THEWILL DOWNTOWN September 10, 2023

Backin the day, when you heard ‘mix cream’, you automatically concluded that it was a lightening (bleaching) concoction, but not anymore. Regarding beauty, we can now mix serums without it being for bleaching. Instead, it is used to tackle skin concerns. And that’s what our beauty page discusses this week: various beauty cocktails to address different skin concerns. Whether it’s dehydration you want to tackle or need an age-defying solution, there’s a cocktail just for you—head to page 5 to read more about these skin cocktails.

One of the many ways to relieve stress is by spending time in nature, whether a lake or a hill. The outdoors will do you a great deal of good in your quest to de-stress, and what’s beautiful about it is you don’t have to leave the country. We have some magnificent places you can visit to take your mind off the stress. See page 6.

Our cover story has the brilliant Udo Maryanne Okonjo. Reading her interview had me pepped up, ready to do great things. I can imagine how it is for members of the ACE Business Club who receive coaching. All I’ll say is you have to read this interview; it is inspiring. See pages 8 through 10.

The first time I heard the saying “eat the rainbow,” I didn’t know what it meant. I later found out that it simply means eating healthy by dishing different colours, such as green vegetables, red peppers, tomatoes, etc. Learn more about this on page 14.

The movie review page analyses The Equalizer 3; based on this review, I must find time to watch it. This page also carries QR codes to scan and listen to a great collection of songs on Spotify and Apple Music. If you haven’t been scanning the codes, you should try it this week and let us know your thoughts.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

05 BEAUTY

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WELLNESS

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DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

The Art of Mixing Crafting Personalised Skincare Cocktails...

Nature’s Way

Mismatched Libidos Navigating Differences in Sexual Desire...

Dorcas Akintoye

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth

Writer: Ijeoma Ezeanyika

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna

- Contributing Writer

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

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna is a writer, poet, digital and social media content strategist. An Afro gen z clan member of kenga media. He is a movie critic who was amongst those who birthed the first movie brand; Feeem house brand. A full fledged member of the writers space Africa, Nigeria district and was part of the editing team of the second anthology issue by the writers space Nigeria.

He has written so many articles, stories and e books. An avid reader and a freelancer. You can check out his literary editing page @coidencreatives on Instagram and twitter.

His personal socials for both Instagram and twitter are : @ikennachurchill

The Art of Mixing

Crafting Personalised Skincare Cocktails For Your Skin’s Unique Needs

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

skincare cocktails are a novel idea that promises to change your regimen in the constantly evolving field of skincare. Similar to how you mix a drink to create a unique combination of flavours, these skincare cocktails blend various products to meet your skin’s unique needs. Forget generalised approaches and embrace the skill of developing skincare formulae tailored to your skin’s specific needs.

Personalised

WHAT IS A SKINCARE COCKTAIL?

A skincare cocktail can be compared to a custom elixir for your skin. It entails blending a variety of serums, moisturisers, and treatments to produce a potent mixture that concurrently addresses several issues. This technique lets you personalise your regimen while simultaneously and successfully tackling problems, including dryness, acne, ageing, and pigmentation. The secret to perfecting the art of skincare cocktails is to be aware of the distinctive features of your skin and choose the proper ingredients to create the ideal blend.

CRAFTING YOUR SKINCARE COCKTAIL

Understanding the needs of your skin and the functions of each product you include is necessary to create a skincare cocktail. Here are some personalised skincare cocktails, each one designed to address a particular set of issues.

•HYDRATION BOOST COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Hyaluronic acid serum, lightweight moisturiser, and facial oil.

PURPOSE

This concoction is perfect when your skin is dry and needs a hydration boost. Your skin will be left feeling hydrated and looking plump thanks to the hyaluronic acid serum, moisturiser, and face oil.

•AGE-DEFYING COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Vitamin C serum, retinol cream, and peptide-rich moisturiser.

PURPOSE

This combination helps in fighting against ageing symptoms. Your complexion is brightened and evened out by vitamin C, collagen production is boosted by retinol, and fine lines and wrinkles are less obvious thanks to peptides.

•SENSITIVE SKINSOOTHING COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Centella asiatica serum, colloidal oatmeal cream, and gentle moisturiser.

PURPOSE

With this mixture, you can soothe and relax sensitive skin. The mild moisturiser creates a protection barrier, while colloidal oatmeal and centella asiatica relieve inflammation.

•CLEAR SKIN COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic acid serum, niacinamide serum, and oil-free gel moisturiser.

PURPOSE

This cocktail works wonders for people who frequently break out. Salicylic acid clears clogged pores, niacinamide lessens inflammation, and the oilfree moisturiser hydrates without blocking pores.

•BRIGHTENING COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) serum, kojic acid serum, and lightweight moisturiser.

PURPOSE

This cocktail will give you a glowing complexion. Kojic acid combats pigmentation, while AHAs remove dead skin cells from the skin. The lightweight moisturiser keeps your skin nourished.

CONCLUSION

•ENERGISING EYE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Caffeine-infused eye serum and lightweight eye cream.

PURPOSE

Revive your eyes with this concoction. In addition to hydrating and smoothing the delicate under-eye area, caffeine helps to minimise puffiness and dark circles.

An innovative method to treat your skin’s particular needs and issues is through personalised skincare cocktails. You can develop a powerful routine that produces results by carefully choosing and combining products tailored to your skin type and goals. Remember that knowing your skin and the function of each ingredient is crucial. You’re prepared to take your skincare routine to an entirely new level of effectiveness and indulgence now that you have these personalised skincare cocktails in your arsenal.

NATURE’S WAY

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

There is something soothing about nature gazing. Nature has this satisfying side that makes everything around it feel calm and complements each other in such a pitch-perfect symphony. Nature spots are highly recommended when you want to recuperate or de-stress. Bask yourself in its therapeutic euphoria and let it wash off the worry that makes you heavy. These are some breathtaking nature spots in the different states of Nigeria that will leave you enthralled and captivated.

