THEWILL DOWNTOWN, AUGUST 09, 2026 by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

Amb.

ELIJAH ONYEAGBA

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

Diplomacy, Development, and the Discipline of Service

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE

CONTENT

13 FITNESS Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

14 HEALTH

have always believed that the most enduring leaders are not necessarily the loudest. They are the ones whose work quietly transforms institutions, creates opportunities, and leaves a lasting legacy. In this issue, we celebrate one such leader, His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, whose remarkable career reflects service, vision, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria's progress. Onyeagba's journey has taken him from banking and housing finance to public policy and diplomacy, proving that leadership is built on purpose rather than position. Whether strengthening Nigeria's relationship with Burundi, championing affordable housing, or contributing to financial institutions, he has consistently focused on creating meaningful impact while investing in people and nation-building. In our exclusive conversation, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership, the importance of strong institutions, youth empowerment, and economic reform. His perspective is a timely reminder that Nigeria's future will be defined by leaders who choose service over spectacle and lasting impact over personal recognition. Read Onyeagba’s story on pages 8 to 10. Cybercriminals do not only target the rich or famous; everyday users are equally vulnerable. Small digital habits can expose your personal information without you realising it. This week’s Techtalk highlights five common tech mistakes to avoid, along with simple ways to keep your devices and data secure. See page 18.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

04-05 FASHION

#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS

8-10 COVER

11 LUXURY SILK

BEAUTY

How to Pull Off the Rich Auntie Look

Untold Truths I Put a Date on Hope

Amb. Elijah Onyeagba Diplomacy, Development, and the Discipline of Service

LIVING

17 CAREER 18 TECHTALK 19

Do You Need the Receipt?

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

5 Non-Surgical Ways to Achieve a Defined Jawline

REVIEW

Healing in Silence The Mental Health Crisis We Don’t Talk About The Death of Private Life

Life Admin Small Tasks That Reduce Everyday Stress The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback at Work Tech Mistakes Everyday Habits That Risk Your Data

Trying New Things

Moana

WHAT YOU SAID Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm

- Contributing Writer Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.

Onah

Issue No. 286 • August 2, 2026

UZOAMAKA OSHOGWE

Beginning a fitness journey is easy; staying on course is the real challenge. When results seem slow, the problem is often not effort but everyday habits working against your goals. Page 13 uncovers five common fitness mistakes and the simple adjustments that can help you achieve lasting, measurable progress.

15 CULTURE

Fitness Mistakes Small Habits That Slow Down Your Progress

Redefining Hospitality

INSTAGRAM

@zang_luxury Beauty and Brain

@onahluciaa +2348033239132

AUSTYN OGANNAH

Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind - Contributing Writer Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Writers:Dorcas Akintoye, Johnson Chukwueke & Evi-Ben Ezaga Design & Layout: Hogan Effiom Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun, Victoria Dairo & Olamide Abolarin Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Avenue, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888

Ada Obiajunwa @aaddaahh - Contributing Writer Ada Obiajunwa writes from Lagos about the big truths tucked inside ordinary moments — friendship, self-discovery, and the quiet revolutions of everyday life. She believes in the power of presence, good banter, and decoding the unsaid. Through her fragrance studio, WhiffWonders, she also crafts scents that weave memory and emotion into experiences that feel like home.

@the_support_women Excellent cover

@_allybayempire

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Issue No. ISSUE NO.287 261••August FEBRUARY 9, 2026 08, 2026

THEWILL THEWILL DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com • www.thewilldowntown. com

FASHION

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

HOW TO PULL T OFF THE RICH AUNTIE LOOK

here is something about the “Rich Auntie” look that instantly turns heads. It is not about wearing the most expensive clothes or showing off designer labels. Instead, it is about looking classy, comfortable, and confident without trying too hard. In this article, we will show you four ways to pull off the “Rich Auntie” look.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

FASHION WEAR FLOWING OUTFITS One thing every “Rich Auntie” outfit has in common is that it flows . Instead of tight or body hugging clothes, go for pieces that are loose, comfortable, and elegant. Silk boubous, maxi dresse s, linen co-ords, kaftans, an d wide-leg palazzo trousers are great choices.They give you that relaxed bu t expensive look without sacrificing comfort.The key is to make sure your outfits are well-tailored. Loose clothing should sti ll fit properly and look ne at. When your outfit drape s beautifully on your body, it instantly gives off that ric h, effortless vibe.

KEEP YOUR ACCESSORIES MINIMAL “Rich Aunties” do not wear everything at once. Their accessories are simple but intentional. A structured handbag, a pair of oversized dark sunglasses, simple gold jewellery, pearl earrings, or a classic wristwatch are often all you need. These pieces add elegance without taking attention away from your outfit.Your shoes should also look neat and classy. Leather slippers, stylish sandals, pointed flats, or low heels are perfect because they complete the look without looking over the top.

CHOOSE FABRICS THAT LOOK RICH

The fabric you wea r can completely change how your outfit looks.Th e “Rich Auntie” style is kn own for fabrics such as sil k, linen, satin, high-quality cotton, and crepe, which look soft, luxurious, and eleg ant.They also hold their sh ape well and instantly mak e simple outfits look more expensive. Instead of buying many trendy outfits, inve st in a few pieces made with goodquality fabrics.

STICK TO NEUTRAL COLOURS

If you pay attention to the “Rich Auntie” aesthetic, you will notice that the colours are usually soft and timeless.White, cream, beige, brown, black, olive green, navy blue, and other neutral shades always look elegant. These colours make your outfit feel more polished and allow the fabrics and tailoring to stand out.

The “Rich Auntie” look is about dressing with intention, choosing quality pieces, and embracing effortless elegance.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS

SALLY CHIWUZIE

UNTOLD TRUTHS @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

I Put a Date on Hope

here had been no official announcement that the drought was over.

