ROSE ESHIETT
Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
One of the greatest privileges of my work is meeting leaders whose influence extends far beyond the titles they hold. Time and again, I have discovered that true leadership is measured not by authority, but by integrity, service, and the ability to leave people and institutions stronger than they were found. Rose Eshiett is one of those remarkable leaders.
With more than three decades of experience in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, including key leadership roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), she has built a career defined by professionalism, excellence, and purpose. Now, as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Abuja Zone, she is focused on strengthening corporate governance, promoting ethical leadership, and preparing a new generation of directors for an increasingly complex world.
In this issue, Rose Eshiett shares the experiences that have shaped her leadership journey, her vision for CIoD Abuja, her perspective on artificial intelligence, and the timeless principles she believes every effective leader should embrace.
Read Rose Eshiett’s story on pages 8 to 10. I hope her insights inspire you as much as they inspired me.
Women’s health is about far more than appearance—it evolves with every stage of life. While our priorities may change from our twenties to our fifties and beyond, understanding those changes empowers us to make informed choices, embrace preventive care, and invest in lifelong wellbeing. Page 14 of this issue explores that journey with clarity and purpose.
Career growth isn’t always found in a new job. Often, the greatest opportunities come from maximising where you are, sharpening your skills, and expanding your impact. Page 17 explores how a shift in mindset—not just a change in workplace—can unlock lasting professional success.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
AUSTYN OGANNAH 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’
COVER Rose Eshiett On Governance and the Future of Corporate Nigeria
Buy Confidence
Quick Decor Fixes That Work The New Beauty Pitch
Brunch Goals Recipes That Make Weekends Better Untold Truths Parents Do Not Get Graduation Ceremonies
I Don't Remember
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.
Our Anniversary Beyond Beauty Prioritising Women’s Health at Every Age
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.
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.
STYLISH WAYS TO WEAR A BACKLESS DRESS
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Abackless dress is one outfit that never goes out of style. Whether you are attending a wedding, birthday party, dinner date, or any special event, a backless dress can help you stand out in a beautiful way. However, wearing a backless dress is not just about showing your back. The right styling can make the outfit look more polished, comfortable, and suitable for the occasion. Here’s how.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT INNERWEAR
One of the biggest concerns people have when wearing a backless dress is what to wear underneath. A regular bra can spoil the look because the straps and back band will be visible. Instead, go for stick-on bras, adhesive cups, or boob tape that provide support without showing. If your dress has enough structure, you may even feel comfortable wearing it without a bra. The most important thing is to choose an option that gives you confidence and allows you to move around comfortably.
A backless dress already has a beautiful design, so there is no need to wear too many accessories. Instead of heavy necklaces, choose simple earrings, a delicate bracelet, or a few rings. This helps keep the focus on the back of the dress while still making your outfit look complete.A small clutch bag and a pair of stylish heels can also add elegance without making your look feel crowded.
STYLE YOUR HAIR TO SHOW OFF THE BACK
Your hairstyle can make a big difference when wearing a backless dress. If your hair covers your back, the beautiful design of the dress may not be noticed.Wearing your hair in a bun, ponytail, braided updo, or sleek low bun allows the back of the dress to stand out. If you prefer to wear your hair down, simply sweep it to one side.This creates a soft, elegant look while still showing off the backless design.
KEEP YOUR ACCESSORIES SIMPLE WEAR IT WITH CONFIDENCE
No matter how beautiful your dress is, confidence is what truly completes the look. Stand tall, maintain good posture, and walk comfortably. A backless dress naturally attracts attention, so wearing it with confidence makes all the difference.
A backless dress is a timeless fashion choice that can make you look elegant and stylish. By choosing the right innerwear, keeping your accessories simple, styling your hair well, and wearing the outfit with confidence, you can create a look that is both fashionable and comfortable.
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
TRUTHS
UNTOLD TRUTHS
Parents Do Not Get Graduation Ceremonies
Universitieshand out degrees in seconds, but parents wait decades for their results.
This week, my daughter became a law graduate. As she crossed the stage in under thirty seconds, I realised I had spent twenty years walking toward that moment without ever being called forward.
Parents do not get graduation ceremonies. Only children cross the stage, while the rest of us sit in the audience holding decades of invisible coursework.
For the occasion, I wore an agbada.
Traditionally worn by men, it felt symbolic in ways I had not anticipated. Partly because of King Sally, the alter ego that has followed me through the years, but mostly because life had quietly required me to occupy spaces I never expected to stand in as mother, father, provider, protector.
The outfit felt less like a costume and more like an acknowledgement.
Migration has a curious way of making you think your identity is something you packed away in a suitcase years ago. Then one day, it gently reminds you that your roots travel with you.
The teenage girl who left Nigeria for England all those years ago could not have imagined this moment. She could not have imagined the winters, the loneliness or raising children in a country that was not the one that raised her.
Yet somehow, here we were.
A Nigerian woman in an agbada, standing in England, celebrating her daughter becoming a lawyer.
Life really is strange and beautiful like that.
The funny thing about Immi is that she is unmistakably mine.
The running is there.
The boxing is there.
The expressions and habits are there.
Even the law found her eventually, despite my best efforts not to influence her too much. Somewhere between running shoes, boxing gloves and law textbooks, she quietly became herself.
Watching her sometimes feels like looking into a mirror that has been polished so well it shines brighter than the original reflection.
She takes pieces of me and returns them improved.
alright after all.
