THEWILL DOWNTOWN, December 10, 2023

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

KARIM’S Optimistic Perspective

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

(60 Years and Above)

No Fees, No Charges, Just Free Banking

-

PAGE 2

Zero Account Charges Zero Naira Account Opening Balance Free Debit Card, Cheque Book and SMS Transaction Notifications (AlertZ) Priority service at all Zenith Bank Branches.

Travel and Holiday Offers.

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Have you ever wondered how people in other countries celebrate Christmas? In some countries, they have carnivals. Find out more on page 15.

Designing With Nature

DÉCOR

Maximising Natural Beauty in Your Home

13

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

BON APPÉTIT

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

A

stute businessman Kola Karim has an impressive resume and wears many hats.

He sits on the boards of many companies and was recently appointed chairman of the advisory board of British American Tobacco Nigeria. He started Shoreline Group as an offshoot of his mum’s trading company, from exporting palm kernel to importing equipment and machinery. Since then, the sky has been the limit for Kola Karim, even though he attributes his success to favour, “Again, as I say, it’s favour. It’s not out of being smart. People make applications to lift the price of fuel oil in the 90s, and you get the opportunity, you get the approval to lift, and you sell it, and you make money…” Read his positive story on pages 8 through 11.

12

14

BEAUTY

15

TRAVEL Power of Personal 16 04-05 The REVIEW Uniforms: FASHION

07

Wish

The Impact of Stress on Relationships

DOWNTOWN Strategies For Coping CONFIDENTIAL Together

Karim’s Optimistic 8-11 Kola Perspective COVER

WHAT YOU SAID

Our food page, Bon Appetite, shows us how to make homemade ice cream. We have recipes for this yummy treat, and they can be found on page 13.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Different Cities And How They Celebrate Christmas

How Consistency Can Be Stylish

Some beauty products are made to be multifunctional, and we discuss some of them on the beauty page, which you’ll find on page 14.

Don’t forget that our magazine is now interactive.

All you have to do is click on any page title on page 3, which will take you to that page.

You can also click on the instructions beneath the QR codes on page 16 to download the playlist.

Multifunctional

Makeup Products That Serve Multiple Beauty Purposes

VOL 3 NO. 49 • DECEMBER 03, 2023

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity

- Contributing Editor Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.

EKU EDEWOR A Producer’s Vision, An Actress’s Passion, A Star’s Journey

INSTAGRAM

@Fadeogunro

Onah

@onahluciaa

+2349088352246

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.

AUSTYN OGANNAH

@Vio_fresh Good one TheWillDowntown

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth Online Editor: Ntianu Obiora Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

Dorcas Akintoye Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

@aaddahh Loveett

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

PAGE 3

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

THE POWER OF PERSONALUNIFORMS: How Consistency Can Be Stylish

1

. EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE

A well-curated wardrobe contributes to an air of effortless elegance. Having a personal uniform makes it easier to choose what to wear daily, so you can concentrate on what matters. You project an air of calm and sophisticated taste when you put together a collection of foundational pieces that suit your style.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

T

here’s a timeless elegance in embracing constancy with personal uniforms in the ever-evolving world of fashion, where fads come and go like fleeting moments. There’s a strong argument for the timeless appeal of a well-made, timeless style, defying the notion that fashion is about fast change. This essay outlines six ways consistency can be innately fashionable and examines the transformational impact of personal uniforms.

PAGE 4

2

. TIME-SAVING STYLE

It might be a daily struggle to get ready in the morning. You can save time by streamlining this procedure by adopting a personal uniform. Envision an outfit consisting of items that blend in perfectly; this is a simple and fast way to seem put together without having to make a big deal out of it. Not only is the time-saving style luxurious, but it’s also a clever and helpful way to wear clothing.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

FASHION

3

. SIGNATURE SILHOUETTES

Consistency in your wardrobe gives birth to signature silhouettes that become synonymous with your identity. Whether it’s the tailored blazer that exudes professionalism or the flowing dresses that speak of your bohemian spirit, these signature silhouettes tell a story without uttering a word.

Embracing these go-to styles ensures you’re always dressed in a manner that resonates with your authentic self.

5

. TIMELESS APPEAL

Though trends change, a wellestablished personal uniform remains stylish and ageless.

You may ground your style in timeless components by eschewing the never-ending quest for the newest trends.

This classic attribute conveys self-assurance and supports an ethical and conscientious approach to fashion.

6

. CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

Being consistent can help you feel more confident. It sends a powerful sense of confidence to know what works for you and to stick with it. The selfassurance from dressing uniquely speaks volumes about your self-awareness and recognition of your style.

CONCLUSION

4

. VERSATILITY REDEFINED

One common misperception about consistency is that it implies a lack of adaptability. Conversely, an exquisitely chosen personal uniform provides unmatched adaptability. Mixing and matching becomes a snap when your wardrobe consists of well-fitting pieces that complement each other. Being versatile is making the most of the well-chosen items you currently own, not about having a ton of possibilities.

Personal uniforms stand out as a testament to timeless elegance in a society that frequently exalts the new and the avantgarde. Maintaining a consistent look in your wardrobe may lead to many benefits. How about using a personal uniform’s elegance and simplicity to unleash your style’s full potential?

