THEWILL DOWNTOWN, OCTOBER 25, 2026 by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

ETINOSA IDEMUDIA

The Business of Telling Stories

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

CONTENT

EDITOR’S NOTE Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

14 WELLNESS

here’s something about people who dare to begin again, and Etinosa Idemudia’s journey is a compelling example. From studying Computer Engineering at Covenant University and working in oil and gas to finding her voice in Nollywood, she has consistently challenged herself to explore new possibilities. Her story reminds me that sometimes, growth requires the courage to leave the familiar behind.

Beyond acting, Etinosa has embraced comedy, writing, directing and producing, building Etinosa TV into a platform for greater creative independence. Projects such as Billionaire’s Daughter and Oga Bulldozer reflect her willingness to entertain while examining social realities. Her latest film, Love KB, continues this exploration through a moving story of abandonment, unexpected kindness and complicated relationships. What I find particularly inspiring is her determination to shape her own narrative, both professionally and personally. In this conversation, Etinosa reflects on motherhood, public scrutiny, creative freedom and the importance of protecting her peace while building a lasting place for herself in the industry. Learn more on pages 8 to 10. A potluck invitation is exciting until you have to decide what to bring. The secret is choosing something delicious, easy to share and different enough to complement the spread. From office gatherings to family parties, we list five crowd-pleasing options worth considering on our food page, Bon Appétit. Scroll to page 18 for this.

Chic Ways to 04-05 4Style Striped Shirts

FASHION

Untold Truths 07 Prisoners of Hope #UNSHAKABLE

TRUTHS

8-10 COVER

LUXURY SILK

BEAUTY

Etinosa Idemudia The Business of Telling Stories

Let Me Know 5 Ways to Wear and Apply Gem (Rhinestone) Nails at Home

Underrated African Cities You Will Fall In Love With

16 CULTURE

The Pressure to Have It All Together by 30

17 DECOR

How to Decorate Empty Walls Without Overspending

The Potluck Playbook 18 BON APPÉTIT What to Bring When Everyone Is Bringing Food

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

The Blind Date

Street Fighter

REVIEW

WHAT YOU SAID Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm

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

Issue No. 297 • October 18, 2026

The Art of Reinvention

IKECHUKWU ONUNAKU

Leaving work does not always mean switching off mentally. Deadlines, unfinished tasks and constant notifications can follow us home, blurring personal boundaries. This issue explores simple ways to disconnect after work, reclaim your evenings and create space for yourself. Check out page 14 for more on how to actually switch off from work once you get home.

15 TRAVEL

The After-Work Shutdown How to Actually Stop Thinking About Work

INSTAGRAM

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Onah

@official_ikechukwu

@onahluciaa +2348033239132

AUSTYN OGANNAH

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

@winsomekaydee

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Writers:Dorcas Akintoye, Johnson Chukwueke & Evi-Ben Ezaga Design & Layout: Hogan Effiom Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun, Victoria Dairo & Olamide Abolarin Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown 254 Remi Fani-Kayode Avenue, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888

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

@ga_biggest big brother ikeGod

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Issue No. ISSUE NO.298 261••October FEBRUARY 25, 2026 08, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

CHIC WAYS TO STYLE STRIPED SHIRTS

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BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

triped shirts are one of those fashion pieces that never really go out of style. The best part is that you do not need a big wardrobe to style one. With a few simple pieces, you can make your striped shirt look casual, smart, or effortlessly chic. Whether you're dressing for work, brunch, a casual day out, or a weekend, we will show you four easy ways to style it.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

FASHION PAIR IT WITH DENIM For an easy everyday look, wear your striped shirt with denim. You ca n choose your favourite pair of jeans, whether they are straight-leg, wide-le g, skinny, or relaxed. Tuck the shirt into your jeans for a more polished look or leave it out for a relaxed feel. Complete the outfit with sneakers, sandals , or loafers, depending on where you are going. If you wa nt the outfit to look more put together, add a structur ed bag and simple jewellery . This combination is sim ple, comfortable, and perfe ct for casual outings.

LAYER IT OVER A BASIC TOP For a more relaxed and stylish approach, wear your striped shirt open over a basic top. A plain white, black, or neutral tank top or T-shirt works well underneath. You can pair the combination with jeans, trousers, or even shorts. This creates layers without making your outfit look too heavy. Roll up the sleeves or push them slightly above your elbows for a more effortless feel. Finish with sneakers or sandals for a casual outfit that still looks intentional.

WEAR IT WITH TAILORED TROUSERS A str

iped shirt can ea sily become part of a smart outfit. Pair it with tailore d trousers in a neutral shad e like black, cream, grey, or be ige. This works especially well when you want to look stylish without looking lik e you tried too hard. Tuck th e shirt into the trousers and ad d a belt for a clean finish . You can wear loafers, poin ted flats, or heels to complete the look. This outfit can wor k for the office, meetings, lunch dates, or other occasions where you want to look polis hed.

STYLE IT WITH A SKIRT

If you want your striped shirt to look more femini ne, pair it with a skirt. A de nim, midi, pleated, or fitted skirt can work depending on your personal style and the occasion. For a balance d outfit, choose a simple skirt if your shirt has bold str ipes. If the shirt has thin or sub tle stripes, you can experim ent with a skirt in a stronge r colour or print. Tuck the shirt in and add heels, flats, or sandals. A small handba g and simple accessories can also make the outfit fee l more complete.