There are narratives society writes about certain children before they even introduce themselves.
Children of migrants.
Children of single parents.
Children the world quietly expects less from.
What those narratives rarely account for are the ordinary acts of determination happening behind closed doors: the homework checked late at night, the impossible budgets somehow balancing, and the prayers whispered into exhausted evenings.
Degrees may belong to students, but they are often earned by entire villages.
As I watched my daughter smile for photographs, another thought came to me.
Inheritance is not always money.
Sometimes we inherit discipline.
Sometimes we inherit resilience.
More resourceful.
Wiser.
Stronger.
Perhaps that is the whole point.
Perhaps parents are simply rough drafts from which their children write the polished version.
I used to joke that leaving me unsupervised to raise children of my own felt like an administrative error.
Surely there had been a mix-up.
Someone should have checked references.
Instead, the hospital handed me babies and sent me home as though I knew exactly what I was doing.
The truth is, I spent much of parenthood feeling like I was improvising adulthood in real time.
I worried about being too strict and then not strict enough.
I worried that moving countries had cost my children something they might never be able to name.
Most of all, I worried that love might not make up for everything that money, time and a second pair of hands could have provided.
I have always been my own harshest critic, which is why this week felt bigger than a graduation ceremony.
For the first time in a very long time, I was confronted by evidence that perhaps I had done
Sometimes we inherit stories.
My father wore white tennis shorts in Nigeria in the early eighties.
My mother ran.
I run.
My daughter boxes.
Legacy, it turns out, is less like inheritance and more like a relay race.
We carry what was handed to us for a while and then, hopefully, pass it forward a little stronger than we received it.
This week, as I stood in my agbada watching my daughter become a lawyer, I realised something I had not expected.
Somewhere between the uncertainty, the improvisation and the moments I felt wildly underqualified, something remarkable had happened.
We made it.
So today, I am accepting my flowers.
Not for perfection.
For showing up.
For figuring it out.
For building anyway.
Perhaps the #Unshakable truth is this:
Parents are not supposed to be masterpieces.
We are simply the rough drafts from which our children write better versions.
'See' you next week.
ROSE ESHIETT
On Governance and the Future of Corporate Nigeria
Great leadership is not just about holding a position. It is about making decisions that inspire trust, create lasting impact, and leave people and institutions better than they were. Few people understand this better than Rose Eshiett, whose career has been built on service, excellence, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
For more than 30 years, Rose Eshiett has played an important role in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, serving in key leadership positions at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Today, she is bringing that wealth of experience to a new role as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Abuja Zone. With a clear vision for stronger corporate governance, ethical leadership, and the development of future directors, she is focused on helping build organisations that are better led, more accountable, and ready for the future.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Rose Eshiett discusses her vision for CIoD Abuja, the growing role of artificial intelligence in leadership, and the lessons she has learned from over three decades of service.
Congratulations on your recent appointment as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Abuja. What excites you most about this responsibility, and what legacy do you hope to leave by the end of your tenure?
Thank you. I am truly honoured to serve in this capacity. What excites me most is the opportunity to shape the conversation around ethical leadership and corporate governance in Nigeria after retiring, having spent over 3 decades building a trackable career in the Oil and gas Industry, NNPC precisely. My goal is to leave behind a stronger, more visible Institute that empowers directors to lead with integrity and global best practices.
a host of others. A key observation from these visits is their knowledge of the Institute, and in most cases, these organisations and institutions have Directors who are already members of CIoD. This discovery speaks to the credibility and reach of the institute. What is lacking? Visibility. Attaining visibility will position CIoD rightfully as a regulatory body for Directors in Nigeria.
Corporate governance is often spoken about but not always practised. In your opinion, what are the biggest governance gaps Nigerian organisations still need to address?
Many Nigerian organisations still struggle with accountability, transparency and following due process. Governance is often treated as a compliance checkbox rather than a culture. Huge potential is embedded in various spheres of the nation, but we have constantly struggled with quality governance and reasonable diligence. To close governance gaps in Nigerian organisations, we need to strengthen board independence, improve disclosure standards, and ensure directors are equipped to challenge management constructively in the company’s best interest, ahead of personal or financial conflict of interest.
"I believe visibility will have the most enduring impact. When the institute is recognised as a thought leader and trusted authority, membership and revenue naturally follow."
You have identified visibility, membership growth, and revenue generation as your three immediate priorities. Which of these do you believe will have the greatest long-term impact, and why?
While all three priorities are interconnected, I believe visibility will have the most enduring impact. When the institute is recognised as a thought leader and trusted authority, membership and revenue naturally follow. Since my Inauguration as the Chairman of the Abuja Zone on the 1st of April 2026, we have made a series of courtesy visits to key industries’ stakeholders, heads of government parastatals and institutions, privately owned companies and
as proof that systems keep evolving and leaders have a duty to evolve with the system too to stay relevant.
"Beyond experience, readiness for the boardroom requires strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and courage. A director must understand not just the business but also the broader societal impact of decisions."
Nigeria is pursuing both oil and gas development and an energy transition. How can the country balance energy security, economic growth, and sustainability without sacrificing one for the other? The Nigerian government is notably on the right path in balancing energy security, economic growth and sustainability. On energy security, the government is aiming for crude oil production of 3 million barrels per day and 10 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2030. Average daily crude oil production is at 1.53 million barrels per day as of May 2026, which surpasses the country’s OPEC allocation (1.5 million barrels per day) and indicates a steady recovery in output. The balance of economic growth is achievable with careful economic planning and effective energy administration, which will, in turn, foster sustainability.