PAGE 5

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 6

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

The Impact of Stress on Relationships Strategies For Coping Together

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

tress may be an incredibly strong companion in the complex dance S of relationships. Our relationship with our partners might be harmed by the external pressures of life, including those related to jobs, money, or other issues. While it’s critical to comprehend how stress affects relationships, knowing how to help each other during these difficult times is vital. This article reveals six team-coping tactics that help to fortify the bond even in the face of difficulties.

COMMUNICATION KEY 1.ISOPEN

An open line of communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Building a space where both partners feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feelings is crucial when pressures arise.

Collaborate with your spouse to identify solutions, voice your worries, and listen intently to them. Talking things out helps people cross difficult situations.

DIVIDE AND 2.CONQUER

It might be debilitating to face a mountain of worry, but sharing the load makes it easier to handle. Assign duties and obligations according to each other’s advantages. Resilience can be fostered by a shared sense of accomplishment, which makes overcoming obstacles as a team easier.

A SANCTUARY SUPPORT 5.OFCREATE Foster an environment of cooperation where each person feels heard and supported.

Recognise that your relationship is more resilient when facing difficulty as a team. Create a haven where both partners may rely on one another to promote security and caring for one another.

PRIORITISE QUALITY 3.TIME Time spent together can be a therapeutic salve during stressful times. Deliberately allocate time for each other to partake in enjoyable and soothing activities.

These intimate times, whether spent on a stroll, a cosy movie night, or a shared interest, serve as anchors amid life’s upheavals.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL 6.GUIDANCE

PRACTICE EMPATHY AND 4.UNDERSTANDING

Our viewpoints and responses can change when under stress.

Acknowledge and demonstrate empathy for your partner’s emotional state. Recognise that each person reacts to stress differently. A non-judgmental, encouraging attitude can help establish a safe space where both partners can work through difficulties without experiencing further emotional stress.

Occasionally, the burden of stress could necessitate seeking expert help.

Consulting a therapist or counsellor can help you overcome obstacles by offering valuable skills and insights. In addition to addressing pressing issues, professional assistance gives partners coping mechanisms they can use over time to maintain their relationship.

CONCLUSION Even though stress is an unavoidable part of life, it doesn’t have to destroy relationships. Couples may weather the storms together and come out stronger and closer by putting these six ideas into practice, which range from having open communication to getting professional advice. Recall that a relationship is defined by how you two manage stress together, not by the fact that there is no stress.

PAGE 7

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

KOLA KARIM’S

COVER

OPTIMISTIC PERSPECTIVE T

he oil industry in Nigeria has long been a source of great potential and significant difficulties. Although it has boosted the country’s economy, it has also faced challenges related to sustainability, governance, and shifts in the global market. Kola Karim, the CEO of Shoreline Group, stands out as a ray of hope and innovation amid this complicated situation.

Businessman Kola Karim has led an exceptionally amazing career. His broad portfolio, which encompasses oil and gas, power production, construction, commodities trading, and telecommunications, has had a big impact on the nation’s corporate landscape. Recently, he was appointed Chairman of British American Tobacco Nigeria’s Advisory board.

Kola Karim talks about his experience in the Nigerian oil industry in an interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, giving light on how innovation and forward-thinking tactics can bring about a new era for this vital industry.

Cover Image Photo: Gift Eghator For Blue Moon Photography

PAGE 8

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER

Tell us about the origin of Shoreline Group.

Shoreline Group was founded as an offshoot of my mother’s trading company in 1987. I moved back here in 1993 and started working in that business. It was mainly an export business, general trading of palm kernel cake, export to European feed millers, making animal feed, chicken feed, and horse feed because of the rich oil content of Nigerian expellers. So when you crush palm kernel, oil is extracted. The nuts are cracked.

What is left, the shaft, is what is called palm kernel cake.

Traditionally, because of the inefficiencies of Nigerian equipment in crushing, you still have about 50% of oil left in it. So the Europeans bought that because of the very rich content in making feed for animals. That’s the basic origin of the company. We started building from there, from our export business, Abacha’s government, if you remember then, said if you bring your foreign exchange if you want to export, you have to sell it to the bank. But you’re allowed to import with your foreign exchange. And that’s what brought us into importing equipment and machinery into Nigeria. So we export palm kernel and ginger and take the money and import equipment and machinery. So that’s bulldozers, generators, just heavy-duty machinery that we could sell here. So that’s the base origin of what you see today and what we started driving.

distribution and the step-down transformers to make sure the power was distributed properly in Abuja. Again, by virtue of Aggreko’s interface with them, I was interfacing with the CEO Paul Meyer. They got into international problems, with nothing to do with Nigeria. And jokingly, Paul said, we’re having serious problems with a case that they were investigating, and they got fined by the US Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange. So I said to him, look, if you’re worrying yourself, I’ll buy the business. Just jokingly. So three weeks later, the guy called me and said, Kola, remember what you talked about, about buying our ABB Electrical Systems business in Nigeria? Look, I’ve spoken to my bosses. We’re interested. We need to announce that we’re exiting Nigeria. But we’ll still provide the support for you and give the business to you. That’s how we bought the ABB Electrical Systems business. So again, out of good fortune, and necessity, it was deliberate. And they already had work because we were already working on building the distribution network in Abuja. So that’s the interface of that.