The beauty of a striped shirt is its versatility. Instead of wearing it the same way every time, play with different bottoms, layers, shoes, and accessories. Small changes can give the same shirt a completely different look. Whether you prefer a relaxed outfit for the weekend or a polished look for work, a striped shirt can easily fit into your style.

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

SALLY CHIWUZIE

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS

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

Prisoners of Hope

here are weeks when words arrive carrying their own light. This week, I have had to feel around for them in the dark.

remain uncertain. But some questions do not become easier because we give them confident answers. Perhaps there is honesty in allowing “I do not know” to remain a complete sentence. We can sit beside someone without explaining their pain. We can love them without finding words that improve it. We can stop asking every act of care to accomplish a repair. I keep thinking about the phrase “prisoners of hope”.

I have been trying to understand life: its tenderness, its sudden turns, the way an ordinary day can ask more of us than we know how to give. I keep returning to the same questions, turning them over as though a different angle might reveal an answer. How can there be so much beauty in a world that can bring us to our knees? How do we keep making plans when we know how little we control? And what do we do with hope when certainty is no longer available?

It sounds almost contradictory. Hope should suggest an open window, yet here it is, something that holds us. Perhaps I understand it best as the part of us that remains attached to possibility even when we cannot picture what comes next.

The world continues while we are asking. A kettle boils. Someone laughs beyond a window. The sky changes its mind about the weather. We answer a message, look for our keys, remember something we were supposed to do. Ordinary life can feel almost impertinent at such times. Yet sometimes its small demands give our hands somewhere to go while our minds are still searching. I believe in God, although belief has not relieved me of questions. There are days when being in the hollow of His palm feels evident, when care reaches me through another person, and I recognise something larger within it. There are other days when I cannot feel that reassurance.

For me, it means leaving tomorrow unfinished. I can be frightened of what lies ahead without deciding that nothing good waits there. I can question what I believe without abandoning every moment in which I have felt held. I can recognise the darkness without giving it authority over everything I have yet to see.

the person who stays when conversation runs out, the ordinary message that arrives at exactly the right moment, the brief return of laughter that surprises us. I am grateful for that light. I do not have to be grateful for the darkness to recognise what still shines within it.

I am learning to say so without immediately correcting myself. Does faith become less sincere when it admits bewilderment? Does gratitude require us to soften the truth about what hurts? I Nor must every difficult thing become a lesson wonder how much energy we spend trying to sound before we are allowed to carry it. Sometimes we at peace before we have found any. reach too quickly for meaning because having none makes us uncomfortable. We want an There is darkness, and there is also light. Sometimes explanation large enough to contain what has the darkness makes a small kindness more visible: happened, something we can place between ourselves and the possibility that life will

None of this makes hope easy. Some days, it asks very little: to accept company, to eat something, to allow a moment of beauty to reach us without feeling obliged to become cheerful. Perhaps we can be grateful and bewildered at once. Perhaps a smile need not explain away our sadness, and sadness need not cancel everything we have loved about being alive. Perhaps the #Unshakable truth is that we do not have to make peace with the darkness before we can be grateful for the light. I have no grand conclusion this week. My questions remain, but I am trying to leave space around them: for kindness, for wonder, for a gentler hour I cannot yet imagine. For the moments when I cannot feel myself being held, I will remember those when I could. Until then, I remain a prisoner of hope. ‘See’ you next week.

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

COVER

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

tinosa Idemudia has built a career around reinvention. A Computer Engineering graduate from Covenant University, she began her professional life in engineering, working on oil and gas construction projects before making the bold decision to pursue entertainment full-time. That leap eventually turned her into one of Nollywood’s recognisable comic performers, actresses and filmmakers, with memorable roles in projects including Blood of Enogie, The Chairman, Devil in Agbada and Osamede. But acting is only part of Etinosa Idemudia’s story. Over the years, she has expanded into comedy, producing, writing, directing and digital filmmaking, developing Etinosa TV into a platform where she can take greater control of the stories she creates and how audiences consume them. Her recent projects show that evolution clearly. Billionaire’s Daughter, which she produced, wrote and directed, explored the consequences of the “fake it till you make it” lifestyle, while Oga Bulldozer combined comedy, romance and social commentary, including a look at the experiences that can shape men’s behaviour. Both projects found strong audience responses online. Now, with Love KB, her latest film, Etinosa Idemudia is continuing to explore emotionally charged stories while building a more independent creative business. The film, released through Etinosa TV, follows a pregnant woman caught between the man who abandoned her and the stranger who offered her genuine support. Away from filmmaking, Etinosa Idemudia has also been candid about motherhood, relationships, body image, public criticism and the importance of protecting her peace.

ETINOSA IDEMUDIA The Business of Telling Stories

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In this exclusive interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, Etinosa Idemudia shares her journey from engineering to entertainment, and from actress to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, offering a compelling look at what it means to build a career on your own terms. It is a story of courage, consistency, ownership and refusing to let a career define your possibilities.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

You moved from engineering into entertainment at a time when leaving a conventional career for acting was a major gamble. Looking back now, what do you think that decision taught you about trusting yourself? That decision taught me that trusting yourself means having the courage to pursue your vision even when the outcome is uncertain. Leaving engineering for entertainment was a gamble, but I realised that security and fulfilment are not always the same. Today, I see that the discipline engineering gave me has strengthened my work in entertainment. Sometimes, you have to believe in who you are becoming before the world can see it.