Wikki Warm Spring - Bauchi

You can find this natural spa at the highly glorified national park for wildlifethe Yankari National Park in Bauchi state. There are four warm springs in Yankari, but the Wikki Warm Spring is the biggest due to the geothermal activity below the park. A consistent temperature of 31°C allows visitors to delight in warm water while cooling in a serene environment, canopied by nature. You would want to dive into this gorgeous pool of water with a mere gaze at it. It is a perfect cool-off spot for nature lovers who also enjoy the pleasures of water.

The Obudu Mountain Resort - Cross River

Nature can be tricky; we see this trickiness at the Obudu Mountain Resort. The weather is highly unpredictable; it’s sunny one minute, the next, it’s drizzling, and then it gets so misty you can barely see what’s before you. However, these are parts of the many reasons why this nature spot is unique and loved. Other reasons include a mini waterfall, a tree house, a canopy walkway, a natural swimming pool, a cable cab, and the holy mountain. The holy mountain was discovered by the missionaries many years ago, and now people visit it a lot to have quiet moments with The Creator and with themselves. This location has a scenery you can call one of a kind.

Gurara Waterfalls - Niger

Located in the Gurara, Niger state, is the Gurara waterfalls; a recreational centre with plans to be turned into a resort. It has a natural ambience fueled by the sound of the waterfall. When the water is calm and clear in the early months of the year, swimming is possible, although somewhat dangerous. However, it is pretty difficult to resist the urge to have a feel of the refreshing water. Gurara Waterfalls gives the best water therapy.

Idanre Hill - Ondo

The fact that the Idanre people lived on these boulders for almost a millennium is one of the fascinating things about this beautiful natural landscape. Located in Ondo state, the Idanre Hill is an intriguing landscape that provides a bird-eye view of the state from its top. If you love hiking, Idanre Hill is an excellent fun destination.

Lekki Conservation Center - Lagos

Famously known for being home to the longest canopy bridge in Africa, the Lekki Conservation Center, also known as LCC, is an excellent place to see nature in Lagos. You enjoy green scenery and some distinct animals at this mesmerising nature spot. Getting to the end of the canopy bridge is something you want to add to your bucket list. The feeling of that achievement is everything and more.

Mismatched Libidos

Navigating Differences in Sexual Desire With Understanding

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Itcan be delicate and challenging to navigate differences in sexual desire within a relationship. It is crucial to remember that changes in libido are normal and don’t always signify a problem. You can bridge the gap and deepen your connection by promoting open communication, empathy, and understanding. This article will examine six practical strategies for navigating differences in sexual desires with empathy and deference.

1.OPENDIALOGUE IS

Every successful relationship is built on communication. Even when expressing different sexual desires, there is no exception. Talk to your partner about your needs, wants, and worries honestly and nonjudgmentally. Focus on healthily expressing your emotions rather than placing blame or offering judgment.

2.PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING

Your partner’s point of view needs to be carefully listened to. Understand that their emotions are valid and could be influenced by stress, health, or emotional state. You can express your value for someone else’s opinions and feelings by carefully listening to them.

3.EMPATHISE AND VALIDATE

Understanding one another’s perspectives requires a great deal of empathy. Recognise that libido differences may not necessarily indicate your partner’s attraction to you. Validate their emotions and experiences, and assure them that you are there to help them.

4.PRIORITISE INTIMACY BEYOND SEX

Intimacy extends beyond sexual activity. Focus on developing emotional bonds through intimate activities like cuddling, holding hands, and spending quality time together. Your relationship will be strengthened, and the stress associated with sexual performance will be lessened.

5.EXPLORECOMPROMISE

The gap between desires can be closed by finding a middle ground. Discuss and look into several options for comfortable physical closeness between both partners. Remember that finding solutions that please both parties rather than compromising does not mean giving up your needs.

6.SEEKPROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Consider seeking the advice of a therapist who focuses on relationships and sexual health if the mismatched libidos continue to be disturbing. A professional can offer objective advice, effective communication methods, and situationspecific coping mechanisms.

It takes time, compassion, and commitment to preserve a deep connection and navigate differences in sexual desire. Always keep in mind that a relationship needs to be more than merely sexual. Ultimately, the secret is to treat the situation with respect and a sincere desire to deepen your emotional and physical connection.

Ace Odyssey

Your journey from being a lawyer to a real estate expert is fascinating. What inspired you to make that transition?

Growing up in a family where law was not just a profession but a calling—my father being a Federal High Court Judge in Nigeria and my older brother, a Harvard Ph.D. law graduate, made a profound impression on me. I vividly remember my brother’s professor from Boston visiting our home in Ikoyi, Lagos, when I was only a teenager, cementing my desire to reach the pinnacle of the legal profession. I even began a doctorate in law as early as 1996 and eventually became a partner at a leading commercial firm.

The shift to real estate was both a risk and a revelation. In a society and a professional education that heralded law as the “noble profession,” venturing into real estate wasn’t the conventional path. But I couldn’t ignore the allure— the blend of creativity and strategy that real estate afforded me was irresistible.

Looking back, I have no regrets. Law provided me with a sturdy foundation, ingrained in rigour and discipline, while real estate has been the canvas upon which I’ve expressed my creativity and strategic thinking. In the end, I’ve discovered that I’m not one without the other—I am both.

This multifaceted background equips me uniquely for my strategic business development along with governancefocused and digital-forward director roles. It’s this rich tapestry of skills and experiences that also enhances my executive coaching and ignites my passion for serving the next generation of high-impact leaders across various sectors.

Your journey includes studying law in Nigeria and Corporate and Commercial Law in London. How have these diverse educational experiences shaped your professional path?

My educational journey goes beyond law degrees from Nigeria and London. In addition to being admitted to the New York Bar in 1994, I have also pursued highperformance leadership certificates from Oxford Said Business School, Corporate Governance and Management from Cambridge Judge Business School, and an executive coaching certification from University of California, Berkeley Haas Executive Coaching Institute. These experiences have not only broadened my skill set but also imbued me with a truly global outlook on business leadership.