Many professionals see board positions as the peak of a career. What qualities distinguish someone ready for the boardroom from someone who is simply experienced? Beyond experience, readiness for the boardroom requires strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and courage. A director must understand not just the business but also the broader societal impact of decisions. While professional experience prepares you, the boardroom calls for a sense of duty of care to shareholders. A Professional is an expert in doing; a board member, on the other hand, is an expert in overseeing.
Having spent decades in the petroleum industry, how would you describe the biggest transformation you've witnessed in Nigeria's energy sector?
One big transformation that I personally witnessed in the energy sector is the transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a commercial Limited Liability Company, NNPC Limited. This transformed NNPC into a self-funded, profit-oriented corporation. I had the privilege of leading the transition process, putting in place a framework for shareholding registration processes, statements of compliance, minimum share capital, audit obligations, and other aspects of the transition. I will describe this experience
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries worldwide. How do you see AI influencing corporate governance and decision-making in Nigeria's energy sector over the next decade? Like every other sector that has embraced artificial intelligence, the energy sector is managed by people who are also interested in adopting innovative ways of doing things. AI is already transforming exploration, production and pipeline security in Nigeria’s energy sector. Operators now use AI to optimise reservoir management, deploy predictive maintenance on ageing infrastructure and to combat crude oil theft through real-time satellite and drone mapping.
This new development is influencing corporate governance and decision-making with a new dimension. New realities have given rise to new kinds of challenges, e.g. shortage of local professionals skilled in data analytics and machine learning, infrastructure deficit (unreliable electricity grid) and high capital. Another implication is the need to train the board on this aspect of governance, and this will also influence board compositions to include professionals who have a solid background in managing artificial intelligence.
"What many people rarely know about me is that, beyond boardrooms and leadership roles, I’m deeply committed to empowering widows through my foundation, Tabitha Foundation"
You've worked with people across government, regulators, international partners, and private organisations. What is one misconception people have about leadership at the highest levels?
The greatest misconception is that leadership is about control, being in charge, having all the answers and dictating commands; in reality, it is about empowering others, asking the right questions that foster collaboration. Leadership is not a title; it is a responsibility.
You have built a remarkable career in sectors
COVER
traditionally dominated by men. What barriers still exist for women aspiring to executive and board leadership, and how can organisations remove them?
The narrative is gradually changing, and women in recent times are breaking barriers. The greatest setback is the internal forces within women that cause them to hold back or slow down when it matters the most in their careers. Women are now learning to be resourceful in managing their private lives without losing the tempo of their professional lives. The aim is not to compete with their male counterpart but to rise to the call for leadership in their own right. Organisations need to embrace fairness; it is a false narrative that women cannot deliver on a board. Organisations should equally build the capacity of women through trainings and exposing them to leadership opportunities. Women on boards bring a fresh perspective that goes beyond gender sensitivity. Women bring diverse perspectives and collaborative leadership styles that enrich board deliberations. Increasing female representation isn’t just about equity—it’s about effectiveness. I advocate for mentorship programs and policy frameworks that make board opportunities accessible to qualified women.
People know Rose Eshiett as an executive, a board leader, and an industry expert. Outside those
titles, what is something people rarely know about you?
What many people rarely know about me is that, beyond boardrooms and leadership roles, I’m deeply committed to empowering widows through my foundation, Tabitha Foundation. This is a cause that keeps me grounded in compassion. I’m also a fitness enthusiast who believes in the discipline of a healthy body and mind, and a lover of music whose playlists often mirror my moods and inspire my creativity.
Thenumber wasn't saved.
Ada almost let it ring out. She answered on the last ring, the way you answer a call you've already decided is probably nothing.
"Hello?"
A pause.
Long enough that she nearly hung up.
"Is this Ada?"
The voice was older than the name attached to it in her memory.
It took her a moment to place it.
Then she did.
"It's me."
"I'm really sorry."
Ada waited.
"For what?"
The woman hesitated.
I DON'T REMEMBER
"Please take something home."
People asking, "Have you eaten?" even though nobody expected the answer to be yes.
Who cried.
"For what I said… after your friend died." Ada frowned.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I don't remember."
There was another pause.
"I do."
"I've thought about it for years."
Ada tried to remember the day.
The sitting room.
Plastic chairs borrowed from three different neighbours because there were never enough in one house.
The scrape of another chair being dragged across the floor for someone who had just arrived.
The tray of meat pies going round again.
Everyone saying they weren't hungry.
Everyone taking one anyway.
One of the little boys running through the house before three adults stopped him at the same time.
Someone quietly collecting the empty Fanta bottles before anybody accidentally left with one.
Someone pressing a takeaway bowl into another person's hands.
LUXURY SILK
slightly rushed way of a person who has finally said the hard thing and is relieved to be past it.
She had left Lagos, it turned out. Years ago. She was calling from a city Ada had never known she'd moved to.
"You're not serious," Ada said. "Since when?"
And that was all it took.
They talked about work. About children — hers, the woman's — children who were somehow old enough now to disagree with them, and to be right often enough that it was becoming a problem.
She remembered who arrived first.
Who didn't.
The ones who didn't were the ones everybody worried about later.
She remembered the heat and how little the fans did against it.