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

COVER

What inspired me was the pressure deserving of love. people face today to appear successful, especially on social media, where You have kept the meaning of “KB” in perception often matters more than Love KB under wraps. Was keeping the reality. People sometimes go to extreme title mysterious part of your strategy to lengths to maintain an image that doesn’t get audiences talking before watching reflect their true circumstances. With the film? Billionaire’s Daughter, I wanted to explore Yes, partly to create curiosity and buzz the consequences of living a lie and the but also to protect the film and title danger of measuring your worth by other from piracy. Some malicious people people’s expectations. My message is upload movies using your title before simple: it’s okay to aspire your release, for more, but don’t lose "Today, I see that potentially yourself trying to look like diverting search you’ve already arrived. the discipline traffic and views to their content. engineering gave me So you are You have previously spoken about the money has strengthened my spending changing role of YouTube promoting your You have evolved from skit-making and digital platforms in work in entertainment. title while they and acting into producing, writing and Nollywood distribution. have tricked the Sometimes, you have algorithm into directing. At what point did you realise Do you think independent you wanted to have more control over filmmakers can now build as your to believe in who you posing the stories being told? sustainable businesses title. Keeping I think it happened when I realised I without depending are becoming before the “KB” mysterious had so many stories to tell beyond entirely on traditional was a way to world can see it." build anticipation the characters I was playing. I wanted movie distributors? to create stories that reflected my We no longer have to wait while protecting perspective, challenged people, and for someone to open the door for us; we the film’s identity and ensuring audiences stayed with them long after watching. can build our own. This does not mean find the original on ETINOSATV. I wanted to tell stories the world can that new distribution channels are not relate to. That was when I began to needed. Indeed, Nigeria and Africa as a ETINOSA TV has become an embrace producing, writing, and whole need more avenues to showcase increasingly important part of your directing as a natural evolution of my their God-given craft. creative journey. What does having creativity. your own platform allow you to do Your latest film, differently from releasing Your recent projects have increasingly "Yes, partly to create your films entirely through Love KB, centres carried strong messages beneath the on a woman traditional industry curiosity and buzz but humour. What do you look for in a caught between channels? story before deciding that it is worth the man who also to protect the film Platforms like YouTube putting your name and resources abandoned have given independent behind? and title from piracy. " filmmakers more control her and For me, a story must do more than another man over distribution, audience entertain; it must make people think, who stayed. What attracted you building, and revenue. However, feel, or see life differently. I look for to this particular story, and what sustainability requires great content, originality, relatability, and a message conversations do you hope it starts? strategic marketing, and understanding that resonates with people. I love using What attracted me to Love Knows Best your audience. humour to address serious issues was the opportunity to address some because sometimes, people are more uncomfortable but very real issues in You are a mother as well as a willing to confront uncomfortable our society, from irresponsible sexual filmmaker. What has motherhood truths when they can laugh about behaviour and absent fathers to the taught you about yourself that success, them. Ultimately, if a story can growing number of single mothers raising fame and career achievements could entertain people and still leave them children alone. I also wanted to explore not? with something the stigma single Motherhood has taught me resilience, meaningful to mothers face when patience, and a depth of love I never "I love using humour to reflect on, then it is seeking love and the knew I was capable of. It has humbled address serious issues societal pressure worth my name and me and made me realise that beyond resources. women to stay success, fame, and career achievements, because sometimes, on with a man simply my greatest responsibility is the life I’m Billionaire’s nurturing. It has taught me that I can be people are more because he is the Daughter explored father of their child. strong even when I feel exhausted, and willing to confront Ultimately, I want the “fake it till that sometimes, the most meaningful you make it” film to challenge victories are the ones nobody applauds. uncomfortable truths the lifestyle and its people to rethink consequences. What When you are completely off work, and when they can laugh love, responsibility, inspired you to and family, because nobody needs anything from you, what about them. " being a child’s father does a genuinely perfect day look like tackle that subject, and what did you doesn’t automatically for Etinosa? want audiences to take away from it? make you a good partner, and being a A perfect day for me is one without single mother doesn’t make a woman less pressure or a packed schedule. I would

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER love to wake up naturally, swim, enjoy good food, spend time in beautiful surroundings, perhaps watch a good movie, and just enjoy my own company. I love beautiful experiences, but these days, peace of mind and the freedom to do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty are luxury enough for me. You have been open about wanting a relationship that brings peace, stability and genuine partnership. At this stage of your life, what does a fulfilling personal life look like beyond career success? For me, fulfilment goes beyond career success or having a partner. It is about raising a generation of successful, wellrounded children, making a meaningful difference in the world, and using my platform to impact lives. I want to build something that outlives me, inspire people through my work, and leave a legacy that future generations can be proud of. At the end of the day, I want my life to have

made a difference, not just for me, but for the people whose lives I’ve touched. Having experienced both corporate engineering and entertainment, which lessons from your engineering career still influence the way you run your creative business today? Engineering taught me that creativity alone is not enough; you need structure, planning, and execution. Every project requires strategy, attention to detail, risk management, and the ability to solve problems when things don’t go as planned. I apply those same principles to filmmaking and business. I may be in a creative industry now, but I still approach my work with the mindset of an engineer: have a plan, understand the risks, manage your resources, and always look at the bigger picture. PAGE 10

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

LUXURY SILK

ADA " OBIAJUNWA @aaddaahh

he message came in just as she was leaving the office.

LET ME KNOW "Should I wash the rice for you too?" "Just the onions." "Go and sit down." He went.

Are you making that rice on Sunday? If you are, let me know so I won't bother.

They continued packing. She was pressing a lid onto a container when her sister said: "I didn't know you were bringing rice."

