospitals and finally settled on Shell and then I passed out. The next thing was surgery, I did thirteen surgeries.

All of them here in Nigeria?

No, the first two surgeries were in Nigeria and all the others were in England.

In the middle of the surgery, where was your head at?

I was thinking about my family.

My wife and I had just been married for 5 years so she was young and so was my family. It was really frightening but when I survived that first surgery I knew God wanted me to live.

Would you consider yourself to be a spiritual person?

I’m a divine person, my life is all about divinity and divinity is all about purity of the heart and being of God. That’s what I am.

What’s your average day like?

Very, very busy. I wake up at 7 am, sometimes 6:30 am then I go to the gym in my house, I have a trainer and I do one

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY: Shola Animashaun

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

COVER hour there four times a week. Today I have a meeting with the CAF emergency committee but I also have to go to Ijebu Ode and on my way to that meeting, I’ll be in my car on a Zoom meeting.

In the evenings I’m either playing tennis in Ikoyi club or I walk around my estate. I’m a wellness person and I do a lot of fitness activities; the kind of job I do requires me to stay fit.

Tell me about your university days?

When I was a student at the University of Benin, I came to Unilag to spend a weekend with my brother and he took me to an event [Miss Unilag] and after which, I saw people counting money and that got me interested. I went back to my school and we started Varsity Life Award Night (VLAN) with Shina Peters as the headliner for our first outing. Back then, Wizkid, Davido and Burna combined could not match Shina Peters in his hey day. His fee then was twenty-five thousand Naira and I dropped all the money I brought from home [two thousand Naira], I called my friends, we all contributed and we went to their office Idi-Oro in Mushin and paid. Nobody believed we could pull it off because Shina was the biggest thing and getting him was really difficult.

That was a turning point in my life because for that event, we had spent about twenty-eight thousand Naira but we made about ninety-seven thousand Naira. I kept my shares in UBA and from there I bought two motorbikes. Our biggest show was in 1993 when we booked Fela to perform.

Outside of the NFF and FIFA, what are your business interests?

When I left university, we started a company called AMP Ventures and we were running around doing contracts. I was a young productive hustler, who vowed never to work for anyone but I did internships with my uncle just to learn the basics of marine which was hugely in vogue at that time and that’s how I got some ideas.

In 2000, we started the Brownhill investment company limited as an offshore support service, latching onto the local content opportunities in our area. At some point, we had to raise money to build our first branch.

It’s on 100%. We’re happy, we have a five-year contract and automatic renewal after that’s done.

Even if I retired now, I would feel extremely thankful that I’ve been able to live this life because it is indeed a dream to be in the FIFA council and be among the 37 people who determine world football.”

What we do is, we partner with a lot of companies, find jobs and have our technical partners in every area in engineering. We’ve done a lot of big jobs in Edo state, Oyo state, even in Abia state.

In all areas, we have technical partners and it makes life very easy for us.

We have the Brownhill Coliseum which is the biggest event center in Warri and one of the best in this country. Under this, we have Brown Incorporated which organizes one of the biggest events in Delta State called The Warri Again Concert. We have Brown Properties developing select properties around our area and now expanding internationally.

You went from entertainment to construction and then formed your company Brownhill,Investments but how did you make the transition back to football?

Football has always been my passion, I was balancing everything side by side. If you look at my history you’ll see that I worked with FIFA during Nigeria ‘99 and that period was when I knew I was going to get into football.

I admired everything they did as they were spot on in terms of organization and administration.

I insisted to my late brother that I wanted to work with FIFA which was a turning point in my life.

What happened to the NFF-Nike deal?

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What’s the plan from the NFF to really make our professional football league lucrative?

We’ve been having a lot of issues but now we are coming out of it and a lot of companies are coming back to us now so we’re happy. Without television, it would be difficult to thrive because it’s the main ingredient.

Your transition and growth are quite commendable, what advice would you give to someone in the sports ecosystem looking to have growth like you one day?

Firstly to be prayerful, to be resilient, to be focused, and to be dogged. In Nigeria, you need the ‘ruggedity.