That sentence is easy to dismiss when life is difficult. It can sound like denial. Yet I have repeated it most fiercely in seasons when nothing appeared to be working out at all. Sometimes the words were not a description of my reality. They were the language I chose so disappointment would not become prophecy.

No trumpet sounded. No single moment arrived large enough to photograph, frame and call a breakthrough. There was simply rain.

Positive thinking does not deny pain. Affirmations are not magic, and mindset does not remove every obstacle. They shape the inner voice with which we meet uncertainty.

It fell against the windows, darkened the pavements and released that familiar scent from the earth, as though the ground had been holding its breath. Then the clouds shifted, and sunlight poured through them in gold.

Whatever we repeat begins to live within us. Fear can take root there, but so can possibility. By July, I began to see what had been growing beneath the surface.

For a few minutes, the world appeared to be doing several beautiful things at once. That was July for me.

The answers did not come as one dramatic downpour. They arrived through people, openings, work, movement, kindness and small interventions that appeared at exactly the right time.

Before it arrived, I was not sure I could survive everything it seemed determined to carry. There were plans to make, journeys to take, responsibilities to meet and uncertainties I could not solve. Some were practical. Others sat quietly in my chest and made ordinary things feel heavier than they were.

Some were the fruit of effort. Others felt like unmerited grace. Nothing announced itself as abundance. The atmosphere simply changed.

I made plans anyway. I did not know whether July would work out for me. I only knew I could not enter it believing it would destroy me. Sometimes faith is not confidence. Sometimes it is refusing to let fear write the whole story. It is preparing for a future you cannot prove and trusting that provision will meet you somewhere between departure and arrival. I have moved like this since I was a teenager. Acting before certainty appears has carried me through migration, motherhood, reinvention, work, loss and several versions of beginning again. It has not protected me from bad decisions, and not every risk was wise. It has, however, prevented uncertainty from becoming paralysis. The story began before July. On the first day of June, I planted seeds. They were ordinary seeds placed into ordinary soil, but planting always asks something of us. We

For the first time in a long while, I could testify. July ended beneath the Buck Moon, bright against the darkness, and I looked up. The moon did not remove the night. It reminded me that light does not need darkness to disappear before it can be seen.

take what is small, bury it in darkness and trust that disappearance is not the same as death. When the first green shoots appeared, I made a declaration: by the thirtieth of June, I would testify. It was audacious, even for me. I had put a date on hope. The date was not a contract with God. It was a contract with myself not to abandon hope before then. Nothing around me had changed dramatically. The problems remained, and life had shown no sign that it intended to respect my deadline. Still, the seedlings had broken through the soil, and that was enough. I watered them. I also watered my plans, my prayers and the belief that everything was always working out for me.

Perhaps this is the real work of an #Unshakable mindset. It does not promise that drought will end on command. It asks us to keep planting while the ground is dry and to resist digging up our hopes because we cannot yet see growth. What have you stopped watering because it has not become visible? What would you prepare for if you stopped demanding certainty before taking the first step? Perhaps the #Unshakable truth is this: sometimes we plant the seeds, sometimes we become the soil, and sometimes grace becomes the rain. Then, when the season is right, life begins doing several beautiful things at once. ‘See’ you next week.

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Issue No. 287 • Auguat August 9, 2026

COVER

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

n a time when leadership is often measured by noise and public spectacle, some leaders stand out for substance. They build across sectors, move with purpose, and leave their mark not just through titles, but through service, ideas, and impact. His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba belongs to that class of leaders. From banking halls to housing finance, from public policy to the diplomatic stage, his journey reflects a life shaped by discipline, deep thinking, and a steady commitment to building people, institutions, and nations. A respected diplomat, economist, financial services expert, and public policy leader, Ambassador Onyeagba has spent more than two decades working across some of Nigeria’s most important sectors. He served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burundi, where he strengthened bilateral relations between both countries, helped establish the Nigeria-Burundi Joint Commission, supported trade and education partnerships, and promoted Nigeria’s culture and interests across East Africa. Before diplomacy, he built a strong career in banking and housing finance, holding leadership roles at institutions including ASO Savings & Loans, Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Plc, Equitorial Trust Bank, Bond Bank, and Platinum Bank. As Chief Executive Officer of Countrywide Housing Company, he championed affordable housing and pushed conversations around economic growth, real estate development, and access to better living for Nigerians. Beyond his professional work, he is also deeply invested in youth development, governance, and the future of Africa. In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, PhD, discusses the lessons that have shaped his journey from finance to diplomacy, why housing remains one of Nigeria’s most urgent development priorities, and what representing the country abroad taught him about Nigeria’s strength and global value. He also shares his thoughts on leadership, youth empowerment, institution building, economic reform, and the kind of future he believes is still possible for Nigeria and Africa.

AMB. ELIJAH

ONYEAGBA PAGE 8

Diplomacy, Development, and the Discipline of Service

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

COVER From mortgage banking and housing finance to diplomacy and public service, your journey has been anything but conventional. What has been the driving force behind your career and life's mission, and ultimately shaped your experiences as a leader? It’s a balanced opinion; it’s significantly a thing of pride to represent your nation, as it’s the highest form of representation. It is an honour. It comes with high responsibility; it allows me to truly appreciate Nigeria. While in Burundi, I realised that the dream of the average Burundian was to visit Nigeria. Diplomacy has shaped me the most: balancing my national interest, building relationships across cultures, and understanding that leadership is ultimately about service, continuous dialogue, and finding common ground. My years in banking gave me discipline and a very analytical mindset that guides me to provide better service. In civil service, it’s difficult to break habits; making policies within a regimented system is not easy. It’s a balanced opinion: the heart of everything I have done has been a desire to create opportunities and improve lives. Whether I was working in banking, housing finance, public policy, or diplomacy, the common thread has always been service. I grew up believing that leadership is not about titles; it is about impact. My mission has been to contribute, in whatever capacity I find myself, to building stronger institutions, creating economic opportunities, and helping people realise their potential. At the heart of everything I have done has been a desire to create opportunities and improve lives. Housing decisions represent one of the most important decisions for every household. While each chapter has taught me something valuable, I would say housing finance had a profound impact on me. Housing sits at the intersection of economics, dignity, family, and national development. Working in that space exposed me to the everyday realities of ordinary Nigerians and reinforced my belief that policy must ultimately improve people's lives. I also learnt that trust is the most important currency of leadership; credibility and integrity remain indispensable assets.