She was trying to get her laptop bag onto the back seat without dropping her keys.

"You asked me to." "I asked if you were making it." "Exactly." "And I said to let me know." She looked up.

She read it, put the phone in her handbag and got into the car. Halfway home, she remembered she needed coconut milk. At the supermarket, they didn't have her usual brand. She stood comparing labels before choosing four small tins. The woman ahead of her was arguing about the price of eggs. She checked her phone. Three messages from the office. She answered two before it was her turn to pay. On Saturday, she made the rice. She had planned to cook on Sunday morning, but the thought of waking up early for people who would probably arrive late changed her mind. The kitchen was hot. She opened the back door. The prawns went in last. She tasted it, added salt, tasted it again. Perfect. She sent her brother a photograph. He replied with three fire emojis. Will there be enough to take home? She ignored that one. On Sunday, she arrived twenty minutes late. Her sister opened the door. "You're late." "Good afternoon to you too." "What's that?" "Help me carry it." Her sister took one of the bags. "Don't turn it sideways." "Am I the one that cooked it?" "Just carry it." They went into the kitchen. Three pots stood on the cooker. A tray of chicken

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was on the counter. Beside it was a large covered dish. Her sister moved it to make room. She lifted the lid on the dish.

Coconut rice. "Ah. You made rice too?" "Yes." "Why?"

Her sister looked at her. "Because people are coming to eat." She laughed. Someone called from the sitting room. "Is there anything to drink?" "Check the fridge!" "The fridge is empty!" "Then drink water!" Her sister went back to the kitchen. By the time everyone sat down, both dishes of rice were on the table. Her sister's was slightly darker. Her brother helped himself from both. "Which one is whose?" "Just eat," her sister said. "I'm conducting research." He tasted one, then the other. "Actually, this one is better." "Which one?" He took some chicken. Nobody got an answer. After lunch, her sister brought out containers for the leftovers. Someone wanted chicken without sauce. Her brother wanted the rice he'd preferred, although he could no longer remember which one it was. "Just put both," her sister told him. He held out his container. "Not too much pepper. Remove the onions." Her sister looked into the container.

won't bother. Nothing underneath. She took out her own phone. Opened the chat. Looked.

"I did." "When?" "Friday." Her sister picked up her phone and opened their conversation. Are you making that rice on Sunday? If you are, let me know so I

"Oh." Her sister waited. "But I bought everything on Friday." "What does that have to do with answering me?" "I even stopped at the supermarket." Her sister started laughing. "You thought very well." She laughed too. The lid came loose. Her sister handed her another. It fitted. "Put some of yours in this one," her sister said. "Mine?" "Yes." "For who?" "For me." She looked at her sister. "You liked it?" "It's nice." "Better than yours?" "Don't start." She took the serving spoon. "How much?" "Just put." She put in two spoonfuls. "More." Her sister held the container steady while she added another.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

BEAUTY

WAYS TO WEAR AND APPLY GEM (RHINESTONE) NAILS AT HOME

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

em nails can turn a simple manicure into something eye-catching without requiring a salon visit. You do not need to be a professional nail technician to try them. With the right tools and patience, you can create beautiful gem nails at home. Read on to learn how to wear gem nails at home.

ADD ONE GEM TO EACH NAIL If you prefer a simple look, place one rhinestone on each nail. This is one of the easiest ways to wear gem nails, and it works well with nude, pink, clear, or softcoloured polish. After your polish dries, apply a tiny amount of nail glue where you want the gem. Pick up the gem with tweezers and gently press it onto the glue. Finish with a little topcoat around the gem, avoiding its surface, to help hold it in place.

CREATE A GEM FRENCH TIP Give the classic French manicure a little sparkle by using tiny rhinestones along the tip of each nail. Start with your usual base colour and create your French tip. Once it is dry, place small gems along the curved line where the white tip meets the base. You can use the same colour gems for a neat finish or mix clear and coloured stones for more sparkle.

MAKE A RHINESTONE ACCENT NAIL You do not have to decorate every nail. Choose one or two nails as your statement nails while keeping the others simple. Paint all your nails in the same colour, then cover one accent nail with a small cluster of rhinestones. You can start with larger gems in the centre and add smaller ones around them.

OUTLINE YOUR NAILS WITH GEMS For a glamorous look, use tiny rhinestones to outline your nails. After your polish has dried, place small dots of adhesive around the outer edge. Carefully follow the shape of your nail with the gems, leaving small, even spaces between them. This style looks beautiful on short, square, almond, or coffin-shaped nails.

MIX DIFFERENT GEM SIZES For a bold, party-ready manicure, combine large and small rhinestones instead of using stones of the same size. Apply a few larger gems first, then fill the empty spaces with smaller ones. You can keep the colours similar for a polished look or mix different shades for something playful. Do not overload the nail with glue or gems, as this can make the design uncomfortable.

Remember that it is important you prepare your nails by cleaning them, trimming or shaping them, and gently pushing back your cuticles. Apply your chosen nail polish or gel colour and allow it to dry properly. Then, choose your gems and keep tweezers and nail glue nearby. Always let each layer dry completely before adding gems for best results.

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Issue Issue No. 298 October 25, 2026 No.•298 • October 25, 2026

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

WELLNESS

The AfterWork Shutdown HOW TO ACTUALLY STOP THINKING ABOUT WORK

BY NATO CHIMA

ou have closed your laptop, left the office, or ended your workday at home, but somehow your brain is still at work. You are replaying a meeting, thinking about tomorrow’s deadline, checking Slack or WhatsApp, or mentally drafting the email you should have sent before leaving. Switching off after work is harder than it sounds, especially when your phone keeps the office within arm’s reach. But creating a clear boundary between work and personal time can make your evenings feel like your own again.