Udo Maryanne Okonjo’s

Epic Journey Through Real Estate, Leadership And Impact

TheACE Business Club is a symbol of transformation and empowerment in leadership and development. For a very long time, the club had served as a breeding ground for sincere leaders and an environment where brilliance is fostered by mentoring. People who belong to this elite group have found the direction and encouragement they need to reach their greatest potential professionally and personally. This club was established by Udo Maryanne Okonjo, a visionary leader in her own right who not only achieved success in the real estate industry but has devoted her life to assisting others in achieving authentic leadership.

Udo Maryanne Okonjo was raised in an exemplary family; her life story is full of accomplishments. She started her career as a Lawyer but later took a revolutionary path that eventually made her the CEO of Fine and Country West Africa, a dominant player in luxury residential and premium commercial real estate. Yet, her influence goes well beyond words alone. Her actual brilliance lies in her persistent dedication to developing talent, promoting authentic leadership, and enabling others to realise their best potential.

In this interview with TheWill DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Udo Okonjo talks about the transforming effect of mentoring, the history of the Ace Business Club, her journey as a real estate expert, and the route to authentic leadership that she passionately paves.

The diverse educational background, spanning multiple jurisdictions and disciplines—serves as a robust foundation for my career. It allows me to adeptly navigate both local and international landscapes and to approach challenges with a nuanced, well-rounded perspective. Whether it’s understanding local market dynamics in Nigeria, grappling with complex corporate structures in international settings, or advocating for excellence in leadership and governance, this multifaceted education has been absolutely pivotal. It has empowered me to bridge cultural and professional gaps, assemble diverse teams, and propose solutions that are both locally relevant and globally informed.

As the CEO of Fine and Country West Africa, what’s one aspect of the real estate industry that constantly keeps you motivated and excited?

One of the most exciting aspects of my role as the CEO of Fine and Country West Africa is the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor on projects defining Nigeria’s topmost real estate skyline. The privilege of influencing and shaping the thoughts and actions of key stakeholders in these groundbreaking projects is not something I take lightly.

Each project is a canvas where we can paint a vision for the future of our communities and cities. The stakes are high, and the impact is long-lasting. My role allows me to work with high-impact clients, turning abstract concepts into concrete realities that people can experience in their daily lives. This aspect of being a key contributor to the real estate landscape in Nigeria keeps me incredibly motivated and excited about the work I do.

How did your experience as a lawyer uniquely prepare you for the challenges and opportunities you face in the real estate sector?

My background in law has been an invaluable asset in my journey in the real estate sector. As a lawyer, I honed skills in negotiation, contract drafting, and due diligence, which are foundational elements in property transactions. These skills have uniquely prepared me to identify opportunities and navigate challenges in real estate, allowing me to manage risks effectively and secure favourable terms for all parties involved.

Moreover, the legal training instilled in me a critical thinking, rigorous attention to detail and an ethical

approach to business, which are critical in real estate where the stakes are high, and decisions can have long-term consequences. My role as a trusted advisor in high-profile projects that shape Nigeria’s real estate skyline often involves complex legal considerations. Being well-versed in both the legal and commercial aspects enables me to provide a holistic perspective, shaping the thoughts and actions of key stakeholders and contributing to more informed, robust decision-making processes. The confluence of these experiences has not just prepared me for the challenges in real estate but has actually turned those challenges into opportunities for innovation and impact.

The Inspired Women of Worth Network (iWOW) has made a significant impact. Can you tell us about what inspired you to establish iWOW, and how has it evolved over the years?

The Inspired Women of Worth Network (iWOW) was born out of a personal turning point in my mid-30s when I realised the crucial need for a supportive space for ambitious, purpose-driven women, especially those interested in the concept of ‘Creating your own table’, going beyond the popular message of asking for a seat at the table. Over the years, iWOW has evolved into a movement, expanding through workshops, online courses, and community projects. Our focus ranges from leadership and entrepreneurship to mental wellbeing and work-life balance.

What’s incredibly fulfilling is seeing the ripple effects of this empowerment. We have members who’ve teamed up on projects championing women in leadership. Others have become leading voices in their respective industries, and many are stepping into leadership roles more confidently than ever before. The sisterhood that iWOW has inspired since 2010 has even influenced the growth of similar networks across Africa.

What has remained constant is our mission to inspire and equip women to live their best lives and make a meaningful impact in their spheres of influence.

So, for me, the fire for this initiative is continually stoked by the real, tangible changes we’re catalysing in women’s lives. It’s more than a network; it’s a movement and message that’s altering the landscape of women’s leadership and impact.

Is iWOW still active? If so, what upcoming projects or events can we look forward to from the network?

Yes, iWOW is very much active and continuously evolving to meet the needs of our ever-growing community. One of the most exciting developments has been the launch of our Academy for Female Leadership in 2020. The academy has already graduated 200 Power Women in its pilot phase, and we’re thrilled to announce our ambitious goal to reach 10,000 women over the next seven years through a digital on-demand course available across Africa and globally.

We’re also in the process of licensing our signature Power Woman curriculum and course to educational institutions and other women’s networks. The Power Woman Course™️ is centred on “Transforming Society Through Empowered Female Leaders,” and it aims to equip women to lead boldly and confidently in various spheres of influence.

We believe that empowerment is not just personal but communal, and through these initiatives, we aim to create a ripple effect that will benefit society at large. Keep an eye out for more details and upcoming events that will further this mission. We’re excited about the future and can’t wait to share what’s next for the iWOW community.

Can you share the origin story of the ACE Business Club and what motivated you to establish it?

The seed for ACE Business Club was planted during my own journey as an ambitious African lawyer turned entrepreneur who also had a stint in the public sector as Special Adviser on Legal and Constitutional Matters to the Senate President. Navigating these different sectors was a maze without a map. In my quest for guidance, I traversed continents, from UAE and UK to South Africa and Canada, investing in masterminds, mentorship programs, and coaching. While beneficial, these experiences often lacked local context, which proved costly. I once left a million dollars on a negotiation table— a mistake I could have avoided with insights from a seasoned

business leader who later became an informal advisor.