Do you have mentors or people who you look up to that guide your steps?

I admire a lot of people in this country, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Aigboje Imoukhuede, Dere Otubu – a man who sent me all over the world on different trainings and to whom I’m indebted. There’s also Chief Solomon Ogba, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and of course my wife and family are a big source of inspiration for me.

For so long women’s football has suffered neglect and disrespect.. what are your plans to change that narrative?

That’s not true, it has never been like that. Nigerian female football is number one in Africa and one of the best in the world. That is the truth.

I told you earlier I was off to Ijebu Ode and that is to watch a women’s football match. It is and will continue to remain a priority to the NFF. You’ve been influential in swaying a few brilliant Nigerians in the diaspora over to the Super Eagles, are we expecting to see more new faces, maybe Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze? We’re working towards that, there will be one or two surprises soon.

What would you say to the criticisms and the fraud accusations you’ve gotten over the course of your career?

Criticism builds, even Jesus, as saintly as he was they called him names. I read the Bible a lot and I learned a lot from it about being focused because there would be distractions as not everyone loves success. I’ve learned you cannot be successful if you depend on money but if you’re driven by passion to work you will have both money and results and those things resonate with me every day.

There are so many Nigerians that put in their passion and everything and still get nothing for it…

I’m entitled to thirteen million Naira ($85,000) yearly for accommodation in Abuja as President of the Nigerian Football Federation but for seven years, I’ve never collected a dime.

The NFF is chewing a lot to keep Nigerians happy but because I’m driven by passion those things are not

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

COVER

what matter to me. I go to Abuja every other week with my aides and NFF has never paid for my ticket, I don’t have an official car, I pay for my security and what I drive is my own.

Why do you love this country so much?

Why won’t I love this country so much? I say it everyday, we should never be discouraged about this country, we will get it right and

by God’s grace, we are getting it right but leadership is never easy. I want to commend the president as the government did everything in the book to make sure I got there so I got their support 100%. They also activated the same process that got Dr. Akunwunmi Adesina [President of the African Development Bank] elected. That’s why I say we have to keep believing in Nigeria because who would’ve thought that the government would do this without any hesitation.

What does family mean to you?

Everything.

Are any of your children involved in sports?

Yeah, my second son plays football for Barcelona Academy and Saint Saviours in school and he’s been admitted to Brooke House College in London. We’re emphasizing academics but if he gets into football then fine.

Would you say you started your family a little later than most?

When I got married I wasn’t young or old it was just God’s time and God’s time is the best.

Criticism builds, even Jesus, as saintly as he was they called him names…I’ve learned you cannot be successful if you depend on money but if you’re driven by passion to work you will have both money and results and those things resonate with me every day.”

How do you balance fatherhood, being a husband, your commitment to the country, and this sport that you live alongside your businesses?

It’s tough but you must do all these things to survive.

How do you find time for the things that you like?

I create time. Swimming, practicing the piano, learning French, playing table tennis..these are things I enjoy doing and I try to make time for all of it.

Other than football, what other sports interest you?

Everything. I play a lot of sports, I was on the volleyball team in secondary school and in university. I also enjoy jet skiing and I’m a very adventurous person.

You seem to lead a very charmed life, what is the one thing you are constantly grateful for?

Knowing God and his grace.

What drives you every day?

Godliness. Once you have Godliness you are driven.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

LIVING

3

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

Minimalist ideas to improve your living space

Less junk, more space When it comes to minimalist design, less is more. Avoid cluttering up your apartment with things that have no business being there. I’m sorry, but if you want to be reborn in the way of the minimalist, this is the path you must take. The more your apartment is cluttered with stuff, the smaller the space.

I

f we took a trip down memory lane, we would recall what the living room in a typical Nigerian home used to look like many years ago. Imagine yourself walking into an apartment cluttered with furniture. Items such as the famous red lamp, which also doubles as a radio set; dusty stuffed animals in the centre of the room and other pieces of furniture that have no business being in a living room will most certainly catch your eye.