STOP CHECKING “JUST ONE THING” That innocent “let me quickly check my email” can easily become another 45 minutes of work. Unless something genuinely cannot wait, give yourself a cut-off time for checking work messages. Turn off unnecessary notifications and move work apps away from your home screen. Your evening does not need to become an unofficial second shift because someone sent an email at 8:47 p.m.

GIVE TOMORROW’S PROBLEMS A PARKING SPOT

CREATE A “WORK IS DONE” RITUAL

Your brain needs a signal that the workday has ended. It could be shutting down your laptop, changing out of work clothes, taking a shower, going for a short walk or making your favourite drink. If you work from home, physically leave your workspace rather than moving straight from your desk to the sofa. A small routine can help create a mental transition.

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Sometimes you cannot relax because your brain is terrified you will forget something important. Before finishing work, write down tomorrow’s priorities, unfinished tasks and anything you need to remember. Even a five-minute list can help. Instead of repeatedly thinking, “I must remember to do that tomorrow,” your brain has somewhere to store it.

REPLACE WORK WITH SOMETHING YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY

You cannot simply tell your brain to stop thinking about work and expect silence. Give it something better to focus on. Cook dinner, meet a friend, exercise, play a game, read, watch a funny show or take yourself somewhere you enjoy. Your evening should contain something you look forward to, not just chores followed by scrolling until bedtime.

LEARN TO LEAVE SOME THINGS UNFINISHED

One of the hardest lessons for ambitious professionals is accepting that not everything will be completed today. There will always be another email, another task and another deadline. Finishing everything before you leave is often impossible. Decide what genuinely needs your attention and what can wait. Protecting your evening is not laziness; it is part of making your work sustainable.

A healthy work-life boundary does not require disappearing from the world at 5 p.m. It means deciding when work gets your attention and when it does not. Shut down your devices, clear tomorrow’s tasks from your head, make plans unrelated to your career, and allow yourself to be unavailable sometimes. Your job is one part of your life. It should not occupy every room in it.

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

Issue IssueNo. No.298 298••October October25, 25,2026 2026

TRAVEL

Underrated African Cities You Will Fall In Love With BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

he continent’s magic isn’t only in the obvious places. When people talk about African travel, the same destinations dominate the conversation: Cape Town, Marrakech, and Zanzibar. Beautiful? Absolutely. But beyond the usual Instagram favourites are cities and destinations quietly living their best lives, vibrant, stylish, soulful, and surprisingly accessible. These are the places that don’t scream for attention. They simply invite you in, and once you arrive, you wonder why more people aren’t talking about them. Here are some underrated African destinations worth falling for.

VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

Small but striking, Victoria is one of the world’s tiniest capitals, and one of its most charming. Located on Mahé Island, it blends island calm with colourful market life and colonial-era architecture. You can explore the vibrant Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in the morning, stroll past pastel buildings, and still be on a postcard-perfect beach within minutes. Unlike busier global island hubs, Victoria moves gently. There’s no rush, just warm air, turquoise water, fresh seafood, and sunsets that feel personal. It’s ideal for travellers who want tropical beauty without chaos, luxury without noise.

KIGALI, RWANDA

Clean, calm, and effortlessly organised, Kigali feels different the moment you land. It’s one of Africa’s most walkable capitals, with rolling green hills and a refreshing sense of order. Spend your mornings at local cafés, explore contemporary art spaces, and take short scenic drives just outside the city. It’s not chaotic, it’s composed. Perfect for travellers who want peace without boredom.

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA

Often overlooked for Namibia’s deserts and safaris, Windhoek itself deserves attention. It’s compact, scenic, and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. You can enjoy relaxed city afternoons and still plan day trips to breathtaking natural wonders. It’s ideal for travellers who want a mix of urban comfort and outdoor adventure without overwhelming crowds.

SEMONKONG, LESOTHO

If you’ve never heard of Semonkong, that’s exactly the point. Nestled in the mountains of Lesotho, this small town is home to the dramatic Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Southern Africa. The journey there is part of the magic: winding mountain roads, open skies, and landscapes that feel untouched. Semonkong isn’t about nightlife or luxury. It’s about raw beauty, fresh air, and disconnecting from everything noisy. For adventure lovers and nature seekers, it’s unforgettable.

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo is understated elegance. A coastal city with Portuguese influence, it offers charming architecture, seafood that tastes as if it came straight from the ocean, and wide boulevards perfect for slow exploration. It’s less commercial, more intimate. Ideal for travellers who enjoy discovering places before they become “mainstream.

Underrated destinations offer something special: breathing room. You’re not fighting crowds for photos or reservations. You experience culture more organically. Prices are often friendlier. Conversations feel less transactional. And most importantly, you leave with stories that feel personal, not pre-packaged. Africa is vast. Its beauty is layered. And sometimes the most unforgettable trips happen in the places no one told you to visit.