education, and regional affairs. We established the Nigeria-Burundi Joint Commission; we executed bilateral agreements in the form of MOUs in the areas of Political Consultation, Education Cooperation, and Technical Aid Corps. We established the Nigeria-Burundi Business Association and commenced trade relations between Nigerian and Burundian businessmen. We established a Nigerianowned university in Burundi and established strong political relations between the ruling party of Burundi, CNDD-FDD, and the Nigerian ruling party, APC. Burundians love running; everyone runs in Burundi. So we established RunBuia, which is a half marathon that happens around Nigeria Independence Day. Beyond official engagements, I am proud that I represented Nigeria with dignity and contributed to advancing our country's image and interests on the African continent. I amplified Nigeria's culture, food, music, movies and fashion to the people of Burundi and East Africa. I engaged in my tour of duty proudly as a Nigerian.

"Titles come and go. What endures is character, values, and the lives you touch along the way. If my children and future generations Having studied and trained institutions such as can say that I helped at Harvard, Wharton, Oxford, INSEAD, what global leave things better than and leadership lessons do you Nigeria can adapt I found them, that would think more effectively? mean a great deal to One major lesson is the importance of institutions over individuals. Great me."

How has representing Nigeria abroad changed your perspective on our country's strengths and opportunities? What gives me the greatest satisfaction is strengthening relationships and building bridges between nations and people. Diplomacy is often measured by outcomes that may not immediately make headlines, but over time create lasting opportunities. I am particularly proud of efforts we embarked on that have fostered deeper cooperation, encouraged economic engagement, and strengthened people-to-people connections between Nigeria and Burundi.

"I am particularly proud of efforts we embarked on that have fostered deeper cooperation, encouraged economic How has representing Nigeria engagement, and abroad changed your perspective strengthened people- on our country's strengths and to-people connections opportunities? It has made me even more optimistic Nigeria. Sometimes when you between Nigeria and about live within a country, you become consumed by its challenges. But when Burundi."

Affordable housing has been a major part of your professional journey. Why do you believe housing remains one of Nigeria's most urgent development priorities? Housing is more than shelter; it is a foundation for dignity, family stability, job creation, and economic growth. A vibrant housing sector stimulates industries ranging from cement and steel to finance and construction. If we address Nigeria's housing deficit strategically, we can unlock enormous economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. As Nigeria's most recent Ambassador to Burundi, what achievement are you most proud of during your diplomatic service? I am particularly proud of strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Burundi and promoting greater cooperation in trade,

What concerns you most about the future of young Nigerians, and what gives you hope? What concerns me is the widening gap between aspiration and opportunity. Too many talented young people are looking for pathways to succeed and sometimes struggle to find them. What gives me hope is that despite these challenges, Nigerian youth remain incredibly resilient. Every day, I meet young Nigerians who are building businesses, creating solutions, and redefining what is possible. Their determination gives me confidence in our future.

you represent Nigeria internationally, you see how much respect there is for our resilience, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural influence. Our greatest asset remains our people. The world recognises that, and we should too. You have participated in discussions on governance and Africa's youth population for many years. Do you see Africa's youth bulge as an opportunity or a challenge? I see it as both. It is a challenge if we fail to invest in education, skills, entrepreneurship, and job creation. But it is an extraordinary opportunity if we get those things right. Africa's young people are not a problem to be solved; they are a resource to be empowered. The future of the continent will largely depend on how effectively we harness their energy, creativity, and innovation.

nations are built on systems that outlive personalities. Another lesson is the value of innovation, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking. Sustainable development requires long-term thinking and strong institutions. You once contested for elective office. How different is public service through politics compared to diplomacy, and are you interested in contesting future elections? Diplomacy and politics are both avenues for public service, but they operate differently. Diplomacy emphasises consensus and national representation, while politics involves direct engagement with citizens and addressing local aspirations. I remain committed to serving my country and people wherever I am called to contribute, and I believe public service should always be driven by purpose rather than ambition. In your view, what are the three biggest reforms Nigeria needs to unlock sustainable economic growth? First, investment in human capital-education, healthcare, and skills development. Second, infrastructure development, particularly power and transportation. Third, strengthening institutions and improving the ease of doing business. When these three areas work together, they create an environment where innovation, investment, and economic growth can flourish. You are often described as a disruptive thinker. Can you share a moment when challenging conventional wisdom led to a breakthrough? Throughout my career, I have often found that progress comes when we question assumptions. In housing finance, for example, many people accept certain limitations as permanent realities. I believed there were alternative ways to structure solutions and create access. Some of the most meaningful progress I have witnessed came from asking a simple question: "Why must it be done this way?" Innovation often begins there.

"Whether I was working in banking, housing finance, public policy, or diplomacy, the common thread has always been service."