She remembered standing at the gate after everyone had gone.
The fan was still turning.
Nobody switched it off.
She remembered almost everything.
The sentence still wouldn't come.
"I'm sorry," the woman said again.
"I've wished I could take it back ever since."
Ada held the phone a little away from herself, as though the sentence might be somewhere in the room instead of in her.
"I believe you."
And she did.
Not because she remembered.
Because she could hear the years in the woman's voice.
They stayed on the phone.
At first, the woman did most of the talking in the
They talked about people they hadn't thought about in years. The woman knew things Ada didn't. Who had moved. Who had married. Who had quietly separated and told no one for a year. Who had died, and which of the deaths had been expected and which had not.
Ada offered what she had in return, and was surprised to find she still had a great deal — that a friendship she'd assumed was long over had simply been paused, and picked up now exactly where two people pick up who have both kept living without checking.
Twenty minutes.
Then the easy, unhurried goodbye of two people who both know they will probably not call again, and are at peace with it.
When the call ended, Ada left the phone face down on the table.
She sat for a while.
Then she tried one last time to remember.
The chairs.
The meat pies.
The Fanta bottles.
The gate.
The house.
Everything came back.
Everything except the sentence.
Months later, someone smiled and said, "You probably don't remember this…"
Ada almost answered.
"I don't…"
She stopped. She smiled.
"Tell me."
5 WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN IN YOUR 20S
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Your 20s are one of the most important stages for your skin. Not because your skin is already bad, but because this is the time when your habits quietly shape how your skin will look later in life. Many skin problems people face in their 30s did not start there; they started from small neglect in their 20s. In this article, we will show you five ways to take care of your skin in your 20s.
CLEAN YOUR FACE TWICE DAILY
Cleansing is the foundation of skincare. Your face collects dirt, oil, sweat, and pollution throughout the day. If it is not cleaned properly, it can lead to clogged pores, pimples, and dull skin. Wash your face in the morning and at night using a gentle cleanser. Do not use harsh soap, as it can strip your skin and leave it dry or irritated. After washing, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. This small habit helps protect your skin barrier.
MOISTURISE EVERY DAY
Moisturiser is not only for dry skin. Every skin type needs it, including oily skin. When your skin is not properly moisturised, it can become unbalanced. Apply it after cleansing to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and smooth. Moisturising also helps reduce early signs of ageing and keeps your skin looking healthy.
USE SUNSCREEN DAILY
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in skincare, yet many people ignore it. The sun gives off UV rays that damage the skin over time. This damage can lead to dark spots, uneven tone, and early wrinkles, even if you don’t notice it immediately. Apply sunscreen every morning, even if you are staying indoors for most of the day. If you are exposed to sunlight for long periods, reapply it as needed.
KEEP YOUR ROUTINE SIMPLE AND CONSISTENT
You do not need many skincare products in your 20s. A simple routine works best: Cleanser, Moisturiser, and Sunscreen (morning only). What matters most is consistency. Following a simple daily routine is better than using many products only once in a while. Also, avoid changing products too often. Give your skin time to adjust before deciding whether something works.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN FROM THE
INSIDE
Healthy skin is not only about what you apply. Your lifestyle matters too. Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated. Eat more fruits and vegetables because they contain nutrients that support clear and healthy skin. Try to reduce sugary and oily foods, as they can trigger breakouts for some people. Sleep is also very important. When you don’t rest well, your skin can look tired, dull, and more prone to breakouts. Good sleep helps your skin repair itself naturally.
Your 20s are not about perfect skin. They are about building simple habits that protect your skin for the future. You don’t need too many products or complicated routines. Just consistency, care, and patience will keep your skin healthy, fresh, and glowing.
Office Wellness HEALTHY
HABITS
EVERY PROFESSIONAL NEEDS
BY NATO CHIMA
For many professionals, a typical workday involves long hours behind a desk, back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, and endless emails. While these demands can help build successful careers, they can also take a toll on physical and mental well-being. Poor posture, skipped meals, prolonged sitting, and constant stress have become common parts of office life, often without people realising the longterm effects.
The good news is that maintaining your health at work does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, intentional habits can improve your energy, focus, productivity, and overall well-being. Whether you work from a corporate office, a co-working space, or from home, these simple wellness habits can help you stay healthier while performing at your best.
DON'T STAY GLUED TO YOUR CHAIR
Sitting for hours without moving can lead to back pain, neck stiffness, poor circulation, and fatigue. Make it a habit to stand up, stretch, or take a short walk every hour. Even a two-minute break can improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and refresh your mind before returning to work.
Busy schedules often make professionals forget one of the simplest wellness habits: drinking enough water. Dehydration can reduce concentration, cause headaches, and leave you feeling sluggish. Keep a reusable water bottle on your desk as a reminder to drink regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
STAY HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR POSTURE
Hours spent leaning toward a laptop or looking down at a phone can strain your neck, shoulders, and back. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, keep your screen at eye level, and support your lower back with a comfortable chair or cushion. Good posture not only reduces discomfort but also helps you stay more alert during the workday.
TAKE PROPER BREAKS— NOT JUST PHONE BREAKS
Scrolling through social media during a break may distract you, but it doesn't always help your mind recover. Instead, step away from your workspace, enjoy your lunch without multitasking, take a short walk, or spend a few quiet moments away from screens. Giving your brain genuine downtime can improve focus and reduce stress.