Fast forward to our oil trading business. Again, when you say oil trading, it’s an opportunistic business. It’s a government business. It’s not a business that you set out. Why? Because you get an oil allocation.

You sell an oil allocation. You import what is needed, be it products, into the country. So that’s oil trading. Buying and selling. So if you have relationships in relationships, you get allocated. You sell the allocation.

You bring what they ask you to bring. You bring in products. It’s oil trading. It’s basic business. There’s nothing sexy around the creativity of oil trading. Again, opportunistic. Why? If you don’t know anyone, you won’t get anything. You can’t be sitting in Port Harcourt, in Benue and be saying I’m an oil trader, and they’ll say go and call him and give him three allocations of cargoes or crude…

“Look, I like my time alone.

I’m a loner. I think I’m one of the few people who enjoy this time alone. I could be here for two days and not step out there.”

Between ideation and implementation, did you ever foresee it being as successful as it is?

With everything, you have God first. And I don’t think anyone goes into anything not wanting or wishing for success. But what was true is you have to be self-conscious of the environment you work in. And we were determined to build a successful business. And Nigeria also was the right environment. People checked out, but some of us checked in, and people thought we were mad because we were checking back in. A lot of people thought I was crazy. I was working for an oil exchange in London, a great job, and I packed it up to come back here. And everyone thought I was mad, but it was fun, and it’s still fun. And my belief in Nigeria has been second to none. And that commitment to what opportunities Nigeria has amid all the madness is still an important factor.

You have masterminded the birthing and nurturing of successful businesses across sectors. What’s the first thing you always consider before delving into a business?

First, let me say this. Most of the businesses we’ve done, other than the first one that was deliberate because of businesses we met, the rest were just opportunistic. And that’s the fact. It wasn’t because, oh, we set up to go into oil and gas, or we set up to go into power or infrastructure. It was just opportunistic because, at the time, Nigeria needed those services and those businesses, and we were in the right place at the right time. Ability to take in those businesses and opportunities and actualise them. That’s what it is. So I always listen to people that say it wasn’t deliberate. I’ll give you an example. In 1999, when democracy kicked off again in Nigeria, the power situation was just terrible, and when that happened, the president then, President Obasanjo’s wish was to push and get power into Abuja, and they contracted a company called Aggreko. Aggreko is an international power rental company that we were working with. I had a very old friend of mine who contacted me from London and said, “look, we’ve been approached by Nigeria to come and provide 50 megawatts in Abuja. But we don’t know Nigeria. Do you mind working with us?” So that’s how that was birthed. So it wasn’t that we planned to go into power.

Then, dovetailing from that, when the power was procured, there was a company called ABB, which was contracted to build the power

Look, the shortest and quickest way for Nigeria to earn dollars is oil and gas. Look, if we’re saying cocoa, I love diversification. Diversification is good.

Everybody knows if we export cocoa, we make money. How long would it take a cocoa plantation?

If we talk about groundnuts, how long would it take us to plant groundnuts? If we talk about food, how long is it going to take maise to grow? It’s good. But what we have in our backyard that’s there is oil and gas. There should be a task force breathing, sleeping 24-7 in the president’s office, sitting on this 24-7, because that’s the fastest means. Let me give you a typical example so Nigerians understand the quantum of this. Nigeria earns a 20% royalty on every barrel of oil produced. If we produce 1 million barrels, Nigeria gets $100. Nigeria gets $20 a barrel. This is excluding taxes and everything.

This is just straight up.

So imagine if we produce 2 million barrels, we get 20 times 2 million. If we produce 3, that’s 20 times 3 million. Do you see how it’s quick to fill up the coffers with money? That’s all it is. It’s just very simple mathematics. Very simple.

You won the concession of two airports, the Nnamdi Azikiwe and Malam Aminu Kano. What drew your attention to the aviation industry?

Look, for every Nigerian who travels to our airports, when you look at the quality of the airport and the quality of the services at the airport, and you go to even other African countries, you cannot compare.

And that, for me, was a huge void. If you go to Kotoka, go to Ivory Coast, look at the quality of the airport and the quality of services. And Nigeria has 200 million people. And if you look at the dynamics of Nigeria’s population, if over 60% is under the age of 35, that tells you that’s the travelling public and the growth in travel. So they deserve a very good experience. So we saw the opportunity when the government advertised, and we went out to look for the right global partner that could deliver the right quality service, but a global partner that’s worked in economies and climes similar to ours. And that is how we partner with the Corporate CEO of America.

They run the majority of the airports in Latin America.

Most of those economies, as you know, are emerging. In Europe, in emerged economies, and Central Asia.

These guys are New York listed, so all global norms and standards are followed, and they understand the business, and we were fortunate to have them come with us to Nigeria, to Kano and Abuja airports.