Leadership often comes with pressure and criticism. How do you stay grounded and maintain perspective? Family, faith, and purpose keep me grounded. Leadership is not always easy, and criticism

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER is inevitable. I remind myself that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. I focus on the mission rather than the noise. At the end of the day, what matters is whether you have acted with integrity and done your best to make a positive difference. Beyond your professional accomplishments, what legacy would you like your children and future generations to remember you for? I would like to be remembered as someone who served faithfully, led with integrity, and used every opportunity I was given to make a positive impact. Titles come and go. What endures is character, values, and the lives you touch along the way. If my children and future generations can say that I helped leave things better than I found them, that would mean a great deal to me. If you could leave Nigerians with one message about leadership, nation-building, and Africa's future, what would it

be? My message is simple: Nigeria and Africa's future will not be determined by circumstances, but by the quality of our leadership and the collective choices we make. We must reject cynicism, embrace unity, invest in our people, and build institutions that will outlive us. I remain optimistic that the best days of Nigeria and Africa are still ahead. Nation-building is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a future worthy of generations yet unborn.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

LUXURY SILK

ADA OBIAJUNWA @aaddaahh

DO YOU NEED THE RECEIPT?

The girl at the till was already holding it out.

A pen.

A curl of paper, still warm from the machine, for a bottle of water and a pack of chewing gum.

Two old loyalty cards.

"Do you need the receipt?"

She gathered them into one pile.

"Yes," Ada said.

Flattened each one with the palm of her hand.

The receipts last.

"Thank you."

Folded each one along its old crease.

She folded it once and slipped it into the side pocket of her handbag. The girl had already turned to the next customer.

Then reached for the next.

"Next, please." Ada picked up her shopping bag. The automatic doors sighed open. Heat settled on her shoulders all at once. Someone coming in stepped aside to let her pass. She nodded without really looking up. Outside, the car park shimmered. Someone was trying to fit a crate of bottled water into the boot of a taxi and had begun taking the bottles out one by one to make them fit. A trolley rolled slowly across two empty spaces before catching against the kerb. A security man walked the rows with his hands behind his back, looking at nothing in particular. A reversing car gave a soft electronic beep before easing out of its space. Ada found her car, put the bag on the passenger seat, and sat for a moment before starting the engine. The steering wheel was too hot to hold properly. She held it at the bottom with two fingers, the way you do.

By the time she finished, they occupied almost exactly the same space

Others had taken on the colour paper gets after living inside a handbag for too long.

they had before.

Corners folded in on themselves.

Sometimes one slipped out when she reached for her keys.

Edges had softened.

She stopped.

The oldest no longer lay flat unless she helped them.

Picked it up.

She slipped them back into the side pocket.

Smoothed it against her knee.

Most of the writing had begun to disappear.

Folded it once.

Thermal paper always seemed to erase itself in stages.

Slipped it back with the others.

First the small print.

Then carried on.

Then the date.

A car horn sounded somewhere behind her, short and unbothered.

Eventually almost everything. She looked through them without trying to read any of them. A supermarket from three weeks ago. A pharmacy. A fuel receipt gone soft and grey, the ink almost gone. One folded so many times it had split along the crease. She picked up the split one. There was almost nothing left to read.

Ada looked up. She started the engine and let the air conditioning run for a moment before she moved. The traffic on the main road was heavy in the way it always was at that hour, three lanes doing the work of two, a danfo stopping wherever it liked. She let a man in a grey car cut in front of her because he had been trying for a while.

She opened the side pocket and pressed the new receipt flat.

She rubbed the corner with her thumb. The paper had become soft from being unfolded and folded again.

Her fingers met paper.

A small tear ran along the old crease.

She pressed the new receipt flat with the others.

Then more paper.

She folded it carefully.

The light changed.

She opened the pocket wider.

Then slipped it underneath the newer receipts. Every few months the side pocket became too full.

She drove on.

There were a lot of them. They spread slightly across her palm. Some were still bright white.

One evening she would empty everything onto the dining table. Keys.

At the first red light she reached into the side pocket again.

The handbag rested on the passenger seat. Inside, the newest receipt lay pressed flat beneath the others.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

5 NONSURGICAL WAYS TO ACHIEVE A DEFINED JAWLINE

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

defined jawline is often seen as a sign of a well-shaped and balanced face. While some people naturally have a sharp jawline, others may want to improve theirs without going through surgery. The good thing is that there are simple, non-surgical ways to make the jawline look more defined. Here are five non-surgical ways to achieve a more defined jawline.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET What you eat can affect how your face looks. If you gain excess body fat, it can collect around the cheeks, chin, and jaw, making the jawline less visible. Eating a balanced diet can help reduce overall body fat, which may also slim down the face and make the jawline stand out more. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. It is also wise to cut down on salty foods, sugary snacks, and processed meals.

DO JAW AND NECK EXERCISES Jaw and neck exercises can help tone the muscles around the lower face. These exercises may not completely reshape your jawline, but they can make the area look firmer and more defined. Examples include chin lifts, neck stretches, and gently pushing the lower jaw forward and holding it for a few seconds.

IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE Poor posture can affect the way your jawline looks. Constantly bending your neck downward, especially when using your phone, can weaken the muscles around the neck and chin. Over time, this may make the jaw area look less defined. Standing and sitting upright can make a difference. Keeping your head up, shoulders back, and neck straight helps improve the way your jawline appears.

DRINK WATER AND GET ENOUGH SLEEP Lack of sleep and poor hydration can make the face look swollen and tired. When the body does not get enough water, it may retain fluid, which can cause puffiness around the face and jaw. Poor sleep can have the same effect. Drinking enough water and getting proper rest can help reduce puffiness and improve the overall look of your face. While this alone may not create a sharp jawline, it can make your facial features look fresher and more defined.

CONSIDER NONSURGICAL COSMETIC TREATMENTS For people who want faster results, nonsurgical cosmetic treatments can help define the jawline. Options like dermal fillers, skin-tightening treatments, and fat-dissolving procedures can improve the shape of the jaw without surgery. These treatments should only be done by qualified professionals. They can give noticeable results, but they are not permanent and may require maintenance.