I established ACE Business Club to fill this gap, creating a platform where emerging leaders and entrepreneurs could fast-track their success by learning from others’ wisdom, including my own. The club offers the Global ACE Mentorship Experience, an accessible route to on-demand Growth Accelerator Courses and a virtual community of Global Champions committed to accountable leadership impact and financial growth. We’ve been able to attract an incredible array of accomplished, purpose-driven business leaders and ACE Coaches. The excitement and momentum are palpable, and I’m truly thrilled about the endless possibilities that the future holds for our ACE Business Club community. Our cornerstone belief remains: ‘Every human being has the ability to Achieve the Extraordinary—if they are shown the HOW.’ And that’s exactly what we’re doing at ACE. The ACE Business Club’s focus on personal development and authentic leadership is intriguing. Could you share a memorable mentorship experience from the ACE Business Club that had a profound impact on someone’s journey?

One experience that stands out and encapsulates the transformative power of the ACE Business Club involves an entrepreneur who joined our program feeling uncertain about scaling his business. Through our Mastermind level program, he developed an elevated sense of confidence that fueled him to go after his authentic goals, including taking his business global also leveraging high-level connections forged through the mastermind. The shift was monumental; he described it as a ‘mindblowing’ awakening to his true potential. Another impactful story is that of a C-suite executive who was feeling unfulfilled in the corporate world. Utilising our Gold Matrix Blueprint, she successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship and strategically positioned her business to attract game-changing opportunities. The transformation was not just professional but deeply personal, and she referred to the experience as ‘game changing.’

These stories are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the profound impact the ACE Business Club has had on people’s journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals break through barriers, realise their extraordinary potential, and create ripple effects of positive impact in their personal and professional lives.

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for growth. Can you tell us about a mentor who had a profound impact on your own path to leadership?

Mentorship has been a cornerstone in my journey towards impactful leadership. While I’ve been fortunate to have various mentors in different life spheres, one stands out—a self-made multibillionaire grounded in authentic wisdom, integrity and global success. I meet him quarterly to discuss everything from geopolitics to industry trends. One vital lesson he imparted was the concept of ‘thinking in decades, but acting in days,’ which has guided my own strategic planning and decision-making. His guidance transcends textbook wisdom. He’s accessible and offers insights that stem from a life rich in experiences, triumphs, and failures. This multidimensional mentorship has been so transformational that it contributed to my inspiration to establish platforms like the ACE Business Club. Here, not only am I accessible to members monthly, but I’ve also curated a collective pool of global industry experts for our members to tap into.

I’ve extended this concept into a VIP-level service as an independent board advisor/director, offering a balanced blend of life and business strategy consultation to higher level businesses with Founder-CEOs. Through these initiatives, I am passionately ‘paying it forward,’ enabling the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to realise their own extraordinary capabilities.

Authentic leadership is a cornerstone of the ACE Business Club. Could you elaborate on how you define authenticity in a leadership role?

Authentic leadership is a concept I’ve dedicated years to understanding, to the point of publishing multiple articles on what I call the ‘Authenticity Advantage.’ For me, authentic leadership goes beyond just being true to oneself; it’s a harmonious blend of mind and heart in decision-making and interaction. Authentic leaders are not just bosses; they’re brand assets. They are transparent about their values and beliefs but equally willing to evolve.

I remember when I transitioned from legal consultancy to entrepreneurship and had to lead a team. The legal world had taught me the value of meticulousness and scepticism, but entrepreneurship needed more—optimism, agility, and emotional intelligence. Balancing these traits without losing my core identity was my first real lesson in authentic leadership. Especially for small businesses, where margins for error are slim, this ‘Authenticity Advantage’ is transformative. Your unique value proposition isn’t just the services or products you offer but extends to how you, as a leader, infuse your essence into your operations. When I served as Special Adviser on Legal and Constitutional Matters to the Senate President, this blend of authenticity, adaptability, and awareness was critical in steering legislative procedures in an effective and respected way. Through my articles, case studies, and now the ACE Leadership and Mega Business Blueprints, I’ve documented how businesses not only survive but thrive when guided by authentic leadership. It’s not just a style; it’s a way of life that permeates every business interaction, attracting the right opportunities and nurturing meaningful relationships.

As a mentor, what’s one essential quality you look for in mentees who join the ACE Business Club?

The ACE Business Club is designed to be a magnet for leaders at all stages who are not just committed to growth but are deeply rooted in a mindset of continuous improvement encapsulated by the Kaizen philosophy. We’re particularly proud to attract a diverse cohort of champions, ace CEOs and co-igniters—those who are both emerging and advanced in their leadership journey. What sets our members apart is their blend of curiosity, humility, and a profound openness to explore the unknown, regardless of their years of experience. It’s unfortunate when seasoned leaders equate tenure with growth, missing out on opportunities to evolve. On the flip side, we find younger leaders who embody openmindedness are often the ones accelerating their growth multi-dimensionally. In ACE, we intentionally steer clear of the ‘sage on the stage’ approach, fostering an environment where every leader contributes to the collective wisdom.

Our focus on diversity—in age, industry, and stage of leadership—greatly enriches the accountability circles within the club. This multiplicity of perspectives contributes to an atmosphere where transformation is not just probable but inevitable. When you join ACE, you’re committing to be a co-igniter in your own leadership journey and of mutual growth within the circle of success, ensuring an impact that resonates well beyond our club’s walls.

In a rapidly changing business landscape, how do you ensure that the ACE Business Club’s offerings remain relevant and impactful?