LEAVE WORK AT WORK
One of the biggest wellness challenges for professionals is switching off after office hours. Constantly checking emails or responding to work messages late into the evening can lead to burnout. Whenever possible, establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Your body and mind need time to rest so you can return refreshed and productive the next day.
Professional success should never come at the expense of your health. By moving regularly, staying hydrated, improving your posture, taking meaningful breaks, and setting healthy work boundaries, you can create a work routine that supports both productivity and wellbeing. After all, your greatest career asset isn't just your skills or experience—it's your ability to stay healthy enough to keep performing at your best.
HEALTH
Beyond Beauty
PRIORITISING WOMEN’S HEALTH AT EVERY AGE
BY VICTORIA DAIRO
When people talk about women’s health, the conversation often focuses on beauty, fitness goals or maintaining a youthful appearance. Health is about much more than what we see in the mirror, even though there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel and look our best. What matters in your twenties may be different from the concerns that arise in your forties, fifties or beyond. A woman’s body changes over the course of her life, and each stage comes with its own health needs and priorities. Understanding these changes can help women at every age make better decisions and take better care of themselves.
BUILDING HEALTHY FOUNDATIONS
The twenties are frequently a period of selfdiscovery, career growth and new experiences. While it might seem that there is plenty of time to consider health later, this decade is important for establishing healthy habits. Long-term wellbeing can be established by regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and regular visits to the doctor. During this phase, mental and reproductive health should also be key objectives.
NAVIGATING MENOPAUSE AND BEYOND
Many women are juggling work, relationships, motherhood, and other obligations by the time they are in their thirties. With busy schedules, personal health can easily move down the priority list. This is a good time to stay consistent with preventive care, monitor stress levels and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. In this sometimes demanding age, it is necessary to pay attention to emotional welfare.
BALANCING HEALTH AND RESPONSIBILITIES PAYING ATTENTION TO CHANGING NEEDS
Significant hormonal and physical changes can occur during the forties. Energy levels may change, metabolism may slow down, and some health risks may begin to rise. During this phase, regular health screenings become even more important. As their bodies continue to change, women should also pay close attention to heart health, weight control and general wellness.
Menopause is closely linked to the fifties for many women. This natural transition can bring symptoms that include mood swings, sleep problems and hot flashes. It is also a time to pay more attention to cardiovascular and bone health. Women can handle this time more comfortably if they stay active, eat a healthy diet, and seek medical advice when necessary.
GROWING OLDER, LIVING BETTER
Good health remains important at every age. Maintaining mobility and general quality of life becomes crucial throughout the sixties and beyond. Regular physical activity, social connection, mental stimulation and preventive healthcare can help support healthy ageing. Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down entirely; it involves adjusting and continuing to take care of your body and mind.
Health is what sustains every area of life, even though beauty may be the first thing that people notice. Taking care of one’s health is one of the most valuable investments a woman can make throughout her twenties, sixties and beyond. Women can thrive at any age if they prioritise their wellbeing and pay attention to changing needs.
EZAGA EVI-BEN
THE NEW BEAUTY PITCH Buy Confidence CULTURE
Afew years ago, cosmetic procedures were largely private conversations. Today, they have become some of the most visible content on social media. From consultation videos and recovery diaries to dramatic before-andafter reveals, influencers now document almost every step of their cosmetic journeys.
What was once a personal choice has become everyday online content, and it’s shaping beauty conversations among young audiences.
As cosmetic procedures become more mainstream, the way they are marketed has also changed. Many influencers now partner with aesthetic clinics, promoting treatments not just as beauty enhancements but as a path to confidence, selfimprovement, and becoming the “best version” of themselves.
feel more personal and trustworthy in a way advertisements never did. When
In many ways, the new beauty pitch is no longer just about looking better. It's about buying confidence, and it's resonating.
For many, getting a procedure no longer feels like a big decision. It feels like the next step toward the person they wish they were.
Social media has created an environment where beauty standards are constantly on display. Perfectly edited photos, beauty filters, and curated feeds make certain facial features and body types seem normal, even though they are often heavily altered. Spending hours on these platforms can make comparison almost unavoidable, especially for young people who are still
creators openly share their cosmetic procedures and speak about feeling happier, more attractive, or more comfortable in their own skin, the message sinks in quietly, suggesting that confidence can be achieved by changing one's appearance.
developing their sense of identity and self-worth.
Influencers also play a significant role in shaping these ideas. Their large audiences often see them as relatable rather than as celebrities, making their recommendations
Still, mental health experts generally agree that confidence isn’t just about how you look. When self-worth becomes closely tied to physical appearance, it can leave young people constantly chasing an ever-changing ideal.
There’s also a quieter risk: constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards online can fuel body dissatisfaction and a habit of comparing yourself to others, sometimes so much that fixing one “flaw” just shifts attention to another.
This pitch isn’t entirely new. Weight-loss ads have been selling the same promise for decades. The difference now is the messenger. An advertisement kept its distance; a friend’s recovery diary doesn’t.
Cosmetic procedures may alter appearance, but they do not always address the deeper insecurities that influence how someone sees themselves. There are also medical concerns. While many aesthetic treatments are presented as quick, safe, and low-risk, some require regular maintenance, carry potential risks, or may have long-term effects that are rarely discussed in promotional content.
Beauty trends also change rapidly. The face or body shape everyone wants today might not be the one anyone wants in five years, leaving some to pursue repeated procedures in an attempt to keep up.