“I don’t think anyone goes into anything not wanting or wishing for success. But what was true is you have to be selfconscious of the environment you work in. ”

Do you remember your first contract with the government?

Oh, it’s very interesting. It’s, again, oil trading.

Again, as I say, it’s favour. It’s not out of being smart. People make applications to lift the price of fuel oil in the 90s, and you get the opportunity, you get the approval to lift, and you sell it, and you make money. So when you say government contract, that’s one. Others of note are major construction contracts that we’ve handled, like the Tamburawa water treatment plant in Kano and the Watari Water Treatment Works. In the early 2000s, those were in the $200 million marker size of contracts. Again, these are projects of note.

Anytime you drive past it and look at it, you say, wow, we did this. That’s very, very interesting when you see it. And that’s, for me, one of the big joys I get about infrastructure. You look at it many years after you say, wow. See, people that did Eko Bridge 70, 80 years ago, Falomo Bridge, you can still point to it.

Anytime you talk about Falomo Bridge, you talk about General Mobolaji Johnson, who was at the fore of it.

Third Mainland Bridge, you talk about General Babangida, who completed it. So those, for me, are the real drivers of infrastructure that gives me joy.

In your opinion, what is the surefire way for the present government to improve Nigeria’s economic fortune?

Easy. If 89% of our foreign exchange is from a certain sector, which is oil and gas, I will put 200% of my time into oil and gas and make sure it works.

As Chairman of the Board of Costain West Africa, how do you balance your role there with your responsibilities as CEO of Shoreline?

Look, being the Chairman of a Board is nonexecutive. I chair a majority of the companies. I run the group, and it’s my focus to make sure every business of ours is delivering value. So, on the construction side, not only Costain, we have Mota, and Mota is the third largest European construction company as well, which is now in Nigeria. And we’re the ones building the Kano Maradi Rail.

We’re the ones who won the Shagamu – Benin expressway. The Lagos-Badagry to the border expressway. These are global companies of repute, listed in Euronext, and with their drive and focus on Nigeria, the Mota Board sees the infrastructural gaps in Nigeria. And someone’s got to do it. So they’ve got a balance sheet, global know-how, and the ability to make things work. We just won the Benin Port project as well. So there’s a lot of opportunities. So, my time chairing all these boards and sitting in the group is being able to direct this to purposeful, not only delivery of values to shareholders.

So you’ve held several positions on boards. How do you manage your time and expertise effectively across these companies?

I’ve been very lucky. I think, as a young Nigerian, I was very, very lucky to get to sit on global boards.

PAGE 9

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER is arrogant. No, I’m not. I can’t steal from myself. The business belongs to us. So why should I either aid you to steal from me, and you’ll give me a cut?

It makes no sense. I’ve seen it so much here. The business that belongs to you, someone is supplying you with a car that’s two million and four million.

And now say they’re going to bring you something. You’re stealing your own money. It makes no sense. Why didn’t you just tell the CFO, ‘transfer the money to my account?’ So I see that all the time here, and I laugh. So when people come to me with transactions, that’s why people think, oh, he’s arrogant.

I’m not interested because I can’t steal from myself. You see, the more we have that logical thinking, the better. See, I don’t mind giving you a deal because you’re going to make money. After all, nobody does anything for free, but I will not give you a transaction to make excessive money on me with the hope of you coming to give me something. I can as well take my own money myself.

So that’s the mistake I see a lot of businesses, a lot of business leaders make. They steal from themselves, directly or indirectly. And I cannot fathom why people do it. And for me, as a leader in business, that’s one culture that must go—stealing from yourself.

An example, I got to the board of Ecobank at the age of 37. I was the youngest by far. At the age of 34, I sat on the board of Schlumberger. So, on the international side, I sat on the London Stock Exchange Africa Advisory Board. I sit on the Harvard Kennedy School Board, and the Dean’s Council. I sit on the Center for Africa Studies Board as well on the international side. I sit on the African American Energy Chamber Board. So over the years, the experiences from Nigeria, sitting on those boards very early, I could understand very well what it is to drive value. I sit on the Leventis Board,( the AG Leventis Board). So we’re very, very fortunate because the experiences of sitting on boards in Nigeria are second to none.

You understand the good, the bad, and the ugly. And that’s helped me shape my mindset.

In your opinion, what qualities or skills are essential for a leader to successfully oversee multiple companies and industries?

You have to be true to yourself first as a leader. You have to be true to yourself.

You cannot lead if you have self-doubt in yourself. You lead from the front, and you lead by example. And that’s what I see.

I’ll give you an example. As a leader, if people who work for and with you see you stealing from your own company, and you want them to stay truthful, there’s a simple flaw. When you call your staff and say, ah, they want to supply those cars, why don’t you just put two million on it? Then when you’re not there, they will do that as well.

That’s what it is. So, the failings are cultural.

You have to be true to yourself. And that’s what it is. People can say, oh, Kola Karim

PAGE 10

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice about entrepreneurship, what would it be?