Fast-forward to recent years. Interior decoration has assumed a bold minimalist dimension, with simple colours, nature and art as the key driving tools. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, more people seem to consider the simplicity in the minimalist design to be more visually appealing. In the light of this, I suggest three ways to give your apartment a cosy minimalist makeover.

Explore that grey area Using the right colours for your living space is key to the underlying philosophy of minimalist design, which is simplicity.

White, grey, beige are good and neutral colours. Sometimes a perfect blend of all three colours produces that rich and natural ambience that you so desire.

What these colours accomplish is that they dictate the tone for the entire space. The

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furniture, art work and everything else must be tailored to fit the underlying colour. Now bring in accents, colours and different textures. These will help to shift the focus from the room and attract other people’s attention. Colours like forest green and blue are good examples. As for texture, switching it up with patterned rugs, throw pillows and fur can also help.

Replacing bulky pieces of furniture with smaller ones and switching to plain coloured walls, will help objects and art works to breathe well. It will also accentuate their beauty.

Once you’ve done this, you have passed the first stage of the minimalist rebirth.

Let there be light!

The most famous creation story in history began with these words and it so happens to be the next step in your minimalist journey.

Light is the epitome of simplicity. With it comes this calm aura and warmth.

For your windows, replace those thick and dark curtains with thin floor-length ones.

This turns the window into a focal point when anyone steps into the room. The strategic positioning of a mirror can help light travel around a space. Certain plants also serve as aesthetics for setting subtle undertones as well.

VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

WORDS to EAT by

DOWNTOWN EATS

UZO ORIMALADE

CLANDESTINE MATTERS ama T. We are ready to go in’.

‘M ‘Copy. Remember. No one gets hurt. In and out. Get it. Leave.’

Did I just say copy? Am I holding a walkie talkie while sitting in my car at 1am? Am I actually having a conversation with a 6-foot 5 inch tall 150kg mountain of a man called Shine Shine Bobo? On a mission?

This is not me. However, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Let me take you back.

It all started a few weeks ago.

I work for a brand agency. It is not a large agency, but we are doing so well that we are a force to be reckoned with in the industry. I handle the most high-profile clients of the agency and I am proud to say I have developed and executed marketing and public relations campaigns that feature the most popular influencers in the country. When Lolu – the owner of the agency called me into her office one morning, I thought it was business as usual. I was wrong. Lolu told me she was taking a sabbatical from the agency. To travel the world and tick things off her bucket list. She planned to hand the agency over to me to run and offered me a 20% stake in the company. To say I was stunned is putting it lightly.

Before I had a chance to say anything, she gave me a condition.

Lolu said I had to pull off a one-of-a-kind campaign for our newest client. This client gave us a blank check and the freedom to create. All she wanted was a show stopping campaign. Lolu told me if I delivered on this brief, the agency was all mine – in a manner of speaking.

This was an opportunity of a lifetime and I spent days and nights fleshing out ideas and concepts.

Nothing seemed big enough. I would have starved if my neighbour – an elderly widow I called Aunty did not come around with a bowl of jollof rice every evening. Not just any jollof rice. Aunty’s jollof rice is life changing. Smoky not too spicy rice, cooked in a rich tomato sauce that is to die for. I am no cook but I have asked Aunty to show me how to make her jollof rice, but my attempts are not even close. Aunty told me the recipe is one that has been in her family for generations, and she finally decided to write it down in a recipe book she keeps in her bedroom.

One morning after a long night thinking about ideas for the life changing campaign with no progress, I packed some of Aunty’s jollof rice for lunch and headed into the office. I stopped at a new café to get some coffee and that is when I saw him. Nigerian superstar and Grammy winner Koledade. He was seated at a table in the corner wearing a hoodie, but I knew it was him. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to his table and took a seat. I introduced myself and I admit he looked startled. I wasted no time reassuring him I was not a stalker. I told him I had an amazing business opportunity for him, told him a little about my agency and my blank check client and suggested a meeting in the office to talk some more. He said he had time on his hands and could follow me to the office immediately.

