hree years into his tenure, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has earned a reputation for quiet effectiveness — the kind of leadership that favours results over rhetoric. Known for his steady temperament and hands-on approach, he has steered Ekiti State with a focus on inclusion, integrity, and measurable impact. Since taking office in 2022, his administration has worked to translate the idea of Shared Prosperity from campaign promise to lived experience, improving transparency, strengthening institutions, and advancing development in ways that touch the everyday lives of Ekiti’s citizens.
People tell me all the time, “You don’t look your age.” And my response is usually the same: “What exactly does my age look like?” I’ve always found that comment quite funny. Flattering on the surface, but loaded if you think about it. It’s as though ageing has a face, and everyone’s racing to avoid it.
This week, I have an opinion article, ‘The Beauty (and Politics) of Ageing’ — because let’s be honest, we’ve all become a little obsessed. Nigerians may not talk about it in the same way Hollywood does, but lately?
The Botox appointments, the collagen drips, the endless filters….hmmm, we’re catching up fast. Some say it’s “maintenance,” but sometimes it feels more like damage control. Somewhere along the way, we made ageing sound like something to survive, not experience. People whisper “you don dey old o” like it’s an insult, forgetting that the alternative to getting older is, well, not being here at all. It’s wild how we pray for long life but dread the signs that come with it.
And women, of course, get the shorter end of the stick. Men grow older, and suddenly they’re considered “distinguished.” A little salt-and-pepper, slight belly, and they’re wise, powerful, seasoned. For women, the bar is different. You’re expected to look forever 28, even if you’ve built empires, raised families, and survived every curve life’s thrown at you. However, this right here is what believe makes ageing beautiful: the quiet audacity of owning every chapter. I think there’s something freeing about no longer needing to prove you’re the youngest in the room. There’s a different kind of glow that comes from knowing yourself, not chasing yourself. So maybe the real flex isn’t pretending to be younger, it’s showing up exactly as you are and still turning heads. Because there’s something magnetic about a woman who has lived, learned, and still walks into a room like it’s hers.
To everyone reading this, take it as your weekly reminder that ageing isn’t a crisis; it’s a vibe. The kind that says, “I’ve seen things, and I’m still glowing.”
MYTHS: BUSTING BREAST CANCER WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW
Every October, the world turns pink. From ribbons to runs, Breast Cancer Awareness Month floods our timelines with reminders to check, care, and support. Yet, beneath the wave of advocacy, misinformation still lingers quietly, shaping how people think about breast cancer. It’s time to clear the fog and face the facts.
SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER
Myth 1:
Breast Cancer Is a “Woman’s Disease”
Let’s start here — men get breast cancer too. While it’s far less common, it happens. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 1 in 833 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Because men often don’t consider themselves at risk, they’re more likely to ignore early symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. Awareness should be universal; breast tissue is breast tissue, regardless of gender.
Myth 2:
Every Lump Is a Death Sentence
Finding a lump can be terrifying, but most breast lumps aren’t cancerous. Around 80% turn out to be benign — things like cysts or fibroadenomas. Still, every lump deserves medical attention. Regular selfexams and timely screenings remain your best allies. Early detection doesn’t just save lives; it gives people options and time.
Myth 3:
Underwire Bras Cause Cancer
This one has circulated for years — that underwire bras block lymphatic flow and trap “toxins.” The truth? There’s zero scientific evidence to back it up. Comfort, not fear, should dictate your lingerie choices. If it fits well and supports you, wear it proudly. Your bra isn’t plotting against you.
Myth 4:
No Family History Means No Risk
Having a mother or sister with breast cancer does raise your chances, but here’s the surprise — most people diagnosed have no family history at all. Only about 5–10% of cases are hereditary. The rest stem from a mix of age, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Which means everyone, not just those with a family history, should stay informed and screened.
Myth 5:
Mammograms Can Spread Cancer
False and dangerous. Mammograms don’t cause
or spread cancer. They use low-dose X-rays to spot abnormalities long before symptoms appear. The radiation exposure is minimal, less than what you get from a cross-country flight. Far from harmful, mammograms are life-saving tools that improve survival rates through early detection.
Myth 6:
Only Older Women Should Worry
While risk increases with age, breast cancer doesn’t wait for midlife. The CDC reports that about 11% of new cases in the U.S. are found in women under 45. Younger women often face more aggressive types, making awareness and self-advocacy essential at every age. Know your body. Notice changes. Speak up.
Myth 7:
A Healthy Lifestyle Means You’re Immune Exercise, clean eating, and moderation — they all help lower risk. But no lifestyle is a bulletproof shield. Even the fittest, most health-conscious individuals can get breast cancer. Genes and biology don’t take gym attendance into account. The goal is balance: live well, but never skip your check-ups.
Myth 8:
Breast Cancer Equals a Death Sentence
Not anymore. With modern medicine and earlier detection, breast cancer is often highly treatable. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 99%. Today, more people are living full, vibrant lives after diagnosis. Hope is not wishful thinking it’s backed by science.