The ACE Business Club is a dynamic ecosystem of coaching, community and growth, always evolving to meet the multifaceted needs of our diverse membership. While our digital monthly mastery sessions and on-demand Growth Accelerator Courses provide a robust foundation, the real magic often happens at our live events. We amplify the experience through multi-city meet-ups, global success summits, and even our members’ book launches. These in-person gatherings offer an unparalleled opportunity for high-level networking and the sharing of tangible success stories, effectively bridging the online and offline worlds.

We also recognise the immense value in personal introductions, so we facilitate high-profile business referrals, connecting our members directly with industry giants who can provide specialised wisdom and

COVER

potentially life-changing advice. These introductions at the Mastermind level aren’t just add-ons; they’re a vital part of our value proposition, setting ACE apart as a conduit for accelerated growth and impact.

The essence of ACE is to create a tapestry of experiences that cater to the ambitious yet humble, the expert yet ever-curious— leaders who are all united by a shared commitment to continuous improvement. We don’t just skim the surface; we dive deep into leadership, business, and wealth mastery, continually refreshing our content based on member feedback and the latest industry trends.

With this multifaceted approach, which blends online education, live events, and targeted high-level introductions, the ACE Business Club doesn’t just remain relevant; it sets the standard for what a transformative leadership and business community should be.

The world of real estate is ever-evolving. What emerging trend do you find most exciting and full of potential?

One trend that stands out in the realm of luxury real estate and prime office spaces is the concept of “future-proofing” investments through the integration of technology, sustainability, and adaptability. Today’s discerning clients are looking for properties that aren’t just luxurious or centrally located but are also smart and sustainable. They are investments primed for the future, capable of adapting to technological advancements and shifting sustainability requirements.

In luxury residential projects, future-proofing could mean designing homes with infrastructure that enhances wellbeing and can easily adapt to new smart technologies as they emerge. For prime office spaces, it’s about creating modular, scalable environments that can evolve with the company’s needs and future work trends. All of this is topped with a layer of sustainability, from energy-efficient installations to eco-friendly materials, ensuring that these properties not only hold their value but may even appreciate due to their future-ready features. As a trusted advisor to projects that are defining Nigeria’s top real estate skyline, I find this trend exceptionally exciting. It aligns perfectly with my vision of steering the industry towards smart, sustainable choices while offering robust investment opportunities that stand the test of time. Future-proofing is more than a buzzword; it’s fast becoming a standard in luxury real estate, and it’s a standard I’m keen to uphold and propagate.

What role has technology played in transforming the way you approach real estate marketing and advisory services?

Technology has been a game-changer in the way we approach real estate marketing and advisory services. It has enabled us to gather and analyse data more efficiently, providing deeper insights into market trends and consumer behaviour. This allows us to offer tailored advice to our clients, helping them make more informed investment decisions.

In terms of marketing, technology has expanded our reach tremendously. Through digital platforms, we’re able to connect with a global audience, showcasing properties through virtual tours and interactive experiences that give prospective buyers a detailed view, no matter where they are in the world.

Furthermore, automation tools help us streamline administrative tasks, freeing up more time for client engagement and strategic planning. Overall, technology has not only increased our efficiency but also elevated the level of service we’re able to provide to our clients.

Looking back, what’s one achievement that stands out as a testament to the legacy you’re building in the real estate, leadership development and women empowerment spheres?

One significant milestone that captures my multifaceted legacy is the creation of the ACE Business Club, a culmination of over a decade of experience in mentoring female leaders through initiatives like ‘iwow’ and the ‘Finer Wealth Series.’ These earlier projects laid the foundation for ACE,

which has

evolved into a global platform open to both men and women and focused on synergising various leadership styles, skills, and strengths. As Chief Igniter, my role is to spark transformational change, bringing together the best of what I’ve learned in my governancefocused roles, international legal career, and as a highly-sought real estate entrepreneur. I’ve taken these learnings to craft the ACE Business Club’s leadership curriculum with the ambition of setting a new standard in African and global leadership excellence. Backed by my academic accolades, which include a Chevening Scholarship and certifications from globally renowned institutions like Berkeley, Oxford, and Cambridge, I am strategically positioned to guide emerging and veteran leaders. This is complemented by my life lessons learned from raising four accomplished children across multiple continents.

As a proud member of the Forbes Business Council, I leverage my platform to collaborate with global industry leaders and continue refining our offerings at the ACE Business Club. My guiding framework, focused on High Value and High Impact work, aligns perfectly with the club’s five pillars of Authentic Leadership: Purpose, Power, Profit, Prominence, and Posterity. All these endeavours share a common, unifying aim: to inspire growth, champion leadership development as a universal

solution, and empower a new generation of leaders to become purposeful, profitable, and positive influences in the world. It’s this alignment that is the true cornerstone of my legacy. As I step into what I call my “legacy years,” my heart is set on making the ACE Business Club’s leadership curriculum a gold standard, not just in Africa but globally. That’s what brings a perpetual smile to my face and fuels my heart with immeasurable satisfaction.

Udo, your journey is inspiring. What’s a motto or mantra that you live by, and how has it guided you through your career and life choices?

My mantra, “There are no extraordinary humans. Only extraordinary principles. Everyone can become extraordinary,” is more than just a guiding light for me. It’s the core belief that propels me to create platforms that enable others to discover their own ‘extraordinary,’ whether it’s in leadership, business, or wealth mastery. This is foundational in my executive coaching and leadership development work, whether with the ACE Business Club or any of the platforms where we make mastery and growth accessible to emerging and advanced leaders. It’s my conviction that greatness is not predestined but is achievable by anyone willing to adhere to extraordinary principles and take actionable steps. This belief keeps me driven and focused, ensuring that everything I engage in has the potential to empower others to reach their own pinnacle of success.

As someone who has achieved success both within Nigeria and beyond, what advice would you give to aspiring real estate entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons? For aspiring entrepreneurial leaders keen on expanding their horizons, my advice is built on three key pillars. First, become an undisputed expert in your field, essentially an Ace Leader. This isn’t just about knowing your business but about earning the trust and respect of high-profile clients and stakeholders. Depth of knowledge empowers you to offer candid advice to influential decisionmakers, creating profitable, win-win outcomes for all involved.