There are no words to express the high I was on when I walked into Lolu’s office with Koledade in tow. I did not have a clear strategy, but I was sure that having Koledade attached to our agency was a coup. What I thought would be a brief chat turned into a full pitch meeting with Koledade calling his

manager to meet us at our office. While we waited for his manager to join us, I high tailed it to the lunchroom to sneak a few spoonful’s of my lunch.

‘That smells really good’. I whipped around so suddenly, that I almost dropped the plate.

Koledade smiled and said ‘I am sorry if I startled you. Whatever that is, it smells really good.’ ‘Just my lunch’ I said. ‘When I am hungry, I can barely function’. ‘I can relate’.

He said. ‘Seriously, that smells really good’. I grabbed an extra fork and said ’would you like to join me? There is more than enough here’.

He pulled up a chair and took the first forkful.

His eyes widened and he said ‘This is the most delicious jollof rice I have had in my life. You are an amazing cook. Goodness’. ‘Thank you’ I said. What was I supposed to say? That I did not make it? A little wisp of a lie. I did not give it a second thought. Until…

We were all back in Lolu’s office. Lolu and Koledade’s manager had been negotiating fees for the past hour with not much progress made. Koledade was busy on his phone doing goodness knows what and suddenly stood up. ‘Final offer. Xxx million naira with her as project lead’. He smiled in my direction. Lolu jumped in quickly saying ‘Done’. Koledade said ‘An extra condition. Everyone on my team must taste that jollof rice before we sign the contract. Let us call it my superstar demand.

We sign in a week.’

We shook hands and Koledade and his team left. Lolu smiled at me and said ‘Congratulations. It looks like I get to call you my partner now. Well done.’

I was over the moon. I saw an opportunity and I seized it. I was going to be a partner at 30. The jollof rice condition was a non-issue.

I planned to ask Aunty very nicely and even offer to pay her to have a party sized amount in time for the contract to be signed. When I got home, I called Aunty.

‘Good evening ma. How are you?’

‘I am fine. Very fine. It is good you are calling me. I left in such a hurry; I did not call you like I planned to’ Left? I sat up straight.

‘Where are you Aunty?’

‘I am on my way to Port Harcourt. My daughter had her baby this morning. Earlier than expected but she and the baby are fine.

I am going to be with her family for at least 2 months so my niece and her friend from university will stay in my apartment until I return. God be praised.’

Aunty hung up before I could say anything else. This was not happening. No way.

This is why I am here. At this hour. Why I am sitting in my car waiting for Shine Shine Bobo to break into Aunty’s apartment, search her room for the recipe book that has the jollof rice recipe in it and bring it to me? My future depends on it.

Jollof Rice You will need: • 1 small onion – diced • 3 cups long grain rice • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 3 tablespoons tomato paste • 2 cups stock (chicken or meat) • 2 teaspoons curry powder • 1 teaspoon thyme • 1 teaspoon white pepper • 2 bay leaves • Salt to taste • 1 small onion - sliced • 1 large tomato - sliced • About 50 grams of butter For the sauce, blend: • 3 red bell peppers • 4 tomatoes • 1 yellow habanero pepper (more if desired) • Boil the pepper mix until most of the liquid from mix evaporates. The blend should be thick and ‘dry’ Instructions • In a large pot, heat the oil.

• Add the diced onions and fry for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.

• Add the tomato paste and fry for about 5 minutes stirring constantly.

• Add the rice and cook for about 5 minutes.

• Add the blended sauce mix, stock (start with 1 cup and add as you go along) and seasonings.

• Stir well and let the pot come to a boil.

• Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot and cook until the rice is done. (Add additional stock if necessary) • Add the sliced tomatoes, onions and butter and stir.

• Turn the heat off and let the steam soften the vegetables.

• Stir before serving.

Enjoy!!!