Myth 9:
Dense Breasts Mean You’ll Get Cancer
Dense breast tissue can make mammograms harder to read, but it doesn’t necessarily mean higher risk. What it does mean is that you may need extra imaging — like an ultrasound or MRI — for clarity. Talk to your doctor about your breast density and tailor your screenings accordingly.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Busting Breast Cancer Myths: What You Really Need to Know Fashion After 40: Style Without the Rules
Centre for Design Launches in Lagos
ANANSE CENTRE FOR DESIGN LAUNCHES IN LAGOS
At the intersection of creativity, technology, and opportunity, a quiet revolution is taking shape in Lagos. The newly launched Ananse Centre for Design, a partnership between Ananse Africa, the Mastercard Foundation, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, is redefining how Africa builds a sustainable creative economy.
For years, African fashion has inspired the world — from Ankara prints to intricate beadwork — yet designers have struggled with poor infrastructure, limited access to training, and restricted market reach. The Ananse Centre in Lagos was created to close these gaps, offering a 1,200-squaremetre hub where creativity meets commerce.
Located on Nike Art Gallery Road, the Centre is equipped with studios for fashion, leather, footwear, photography, and digital content creation. It also provides training and certification through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), teaching not only design but also business management, digital tools, and intellectual property.
Founder Samuel Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and former investment banker, says the idea was born from real challenges faced by African creatives. “We noticed that many designers across the continent lacked access to resources and markets. The goal is to empower 5,000 emerging creatives and create up to 50,000 jobs — with women making up about 70 per cent,” he said.
Mensah’s tech background is evident in the Centre’s digital focus. Through partnerships with companies like Clo3D, participants are trained in virtual garment design, allowing Lagosbased creators to serve clients globally. “Technology should amplify handcraft, not erase it,” he added.
Supported by Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and a five-year MoU with the Ministry, the Centre is set to be replicated across Nigeria. Beyond producing world-class talent, it champions sustainability — promoting smallscale, responsible production and empowering African designers to compete in global eco-conscious markets.
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR
We’ve all had those mornings—you stand in front of your closet, towel still wrapped around you, hair dripping, surrounded by clothes that suddenly feel wrong. Too casual, too dressy, too tight, too “who even bought this?” It’s the universal style dilemma: what do you wear when you don’t know what to wear? The truth is, indecision isn’t a lack of clothes; it’s a lack of clarity. Some days, your outfit needs to carry the weight of your mood, your to-do list, and your social calendar—all before 9 a.m. But instead of letting that pressure send you spiralling, think of it as an opportunity to lean on what always works: the classics, the clever pairings, and the pieces that quietly say I have my life together, even when you really don’t. Here’s your cheat sheet for those “nothing to wear” days:
1. Start with your uniform. Every stylish person has one—even if they don’t admit it. Maybe it’s highwaisted jeans and a crisp white shirt, a black slip dress under an oversized blazer, or your favourite linen set that looks intentional but feels like pyjamas. The trick is finding that combination that makes you feel puttogether with zero mental effort. When in doubt, go back to your version of “the usual.”
2. Monochrome is your best friend.
If you can’t decide what to wear, wear one colour. Black on black, beige on beige, or denim on denim—it’s sleek, modern, and never fails. Monochrome dressing gives instant polish, even if you got dressed in the dark. Throw in texture—a satin top, a knit skirt, or a structured bag— and suddenly your “lazy” look feels intentional.
3. The power of the third piece. You know what separates a plain outfit from a look? The third piece. It could be a blazer, a denim jacket, a scarf, or even bold jewellery. When your outfit feels basic, this extra layer adds structure, depth, and personality. Think of it as your fashion punctuation mark—it completes the sentence.
4. Lean on neutrals (they never argue). Neutrals are like that one friend who’s always calm in a crisis. Beige, navy, grey, white, and black never clash, never scream for attention, and always get along. When you’re
unsure, build your outfit around these shades—they’ll keep you grounded. Then, if you’re feeling brave, add a pop of colour through your accessories or lipstick.
5. Know your one-and-done pieces.
A well-cut jumpsuit. A shirt dress. A coord set. These are your “throw on and go” lifesavers. They make dressing up foolproof because the outfit’s already done for you—no matching required. Style them up or down with shoes and accessories, depending on where you’re headed.
6. Trust your shoes to set the mood.
Shoes change everything. A sundress with sneakers says effortless. The same dress with heels says boardroom or brunch-ready. When your outfit feels too plain, switch the shoes. They often do more for your confidence than the clothes themselves.
7. Add one statement accessory. Even if your outfit is the simplest combo in your wardrobe, a standout bag, pair of earrings, or belt can make all the difference. A bold accessory draws attention and signals intention—you didn’t just get dressed, you styled yourself.
8. When all else fails: black. Black never fails you. It’s chic, slimming, and always on the right side of every occasion. Whether you’re running errands, attending a meeting, or grabbing drinks after work, an all-black outfit looks sharp and considered. Add a red lip or gold hoops, and suddenly, it’s fashion.
9. Dress for the version of you you want to be. Here’s the real secret: style is psychological. On days when you’re unsure what to wear, ask yourself who you want to be that day—confident, creative, calm? Then dress accordingly. The clothes will follow the feeling.
YUTEE RONE
IFEOMA ODOGWU
FASHION AFTER 40: STYLE WITHOUT THE RULES
If your 20s were about experimenting and your 30s about finding your footing, your 40s are where your style finally comes home. You’ve earned your fashion freedom — no more following trends that don’t serve you or squeezing into jeans that don’t fit your life. Style after 40 isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about owning your space, rules be damned. Here’s how to do it — gracefully, boldly, and entirely on your own terms.