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

CULTURE

OLAMIDE ABOLARIN

THE PRESSURE TO HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER BY 30

are unequal. here is a The path from particular ambition to kind achievement is of anxiety longer and more that sets in complicated somewhere than it has ever around the been. Yet the mid-twenties. benchmark It is quiet at remains first, then unchanged, it gradually as though the gets louder. A cousin gets married. A former classmate posts a new car. Someone from secondary school announces a promotion on LinkedIn. And suddenly, without anyone saying it directly, the message becomes clear: time is running out, and you are behind. world outside is the same one previous generations inherited. In Nigeria, thirty is not just an age. It The result is a generation under enormous has become a checkpoint and even a pressure to act like they are sane. People deadline. By thirty, you should have a stay in jobs they hate because leaving feels stable career, a serious relationship, irresponsible financial independence, and the appearance of a life moving in the right direction. Anything short of that is quietly regarded as a form of failure, even when nobody says it out loud. The pressure comes from everywhere at once. It lives in the subtle, loaded questions relatives ask at family gatherings dressed as concern. It lives in the curated timelines of social media, where people share the highlights of their lives and create the impression that everyone else is further along. It lives in a culture that has always placed enormous value on visible achievement and has very little patience for process. What makes it heavy is that the expectations are rarely realistic. The same generation being told to have it all together by thirty is also navigating one of the most economically unstable periods in Nigerian history. The cost of living is killing them. Opportunities PAGE 16

at this age. They rush into relationships because they can’t explain to family why they are still single. They post carefully selected images of their lives online because the gap between where they are and where they are supposed to be feels too uncomfortable to show honestly. The performance of having it together has become almost as exhausting as

actually trying to get there. What people don’t get in all of this is the understanding that thirty is simply another year. The idea that life should be fully assembled by a specific age is just social construction. Some people build slowly. Some people start over. Some people take longer to find the work that means something to them, the relationship that actually fits, the version of themselves they are comfortable inhabiting. None of that is failure. It is just life moving at its own pace. The version most people are measuring themselves against is the set of visible markers of success that others can see and validate. A house. A title. A ring. A certain kind of lifestyle. But stability that is built entirely for an audience is not really stability. It is a performance with an expiration date. Having it all together does not always look impressive from the outside. It does not always arrive on schedule. And it almost never fits neatly into the version of thirty that everyone seems to be expecting. The pressure to have it all together by thirty is real, and it is not going away anytime soon. But it is worth asking who exactly decided what together is supposed to look like, and whether that definition was ever built for the lives people are actually living. Growing up does not happen on a deadline. And the sooner that becomes something Nigerians are willing to say out loud, the lighter that particular weight might become.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

DÉCOR

How to Decorate Empty Walls Without Overspending USE WALL SHELVES FOR STYLE AND FUNCTION Wall shelves are a great way to decorate while also creating extra storage space. A few simple shelves can completely change the look of an empty wall. You can place books, small plants, candles, picture frames, or decorative items on the shelves. This adds depth and interest to the room without making it look crowded. Since shelves are available in different sizes and price ranges, it is easy to find options that fit your budget.

ADD PEEL-AND-STICK WALL DECALS

Peel-and-stick wall decals are an affordable alternative to wallpaper and paint. They come in different designs, including floral patterns, quotes, geometric shapes, and nature-inspired prints. The best part is that they are easy to apply and remove without damaging the wall. This makes them perfect for renters or anyone who likes changing their décor from time to time. Wall decals can quickly transform a boring wall into an eye-catching feature without requiring a large budget.

DISPLAY MIRRORS TO BRIGHTEN THE SPACE BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

mpty walls can make a room feel plain, unfinished, and lacking personality. Many people think they need expensive artwork, fancy decorations, or a complete makeover to make their walls look beautiful. The good news is that decorating your walls does not have to cost a lot. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can turn a blank wall into an attractive part of your home without stretching your budget.

CREATE A GALLERY WALL WITH PERSONAL PHOTOS

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to decorate a wall is by displaying your favourite photos. Family pictures, travel memories, graduation photos, or special moments can instantly make a space feel warm and personal. You do not need expensive frames for this. You can buy simple, budget-friendly frames or even print photos in different sizes and arrange them creatively.

Mirrors are more than just practical items. They can also serve as beautiful wall décor. A well-placed mirror makes a room appear larger and brighter by reflecting natural light. You do not have to buy large, expensive mirrors. Even smaller decorative mirrors arranged together can create a stylish effect. This is a simple way to make an empty wall look elegant while enhancing the overall feel of the room.

HANG AFFORDABLE ARTWORK OR DIY PIECES

Artwork can make a big difference in how a room looks, but it does not have to be expensive. You can buy affordable prints, posters, or digital artwork to print locally. Another option is creating your own artwork. Simple canvas paintings, framed quotes, or handmade crafts can add a personal touch to your space. DIY wall art is often cheaper than store-bought pieces and lets you create something that perfectly matches your style.

Decorating empty walls does not have to cost a fortune. With personal photos, wall shelves, decals, mirrors, and affordable artwork, you can transform any blank wall into a stylish feature without overspending. The key is to be creative and choose decorations that reflect your personality. Sometimes, the most beautiful spaces are created not by spending more money but by making smart, thoughtful design choices.

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Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BON APPÉTIT

THE POTLUCK PLAYBOOK WHAT TO BRING WHEN EVERYONE IS BRINGING FOOD

otluck invitations sound easy until you hear, “What are you bringing?” Suddenly, you are mentally checking every dish you know while wondering what everyone else will show up with. The trick is to bring something useful, shareable and different enough to complement the table. Whether it is an office potluck, a friend’s house party or a weekend family gathering, here are practical options that will rarely leave you carrying leftovers home.

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

IF YOU WANT SOMETHING EVERYONE WILL GRAB

Go for finger foods. Puff-puff, spring rolls, samosas, chicken wings, sausage rolls, meat pies or mini sandwiches are easy to pick up without needing a plate. For something less predictable, bring loaded potato bites, chicken skewers or tortilla pinwheels. These work well for parties where people are standing around, chatting and eating in between conversations.