You can have a defined jawline without surgery through healthy habits and proper care. Eating well, exercising the jaw area, maintaining good posture, staying hydrated, and exploring safe cosmetic treatments can all help. The best results often come from consistency and a focus on overall health.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

FITNESS

Fitness Mistakes SMALL HABITS THAT SLOW DOWN YOUR PROGRESS BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

tarting a fitness journey is exciting. You commit to healthier habits, buy new workout gear, and promise yourself that this time you'll stay consistent. Yet, after weeks or even months of effort, many people find themselves asking the same question: "Why am I not seeing results?" The answer often isn't a lack of effort; it's the small habits that quietly work against your progress. These mistakes are easy to overlook because they don't seem significant on their own, but over time, they can prevent you from reaching your goals. The good news? Most of them are simple to fix. Here are five common fitness mistakes that could be slowing down your progress.

YOUR WORKOUTS NEVER CHANGE

Doing the same routine week after week may feel comfortable, but your body quickly adapts. Once that happens, progress slows. Gradually increasing weights, trying new exercises, or changing workout intensity keeps your muscles challenged and your fitness improving. Variety isn't just fun; it's essential for long-term results.

YOU'RE IGNORING EVERYDAY MOVEMENT YOU'RE SKIPPING RECOVERY DAYS Many people believe that working out every single day guarantees faster results. In reality, your body grows stronger during recovery, not while you're exercising. Rest days allow muscles to repair, reduce the risk of injury, and help prevent burnout. If you're constantly feeling exhausted or sore, your body might be asking for a break, not another workout.

An hour at the gym can't completely undo a day spent sitting. Walking more, taking the stairs, stretching between meetings, and staying active throughout the day all contribute to better fitness. These small movements may seem insignificant, but together they burn calories, improve mobility, and support overall health.

YOU'RE CHASING INTENSITY INSTEAD OF CONSISTENCY

It's easy to feel motivated after watching intense workout videos online, but going all out every session often leads to fatigue or quitting altogether. A realistic routine you can maintain for months will always produce better results than a perfect routine you abandon after two weeks. Consistency remains the most powerful fitness strategy.

YOU'RE NOT FUELING YOUR BODY PROPERLY

Exercise alone isn't enough if your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs. Skipping meals, eating too little protein, or relying heavily on processed foods can make recovery harder and reduce your energy levels. Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals with lean protein, healthy carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables helps your body perform better and recover faster. Fitness isn't just built in the gym; it's supported in the kitchen too.

Fitness success rarely depends on dramatic changes. More often than not, it's the small daily habits that determine whether you keep moving forward or stay stuck. Paying attention to recovery, challenging your body, staying active beyond the gym, remaining consistent, and eating well can make a remarkable difference over time. Progress may not happen overnight, but by correcting these simple mistakes, you'll build a healthier routine that delivers results you can actually maintain. Remember, lasting fitness isn't about perfection; it's about making better choices, one habit at a time.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

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HEALTH

Healing in Silence THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BY VICTORIA DAIRO

ental health struggles are not always easy to recognise. They do not always show up as visible distress or dramatic emotional breakdowns. Sometimes they hide behind smiles, busy schedules, successful careers, and the simple response, “I’m okay.” Every day, millions of people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and emotional exhaustion while trying to keep up with work, family responsibilities, and everyday life. Yet, despite growing awareness, mental health remains one of the least talked about health issues. Fear of judgment, stigma, and misunderstanding often prevent people from speaking up or seeking help. Healing should never happen in silence. Here are some reasons we need to talk about mental health more openly.

SILENCE CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE

Many people convince themselves that staying quiet will make their struggles disappear. Unfortunately, emotional pain that goes unaddressed can become more overwhelming over time. Keeping everything bottled up may increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Opening up to someone you trust can be the first step toward healing.

MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES DO NOT ALWAYS LOOK OBVIOUS MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH

People often seek medical attention when they have a fever, persistent pain, or a broken bone, but emotional pain is frequently ignored. Mental health affects how we think, feel, make decisions, handle stress, and relate to others. Taking care of our emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health, and both deserve equal attention.

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Depression does not always mean someone is crying. Anxiety does not always look like panic attacks. Burnout can show up as constant exhaustion, irritability, or a loss of motivation. Many people continue to smile, work, and care for others while quietly battling emotional challenges. That is why checking in on people should go beyond asking, “How’s work?”

EVERYONE NEEDS A SAFE SPACE TO TALK Whether it is a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or support group, having someone who listens without judgment can make a significant difference. Creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable expressing their emotions helps reduce stigma and reminds them that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.

SEEKING HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH For too long, many people have believed that asking for help means they are weak. In reality, recognising when you need support takes courage. Speaking to a mental health professional or reaching out to someone you trust is a positive step toward recovery. Everyone deserves support during difficult seasons of life.

Mental health is a part of everyday health, yet it is often overlooked because the struggles are invisible. By encouraging honest conversations, showing compassion instead of judgment, and reminding people that it is okay to ask for help, we can create communities where healing is no longer something people do in silence. Because sometimes, the most important words a person needs to hear are, “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

CULTURE

EVI-BEN EZAGA

THE DEATH OF PRIVATE LIFE

omeone announces the end of a relationship in a lengthy Instagram post. Another shares a detailed explanation for why they are leaving a job. A couple posts their engagement moments after saying yes. Someone else returns after weeks of silence with a "life update." The same question quietly follows each one: Why do we need to know? It is not a criticism of anyone's decision to share. But these moments point to something much bigger: how our relationship with sharing has quietly changed. When did personal moments begin to feel like public announcements? At what point did the most intimate parts of our lives become things we instinctively share with people far beyond our closest circles? There was a time when many of life's biggest moments belonged almost entirely to the people experiencing them. Families once kept photo albums filled with birthdays, graduations, holidays and everyday moments. Those pictures served as reminders of memories, growth and the people who shared those experiences. The difference is that those albums were made for the people in them. Today, many moments are created with an audience in mind. Every moment now seems to come with the pressure of a ring light, the right angle and a carefully chosen frame before it is shared. The experience itself is still important, but so is how it