1. Confidence Is Your Best Outfit
2.
3.
4. Edit Your Wardrobe Like You Edit Your
6. Play With Proportion and Personality
5.
“Do I like it?” — that’s when real style begins.
10. Remember: Style Has No Expiry Date
Fashion doesn’t stop being fun after 40 — it just gets better. You know yourself better, you can afford better, and you care less about the noise. There’s a quiet confidence in knowing you don’t have to chase trends because you’ve already found your voice.
SKIN FATIGUE IS REAL –HERE’S HOW TO RESET YOUR GLOW
We talk about being tired all the time, tired of work, tired of traffic, tired of adulting. But what about your skin? Because, believe it or not, your skin gets tired too. And no, it’s not just your imagination when you catch yourself in the mirror and notice that your glow has packed its bags and left without notice. That dull, uneven, lifeless look? That’s skin fatigue, and it’s a thing. Between sleepless nights, never-ending deadlines, stress, latenight scrolling, and city pollution, your skin has been through it. Add in layers of makeup, a cocktail of products, and the occasional skipped skincare routine, and you’ve got yourself one very exhausted complexion. Think of it as burnout, only this time, your face is the one crying out for rest.
Step 1: Hit the Reset
Button
If your skin could talk, it would probably say, “Can we not for a second?” So before you rush to buy yet another serum, take a step back. Simplify. For a few days, ditch the ten-step routine and go back to the basics — cleanse, hydrate, moisturise, protect. That’s it. Your skin doesn’t need fancy right now; it needs peace. Think of this as a reset ritual. Strip your skincare down to what truly matters, let your
pores breathe, and give your skin a chance to recalibrate.
You’d be surprised how much of that glow you can get back just by doing less.
Step 2:
Wake Up the Glow Gently
Once your skin has had its little staycation, it’s time to gently wake it up. Exfoliation is the quickest route to radiance, but go easy. Overscrubbing will only make things worse. Instead, use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week to sweep away dullness and dead cells.
You don’t need to feel the burn to see results. Think of exfoliation as a soft polish, the goal is to reveal your glow, not scrub it off. Pair it with a hydrating serum, and watch how your face starts to look like it finally got eight hours of sleep.
Step
3: Feed Your Skin
Skin fatigue thrives on dehydration, poor diet, and stress. And yes, all three are fixable. Start from within: drink water like it’s your new skincare step, add some antioxidants to your meals (berries, leafy greens, citrus), and cut down on the sugar and alcohol that sneakily age your skin. Topically, look for products with ingredients that feed your skin back to life — niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid are your best friends. They plump, brighten, and strengthen your barrier so it can bounce back faster.
Step 4: Sleep.
Seriously
You can’t outsmart fatigue if you’re not resting. Beauty sleep isn’t a myth — it’s biology. Your skin repairs
Titself while you snooze, rebuilding collagen and undoing the damage of the day. When you consistently shortchange your sleep, your body’s repair system slows down, and that dullness settles in like an unwanted guest. Create a night routine that tells your brain it’s time to power down — cleanse your face, apply a calming moisturiser, light a candle, play some music. You’ll wake up looking less like a zombie and more like someone who has her life together.
Step 5: Protect the Comeback
Once your glow starts making a reappearance, guard it with your life. SPF isn’t optional — even if the sun is shy. Think of sunscreen as your invisible shield, the thing that keeps all your effort from going to waste. Pair that with consistent hydration and a few self-care habits (a weekly mask, an at-home steam, or just a day where you don’t wear makeup), and your skin will start thanking you loudly.
Step 6: Give It a Break — From Everything
Sometimes, glowing skin isn’t about what you add but what you remove. Less caffeine, more water. Less stress, more laughter. Less doom-scrolling, more sunshine. Take a digital detox, spend a day makeup-free, and let your skin remember what it feels like to just be. Because when you slow down, your skin does too — in the best possible way.
OPI NION‘
BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR
here’s a special kind of panic that hits you the first time someone calls you “ma.” You could be standing at a café, minding your business, when a 19-year-old waiter smiles politely and says, “Yes, ma.” In that split second, your whole skincare journey flashes before your eyes. You start wondering if your SPF betrayed you, if your concealer isn’t concealing those lines, or if time itself has finally stopped negotiating.
Ageing — that thing everyone prays for but no one wants to show signs of. We say “Long life and prosperity” with conviction, yet treat wrinkles like a personal failure. It’s the great Nigerian paradox: everyone wants to live long, but nobody wants to look like they’ve lived.
In Nigeria, ageing isn’t just a biological process; it’s a political one. Men grow grey and become “distinguished.”
Women grow grey, and people start asking who their hairstylist is, because surely something can be done. A man with wrinkles is called “seasoned”; a woman with wrinkles is told to try anti-ageing serum and prayer.
When a man’s belly expands, he’s “enjoying life.”
jar. Every product is “anti-ageing” — as though ageing were a disease we must cure instead of a privilege we should celebrate. Nobody’s selling “Confidence Cream” or “Contentment Lotion,” because those don’t sell. Fear does.