IF THE MAIN FOOD IS ALREADY SORTED Bring a side dish instead of another giant pot of rice. Coleslaw, creamy pasta salad, roasted vegetables, fried plantain, potato wedges, garlic bread or a cucumber-and-tomato salad can make the main dishes feel more complete. If you want something Nigerian, dodo, moi moi or vegetable salad can disappear quickly without competing with someone's jollof or fried rice.

IF YOU ARE BRINGING DESSERT

IF YOU BARELY HAVE TIME TO COOK

This is where strategic supermarket shopping saves the day. Buy a rotisserie or ready-roasted chicken, bread, and coleslaw, then make a platter. Pick up tortilla wraps, deli meat, cheese and vegetables for quick pinwheels. You can also buy ice cream, brownies and fruit, arrange them attractively and create a dessert board. Nobody needs to know you assembled it in twenty minutes.

IF YOU WANT TO BRING SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Use the potluck as an excuse to introduce people to something new. Try chicken satay, bruschetta, mini tacos, quesadillas, Korean-style fried chicken, plantain chips with guacamole or a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, pita, olives and vegetables. Just check whether the group is adventurous before bringing something unfamiliar. A potluck contribution should spark curiosity, not require a ten-minute explanation.

You do not need to arrive with a three-tier cake. Pick something easy to portion and transport. Brownies, cookies, cupcakes, chin chin, banana bread, puff-puff with chocolate dip or fruit cups are choices. For something a little more exciting, try mini cheesecake cups, chocolate-covered strawberries or a tray of dessert shooters. The smaller the portions, the easier it is for people to sample more than one. The easiest way to choose your potluck contribution is to look at what the table needs. If there is already plenty of rice, bring sides. If everyone is cooking, bring something simple. If the gathering is casual, choose finger foods. And if you are short on time, assemble rather than panic. The goal is not to win a cooking competition. It is to arrive with something really delicious, practical and easy for everyone to enjoy.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

s e l c i n o r h c ’s y s s ca THE BLIND DATE

"I'm still getting ready. Come in thirty." I hurried to dress, choosing a black dress that hugged my body perfectly. I was lacing my heels when the doorbell rang. Goodness, the man was fine. He was tall, dark and neatly dressed, with gentle eyes and a smile that made him look like he'd apologise if someone stepped on his toes. Dinner was pleasant. Dennis asked about my work, interests and family. I answered politely, occasionally asking questions myself. But as the conversation dragged on, I started losing hope. Was this man planning to interview me until midnight? He looked too innocent. I wasn't looking for love, not after what my ex had done. I wanted something simple, and Dennis looked like someone who'd ask permission before holding my hand. He surprised me by doing exactly that as we walked to his car. During the drive home, he kept glancing at me, smiling whenever our eyes met. Something shifted between us. The silence became warmer, and suddenly, I was paying attention to his lips. When we arrived, I invited him inside. We sat on the sofa, talking about nothing. Eventually, I got tired of waiting. I moved closer, looked into his eyes and kissed him. He kissed me back. Just like that, the innocent man disappeared. His hand settled on my waist, pulling me closer. I ran my fingers through his hair as our kisses deepened. When his lips moved to my neck, I sighed. His hands explored my body confidently, and when he kissed my breasts, I gripped his shoulders, forgetting every sensible thought I'd had. I couldn't take it anymore.

B more.

lind dates have always been a no for me, but after what I experienced with Dennis, I'm definitely going to go for

I never understood how people agreed to meet strangers and hoped for a connection. Despite telling my mum and friends, they never stopped trying to hook me up. I always declined until that Friday. Since breaking up with my ex two months ago, I hadn't been with anyone. He was a cheating asshole, so I couldn't possibly miss him. I missed the sex. Terribly. That evening, I tried taking a shower, hoping the feeling would pass. It didn't. I paced around my room, tossed my pillows, checked my phone repeatedly and sighed like someone

who had just received bad news. Then I remembered my friend advising me to get a vibrator. I had laughed at her. "You never know when you might need it," she'd said. Well, look at me now.

"Please, Dennis. Fuck me," I whispered. He smiled, lifted me into his arms and carried me towards my bedroom. He lowered me onto the bed, kissing me again as we pulled each other closer. Soon, clothes came off, and he pushed inside me. He moved deep and steadily, the bed creaking beneath us. I held him close, completely lost in the pleasure. It was the best night I'd had in months.

Earlier that week, she'd arranged a blind date with Dennis. It was supposed to happen that evening, but I'd planned to cancel and forgotten. Suddenly, I was grateful for my terrible memory.

Later, with my head resting on his chest, I laughed.

Then my phone rang. It was Dennis.

But Dennis had taught me something important.

His voice was deep, calm and smooth, the kind that made you want to listen even when someone was saying nothing interesting.

Sometimes, a girl doesn't need butterflies, promises or a man who wants to meet her parents.

"I'm coming to pick you up in ten minutes," he said.

Two months of unnecessary suffering, all because I'd been too stubborn to consider a blind date. I still wasn't ready for love.

Sometimes, she just needs to answer the phone and let Friday night surprise her.