Again, still be true to yourself. Always. I see a lot of people, and I see a lot of people of our generation and the younger ones, a lot of not being true to yourself is what gets you deluded. Thinking I’ll cut corners and I’ll be rich. If you’re true to yourself, you understand your values. If you understand your values, then you have a purpose. I’ve lived in the same house for 27 years. I have nothing to prove to anyone. Before that, I lived on Ademola Street.

Some people, after making small money, will go and buy land for two billion naira. Imagine Two billion naira land, then spend four billion building the house. And then some guy is selling cigarettes outside his door. That makes no sense. If you live in America, convert that money to dollars, where would you be living in Beverly Hills? It makes no sense. You own so many homes, and 10 cars. You can’t sit in more than one at a time. So if you’re comfortable in yourself and your being, you’re living in the same house. Simple. That, for me, is the way I see life. Nothing else. The rest is just fluff.

Be true to yourself. See, when you start deluding yourself, it’s when, ah! I have to go to buy a big house in Banana. So they know, yes, I have arrived.

Then outside your gate, one Rolls Royce here, another one there, Land Rover Jeep here. Before you look, 10 cars. Then from 10 cars, you have 10 drivers. You build a six-bedroom mansion, and you have 20 people working to clean it. It does not bother me. That’s the only car I drive. That’s all.

It doesn’t matter. Because that’s not what defines who I am. If you need material stuff or visuals to define who you are, then you’ve lost every plot, and I’ve seen so many people do it, from the younger to the older to the not-so-old, to prove a point. I have nothing to prove to anybody. Nothing.

Absolutely nothing to prove to anybody. Because once you’re true to yourself, you prove to yourself.

Because after all, I’m the one living in my house.

All these men with the big mansions he’s built, in Asokoro, in Maitama, on the hill, and everything. Are you living there with him? It’s just visuals. So you see, ah, that’s XYZ’s house. His mansion. It does not bother me. At all. So once you’re comfortable in yourself, and true to yourself, that defines leadership in any sphere.

You spend a lot of time in England. And I know that you’re a polo on player, and I also know that you’re very close to the throne now. So, I want to talk about that. How did you get friendly with King Charles and the family?

Polo is the passport to the world.

If you understand the elegance of polo, polo is the only sport played that you can’t lie to people, that you’re a polo player. Do you know why? We can all pretend we buy golf apparel, whack a ball, if you like whack it the wrong way, and people go, oh, he’s a golfer. But polo, they have to give you a horse to mount. The fear alone, that’s why it’s rare to find someone bullshit as a polo player. See, polo is such a beautiful sport, and that’s why they refer to it as the sport of kings. It’s played by royalty globally. I came into riding horses here in Lagos, as a young man. And getting to England, I continued in the same tradition.

And came back here, the polo is so energetic. It’s amazing what it forms into you. And that opens doors of global relationships, because polo is played, a team consists of four players, and those four players are a bond of a man and his horse, protecting and supporting the other three players on the team.

So you can imagine the bond you form. And that’s why over the years, playing in England as a member of Guard’s Polo Club, where His Majesty is the patron of the club. Before him was his mother. And that’s my involvement. Over the years,

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

COVER

I’ve been playing tournaments with Prince William, Prince Harry, and the royal family, and for me, it’s a privilege to be in that environment. Building such formidable relationships on a global scale. And that in itself, stands out for something. It’s a sport that we kept going. We have a polo team in England, the Shoreline Polo Team.

Still competing. My son plays hugely also, and it’s something we hope to continue. Because it’s a passport to the world. I’ll give you an example.

Many years ago, it was about 20 years ago, we went and played in the Hamptons in the United States.

And you sat there. First, it’s strange to see a black person in America playing polo. We played in 2003.

Then in Virginia. We played in Charlottesville, Virginia. And these guys came. And they just start talking to you. The attraction is a black guy.

He’s not American, and he’s come to Charlottesville, Virginia, to play in a polo tournament. Who are you?

What do you do? Because polo is not a cheap sport. So you build amazing friendships and relationships that turn into business, into lifelong friendships. The same in Argentina.

The same in Brazil. South Africa.

In Asia, Singapore. I just went to Indonesia. And one of the prime movers of that country is a polo player.

And we got talking. I said, no, please, you must come and play with us next time you come here. So that’s why polo is referred to as a passport

to the world. It’s a sport played by royalty and people of note. Middle and upper middle class globally.

So it creates an exclusive grouping of people in a sport that’s dangerous.

But it shows the mechanical relationship between a man and his horse. And that’s a beautiful relationship to watch, to see, to nurture, growing.

And that’s the same application you apply to your daily life.

Business is mechanical. A man and his horse.

A man and his business. A man and his people, his staff.

Everything that you do. And that’s the love on and around horses. Think about it this way.

If you’re a polo player, it’s the mechanics between a man and his horse.

You know, the only way to play is to ride that horse that takes you to play. So think if you have not fed that horse. If you have not watered that horse. Are you not putting yourself in danger? So it’s the mechanics. If that horse is not well trained, you put yourself and others at risk. If that horse is starving or not watered, you put yourself and others at risk. So the mechanics of a polo player, you can apply to everything in life.