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

FASHION Movie Review: BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Johnathan Coyne, Taylour Paige, Jeremy Shamos Director: George C. Wolfe Spoiler Warning: This review contains some plot elements about the movie

M

a Rainey’s Black Bottom marks the second collaboration of powerhouse duo, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, following 2013’s adaptation of the great August Wilson’s stage play, Fences. Denzel returns to work with Viola Davis, but he’s now in the producer’s seat, bringing to life yet another adaptation of Wilson’s stage plays. Like its predecessor, it features some tour de force performances, especially the superb Chadwick Boseman in his final acting credit before his untimely passing in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even if my gripe is the style of adaptation of the original play.

The director of this motion picture, Tony Award winner, George C. Wolfe, guides this movie along with a fairly steady hand. Some of his choices, such as the confinement of the film into two rooms, a la an actual stage play may seem contrived at first, but he and cinematographer Tobias A. Schliessler found a way to shoot a movie that still retains some of its theatre roots: Tight quarters, big performances, blocking that teases out certain character dynamics, shots that float around enclosed rooms and captures the characters’ myriads reactions; long monologues, as well as extreme close-ups held in immobile frames. All of this makes the two-room set feel far from cramped.

Speaking about big performances, Chadwick’s Levee is walking trauma, rare talent, and youthful abandon all in one trash-talking package. Boseman is a marvel from his high-spirited intro, shoes first, to his shockingly vulnerable confession monologue, to his rage against both the white man and God, and on through to his inevitable exhausted defeat. The movie, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, has the awful privilege of being the last vehicle for Chadwick Boseman’s gift. And what a gift. Boseman pours himself so thoroughly into the role that it’s hard not to wonder if he knew it would be his swansong. Despite all of Levee’s adult self-regard he’s still essentially a wounded child - watch the way his eyes dart for approval when he reminds his bandmates that “everybody can’t play like I do” while boasting about his musical future. Boseman packs such conflicting complex emotion into every scene and such fire into his blasphemous pronouncements against God that you worry for his soul even if you aren’t religious! It’s the single best performance of an impressive but tragically short career.

Viola Davis, playing the role of Ma Rainey, commands respect as the “Mother of the Blues.” The gold grill, grease paint and padding she dons, no doubt, transform her into a ferocious full-figured front woman fighting to assert her dominance in a male space powered by black talent, but subjugated by white men.

Although Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is set in 1927 Chicago, it is tragic that many of these same dynamics remain within the music industry. The rest of the cast shine in their own ways. Whenever Viola isn’t (appropriately) show-boating, which is much of the time, we’re in rehearsal with band leader Cutler (Colman Domingo), pianist Toledo (Glynn Turman), bassist Slow Drag (Michael Potts) and Boseman. They’re continually laughing, bickering, philosophizing. They’re all superb.

The movie is damn near perfect, but it is not without its flaws. One of the low points is that the audience learns a lot about Levee’s past and his motivations, but not enough about Ma Rainey. Beyond her attempts to assert her authority and the way she flouts her sexuality and gender mores, a lot is still unknown about this character. Although Googling her name fills in a few blanks on the real Ma Rainey, the role would have been multi-dimensional had she been fleshed out beyond her defiance. This makes what Davis is able to do with the role all the more impressive because what she doesn’t establish physically she draws from emotionally.

“Everything changing all the time. Even the air you’re breathing changes,” says Toledo. The sense that we’re beholden to the whims of unseen forces—that we’re not the protagonists of our own stories—cuts deep, as do the ensemble performances that give Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom so much resonance, poignancy, and power.

Score: 8.5/10.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

BEAUTY

B Y: S O P H I A EDISI

EXFOLIATING SPONGE This is a more gentle way to exfoliate your skin. You can wet the sponge with warm water and your face scrub, then massage gently.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO

EXFOLIATE E

xfoliating should be a crucial part of your skincare routine because it removes dead skin cells from the outer layers of the skin, which makes products work faster and leaves your skin looking fresh.

In doing this, you are increasing the blood circulation in your body, as well as brightening and improving your skin’s appearance.

EXFOLIATING GLOVES If you are unable to use brushes or sponges for certain reasons, then these gloves are your best bet and they are great for full-body coverage.