Second, leverage technology to future-proof your endeavours and stay ahead of the leadership curve. Why play local when technology can give you access to a global playing field? The business landscape is dynamic, and staying current with technological advancements is non-negotiable for long-term success, especially for those with a global outlookwho aren’t content to play the local game.

Lastly, but perhaps most crucially, immerse yourself in communities that accelerate your growth.

Platforms like our Refined Investor Series offer indispensable insights for astute real estate investors and advisors. Furthermore, the ACE Business Club serves as a melting pot of purpose-driven, high-impact leaders committed to personal and professional growth.

I’ve witnessed how the right community and mentorship can unlock an extraordinary future that one could never have imagined. And that’s what drives me: the belief that there are no extraordinary humans, only extraordinary principles. If you adhere to these principles, your journey from ordinary to extraordinary is not just a possibility; it’s a guarantee. So, don’t just aim to succeed—aim to be extraordinary. With platforms like the ACE Business Club, you’re not just taking a step; you’re making a quantum leap.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

TASK LIGHTING

This lighting is intended to brighten a specific object, as it is targeted at a particular area of a room. Kitchen counters, living room seating areas, and home office desk surfaces are areas where task lights should be used. Under cabinet lighting provides task lighting for a kitchen countertop. In a living room, a table lamp is often used for task lighting to accommodate reading. Types of task lighting include pendant lights, under cabinet lights, and desk lamps.

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

Lightsare an essential aspect of interior decor; this illuminating object can make your space feel like royalty, luxury, or just the regular. When laid to perfectly lap with other aspects of the design, it completes the overall look, making all the items you’ve placed at different corners visible to the eyes. You must light up your space correctly if you don’t want it to be impossible to spot that missing earring that rolled over.

Light is necessary as it stimulates sight and makes things visible. However, using the right light for the right task is even more crucial. Using a dim light for a space that requires a bright light is like wearing a winter jacket in summer. You will be slow with the job, strain your eyes to see the corners, and efficiency won’t be attained when you do get the job done. This difficulty can be avoided by understanding the art of proper lighting.

On that note, it is essential to note that there are types of lighting, and there are types of light. The types of lighting are like an umbrella, blanketing all the different types of light. Just like how we have classes of food blanketing the different kinds of food.

AMBIENT LIGHTING

Also called general lighting, ambient lighting provides overall lambency for a room to create an even light level all over a space independent of any special lighting that may be needed at specific spots in the area. Most times, when you walk into a dark room and turn on the switch, the light that illuminates the place is most likely an ambient light. It takes many forms. So, ambient light is your best bet when looking for a light to beam up your entire living room space or work area. Ambient lighting can be used in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, and hallway. Types of ambient lighting include a chandelier, track light, and floor lamp.

ACCENT LIGHTING

Also called highlighting, accent lighting draws attention, emphasising the objects on which they are used, like artwork, plants, or bookcases. It is also used outdoors to create dramatic effects, spotlighting a tree, plant, water feature, or anything. Do not overuse the accent lighting so as not to give your space a disorganised outlook. Types of accent lighting include but are not limited to tape and extrusion light, wall-mounted fixtures, and downlight.

When planning to light up your space, you can either consider the ambient lighting before the task and accent or attend to the accent before the task and ambient lighting. You can do it however way you please. You only need to understand that certain light types are custommade for specific areas and will only work efficiently when used correctly.

FASHION INSPIRATION FROM UNEXPECTED SOURCES

NATURE,ARCHITECTURE,AND MORE

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

The world of fashion is a blank canvas ready for your imagination and ingenuity to paint it on. Even though runways and fashion publications frequently set trends, experienced fashion connoisseurs understand that there are countless opportunities to get inspiration, even in the most unlikely locations. These in-depth, interesting sources will help you express your fashion sense and set yourself out from the competition.

1.

NATURE’S PALETTE AND PATTERNS

Mother nature is the greatest painter, producing stunning landscapes and fascinating patterns. Take a cue from the vivid hues of a sunset, the subtle nuances of a flower petal, or the textures of tree bark. Incorporate these colours and patterns into your clothing for a dash of natural elegance.

2.

ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS AS DESIGN ELEMENTS

Lines, curves, and structures of magnificent architecture tell tales. The arc of a bridge, the precise geometry of a skyscraper, or the elaborate features of a historic structure can all be translated into original fashion designs. Think of edgy shapes, statement jewellery, and surprising cutouts.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS

Fashion inspiration can be found in abundance throughout cultures. Adopting various cultural components may give your wardrobe a complex tapestry of designs, colours, and textures, from the elaborate embroidery of Indian saris to the minimalist elegance of Japanese kimonos.

3. 5. 6. 4.

EVERYDAY OBJECTS TURNED ACCESSORIES

When used as fashion accessories, mundane objects can seem unexpectedly elegant. Take into account adding zippers, buttons, safety pins, or even nuts and bolts to your clothing. These unexpected additions give your appearance an edge and an industrial feel.

ART AND PAINTINGS BROUGHT TO LIFE

Paintings are more than just still images; they can inspire a magnificent look. Dress in a way that reflects your favourite art pieces’ colour schemes, brushstroke patterns, and emotional undertones. It’s wearable art that makes a statement.

LITERATURE AND STORYTELLING FASHION

Reading sparks imagination, and stories can come to life via fashion. Use your attire to create character interpretations from your favourite books or novels. Let literature be your style inspiration, whether it’s a contemporary take on a Victorian heroine or a look motivated by a fantastical realm.

CONCLUSION

The beauty of fashion resides in its capacity to reflect your personality and hobbies, so keep that in mind as you explore these surprising sources of fashion inspiration. Be willing to try new things, combine different aspects, and push yourself to your limits. Fashion is, after all, a form of self-expression, and developing your particular style by drawing inspiration from your surroundings can make it distinctive and alluring.