If you’re the leader of a business and your staff are unhappy, you run an unsuccessful business. If you’re the leader of a business and you’re stealing, your staff will steal. If you’re the leader of a business and you’re short-changing your customers and clients, your staff will not care. So, I apply the polo mechanics to everything I do. And that, for me, is the beauty of life around polo, a man and his horse.

Besides polo, how do you relax when you’re not working?

Look, I like my time alone. I’m a loner. I think I’m one of the few people who enjoy this time alone. I could be here for two days and not step out there. I discovered a new thing during COVID called Netflix. Oh my God. Seriously, that thing is like a drug now.

I discovered it during COVID-19, and I was watching 12, 13 hours a day. I could do that.

And it’s so bad now before I sleep, I’ve got to put something on before I sleep on it.

So that’s how I enjoy my time. So it’s so bad that it’s I’m unsociable. I could sit here, no kidding, without going through that door till Monday. I will watch from one Netflix to the other. And now that the football season has started, as an Arsenal supporter, we’re back on course again.

Read full interview online at www.thewilldowntown.com

PAGE 11

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DÉCOR

DESIGNING WITH NATURE Maximising Natural Beauty in Your Home

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

B

ringing the outdoors in goes beyond buying a potted plant that you stick in the corner of your room. Incorporating the natural world into your home and workplace environment or anywhere you spend considerable time is important. Biophilia is a desire to interact with nature, which is good for your wellbeing.

Biophilic designs help you reduce stress and improve your health, creativity, productivity, and emotional wellbeing. Here are things you can do right now to increase the natural beauty around you.

SOUNDS OF NATURE

SKYLIGHTS, REFLECTIVE MATERIALS AND SHEER DRAPES

One way of incorporating naturalistic interior design is with the sounds of nature. Water elements such as fountains, water walls, and aquariums are not only relaxing to look at, but the sound of the water flowing or bubbling can improve health and reduce stress. It is both therapeutic and refreshing.

Creating living spaces with open airflow can enhance the connection with nature by creating a multi-sensory experience. It can allow you to smell the air, feel the breeze, hear the birds, and enjoy the surrounding environment without being separated by walls and windows. Incorporating bi-fold, sliding, or stacking doors can be an easy way to increase airflow throughout your home.

You can bring nature indoors by adding skylights, reflective materials, and sheer drapes that allow the sun to shine through and illuminate your environment. An added benefit of letting nature shine through is also bringing you closer to the aspects of weather. After all, who does not enjoy sitting in a cosy chair while watching it rain outside?

NATURAL LANDSCAPES

Utilise natural landscapes as a way to relax and improve your health. From pictures of nature to nature-identical designs done in patterns on the walls, flooring, and fabrics, these images help to foster improved wellbeing.

Bring in the colours of nature wherever possible.

Incorporating the blue sky, green grass, brown earth, and cream sand colours will help you connect with the many elements around you.

PAGE 12

CREATE SPACES WITH OPEN AIRFLOW

NATURAL MATERIALS

Natural materials are some of the best ways to foster biophilic designs, as many options are available. Wood, stone, bamboo, leather, wool, hemp, clay, wicker, rattan, granite, and cork are available for various areas of your home or office, including flooring, furnishings, and countertops. The unique textures associated with materials such as cork or bamboo bring you closer to nature. You can also incorporate natural design elements that activate the senses, such as varying textures.

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BON APPÉTIT

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

Vanilla Ice cream

H

ave you ever made ice cream at home? Probably not. But do you crave ice cream when you are at home? Probably often.

Before we start, you should know that homemade ice cream won’t last as long as store-bought ice cream. Store your ice cream in an airtight storage container, recycled ice cream container, or zip-top freezer bag. Try to enjoy the ice cream within a few weeks for the best taste.

Homemade ice cream is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have.

This vanilla ice cream recipe will quickly become a go-to in your repertoire.

Ingredients • • • •

2 ¼ cups of milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream ¾ cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Stir milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Heat just until

the mixture is hot and a small ring of foam appears around the edge. Transfer the cream mixture to a pourable container, such as a large measuring cup.

Stir in vanilla extract and chill for at least 2 hours. (Overnight is best.) Pour ice cream mix into an ice cream maker, turn on the machine, and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions for 20 to 25 minutes. When ice cream is softly frozen, serve immediately or place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the ice cream and place it in the freezer to ripen for 2 to 3 hours.

Oreo Ice cream Strawberry Ice cream This strawberry ice cream is super easy to make. This recipe doesn’t use an egg-custard base but still tastes rich and creamy.

Ingredients • • • • • • •

2 cups mashed fresh strawberries 2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 2 drops of red food colouring (optional)

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

Combine strawberries, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and food colouring in a large bowl. Pour strawberry mixture into the freezer bowl of an ice cream maker; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.

This is a super simple recipe to make some delicious Oreo ice cream; you don’t need an ice cream maker.

Ingredients • • • • •

1 (14 ounces) package of chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo) 2 cups heavy whipping cream ½ (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Crush 20 Oreo cookies.

Reserve the remaining cookies for another use.

Beat cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in crushed Oreos, condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla without destroying the fluff of the whipped cream.