THE BEAUTY (AND POLITICS) OF AGEING
When a woman’s body changes, she’s “letting herself go.” The double standard is alive and well, neatly packaged with a bow of cultural expectation. We celebrate men for experience and women for preservation. Every compliment to a woman comes with an age disclaimer: “You look so good for your age.” As though time is an opponent she’s somehow managing to defeat. Ageing gracefully has been replaced by ageing quietly. You can turn 45, just don’t let anyone find out. This is the land of “Forever 29.” We invented it before Instagram turned it into a hashtag. There are aunties who have been turning 35 for ten straight years, and uncles who are “just 40” even though their children are in NYSC. We laugh about it, but it says something deeper: that we’ve turned age into a scandal to be covered up. Birthdays have become performance art. You can’t just turn 40 anymore; you must “clock 40 like 25.” There’ll be a photoshoot, a video, and a caption about “God’s faithfulness and fine wine ageing.” All beautiful sentiments, but it’s also exhausting. Because behind the filters and captions is a fear that people will treat you differently once they know the number. Social media has made things worse. Everyone is glowing, no one is ageing. Even the “no filter” movement is suspicious — you’ll see a caption that says #nofilter, but the picture is smoother than glass. It’s no longer enough to be beautiful; you must also be ageless. And that’s where the beauty industry thrives — in our collective panic. There’s a serum for every insecurity, a cream for every crease, and a promise in every
Walk into any spa in Lekki and you’ll overhear whispers about collagen facials, fillers, and laser treatments. “Just a small touch-up,” someone will say. “Preventive Botox,” another will add, at 28. But maybe it’s not vanity; maybe it’s survival. Maybe it’s the quiet realisation that in this world, especially for women, ageing in public feels like rebellion. You can’t even grow older in peace. By 30, the questions start. By 40, the comparisons. By 50, the invisibility. The older a woman gets, the less society wants to look at her — unless she’s fighting time. That’s why women who age audaciously are so magnetic. Ireti Doyle, Shaffy Bello, Kate Henshaw, these women don’t hide behind filters. They’ve made ageing look like luxury. Their glow doesn’t come from youth; it comes from peace. Because the truth is, nothing looks better than confidence. The kind that doesn’t need permission or applause. When a woman stops chasing youth, she starts radiating something else — assurance. Her beauty stops shouting; it starts speaking softly but with authority. That’s what time gives you. You stop dressing to prove, and start dressing to please yourself. You stop chasing trends and start investing in timelessness — in your wardrobe, your energy, your circle. You no longer attend every event; you choose rest over relevance. You no longer explain your choices; you simply make them. It’s not “giving up.” It’s evolution.
The double standard between men and women is still loud, though. A man dating a younger woman is “lucky.” A woman dating a younger man is often labelled as “desperate.” It’s an impossible game. However, these days, women are winning. They’re rewriting what middle age looks like, redefining it on their own terms. Gone are the days when turning 50 meant disappearing into a wrapper and resignation. Now, 50-year-olds are launching businesses, dancing on Instagram, starting new careers, and living louder than ever before.
The real glow-up is peace. That moment when you stop performing for youth and start living for yourself. You realise that not every comment deserves a response, not every invite deserves attendance, and not every trend needs your participation. You start choosing peace like it’s skincare — daily, consistently, unapologetically. You understand that silence is a power move. You stop chasing speed and start enjoying stability. Your glow becomes quieter but more powerful — the kind that can’t be captured in pictures but radiates in presence.
Ageing is not a tragedy; it’s a privilege. Every line on your face is a story, every scar a survival badge, every silver strand a testimony. Time doesn’t steal beauty; it redefines it. Sure, your knees may now make sound effects and your hangovers last longer, but your sense of self? Sharper than ever. You learn discernment. You learn boundaries. You learn that no is a full sentence. You learn that the people who matter will love you at any age, and the ones who don’t — well, they can keep chasing youth on Instagram. When next you hear someone say, “You’re ageing well,” don’t downplay it. Smile and say, “I should be — I’ve worked hard for this peace.” Because that’s what it really is — not a fight against time, but a friendship with it.
ZEPHANS & CO BECOMES THE FIRST NIGERIAN FASHION BRAND TO COSPONSOR A NOLLYWOOD MOVIE
For years, fashion and film have circled each other like kindred spirits — one shaping how we dress, the other shaping how we dream. But now, they’ve finally found a way to make it official. With Gingerrr, the high-energy, female-led heist movie now showing in cinemas, Zephans & Co has become the first Nigerian fashion brand to co-sponsor a
Nollywood film — and it feels like the beginning of a new cultural chapter.
Directed by Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa, Gingerrr is a glossy, fast-paced story powered by some of Nollywood’s most magnetic performers — Bisola Aiyeola, Wunmi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (better known as Kiekie), Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, and Shaffy Bello, with memorable
appearances from Timini Egbuson and Blossom Chukwujekwu. On paper, it’s a heist film. On screen, it’s a vibrant Lagos symphony — full of colour, rhythm, laughter, and the kind of unapologetic glamour that makes you sit a little straighter in your cinema seat.
For Zephans & Co., a Lagosborn ready-to-wear label beloved by women who love expressive, joy-forward
fashion, this collaboration is proof that Nigerian fashion has matured beyond the runway and is ready to play on a bigger stage, side by side with the country’s most powerful cultural export: Nollywood.