None of this means cosmetic procedures are inherently wrong. Many people choose them for deeply personal reasons and are happy with the results. The bigger question is what happens when confidence itself becomes a product: something packaged, marketed, and sold to people who didn’t realise they were buying it.
As influencers continue to shape beauty ideals online, perhaps the conversation shouldn’t be about whether to get the procedure at all. It should be about why so many young people have come to believe that confidence is something they need to purchase in the first place.
DÉCOR
Quick Decor Fixes That Work
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Your space doesn’t need a full makeover to feel brand new. You don’t need new furniture, a renovation budget, or a design degree to transform your space. Most homes don’t look dull because they’re badly designed; they look dull because they’ve been left untouched for too long. A few intentional updates can completely shift the mood of a room.
The secret to good décor isn’t excess. It’s attention. When small elements work together, a space instantly feels warmer, calmer, and more put-together. Here are quick décor fixes that actually make a difference.
CHANGE THE LIGHTING, CHANGE EVERYTHING
Lighting is the fastest way to upgrade a room. Harsh white bulbs make spaces feel cold and unfinished. Switching to warm lighting instantly adds comfort and depth. Table lamps, floor lamps, or even fairy lights soften a space and create atmosphere. Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate, it transforms.
REARRANGE BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING
Before spending money, move things around. Shift furniture away from walls, change layouts, or swap items between rooms. Sometimes the problem isn’t what you own, it’s how it’s placed. Rearranging creates fresh energy and makes a room feel intentional instead of accidental.
ADD TEXTURE, NOT CLUTTER
Flat rooms feel boring because everything looks the same. Texture brings life. Think throw pillows, rugs, curtains, woven baskets, or layered fabrics. Mixing soft, rough, smooth, and natural materials adds depth without overcrowding the space. Texture makes a room feel styled, not stuffed.
USE ART AND MIRRORS STRATEGICALLY
Blank walls drain personality from a space. Art adds character, while mirrors reflect light and make rooms feel larger. You don’t need expensive artwork, framed prints, photography, or even fabric pieces work. Hang pieces at eye level and avoid overcrowding. One well-placed piece is more powerful than many random ones.
STYLE SURFACES WITH INTENTION
Coffee tables, shelves, and countertops should feel curated, not chaotic. Group items in odd numbers, vary heights, and leave breathing room. A stack of books, a plant, and one statement object can transform a surface instantly. Less styling done well beats clutter every time.
A beautiful home isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Small changes, done thoughtfully, can refresh a space without stress or excess spending. When your environment feels calm and considered, it quietly improves your mood and daily life. Sometimes, all a space needs is a little attention, not a complete overhaul.
GROWING WHERE YOU ARE
MASTER YOUR CURRENT ROLE FIRST
Before looking for the next opportunity, it is important to excel in your current one. Becoming known for delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and solving problems creates a strong professional foundation. People who consistently perform well often become the first candidates considered for new responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
LEARN NEW SKILLS
Growth often comes from expanding your capabilities rather than changing your job title. Taking courses, attending workshops, learning new software, or improving communication and leadership skills can make you more valuable within your organisation. The more skills you develop, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
VOLUNTEER FOR NEW CHALLENGES
Many professionals limit themselves to only doing what is listed in their job descriptions. Taking on new projects, joining committees, or helping with cross-functional assignments can expose you to different parts of the business and help decision-makers recognise your potential.
BUILD STRONG WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS
Career advancement is not solely based on technical ability. Relationships matter. Building trust with colleagues, managers, and mentors can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. People are often willing to support individuals they know, respect, and enjoy working with.
BY NATO CHIMA
When people think about career growth, the first thing that often comes to mind is finding a new job. Social media is filled with stories of professionals announcing exciting career moves, bigger salaries, and new opportunities. While changing jobs can certainly be a path to advancement, it is not the only one. In fact, many successful professionals have built remarkable careers by maximising opportunities within their existing organisations before making major moves.
Career growth is not always about changing your environment; sometimes it is about changing your approach. Learning how to grow where you are can help you build valuable skills, strengthen your reputation, and position yourself for future success.
FOCUS ON LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT
Not every season of your career will come with a promotion or salary increase. Sometimes growth happens through experience, knowledge, and increased responsibility. Viewing your career as a long-term journey rather than a series of quick wins can help you stay motivated and patient as you develop professionally.
Changing jobs can be beneficial, but it is not the only route to career success. Some of the most meaningful professional growth happens when people take advantage of opportunities already around them. By mastering your role, developing new skills, embracing challenges, building relationships, and focusing on long-term progress, you can continue moving forward without necessarily having to move elsewhere. Sometimes the best opportunity is not the next job—it is making the most of the one you already have.
BRUNCH GOALS BON APPÉTIT
RECIPES THAT MAKE WEEKENDS BETTER
There's something special about weekends; they offer a chance to slow down, sleep in, and enjoy a meal that isn't rushed. That's where brunch comes in. Sitting perfectly between breakfast and lunch, brunch has become a favourite weekend tradition for families, couples, and friends. It's the perfect excuse to experiment with delicious recipes, gather around the table, and make the most of your free time. Whether you're hosting guests or simply treating yourself, these popular brunch recipes are guaranteed to elevate your weekend.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
EGGS BENEDICT
A timeless brunch classic, Eggs Benedict combines toasted bagels, perfectly poached eggs, slices of ham or smoked salmon, and rich hollandaise sauce. The creamy, buttery flavours paired with the soft egg yolk create an indulgent meal that feels restaurant-worthy but can easily be recreated at home with a little patience.