Transfer into a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

PAGE 13

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

Multifunctional

Makeup

Products That Serve Multiple Beauty Purposes

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE The emergence of multipurpose makeup products is a game-changer in a world where beauty trends shift often. These versatile makeup products provide various benefits in a single container, saving time and space while meeting a wide range of beauty needs. In this article, we’ll look at six multipurpose cosmetic products that will help you save time and increase the benefits you can get with your routine.

1

. BB CREAM

BB creams are the makeup version of Swiss army knives. These multipurpose marvels blend aspects of cosmetics and skincare. They provide light coverage, hydrate and protect the skin, and can be used as a primer, moisturiser, foundation, or sunscreen.

4

. HIGHLIGHTER STICK

The versatility of highlighter sticks is surprising. They can be used to add shimmer to the shoulders and collarbone, highlighting those regions with a hint of brilliance, and they can be applied to the skin to give it a beautiful sheen.

5

. MULTIPURPOSE PALETTES

2

. LIP AND CHEEK STAINS

Containing colours for the eyes, cheeks, and lips, all-in-one palettes are a beauty find. With a range of hues in a single palette, these adaptable compacts are perfect for people who are always on the go.

Both lips and cheeks can have a natural glow thanks to these multifunctional cosmetics. They simplify the makeup routine with just one product thanks to their blendable compositions, which offer a flawless, rosy tint for a unified, fresh look.

6

. TINTED MOISTURISER

3

. CLEAR MASCARA

Clear mascara is useful for more than just thickening lashes. It can be used to shape and maintain eyebrows, just like a brow gel, and it can also give lashes a soft, natural appearance without using colour.

PAGE 14

Tinted moisturisers provide hydration and a bit of coverage and are essential for a dewy, natural appearance. They give a dewy, airy look while blurring the boundaries between skincare and cosmetics, levelling skin tone.

CONCLUSION Makeup fans and pros alike find multipurpose products to be the pinnacle of contemporary beauty regimens, streamlining their lives. These products, which range from lip and cheek stains to BB creams, satisfy various cosmetic demands while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Embrace these six products and let their multipurpose utility lighten your cosmetic bag while improving your beauty regimen.

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Different Cities And How They

TRAVEL

Celebrate Christmas El Salvador

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

T

he observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. Many national governments recognise Christmas as an official public holiday, while others recognise it symbolically but not as an official legal observance. Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Here is an insight into how some places celebrate Christmas.

Bahamas Are you ready to spend Christmas in the Bahamas? For many, the fun starts on December 24th. In most Bahamian homes, children are put to bed early so parents can stay up, do some last-minute wrapping of gifts, and indulge in the wine and spirits of The Bahamas. They graze over platters of meats and cheeses while casually sipping on glasses of reduced or white wine, not sleeping until every last present is wrapped (and every last drop of wine is gone), all while the children peacefully sleep with visions of Junkanoo dancers in their heads. The day everyone is waiting for, Christmas Day, is filled with delicious meals, conversations, and laughter, followed by a night of dancing and music.

After the second round of full bellies, the evening is spent relaxing and preparing for a fun night. Of course, there’s not much sleep on Christmas night because promptly at 2 a.m. Junkanoo begins. The streets of downtown come alive with a night filled with music, including drums and whistles, and delightful dancing of Junkanoo rush-outs as they weave through the streets until 10 a.m. on Boxing Day.

Christmas in El Salvador is all about festive traditions and is celebrated on December 24th and 25th. It is a holiday rich with festive customs and traditions that Salvadoran families enjoy. Christmas rituals vary from family to family but include family gatherings, holiday foods, fireworks, a Christmas tree, and a nativity scene display. Salvadorans celebrate Christmas primarily on December 24th at midnight, but the festivities occur throughout December, making it a month-long celebration.

Mexico Christmas in Mexico is one of the most magical times of the year. Because it is largely a Catholic country, Christmas in Mexico is deeply tied to the holiday’s religious roots. From the 16th to the 24th of December, churches and communities will host what are called Posadas Navidenas every day, with culminating celebrations on Christmas Eve. The posadas usually entail a procession of people with candles to symbolise Joseph and Mary’s journey in search of shelter in the nativity story. These Mexican Christmas traditions include songs, children in costume, reenactments of the biblical story, and a party hosted by a different house each night. Other Mexican Christmas traditions include elaborate nativity scenes (nacimientos, in Spanish), the display of poinsettia flowers, which are native to the country, and fireworks. In some parts of Mexico, children will receive presents on January 6th, known as el Dia de los Reyes, delivered by the Three Kings (or magi). Santa Claus and Christmas trees are becoming slightly more popular, but for the most part, Christmas in Mexico stays true to its Spanish colonial and indigenous origins.

PAGE 15

VOL 3 NO. 50 • DECEMBER 10, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

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

MOVIE REVIEW:

Wish

WATCH OF THE WEEK

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Sheer pyrotechnic insanity.

ore than 70 years after Disney M had a cricket sing about wishing upon a star, Wish picks up that

theme in an animated movie that desperately wants to thaw out some of the studio’s Frozen magic. Hailing from members of that movie’s creative team, Wish doesn’t quite reach the stars, but it does shine intermittently while introducing another plucky teenage female heroine, gamely voiced

by Ariana DeBose.