appears to others. feel incomplete until they have been captured and shared. Our expectations of one another have Sharing is not also changed. inherently a bad thing. Some of the When someone suddenly stops posting, most meaningful questions often follow. When photos conversations with a partner disappear, people around life's begin to wonder what happened. When someone steps away for a while, there can be an unspoken expectation that they return with an explanation. Silence, once a normal part of life, can now feel like something that requires uncertainties and context. struggles have happened because A moment can become less about people chose to open up. Personal how it feels and more about how it will be received. A celebration stories have helped others feel understood and becomes something to present. A less alone. Recording milestones can also be a personal change becomes beautiful way something to explain. A private experience becomes something to package. But some moments gain their meaning precisely because they are unseen. There is a quiet freedom in experiencing a relationship without constant updates, celebrating an achievement without needing outside validation, or moving through a difficult season without having to explain it to anyone beyond the people who truly matter.

to preserve memories and look back on different seasons of life. The concern is not that people share. It is when sharing starts to feel less like a choice and more like an expectation. The pressure to stay visible has become part of how many people experience life, not necessarily because they are seeking attention, but because sharing has become one of the ways we communicate, connect and participate. Moments once enjoyed privately can begin to

What happens when there is nothing left to wonder about a person? When every milestone, every setback and every personal moment has already been shared with the world? Part of what makes people fascinating is that not everything about them is immediately available. There is beauty in having memories that belong only to the people who lived them. We will always share our lives, in one way or another. What matters is whether, in a world where so much is visible, we still remember the value of keeping some parts of our lives just for us.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

LIVING

Life Admin SMALL TASKS THAT REDUCE EVERYDAY STRESS

BY NATO CHIMA

ife isn't always stressful because of the big things. More often than not, it's the small, unfinished tasks that quietly pile up in the background: an unpaid bill, an overdue appointment, a wardrobe that's become a mess, or dozens of unread emails. Individually, they don't seem like much. Together, they create mental clutter that leaves you feeling overwhelmed before the day has even begun. This is where life admin comes in. It's the habit of regularly taking care of the everyday responsibilities that keep life running smoothly. While it may not sound exciting, spending a little time on these tasks each week can reduce stress, improve productivity, and give you a greater sense of control over your life.

DECLUTTER YOUR DIGITAL LIFE

Your phone and laptop deserve the same attention as your home. Delete apps you no longer use, organise your photo gallery, unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, clear old downloads, and back up important files. A cleaner digital space makes it easier to find what you need and reduces the mental fatigue caused by constant digital clutter.

STAY AHEAD OF EVERYDAY RESPONSIBILITIES

CREATE A WEEKLY RESET ROUTINE

Instead of waiting until everything feels chaotic, dedicate 30 to 60 minutes each week to reset your life. Pay bills, reply to important emails, plan your schedule, review your finances, and make a shopping list. Knocking out these small responsibilities in one sitting helps you start each week feeling organised rather than overwhelmed.

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Don't wait until something becomes urgent. Book your medical or dental check-ups before they're overdue, service your car on schedule, replace household essentials before they run out, and keep important documents in one accessible place. Taking care of these tasks early saves you from unnecessary last-minute stress and expensive emergencies.

SIMPLIFY EVERYDAY DECISIONS Decision fatigue is real. Reduce it by planning meals, laying out outfits the night before, keeping a running grocery list, and using reminders for recurring tasks. The fewer small decisions you have to make every day, the more mental energy you'll have for work, relationships, and personal goals.

ORGANISE YOUR LIVING SPACE

You don't need a perfectly spotless home to feel more at ease. Focus on creating simple systems that make everyday life easier. Keep your keys, wallet, and chargers in designated spots, tidy high-traffic areas regularly, and spend just ten minutes each evening putting things back where they belong. An organised space often leads to a calmer mind.

Life admin isn't about becoming obsessed with organisation or following a perfectly colour-coded planner. It's about making everyday life feel lighter by staying on top of the small things before they become big problems. When you consistently handle routine responsibilities, you free up valuable time and mental space for the people, experiences, and opportunities that truly matter. Sometimes, reducing stress isn't about doing less; it's about managing the little things before they start managing you.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

CAREER

THE ART OF GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK AT WORK

FOCUS ON THE BEHAVIOUR, NOT THE PERSON

When giving feedback, focus on what happened rather than attacking someone's character. Saying "The report was submitted after the deadline" is much more helpful than saying "You are careless." The first statement focuses on an action that can be improved, while the second can make the other person feel judged. Keeping feedback specific makes it easier for the person to understand the issue and find a solution without becoming defensive.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE Even good feedback can have a bad effect if it is shared at the wrong time. Avoid correcting someone in front of others, as it can be embarrassing and damage trust. Instead, have a private conversation where you can both speak freely. Also, do not wait too long before discussing an issue.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

obody enjoys being told they could have done something better. At the same time, many people avoid giving feedback because they worry about hurting someone's feelings or creating tension. Yet feedback is one of the most valuable tools in any workplace. It helps people learn from mistakes, build stronger relationships, and become better at what they do. The difference between feedback that inspires growth and feedback that causes conflict often comes down to how it is shared and received. Here are five ways to navigate giving and receiving feedback at work.

LISTEN BEFORE YOU RESPOND Receiving feedback does not mean you have to agree with every word immediately. Instead of becoming defensive, take time to listen carefully and understand the other person's point of view. Ask questions if something is unclear and think about what you have heard before responding. Sometimes, feedback reveals blind spots you did not notice.

MAKE FEEDBACK A TWOWAY CONVERSATION

Feedback works best when both people have a chance to speak. After sharing your thoughts, invite the other person to explain their side or ask questions. This creates understanding instead of conflict. Likewise, if you are receiving feedback, share your perspective respectfully without making excuses.