The good thing about exfoliating is that it does not only slough away dead skin and encourage fresh cell turnover, but it also cleans and purifies clogged pores which make beauty products penetrate deeper, boost circulation, and tone your skin.

Chemical exfoliation involves skin peels which are best left for the professionals, whereas mechanical exfoliation is a simple home routine process. Knowing your skin type will help you to decide which method to use.

Here are some tools you’ll need for exfoliating.

EXFOLIATING BRUSH This brush gives a more effective result when it comes to cleansing the face because the rotations are what sweeps away dead cells, makeup and dirt, thereby leaving your face clean and soft.

EXFOLIATING SCRUB When shopping for this, it is important to read the description to know if it’s suitable for you. Better still, go for the one that works for all skin types.

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VOL 1 NO.11 • APRIL 25– MAY 01, 2021

websights DOWNTOWN

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Of Legacy…

Of Legacies & Betrayals

When a music artist attains a certain level of success, the industry expectation is that they pay it forward by bringing up and coming artists through the ranks. This is a very common phenomenon that we’ve seen over the years. Now, the heavy head wearing the crown is Grammy award winner, Burna Boy. Unprovoked, the Killin’ Dem crooner took to social media to announce that he was looking for a young up and coming artist to pass the baton to…

Of Betrayals...

Imagine being listed as the director of a firm and knowing absolutely nothing about your appointment or termination. This is the accusation being levelled against socio-economic/political commentator, Japhet Omojuwa by former minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili also known as Madam Due Process.

Mrs. Ezekwesili says her name was fraudulently used by Mr. Omojuwa to register his PR firm. The chartered accountant has petitioned the acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, requesting him to investigate Japhet Omojuwa for alleged fraudulent use of her name and identity as a director of his (Omojuwa) firm, Alpha Reach Limited. days. Mrs. Ezekwesili’s petition to the acting IGP would come after Omojuwa had claimed that he got her consent before enlisting her as a director of his PR firm.

Mrs. Ezekwesili argued that she only learnt of her status as director of the controversial PR firm when contacted by BuzzFeed, a foreign media outfit. It would turn out that Mr. Saab was arrested and detained in Cape Verde last year over alleged money laundering.

The twist to that is that he already has an incredibly talented artist in Buju signed on to his record label, Spaceship Record.

The label signed Buju in April 2020 and released his first hit single which was a remix to Buju’s Lenu featuring Burna Boy. Buju has been featured on many successful singles and is currently working on a body of work that will be released later this year. So of course, Twitter NG felt the need to remind Burna Boy to perhaps look inward and work with the talent he already has at his disposal. Here are some of the reactions…

This came after a series of back and forth serving of papers which started with Mrs. Ezekwesili requesting that Omojuwa gave a public explanation and apology for the alleged crime; to which Omojuwa immediately responded as soon as he was served court papers; he quickly denied Mrs. Ezekwesili’s co-owner status of the firm. However, he insisted, howbeit through his lawyers, that she was made a director of Alpha Reach (alongside now-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam El-Rufai) with her consent. He would go on to remind us of his long relationship with the former minister of education, providing every nitty gritty details of the birth and deterioration of what used to be a mother-son relationship.

Alpha Reach Ltd was allegedly paid to run a social media campaign advocating for the release of Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab.

This caused a lot of unsettling on Nigeria’s Twitter space as a handful of influencers were suspended for a few

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While Mrs. Ezekwesili has not denied her relationship with Mr. Omojuwa or the fact that he played a role in her political career in the past, there remained a connection between her and the PR firm with no relevant documents to back it up. Omojuwa promised to provide these documents if he could get Mrs. Ezekwesili to sign an undertaking to keep details of the document away from public eyes.

Having gone on for weeks, of course, the Nigerian Twitter community weighed in as usual. Here are some of the reactions…

With Buju reportedly releasing a music project later this year, “Of Legacies” might prove to be a much-needed press in his favour.

“Of Betrayals” on the flip side has a rather unpredictability to its conclusion (for now) that keeps us on the edge of our seats.