Despite plenty of original songs (courtesy of Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice), Wish doesn’t feature the kind of showstopper that had everyone who saw Frozen letting go or Encanto not talking about Bruno.

The movie does, however, celebrate the power of wishes and in the process, decades of Disney history. Whether that sort of pleasant but unspectacular production can rekindle box-office magic remains to be seen, but like its predecessors, it’s destined to enjoy a long shelf life.

We’re talking “Mad Max: Fury Road” here. upon a star, only to be surprised when the little round-faced fellow – clearly designed to sell about a million plush toys – plummets to Earth, bringing wondrous magic with it.

Directed by Chris Buck (Frozen) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon), from a script by another Frozen alum, Jennifer Lee, and Allison Moore, Wish contains a traditional dollop of anthropomorphic cuteness (the aforementioned Star and Alan Tudyk’s little goat Valentino), which should appeal to younger kids.

That said, the movie’s strongest asset lies in Magnifico, who recalls some of Disney’s grand sorcerer villains, with Pine portraying him as both regally self-absorbed, and genuinely malevolent in denying the residents of his kingdom free will.

Set in the fictional kingdom of Rosas, the movie features DeBose (an Oscar winner for West Side Story ) as Asha, a 17-year-old girl who – like her contemporaries – yearns for nothing more than to serve the dashing King Magnifico (Chris Pine). Loved by his people, he uses his magical powers to both protect them and periodically grant wishes at a ceremony.

That concept pays off in a strong climactic sequence that elevates the movie and even has something rather profound to say. Until then, it’s an amiable animated diversion if one that feels a little too self-conscious about checking off the anticipated boxes without bringing much new to them.

After meeting the king, however, Asha realises that his seemingly benevolent actions actually rob his subjects of what’s most precious to them, an awakening that prompts her to wish

Disney has experienced a rough year at the box office, with even Indiana Jones and The Marvels falling well short of expectations. Notably, one of its bright spots, Pixar’s Elemental, also came in the realm of animation, reflecting that families are still eager to find such alternatives.

By that measure, Wish mostly delivers – a credible addition to Disney’s long filmography, even if it’s not exactly a dream come true.

Rating:6.5/10

PAGE 16

It’s been 36 years since the last “Max,” the regrettable and forgettable Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. But really, it’s been 40 years since the franchise’s previous peak, The Road Warrior. With Fury Road, George Miller, who directed all four of the “Maxes” and co-wrote this one with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that after all this time he still has it. It, meaning an all-consuming addiction to dementoextremo stunts and high-octane vehicular mayhem.

Miller’s style is over the top all of the time.

Across a hellish landscape rust-hued desert sands and towering, lightning-lit sandstorms, the first many jawdropping chases, Miller sends squadrons of bald berserkers driving all manner of much-modified, big-wheeled, scuffed-up retro hot rods in hot pursuit of a fleeing Max (Tom Hardy, taking over the part from Mel Gibson, who originated the role). Also on the run in a monster truck from these raging crazies

is a shaven-headed, one-armed fearsome female road warrior with the fabulous moniker Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron, grimfaced with dark-rimmed eyes). These pursuers are accompanied by a ridealong band of pounding war drummers and a crimson-clad guitarist whose electric axe shoots flames out the neck. Nothing subtle here.

“My name is Max,” Hardy growls. “My world is fire and blood.” Believe him.

Civilization has collapsed, and the ruins are ruled by a disfigured dictator named the Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne, who played the villainous Toecutter in the original 1979 Mad Max). Captured, chained and slowly drained of blood to fuel the Immortan’s unnaturally white and diseased young male minions called War Boys (the main one of whom is played by Nicholas Hoult), Max has plenty of reasons to be

mad. The long-ago violent deaths of his family, which haunt him in flashbacks, make him even madder.

So when he finally escapes and emerges, like some primordial creature out of the desert dust, his goal is vengeance, which to him will be his only redemption.

He joins forces with Furiosa, who is seeking redemption as well by rescuing and fleeing with the five young slave wives of the Immortan, who provide a weird contrast to all the grime and grease, but they’re part and parcel of the bizarro extremity of Miller’s vision, and somehow they fit in with everything else.

Fury Road’s pace is delirious, the stunts are incredible — such crashes, such explosions, a lot of flying bodies — Hardy’s performance is a marvel of subdued conviction, and Theron brings an impressive gravity to her work as Furiosa.

Put it all together, and you’ve got a top-5 film of the 2010’s . Easily.

of Burna Boy - Big 7

Cabu_ Young Franco_ Noé - Sun Moon

Drake - Skepta Interlude

J Hus - Massacre

JAE5_ Dave_ Bnxn - Propeller (feat.

Dave & BNXN)

Knucks - Los Pollos Hermanos

Odeal - Coffee (Don’t Read Signs)

Reuben James - So Cool

Show Dem Camp_ M.I. Abaga Respect, Loyalty & Honour

in of