“We’ve always believed that fashion and film are part of the same creative heartbeat,” says Nkiru Achukwu, founder and creative director of Zephans & Co. “This moment is special, not just
for our brand but for the creative economy we love. Gingerrr celebrates bold Nigerian women; dressing that story feels like a fullcircle Lagos love letter. We’re excited to help bring the film to life, to debut a collection inspired by its release, and to show what happens when fashion and Nollywood build together.”
It’s easy to see why this partnership feels so natural. Fashion has always
been one of Nollywood’s quiet superpowers. Costumes have defined characters, set trends, and turned on-screen style into streetwear shorthand — from the boardroom chic of The Wedding Party to the fierce traditional looks of King of Boys. For many Nigerians, the first time they fall in love with a designer isn’t on Instagram — it’s at the cinema.
But what Zephans & Co. has done with Gingerrr takes that relationship a step further. It’s the first time a fashion label isn’t just dressing the story, but also financing it. It’s fashion putting its money where its art is and supporting a vision that mirrors its own aesthetic values: confidence, femininity, and a distinctly Lagos sense of daring.
Beyond the symbolism, there’s a brilliant business logic at play. Nollywood releases reach audiences that no traditional campaign could. A film like Gingerrr moves across demographics, language, and geography within weeks. Its characters become references; its fashion becomes conversation.
For a brand like Zephans & Co., rooted in Lagos but adored by a diaspora audience, that kind of reach isn’t just exposure; it’s cultural currency.
The partnership also signals a shift in how Nigeria’s creative economy sustains itself. By supporting films directly, fashion houses are helping close the funding gap that often limits ambitious storytelling. In return, they gain something more valuable than product placement; they gain emotional context. When audiences fall in love with what a character wears,
they’re not just admiring fabric; they’re connecting to a feeling. And that’s what every great brand ultimately sells — emotion.
Released in September 2025, Gingerrr embodies everything this new alliance stands for: bold, stylish, and full of heart. It’s a story of women who take charge, plotted with wit and humour, dressed in designs that speak volumes without saying a word. Each look, from the sharp power suits to the soft, sculpted dresses, echoes Zephans & Co’s Lagos craftsmanship and attention to detail. The fashion isn’t there to decorate; it’s there to define.
“Fashion in Gingerrr isn’t background, it’s character,” Achukwu explains. “It’s how these women express power, desire, and control. That’s the story we wanted to dress.” And it works. Watching the film, you realise how much of Nigeria’s contemporary identity is being told through collaboration. Musicians feature in films. Designers style the cast. Cinematographers capture Lagos as both muse and metropolis. Each creative discipline feeds the other, creating a loop of inspiration that strengthens the whole ecosystem.
Zephans & Co.’s move is a reminder that true innovation often comes from homegrown confidence and the belief that what we create here can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. It’s also a quiet challenge to other Nigerian brands: think bigger. Don’t just be part of culture, fund it, shape it, own it.
GOV. BIODUN ABAYOMI
OYEBANJI:
SEEKING A NEW MANDATE
Three years into his tenure, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has earned a reputation for quiet effectiveness — the kind of leadership that favours results over rhetoric. Known for his steady temperament and hands-on approach, he has steered Ekiti State with a focus on inclusion, integrity, and measurable impact. Since taking office in 2022, his administration has worked to translate the idea of Shared Prosperity from campaign promise to lived experience, improving transparency, strengthening institutions, and advancing development in ways that touch the everyday lives of Ekiti’s citizens.
From record gains in education and water sanitation to renewed attention on infrastructure, governance, and human capital, Oyebanji has positioned Ekiti as one of Nigeria’s most efficiently managed states.
As he marks three years in office and looks toward the future, Governor Oyebanji sits down with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and the lessons learned along the way.
Three years into office, when you look back at October 2022, what would you say has been your biggest learning curve?
Well, over the last three years, think I have learnt to be more attentive. I have learnt to be more patient, have also discovered that it’s not possible to solve all problems at once. When you finish solving one, others will come. So, you just have to tell yourself that, look, you are not God, you know, just satisfy your conscience and do the one that you can. But communicate with the people why you may not be able to do everything. So, learnt patience and being attentive. I have learnt to also listen to both sides- people come to you with all sorts of information, and if you are not careful, chances are that if you don’t have a balanced view, you can make a very wrong decision or judgment. So, have learnt to be calmer and also try to interrogate things - information that comes either in file or oral information - you know.
You came into the office on the mantra of shared prosperity, in practical terms, how close is Ekiti today to that vision?
Well, it is a journey. What can say is that definitely we have left Egypt. Shared prosperity speaks to creating opportunities for every indigene of the state to prosper, irrespective of their social cadre, either those in formal employment or those in the informal sector. We have tried as much as possible to also create an ecosystem that allows everybody to have hope and properly plan for their lives. And so far so good, we are moving towards that mantra. We have not gotten to the promised land, but definitely we have left Egypt.
What has been the most challenging part of governing so far? The people, the politics, or the process itself?