Eating The Rainbow

The Health Benefits of Vibrant, Colourful Food

2

BURSTING ORANGES AND YELLOWS - IMMUNITY BOOSTERS

The antioxidant beta-carotene, which strengthens our immune system, gives foods like oranges and carrots their vibrant colour. Embrace these sunny treats to bolster your body’s resistance to disease and promote good skin.

5BRILLIANT WHITES - STRENGTHENING THE BODY’S FOUNDATION

White foods like garlic, onions, and cauliflower have key nutrients like allicin, which fosters a healthy immune system and can reduce the risk of some malignancies despite being less colourful than other foods.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

The incredible colour palette in nature is not simply for the eyes to enjoy. Bright and colourful foods are not only a visual and gustatory treat but also offer an abundance of essential nutrients that can stimulate us and enhance our general health. We explore the health advantages of eating coloured foods as we take a tasty trip over the rainbow. Every colour, from dazzling blue to blazing red, has unique qualities that assist various elements of our health. Let’s explore this vivid spectrum and see how these brilliant treats might enlighten our way to a healthy and happy existence.

1

RADIANT REDS - A HEART’S BEST FRIEND

Lycopene, a strong antioxidant supporting heart health, is the pigment in red foods like strawberries, red bell peppers, and tomatoes. By consuming these ruby jewels, one may have improved cardiovascular health and even a decreased risk of contracting some chronic conditions.

3 4

GLORIOUS GREENS - A NUTRIENT POWERHOUSE

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli contain chlorophyll, fibre, and several vitamins and minerals. Consuming these green wonders helps improve digestion, bone health, and general wellbeing.

BEAUTIFUL BLUES AND PURPLES - BRAIN BOOSTERS

Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants with a reputation for supporting cognitive function, give purple fruits and vegetables like purple grapes, eggplant, and blueberries their appealing hue. Consuming these treats can improve mental and memory abilities.

6COLOURFUL HYDRATIONQUENCHING THIRST WITH NATURAL ELIXIRS

Slices of flavourful fruits, such as cucumber, lemon, or watermelon, can be added to water to increase flavour while promoting sufficient hydration, which is crucial for sustaining overall well-being.

CONCLUSION

We discover a wealth of health advantages that improve our bodies and lives as we explore the diverse colour spectrum of foods. Indulging in a symphony of flavours and fueling our bodies with a variety of nutrients are both made possible by embracing the rainbow on our plates. Let’s fill our culinary canvases with a rainbow of colours so we can enjoy the benefits of colourful food’s transformation on our health. We can start a wonderfully enlightening and delectable road to good health by including these vivid delicacies in our regular meals. Every hue, after all, shines with its brilliance when it comes to eating the rainbow.

OMUGWO THE TRADITIONAL

POSTPARTUM CARE

Anxiety Therapy

Omugwo is therapeutic, as knowing someone is coming to care for you after childbirth immediately relieves the mother of the anxiety and fear of what comes next after delivery.

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

Originating from the Southeastern part of Nigeria is a beautiful tradition called omugwo. Simply put, omugwo is postpartum care, a loving way of caring for a new mother and her baby. The process of childcare, which begins from the moment of conception, doesn’t end at the point of delivery. Another journey starts after delivery, but this time, it’s not just the child who is attended to; the mother also gets her fair share of pampering.

In the Igbo culture, once a woman gives birth, her mother comes to look after her and the baby for at least three months. However, in cases where the mother cannot come, the husband’s mother or any motherly figure can come to help.

Food

The mother’s diet is checked during this period to ensure she eats right and on time. She is given meals–usually sizzling spicy hot foods like ofe nsala or goat meat pepper soupthat will help fight blood clots and boost breast milk production so the baby too can feed. Pap is yet another meal given to her, which aids in enhancing her breast milk supply.

Stomach Tying

Aside from the hot water therapy, there is also the stomachtying remedy. With this method, a cloth is tied around the new mother’s stomach to help her get her stomach size back, or at the very least, reduce the size to a reasonable point.

It is from this fantastic idea that modern-day waist trainers were born. Most nursing mothers opt for modern waist trainers, but you know what they say, “Old is gold.”

Water Therapy

The pain associated with delivery is soothed during this period with hot water therapy and sitz bath. Hot water therapy entails soaking a towel inside a bowl of hot water, which is then pressed on the stomach. This helps melt clotted blood tissues. While the sitz bath is done by asking the nursing mother to sit over a bucket containing hot water to help prevent blood clotting, this is usually done if the nursing mother has given birth vaginally. All of this helps to nurse her back to health.

Rest, Living and Cost

This afterbirth spa treatment

Omugwo, has so many perks to it. The new mother gets to enjoy her sleep, rest well, take a break from some of the house chores, and learn how to care for the baby. There might be conflict in ideas regarding how to do certain things between the nursing mother and the one looking after her, even if it is her mother; regardless, the joy of the baby always resolves the issue and creates an even stronger bond. It is also financially demanding on the side of the husband who has to buy the necessary food items and, in most cases, get his wife’s mother ihe omugwo (omugwo items) when she is leaving, regardless, the rich advantage of this tradition makes the cost somewhat bearable.

All Image From Google

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

The Equalizer 3

the police officer nor the doctor asking questions about what happened.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

ONE PIECE LIVE ACTION

Whenever Denzel Washington’s hopelessly outmanned Robert McCall sets his stopwatch in The Equalizer movies, we know it’s about to get real.

Not realistic, but real.

It doesn’t matter how many henchmen armed with guns and knives have Robert outnumbered — we know he has superherolevel abilities to essentially slow down time, spot every threat out of the corner of his eye or in a reflection, and it’s only a matter of seconds before his adversaries are laid out on the floor, their bodies bent and mangled and twisted and snapped, crackled and popped in grisly fashion.