TURN FEEDBACK INTO ACTION

The real value of feedback comes from what happens after the conversation. If you receive helpful advice, create a simple plan to improve and put it into practice. If you are giving feedback, check in later to see how the person is progressing and offer support where needed. Following up shows that feedback is meant to encourage growth, not simply point out problems. Over time, this habit builds stronger teams, better communication, and a workplace where people feel respected, valued, and confident enough to keep improving. In every successful workplace, feedback is more than a conversation; it is part of the culture. When people speak with kindness, listen with humility, and act on what they learn, trust grows, teamwork becomes stronger, and performance improves.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

TECHTALK

Tech Mistakes EVERYDAY HABITS THAT RISK YOUR DATA

BY NATO CHIMA

ost people think hackers only target celebrities, wealthy individuals, or large companies. The truth is, everyday smartphone and laptop users are often the easiest targets. In today's digital world, your photos, banking apps, emails, social media accounts, and personal documents all live on your devices. Yet many of us unknowingly make simple mistakes that leave our information exposed. The good news is that protecting your data doesn't require advanced technical skills. A few smarter habits can go a long way in keeping your digital life secure. Here are five everyday tech mistakes you should stop making.

IGNORING SOFTWARE UPDATES

Many people postpone software updates because they seem inconvenient. However, updates often contain important security patches that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Delaying them gives hackers more time to exploit weaknesses in your phone or computer. Turning on automatic updates ensures your devices stay protected without requiring much effort.

CONNECTING TO ANY PUBLIC WI-FI

REUSING THE SAME PASSWORD EVERYWHERE

It may seem convenient to use one password for multiple accounts, but it's also one of the biggest security risks. If just one website suffers a data breach, cybercriminals can try that same password on your email, banking apps, and social media accounts. Instead, use unique passwords for important accounts and consider a trusted password manager to keep track of them.

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Free Wi-Fi at cafés, airports, hotels, and shopping malls is tempting, but unsecured networks can expose your personal information. Avoid logging into banking apps or entering sensitive passwords while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, stick to basic browsing or use a trusted VPN for added security.

CLICKING LINKS WITHOUT THINKING Scam messages have become increasingly convincing. Whether it's a fake bank alert, delivery notification, or prize announcement, one careless click can expose your personal information or install malicious software. Before opening any link, double-check the sender, look for suspicious wording, and verify requests through official channels if something feels off.

FORGETTING TO BACKUP YOUR DATA

Phones get lost, laptops fail, and accidents happen. Without regular backups, years of photos, important documents, and personal files could disappear instantly. Cloud storage services or external hard drives make backing up your data quick and easy. Think of it as insurance for your digital life; you hope you never need it, but you'll be grateful it's there if something goes wrong.

Staying safe online isn't about being a technology expert; it's about building better digital habits. Small actions like updating your devices, creating stronger passwords, avoiding risky Wi-Fi connections, thinking before clicking links, and backing up your files can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime. As our lives become increasingly connected, protecting your personal data is no longer optional; it's an essential part of everyday life. A few minutes of caution today can save you hours of frustration tomorrow.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

s e l c i n o r h c ’s y s s ca

TRYING NEW THINGS

hree years with Segun, and I thought I had seen every side of him. The tired side after work. The playful side on Sundays. The soft side when he thinks I'm asleep and he's just staring at me like I'm his favourite thing in the world. But somewhere along the line, "we know each other too well" turned into "we've fallen into a routine." Same time, same way, same everything. Nobody was complaining, though, but I started to feel

like something was missing. Not love. Just that spark. So that Friday, I decided to do something about it. I never knew my body could do that until last Friday night. Segun had been working late all week, coming home tired and frustrated. I wanted to make him feel good but didn't know how. We'd already had sex twice that week, and he still seemed stressed. That evening, I was in the kitchen washing plates when he came behind me and hugged me tight. I felt his hardness pressing

against my ass. Instead of the usual quickie on the kitchen counter, something different came to mind. I turned around and looked at him. "Baby, sit down," I said, leading him to our small couch. He looked confused but sat. I knelt between his legs and pulled down his trousers. His cock sprang free, already hard. But instead of putting it in my mouth like usual, I did something new. I pressed my breasts together around his dick. The soft flesh wrapped around him completely. Segun's eyes went wide. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice shaky. "Just relax," I whispered. I moved my breasts up and down, feeling his cock slide between them. The head would peek out near my chin each time I pushed up. It felt warm and smooth against my skin. Segun started breathing heavily. His hands gripped the couch cushions. "This feels... different," he groaned. I kept the rhythm steady, squeezing my breasts tighter around him. Sometimes I'd lean down and lick the tip when it came close to my mouth. After a few minutes, his thighs started shaking. "I'm close," he warned. I didn't stop. I moved faster, pressing my breasts together more firmly. His cock twitched between them, and suddenly hot cum was shooting up, landing on my neck and chest. Segun collapsed back on the couch, panting. "That was... amazing", he said between breaths. I smiled, feeling proud. For the first time in he looked completely relaxed

weeks, and satisfied. Later that night, he kept touching my breasts, saying how good they felt around him. The experience that night was surreal. I knew I had found something new to add to our bedroom activities. Something that made both of us happy without needing penetration every time. Now whenever he comes home stressed, I know exactly what to do. My breasts have become his favourite place to cum, and honestly, I love how it makes him lose control completely.