I would say the process. You know, the people, you can communicate with them. Politics, that is a game. But the process is something that we need to look at with the best of intention. No matter how well-intentioned you are, the process has a way of slowing you down, scuttling good intention, frustrating you. So, my major issue would be with the process. But as a government, we are trying to reform this process and also trying to tell our
people that, look, we are here to serve you, but it’s not something that can be done in a rush. Let me use that word, you know, you just have to slow down, because as you reform these processes, you also have to ensure that you communicate with the operators and fine tune the operating system. So they buy into whatever you want to do.
Ekit State, under your leadership, has top several national rankings in transparency, water sanitation and education. Which of these achievements are you personally most proud of, and why?
All of them are important, but would say that I’m extremely proud of our rating with respect to transparency, because trust is something that has been lacking in public office, and if we have been rated consecutively for five quarters on transparency, I’m so proud of that. Because that is something that is rare, to maintain that position consistently for five quarters is something that I’m very proud of.
Infrastructure development and human capital growth have been two of your administration’s biggest priorities. What specific projects best capture how these two goals work and demand? Well, infrastructure speaks to physical development of the environment itself. Human capital speaks to the development of people. So, we have to strike a balance between infrastructure and the people that use that infrastructure. Our Intervention in health, intervention in education social inclusion speaks to a commitment to human capital development, and I’m so happy with what we have achieved in those two sectors. I’m glad that in Ekiti State now most of the health outcomes are above average and they are near excellent. We have reduced neonatal mortality rates, we have reduced maternal mortality rates. We have reformed and refurbished most of our health centers. People can now access healthcare, the health insurance is going on well and people are enjoying it. Also, we have the least Out of School Children in the Southwest and one of the least in the country nationally. Our pupils are doing well in their WAEC and other public examinations, so that means
BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR
that we are preparing our pupil for the 21st century. I’m so excited about that. Infrastructure-wise, our performance in road construction, in electricity, in water and sanitation, also blows my mind, What we have been able to do in the last one year is amazing. We have been able to connect more than 40 communities to the national grid. These are communities that have not had electricity for 14 to 20 years and that has changed the economy of those communities and we have been able to also provide access to water in most of these communities. So, balancing both infrastructure and human capital development has been a great achievement, you know, and people are attesting to it. In the SURWASH programme, Ekiti State led the ranking in the country and we have done so well. In other World Bank projects like RAAMP, AGILE and IDEAS. So, I am happy that we managed to strike a balance between growth and development.
You have served in nearly every political role in Ekiti before becoming Governor of the State. How did that long journey through the system shape your understanding of leadership and power?
Before became Governor, I think have put in 11 years at the state level with two governments - did four years with Governor Niyi Adebayo, did seven years with Governor Kayode Fayemi at the state level and the advantage that gives me is that because worked at a very close range with them, I was Chief of Staff to Governor Adebayo (among other positions), and ended up being Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to Governor kayode Fayemi (aside serving as a commissioner in different ministries during his first term). saw the two leaders at a very close-range taking decisions, saw them also facing the consequences of their decisions. So the 11 years actually prepared me for this office. It taught me patience. It taught me to interrogate things. It taught me to be fast and at the same time be mindful that I have to work slowly. It also taught me that, look, you cannot work alone, You need to carry everybody along and it taught me that you have to respect your subordinates and listen to their views. So, that really helps me when assume duty as Governor of the State. So, I’ve seen them making mistakes and most of those mistakes, try also to avoid and if I get to the crossroad, I can call any one of them. have relationship with all the former governors of this State and I call them for advice based on their areas of strength. Apart from Governor Kayode Fayemi and Governor Niyi Adebayo that work with closely, have a very good relationship with Governor Ayodele Fayose and Governor Segun Oni. So, I can pick my phone up and call any one of them for advice.
Ekiti is often described as the Land of Honour, intellect, integrity, and resilience. What, in your view, truly sets the state apart, politically and culturally?
Culturally, I think Ekiti State is the only homogenous state in the country and that should speak to something. We are all Ekitis, we speak the same language, we understand ourselves, that should be a strength. It should be a strength that we can tap on to mobilise the people for development, and that is what we are doing in this state. We are being inclusive and politically too, the state is very active, is a progressive state, as of today, it’s almost a one-party state because everybody is on the same page. So, think that we need to scale up to play up our homogeneity to drive development. It shouldn’t be too difficult to build consensus around critical issues of development, of growth, of security, you know, because we are basically one and our politics is tilted towards an inclusive governance, an inclusive administration, one people, one vision, one destiny
As the 2026 election draws closer, how do you intend to convince Ekiti people that your second term is essential to sustaining the progress already made?
think the people are already convinced, and there’s a saying that the taste of the pudding is in the eating. They’ve seen what we have done in three years and since the creation of this state, our major problem as a state, what has stunted development in the state, is the fact that there’s been no continuity in governance. In 2022, we were able to break that. Governor Fayemi was able to break that jinx, and he handed over power to me. was his Secretary to Government. But there has not been back-to-back continuity. I think we are set to break that jinx now, because the people have now realized that, look, we need continuity to have sustainable growth, to have sustainable development. So, as 2026 draws closer, I have
no doubt in my mind that the people will also reelect the APC to continue to administer the State.
Looking ahead, what are the key unfinished goals or reforms you are determined to complete if given another four years?