AVOCADO TOAST WITH SMOKED SALMON
Golden, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, Belgian waffles are a brunch favourite around the world. Top them with fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible weekend treat that's both simple and satisfying.
BELGIAN WAFFLES WITH FRESH FRUIT SHAKSHUKA
Originating in North Africa and widely enjoyed across the Middle East, Shakshuka is a hearty one-pan dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with onions, garlic, peppers, and spices. Best enjoyed with warm bread for dipping, it's a colourful, flavorful meal that's perfect for leisurely mornings.
Simple yet incredibly popular, avocado toast has become a brunch staple. Creamy mashed avocado is spread over toasted sourdough bread and topped with smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, red onions, or a perfectly poached egg. It's nutritious, filling, and packed with fresh flavours that make every bite enjoyable.
CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
One of America's most beloved comfort foods, chicken and waffles brings together crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles in a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey for a meal that's comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a weekend favourite.
Brunch is more than just a meal; it's an experience that encourages people to slow down, connect, and enjoy good food. From elegant Eggs Benedict and flavourful Shakshuka to comforting Chicken and Waffles, these recipes prove that weekends are the perfect time to explore new flavours in the kitchen. Whether you're cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these brunch favourites will turn an ordinary weekend into something worth looking forward to.
cassy’s chronicles
OUR ANNIVERSARY
Our anniversary fell on a Saturday, so we decided to spend the whole day at the beach. It wasn't anything fancy. We packed homemade food, bought drinks on our way, and spent hours laughing over silly games, taking pictures, and arguing about who built the better sandcastle. It was one of those days that reminded
me why I loved being with him. Nothing felt forced. We could sit in silence without it becoming awkward.
As the sun slowly disappeared into the sea, people started packing up.
Children stopped running around. Couples gathered their bags. The beach became quieter with every passing minute.
We were supposed to leave, too. I bent down to pack our things, but deep inside, I wasn't ready to go. There was something about the beach at sunset that had always fascinated me.
I never told him.
Honestly, I didn't know how. Some of the men I had dated before would have laughed at me or misunderstood what I wanted.
Maybe he noticed the way I kept looking at the waves instead of folding the mat. Maybe he simply knew me better than I thought. Without saying a word, he gently pulled me closer and kissed me.
At first, it felt like one of our usual kisses. His kiss started soft, almost playful, but it quickly grew deeper, hungrier. I leaned into it, thinking it was just another one of his teasing moments after our anniversary dinner.
Then his hand slid lower. His fingers traced the waistband of my pants before slipping inside, cupping me firmly. My breath caught. I pulled back just enough to meet his eyes and whispered, "Here?"
Instead of answering, he took my hand and led me toward one of the small beach huts that was now empty. The sound of the waves surrounded us, while the evening breeze carried the smell of salt and sand. That was when it clicked. I was about to have the best time of my life.
I took off my clothes first, then he joined in undressing me. While staring into his eyes, I removed his underpants too.
I pushed him onto the low bench, straddling him as his cock hardened against my thigh. He gripped my hips, guiding me down until I sank onto him, taking every inch in one slow motion. I clenched around him as I started riding, the sound of skin slapping mixing with the distant surf.
He thrust up to meet me, hands squeezing my ass while I bounced harder. Sweat slicked our bodies. I leaned forward, biting his shoulder to muffle my moans as he pounded into me from below. His fingers found my clit, rubbing in tight circles until my orgasm crashed through me. My walls pulsed around his cock, milking him until he groaned and flooded me with hot cum. We stayed locked together, breathing hard. After a moment, I rested my forehead against his and admitted, "That... has been on my fantasy list for so long. I've always been too shy to say it."
He uses his hands to arrange my messy hair, then leans in close, lips brushing my ear. "We'll do everything on that list," he whispered. Before I could answer, he pulled me into another deep French kiss, tongue sliding against mine as his hands roamed my bare skin again.
That night, we left with a memory that would always make me smile whenever I remember it.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Evil Dead Burn
Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise continues with its latest instalment, Evil Dead Burn. While this initially appeared to be another standalone entry, similar to 2023’s Evil Dead Rise, Evil Dead Burn features far more connective tissue with the franchise than originally expected, sometimes to the sequel’s detriment. Nevertheless, Evil Dead Burn provides unhinged gore and bloody violence amid a plot centred around a dysfunctional family’s underlying rot.
An eerie setup concerns some callbacks to a familiar setting from the last movie, leading to the introduction of Robert Price’s family. Price’s grandson, Joseph (Doohan), is celebrating his birthday at his brother Will’s (Pullar) fancy restaurant. However, there is obvious tension between Will and his French photographer wife Alice (Yacoub).
After things blow up between Will and Alice at the party, Will has a close vehicular encounter with a Deadite creature, leading to his tragic and untimely demise. The Deadites have been awakened and called to the family. Will and Joseph’s grandfather was part of a secret cabal that studied the Necronomicon and the Deadites, discovering a weapon with the power to destroy them.
Now that the weapon is uncovered, the Deadites can detect it like bloodhounds, and they descend upon the family’s summer home, bringing the wrath of Hell with them. The Deadites target the family and will not stop until they get what they came for, forcing Alice to confront uncomfortable truths about her marriage and in-laws.