Through a trilogy of films spanning nearly a decade, Washington and his Training Day and Magnificent Seven collaborator Antoine Fuqua have created a supremely entertaining, blood-spattered franchise that works because Fuqua is a master at staging creatively gruesome action sequences. Washington brings his Shakespearean gravitas to the table — and we also get some intriguing character traits (Robert has a form of OCD) and a steady stream of sympathetic and good-hearted characters in great need of a mysterious saviour just like Robert McCall.

The now-familiar formula is presented in effective albeit deeply predictable fashion in The Equalizer 3, which is packed with so much symbolism and so many metaphors about faith and redemption and salvation that it almost collapses under the weight of its own heavy-handed approach — yet we can’t help but chuckle knowingly every time Robert quietly cautions his cocky, corrupt adversaries they’re about to have a very short night, and we can’t help but cheer for this world-weary retired Defense Intelligence Agency operative to actually enjoy retirement before he reaches the point where he’s going to need “cheaters” to read the stopwatch function on his wristwatch.

They could have called this one Equalizer Tre, as virtually every scene takes place in Italy. After a gruesome prologue in a winery that leaves Robert shot in the back, our fallen anti-hero must depend on the kindness of strangers in an idyllic, mountainous village on the Amalfi Coast. The benevolent Carabinieri Gio Bonucci (Eugenio Mastrandrea) takes Robert to the kindly Dr. Enzo (Remo Girone), with neither

Once Robert has recovered from his wounds — it takes the timehonoured three days for him to regain consciousness and start hobbling about — he is befriended by a number of benevolent locals, including the comely barista Aminah (Gaia Scodellaro), who offers to introduce Robert to the culinary delights of the village and informs him that the locals consider him “to be one of us now.” Not bad, given Robert has been in town for about three weeks!

Ah, but just when it appears Robert has finally found a place where he can land permanently and live in peace, here comes a pesky gang of ruthless, camorra aka mafia thugs, led by the Quaranta brothers: the ice-cold, pure evil Vincent (Andrea Scarduzio) and the hot-tempered, psychopathic Marco (Andrea Dodero). And isn’t that always the way with Criminal Brothers in the movies — one has the brains and the master plan, and the other is always flying off at the handle and saying things like, “My brother doesn’t control me!”

The motorcycle-riding mobsters are like villains in a Western who keep swooping into town, demanding payoffs and terrorizing the locals. (Their grand plan is to open a major tourist resort that will be totally under their control. It doesn’t seem like they’ve really thought it out.) A local fishmonger’s shop is torched, the friendly cop is beaten and threatened in front of his wife and child — and Robert has no choice but to swing into action.

When he does, it’s as if he’s Batman, appearing out of nowhere in the dead of night, dispatching with one bad guy after another in bone-crunching, blood-spurting fashion, with director Fuqua often lingering on the human wreckage so we can really soak it in. Meanwhile, the green but smart and determined American CIA operative Emma Collins has arrived in Italy, acting on a tip from McCall about a widespread drug operation but also keen on learning the truth about McCall — and it’s pretty great that the now grown-up Dakota Fanning has a Man on Fire reunion with Denzel after nearly 20 years.

The Equalizer 3 alternates between gorgeous, travelogue-style visuals during the moments of quiet and a suitably dark and forbidding back-alley look for the violent confrontations.

Fuqua and screenwriter Richard Wenk veer close to Godfather territory with an extended sequence that cuts between a somber religious ceremony and extreme carnage, but this is not Important Cinema — it’s well-filmed, well-acted, high-class B-movie pulp, and we get a neat little twist to wrap it all up at the end.

As much as we’ve enjoyed seeing Robert McCall make things right from Boston to Sicily, it feels like it’s time to leave the man alone so he can spend his time sipping tea and anticipating his afternoon nap.

Rating: 7/10

One Piece is based on one of the most popular manga series ever, with a quartercentury’s worth of history filling its sails. And if you haven’t familiarised yourself with it yet, this live-action Netflix series version of the outlandish pirate adventure feels like a poor place to start, offering a scant incentive to bother trying to catch up now.

Instead, the eight-episode first season falls prey to the pitfalls associated with trying to translate a very different art form to live-action life, a challenge Netflix already experienced with the shortlived Cowboy Bebop. The difficulties can be seen in One Piece’s all-overthe-map tone, which at various times feels like a children’s series, a surreal dream filtered through the mind of director David Lynch and a Pirates of the Caribbean movie produced while on hallucinogenic drugs.

The basic plot involves a young aspiring pirate named Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy, whose character always refers to himself by saying his whole name), who is on a quest to find a legendary, long-

missing treasure known as the One Piece, a feat that would allow him to fulfil his goal of proclaiming himself the king of pirates.

Pursued by a ruthless authority known as the Marines, Luffy assembles a grudging and eccentric crew that includes the gifted swordsman Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), the thief Nami (Emily Rudd) and the slingshot-wielding Usopp (Jacob Romero).

Oh, and did we mention that Monkey can stretch like Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic

Four, having eaten magical fruit that has turned him into rubber, only one of the extraordinary powers on display among friends and foes – like the ill-tempered clown pirate whose body parts operate independently?

As odd as much of that sounds, the main impediment to buying into One Piece hinges on its wild fluctuations, which can go from edgier-thanexpected violence to whimsy at the drop of a straw hat –emblematic of all the influences that Eiichiro Oda has woven into the source material, but seemingly beyond the ability of the show’s creators (Matt Owens and Steven Maeda) to wrestle into something that consistently engages the uninitiated.

Getting a firm handle on the show, however, is as elusive as the treasure. While the legions of existing fans will likely eagerly enlist in this oceanfaring adventure, who knows, they might still find plenty of company. Those who want to see what the fuss is all about will likely be left feeling high and dry.

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)

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

Black Sherif - Konongo Zongo

Kelvyn Boy - Down Flat

Sarkodie_ Runtown - Pain Killer

Ebo Taylor - Heaven NSG - Petite

WSTRN - Wonder Woman

CKay - emiliana

Mr Eazi_ Joey B_ DJ Tarico - Patek

Tion Wayne_ NSG - Loyal (feat. NSG)