We have a 30-year development plan that drives what we should be doing as a government, and we are religiously following the document. There are sectors that, by my own assessment, we have done well. There are other sectors that we have not been able to do as much as we would have loved to, and one sector that will actually put more attention in my second term in office is education. desire an educational landscape that will drive innovation, especially at the secondary school level. At the primary school level, yes, there is SUBEB to develop infrastructure so, we are able to have a lot of capital injection into that, but there has not been any deliberate attempt to actually develop the secondary school sector. So, we are going to sit down to put a lot of resources to renovate secondary schools, put electronic boards and do everything in a way and manner that that the schools will attract more pupils. We would also look at vocational skills development to ensure that we teach our pupils skills so that they can combine both formal education with skills so that they can be relevant in the society. Formal education is good, but you know, but you also need skills to match it, you know, for the rigour of formal education, those people should not be left out. So, there must be a seat for them at the table to do whatever they intend to do. So, we will do that. We will put a lot of focus on education, we will also ramp up our intervention in the agric space. Those two sectors will actually attract special attention from our administration going forward.
Stepping back to the national stage, when you look at Nigeria today, with the economic headwinds, insecurity and growing political fatigue, what still gives you hope about our future?
think we should thank God for the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he came at the right time and people are beginning to see the gains of the reforms of Mr. President and I believe strongly, by the grace of God, that once he wins his second term, we will be able to consolidate on the achievements that he has made in his first term in office. We need a very courageous, a clear-minded leader like him to navigate the ship of state in Nigeria, and the President is doing that. The economy is responding positively to all the reforms. Securitywise, yes, there are still some challenges, but there’s a big improvement in the security of life and property in the country. Now, most of the attacks are on soft targets, but I know that the President is also equal to the task. But there’s no way he’ll be able to finish everything- the task is set for himself in four years.
So, I’m just appealing to Nigerians that they should support him for his second term, so that he’ll be
able to consolidate on his reforms.
How can states like Ekiti play a more active roles in defining Nigeria’s development story beyond the rhetoric of federal dependence? Well, I think that one task we set for ourselves is to wean Ekiti State off federal dependency, and when we got to office, we were deliberate about that, and our intention are designed to ensure that we are at least able to deal with our recurrent expenditures within what we generate in the State and we are almost at that point now. We met IGR at about 700 million, we are now at 2.3 to 2.5 billion in a month, and before the end of the year, I’m sure that things will go up, and most states are also trying to wean themselves off federal dependency. But this not something that you can do in one day, you have to also expand the economy, create avenues for private capital to come to the economy, and also embark on a lot of reforms, put in place the building blocks to attract investors into the state, and part of what we have done in Ekiti State now is the completion of the Ekiti Airport. That’s to create access to the state, and I’m thankful to Mr President for the final approval for commercial flights to commence in our Ekiti Airport. I thank him also for the interventions on federal roads. So, if we are able to create access and also to ensure that there’s power supply, there’s access to raw materials, and cheap and qualitative labour force in Ekiti State. So, we are trying to prepare them for such. So if all the factors of productions are in place, investors will come, because one thing about capital, capital flows to where it’s well treated.
If you could change one thing about how government works in Nigeria, whether in structure, accountability or political culture, what would be that one thing you’d like to change?
It will be all. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution with my experience now, I’ve discovered that the structure is challenged, there is a problem with accountability, and there is with political culture. To proceed we have to communicate to our people. We have to ensure that the structure is flexible in a way and manner that it will also push for accountability and also the culture, we have to manage the political culture of people believing that this is government money and it can be spent anyhow. So, it’s going to take a lot of time, but it’s not impossible. We continue to engage, we continue to also tweak the processes, the structures, the operatives of the structures in a way and manner that we get to where we’re going to.
Your wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji is a respected academic. How does her perspective shape the way you think about leadership, education and policy?
Well, my wife, like you said, is accomplished in her own right, and she has brought that to bear in governance, and she engages with me very well. She has her perspectives on my style of administration, and she criticizes me where necessary, and she offers her own perspectives, and she’s been able to also bring that to bear through her WAOH Foundation that has touched so many lives - widows, orphans, and vulnerable children and in the last three years, she has been able to positively impact on the lives of this segment of the population, and also, through the Adire Hub where she trains people in the act of tie and dye and I’m so excited because when she was sharing with me, as at now, the centre has trained close to 5,000 people. And whenever she trains them, she also equips them, and most of them are doing well, and they can fend for themselves, take care of their children, and meet their basic needs.
Away from politics, what does a typical day in Governor Oyebanji’s life look like, the man behind the title?
Well, I love my work and don’t have much social life. When I wake up the first thing do is my morning devotion, then if there are domestic issues to attend to I will do that and I will come to the office. I live a regimented life. am not a social bird, so, I just want to work but for relaxation, read a lot and I love my village. Anytime I want to relax, I go to Ikogosi to relax. So, my life is just like that and that is how It has being.
When history is written, what would you want your legacy as Governor of Ekiti State to be remembered for?
I keep telling people that I want to be remembered as a Governor that tells the truth, because I believe that trust is lacking in the public office. People don’t trust their leaders and it is so painful that even when telling the truth, people will say you that it is a political statement. So, I try as much as possible to walk my talk. So when leave this seat, by the grace of God, I want Ekiti people to remember that there was a Governor that walk the talk, whose words you can take to the bank, who you can trust. That is what want to be remember for.