French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček takes the helm for Evil Dead Burn, bringing a unique European sensibility to the franchise. Vaniček pays homage to the Raimi features and past instalments, but he exudes a distinct verve to the violence and Deadite-centric sequences as well.
Along with cinematographer Philippe Lozano, they craft some exciting, inimitable setups depicting all-out bloody mayhem, such as a thrilling extended long take, watching a character desperately attempt to crawl to safety as bloody hell breaks loose around the summer home.
Sébastien Vaniček avoids cheap
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
jump-scare tricks and instead focuses on building the tension, dread, and intensity before chaos ensues. It’s nice to see a horror movie that doesn’t constantly over-utilise a cheap, sharp jump-scare motif.
Yacoub delivers a strong and spirited performance as she’s engulfed in an inexplicable night of terror while being hunted by the Deadites. She showcases her desperation believably well and also showcases the guarded trauma of her toxic marriage with Will.
The newer Evil Dead movies delve into unique, dysfunctional family dynamics. Evil Dead Rise depicted a single-parent family, along with the aunt, Beth (Lily Sullivan), who is confronted with the gravitas of her pregnancy and the prospect of motherhood. The movie ultimately becomes Beth’s literal and figurative journey in accepting and fighting for her motherhood.
While Evil Dead Rise explored the theme of motherhood, Evil Dead Burn explores the fallout of an abusive relationship and dysfunctional, enabling families. The Prices’ summer home is interesting, as it’s dilapidated and rotting. The home’s cracking walls visually externalise the same underlying rot at the heart of the family. The Deadite curse soon spreads throughout the family, much like the house’s rot.
Evil Dead Burn does suffer at times from an overly padded plot. The final act runs too long and definitely could have used some narrative tightening and trimming. Although Alice and Price family matriarch, Susan (Wright), are nicely fleshed out, other characters, such as Joseph and his girlfriend, Thya (Buchanan), are underdeveloped. The plot hints that Joseph lacks a spine, as the coddled baby of the family, but the idea is not fully explored.
Although some of the initial connective tissue with the previous entries works well, the other sequel and franchise-bait elements come off as relatively forced. True, the Deadites are basically magical demons, and they can do whatever the plot requires of them, but the scenes look unnecessarily forced and lack sensible plotting.
The tag scenes lack the sharpness, as do other areas in the film. Moreover, the established rules regarding the Deadites are more inconsistent than ever.
Evil Dead Burn definitely wants moviegoers to know another sequel is coming out soon, but the sequel teases seem confusing and frustrating. It’s difficult to grasp where franchise torchbearers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are taking this franchise, but it resembles an R-rated horror equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which sounds like a weird prospect for a franchise such as Evil Dead.
Nevertheless, Evil Dead Burn provides some fun and entertaining horror thrills, along with the franchise’s trademark gallows humour. Longtime fans of the franchise and horror aficionados can expect a good time. Vaniček’s strong direction and a great lead performance by Souheila Yacoub also elevate the experience.
Rating: 7.5/10
keep ‘em coming
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WATCH OF THE WEEK
THE BEAR SEASON 5
Is The Bear still a thing?
Soon after it first aired in 2022, Christopher Storer’s drama about a young, Michelin-starred chef returning home to Chicago to run the family restaurant became cult viewing.
Its main character, Carmy Berzatto, aka Bear (Jeremy Allen White), was the coolest guy on the planet. Even his white T-shirts were objects of adoration. In The Bear’s kitchen, everyone bellowed “Yes, chef!” at each other as they tried to keep the restaurant afloat and win a star. It was fast, furious, and meant to be funny, except it wasn’t really. Oh, and it won a ton of awards.
Viewers cooled on the subsequent series, critics less so. Now the show is back for a fifth and final run. Does anyone still have an appetite for highstakes haute cuisine and other culinary references?
The first episode opens the day after series four ended, with the restaurant in crisis. When is it ever not? This time, however, it is serious. Going out of business serious.
Adding to the end-of-days vibe, a storm of biblical intensity is raging on the very night the restaurant is fully booked. Meanwhile, the satanic plumbing is playing up again, wailing and
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gnashing if anyone with a wrench comes near.
It is good to see the gang again, from cool hand Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) to jumpy Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). With everything going on, the tension should be through the roof, but it is not. It feels like the decks are being cleared before the lights are turned out for the last time.
But then, as is always the way with this show, something clicks and suddenly it is up and running. It takes its sweet time - until at least episode four - but the old Bear is back.
They even try their hand at comedy again, and it works. So often with The Bear, the comedy is laboured, but here it plays naturally. The actors lean into their characters, knowing this is the last chance they will play them, and everything - the cooking, the
shouting, the music - is turned up to 11 once more.
This is a vastly more confident series, one that can even poke a little fun at itself. The scene where two foodies are allowed into the kitchen to watch Carmy - got to keep the customers happy - deserves an award on its own.
There is not much room for Jamie Lee Curtis’s volcanic mother turned sweet grandma to get a look-in. That’s a pity, but Lee Curtis makes every second of screen time count. Same for Oliver Platt as the money man, Uncle Jimmy, who talks a cynical game but at heart is just as romantic as the rest of them about the restaurant business.
The show could probably go on after this. The characters are strong enough, Richie in particular, but I hope not. Storer leaves us in the ideal state of having had our fill yet wanting more. Yes, chef!
Kelela - the bridge Jungle - Back On 74 - Full Crate Remix