PAGE 19

THEWILL THEWILL DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN •• www.thewilldowntown.com

Issue No. 298 • October 25, 2026

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

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

MOVIE REVIEW:

Street Fighter

treet Fighter is a cheesy, over-the-top video game adaptation that knows exactly what it is and does not try to be much more than that. If you are looking for a compelling story with well-developed characters and emotional depth, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you want to watch a bunch of colourful characters beat the living daylights out of one another on the big screen, there is plenty here to enjoy. One of the more interesting aspects of Street Fighter is its portrayal of Ken Masters, played by Noah Centineo, as a washed-up fighter who has reinvented himself as a ’90s MTV reality television star. When he is called back into action to compete in the World Warrior Tournament, he must confront his past and rediscover what made him a fighter in the first place. Alongside Ryu, these two characters form the backbone of the movie, with their respective journeys serving as the foundation for the story. However, it is Chun-Li who ultimately serves as the film’s heart. Played by Callina Liang, Chun-Li is driven by her desire for revenge against M. Bison, the villain responsible for killing her father. Her personal vendetta gives the movie its clearest emotional throughline, even if the screenplay does not always do enough to make that motivation resonate. PAGE 20

The film establishes Ken and Ryu as two heroes who have hit rock bottom emotionally following a tragic event, setting the stage for a story about reclaiming their identities and becoming heroes again. Does that character arc pay off? Sort of. The movie goes through the motions of their redemption, but it rarely makes you feel the emotional weight of their victories. A significant part of the problem is how much backstory is delivered through animated flashbacks and an opening newsreel-style exposition sequence. Rather than allowing audiences to experience the pivotal events that shaped these characters, the film frequently tells us what happened after the fact. These moments should have been dramatised in live action so viewers could connect with the characters and feel their pain in the moment. Instead, it often feels as though important character development happened off-screen, leaving the movie to fill in the gaps as it goes along. Chun-Li’s story is a little more compelling because her desire for revenge gives her a tangible goal, but the film still struggles to balance its many characters and competing storylines. There are moments when we follow one group of fighters for an extended period, only for the movie to abruptly shift its attention elsewhere. Several subplots take up considerable screen time before we return to the main narrative, making the overall experience feel scattershot. Between the exposition, kidnappings, escapes, tournament proceedings, and numerous character introductions, there is simply too much happening for the screenplay to give everything the attention it deserves. The editing does not always help, either, as the movie can feel sloppy in how it moves between its various storylines. It is a film that sometimes seems more interested in checking

Grimes - ACCELERANDO

Justice - Flower In A Hurricane (feat. Tame Impala SZA King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) [from GTAVI]

Janelle Monáe - Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)

Jungle - Someday Somewhere

Ethan French - Reckless and arranged - day 56

Saràh Phenom - Bisous x2

off the next event and character than ensuring everything flows naturally.

colourful palette give the movie a distinctive visual identity. Even when the story loses its footing, the filmmaking often keeps the action engaging.

Fortunately, the action is where Street Fighter makes its strongest case for existing. Much like 2021’s Mortal Kombat, this is a movie where you are primarily showing up for the fights rather than the story. The film delivers plenty of them, and at times, the ratio of fighting to dialogue becomes almost comically lopsided. Yet that is also part of its appeal. There is something undeniably satisfying about watching these colourful characters unleash their signature moves against one another, especially when the choreography is as dynamic as it is here. People can be quick to dismiss action movies as dumb entertainment, but action is arguably one of the hardest genres to execute effectively. The stunt work, choreography, camera movement, and editing all have to work together to make the fights feel convincing, impactful, and visually engaging. Street Fighter deserves credit for how well it handles much of this. The camera moves dynamically through the action, and the slow motion is generally used effectively to emphasise the impact of punches and kicks. The fights have a physicality that makes the combat feel exciting, and the cinematography and

The performances also contribute to the film’s larger-than-life energy. David Dastmalchian is particularly entertaining as the villainous M. Bison, playing him as a sadistic figure who seems to derive an unsettling amount of pleasure from other people’s suffering. Dastmalchian embraces the character’s theatrical villainy without appearing embarrassed by the material. Eric André brings his trademark manic energy to announcer Don Sauvage, while 50 Cent’s portrayal of Balrog recalls Mr. T’s Clubber Lang in Rocky III. Balrog has that same imposing, intimidating presence, and 50 Cent fits comfortably into the movie’s exaggerated world. Liang also demonstrates her physical capabilities as Chun-Li, with her stunt work helping sell the character as a formidable fighter rather than merely someone who talks about being dangerous. Ultimately, Street Fighter gives you a barrage of punches, kicks, and stupid one-liners. Its story is nothing to write home about, and its emotional beats rarely land as hard as its beatdowns.

The film’s attempt to juggle so many characters and subplots leaves it feeling overstuffed, and the character arcs never quite achieve the impact they should. However, there are some genuinely badass moments here, and the action is entertaining enough to make the experience worthwhile for the right audience. Fans of the games will probably eat this movie up, particularly if they are willing to embrace its silliness. Others may struggle to get past the weak storytelling and underdeveloped characters. This is not a movie I would recommend to anyone expecting a great piece of filmmaking, but that does not mean it cannot be an enjoyable theatrical experience. Street Fighter is a messy, frequently ridiculous popcorn movie that understands the appeal of watching its characters fight far better than it understands how to tell their stories. The emotional groundwork is shaky, the screenplay is cluttered, and the editing can be frustratingly uneven. But if you want to watch a bunch of big fights on a big screen, this movie delivers enough spectacle, colourful personalities, and satisfying physical action to keep you entertained. Just do not expect the story to hit as hard as the punches. The action is miles ahead of the story, but for this film I’m okay with that. Round 2, Please. Rating:6.5/10