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Issue No. 287 • August 9, 2026

MOVIE REVIEW:

THEWILL THEWILL DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN •• www.thewilldowntown.com

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera or click to access the playlist (Youtube Music)

Moana

Scan this with your camera or click to access the playlist (Spotify)

of youngsters. The kids who grew up with the first Moana are now around Moana’s age, and they’re not parents yet, so there’s not that same passing down of a popculture favourite.

isney remaking its animated classics as liveaction movies has become as much a certainty as death and taxes. It’s a big blue Will Smith genie we just can’t put back in the bottle. It’s time to resign ourselves to this fact: Hope for the occasional cool origin-story prequel (Cruella) or well-done retelling (Cinderella), and be OK when it’s something that turns out aggressively fine (The Little Mermaid). Just as long as it isn’t completely unnecessary and the new version, fingers crossed, kinda-sorta justifies its existence. The new Moana misses that mark wildly. From Disney’s standpoint, it’s a smart if not exactly creatively interesting gambit to remake, to an extremely faithful degree, the original Oscar-nominated 2016 musical adventure. It’s one of the most rousing and exciting movies in their entire animated canon, and the combo of empowered teen Disney-princess-but-not-aprincess wayfinder Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) and macho trickster demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is electric perfection. Watching them sail across the sea and deliver the heart of Te Fiti is an amazing odyssey. Watching their live-action counterparts run it back is a slog. Johnson, reprising his character, is actually one of the saving graces of the new Moana, which teams him with Australian newcomer Catherine Laga'aia. The film is painfully slow until around the 45-minute mark when Maui cuts loose with his signature song-and-dance number You’re Welcome, which is, ironically, partly animated. Timing is part of the problem: It’s been a mere 10 years since the first Moana was released. Movies such as last year’s Snow White and Lilo & Stitch – which came out 88 and 23 years, respectively, after their originals – reintroduced their stories to a new generation

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It would be nice to see a value-added strategy with these things. Maybe a big stylistic swing, the way Tim Burton brought his dark quirkiness to Dumbo. Or revamping a character’s arc that sorely needs improvement, like Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid and Jasmine in Aladdin. Or just fleshing out a classic tale with new humanity, akin to Mulan and Beauty and the Beast. Simply putting The Rock in a questionable wig and getting Lin-Manuel Miranda to write a new song ("Along the Way") isn’t going to cut it anymore, especially not at a time when audiences are flocking to original movies like Project Hail Mary and Obsession. Even throwing a bunch of babbling Minions on a big screen isn’t the easy home run it used to be. Live-action versions of beloved cartoons are a cash grab. No one’s being fooled here. But you should at least try not to look like a cash grab. Like the original Moana, the 2010’s How to Train Your Dragon is a wonderful animated fantasy that absolutely did not need a live-action redo. But it got one last year, and not only did it recapture the emotional awe and spectacle of the first film, but it also deepened the young characters’ relationships with one another. It took something unnecessary and made it essential. There’s no stopping the Hollywood Remake Industrial Complex, and while it would be nice for Disney to tackle the bad animated movies, it’s only a matter of time till we see new versions of Hercules, Tangled and, undoubtedly, Frozen. Just be creative. Disney was built on a foundation of imagination and ingenuity. It’s not as if Walt and Co. were churning out Snow White and the Eight Dwarves or 102 Dalmatians back in the day. (The latter was, of course, a live-action sequel.) Look at Pixar: For every Toy Story 5 and Inside Out 2, the acclaimed studio also releases a film that’s extraordinarily original (see: Hoppers). We live in a cynical world, so it’s not hard to think that the wrong lessons will be learned from Moana and someone's already hatching the prequel where young Maui first gets his magical fishhook. That, honestly, would not be welcome

Rating:6/10

Beyoncé - MORNING DEW (DONK)

Roxy Layne - SIGNAL

The Sylvers - Cry of a Dreamer

IZCO - Down 4 (feat. Osquello)

Blu - Crumbs

Davido - I Know Who I Be

coma, Todd has a young child

WATCH OF THE WEEK and a husband, who she will do

PRISONER

hings rarely end well for prison transport officers on TV. I can’t think of how many I’ve seen killed off so that their high-value assets in the back of the bulletproof van on its side can clamber out and be freed by whichever horde on motorbikes needs them out of there. Prisoner, a new workaday thriller, does at least flip the script. Izuka Hoyle plays a prison transport officer called Amber Todd who returns to work from maternity leave and, shockingly, doesn’t immediately die. Instead, when her prison convoy is trapped in a tunnel and attacked, just like in Mission: Impossible, Todd handcuffs herself to the high-value asset and lethal assassin Tibor Stone (Tahar Rahim) so that he can’t escape, and they begin a very bloody journey together. The goal is to get Stone to London for a trial at which he is going to turn witness on his former organised crime employers, Pegasus. (An aside: anyone reading this who is considering starting a major organised crime group, you don’t need to give it a name at all. Especially not one from Greek myth. It sounds silly.) Naturally, Pegasus (see?) doesn’t want this to happen, and has therefore sent their second-best assassin, Nina Drâgus (Leonie Benesch), who was trained by Stone, to take out the turncoat. The student will thus become the master. If that sounds like a bit of a cliché, then Prisoner is a veritable cheese factory of sloppy seconds. Stone is a type-one diabetic always prone to falling into a

anything to get back to, baddies always seem to come with Eastern European accents and cuttingedge criminality must, by law, involve drones and 3D printing. It seems bizarre to have assembled a cast of the quality of Rahim, Hoyle, Eddie Marsan and Sam Troughton, only to give them the sort of lines that a semi-retired plumber might put into his debut action film screenplay. That said, a half-decent cat-andmouse has to work very hard not to grab you, and Prisoner is too well-built to fail completely. How are they going to get out of this hole this time is a question that has sustained many a worse pot-boiler than this, and if you start episode one, you’ll do well not to push on to episode six (and see if they nail the ending). As for this viewer, the question that sustained me through episodes one to three, which strangely are much weaker than the second half, was what happened when they needed to go to the toilet? Amber and Tibor are

handcuffed together for the first three hours; it’s a pretty tense environment, and good drama is about putting yourself in the characters’ shoes. I couldn’t let it go. I suspect fixating on the practicalities of a scenario – how come they don’t get stuck getting out of the car? What do you do about shoelaces? – means the story itself is not entirely engrossing. Prisoner, it’s safe to say, never truly held me captive.