What will be your word for Ekiti people as we celebrate the third year anniversary
I am full of appreciation to Ekiti people- for their prayers, support and for their constructive criticism. I thank them for the platform they have offered our party to serve them and know that we have not disappointed them. So, I enjoin them to keep hope alive, keep praying for us and let them know that the best is yet to come.
OVERDRESSED AND UNAPOLOGETIC
There’s a certain magic in being the best-dressed person in the room — even when no one asked you to be. In a world obsessed with “effortless” style and dressing down to prove you’re chill, showing up in a perfectly tailored outfit can feel almost scandalous. But here’s the truth: being overdressed isn’t a crime. It’s a superpower if you do it right. Call it main-character energy, call it confidence, call it whatever you like, but there’s something about putting thought into your appearance that shifts the energy around you. It says, I didn’t come to blend in. And in a sea of beige and basics, that’s something to be proud of. So, if you’re ready to be overdressed and unapologetic, here are a few tips on how to do it right.
of confidence that doesn’t need validation, just a mirror and good lighting.
5. There’s Freedom in “Too Much”
1. You’re the Walking RSVP
Being overdressed is basically saying, “I understood the assignment and raised the bar.”
Whether it’s a brunch, work meeting, or casual hangout that somehow turned into a photo session, looking polished makes you the unofficial event upgrade. People adjust around you; they sit straighter, rethink their outfit choices, and suddenly, the room feels like a red carpet. You don’t just attend moments; you elevate them.
2. Effort Is Never Out of Style
There’s something quietly powerful about effort. We romanticise nonchalance, the “I just threw this on” look, but even that takes planning. Dressing up, on the other hand, says you take yourself seriously enough to show up as your best version. It’s selfrespect, not vanity. And the truth is, people notice effort. They may not say it, but they feel it.
When you stop dressing for other people’s comfort, you unlock true personal style. Being overdressed gives you creative freedom. Maybe it’s a feathered hat at a garden party or an embellished jacket at a regular dinner, it’s your way of saying, this is me, deal
with it. The people who call it “extra” are often the ones secretly wishing they had your boldness.
6. You Never Know Who You’ll Meet
This one’s simple. You could bump into your future investor, ex, idol, or boss at the gas station. Imagine that moment, who do you want to be in that instant? The version of yourself that looks like they overslept or the one who looks effortlessly put together? Overdressing ensures that whoever you
meet, they’ll remember you in the best way possible.
7. Dressing Up Is a Love Language (to Yourself)
We spend so much time dressing for events, people, and expectations that we forget the joy of dressing for us. When you wear something that makes you feel alive even with nowhere to go that’s self-celebration. It’s saying, “I deserve to feel good today.” And that, truly, is what fashion was meant to be.
(and Life-Ready)
3. You’re Always CameraReady
Here’s a fact: life has zero warning signs before a perfect photo op. That “quick lunch” can easily turn into a fullblown networking moment or unexpected reunion. Being overdressed ensures you’re never caught off-guard or shrinking into the background. You’re always ready, not because you’re shallow, but because you understand presentation is part of presence.
4. It’s a Confidence Multiplier
Clothes don’t make the person, but they can make the mood. Slip into something that makes you feel unstoppable, and suddenly your posture changes, your energy sharpens, your conversations flow differently. Overdressing isn’t about being flashy; it’s about wearing your confidence like couture. The kind
CHIOMA IKOKWU AND LOLA OGUNNAIKE
BOLANLE AUSTEN PETERS
EMMY COLLINS AND UGONNA OMERUO
HANNATU MUSAWA_
EFE TOMMY AND YVONNE NWOSU
1. The Aso Ebi Olympics
It starts with a message in the group chat: “Hi everyone, please confirm your Aso Ebi order before Friday.” The tone is polite, but the pressure is real. You promise yourself you won’t buy it this time — then you do. ₦180,000 later, you’re part of the bride’s army. Then comes the tailor. They’ll swear the outfit will be ready “by Wednesday,” which everyone knows means Saturday morning. Pro tip: if it’s not a high-society wedding, give your tailor a fake date. Tell them the event is two weeks earlier. Lagos tailors respect only deadlines that sound desperate.
When you finally pick it up, you’ll gasp not just because it fits, but because it actually exists. The corset is tight, the lace is sparkling, and you look like the main event.
2. The Glam Budget
Nobody Warned You About
Gone are the days when your aunty tied your gele for free. Now, it’s a luxury service. A proper tie costs between ₦10k and ₦20k, and your makeup artist will collect another ₦70k — before lashes. By the time your look is complete, you’ve spent enough to fund a weekend in Dubai. But Lagos weddings are not for amateurs. “Soft glam” doesn’t mean natural — it means bulletproof. You could cry, dance, and survive humidity, and that face will not move.
3. The Traffic Test of Faith
Even with all your planning, Lagos traffic will humble you. You’ll leave home at 10 a.m. for a 1 p.m. wedding — and still arrive at 4. It’s not personal; it’s Lagos. Between the endless convoys, random road closures, and unplanned blocks, half the city will arrive late. The miracle is that when you finally enter the hall, sweating, glowing, and slightly dizzy, the vibe immediately restores your will to live. Cold air, loud music, and champagne flutes everywhere. Suddenly, you remember why you came.
4. The Guest List Hierarchy
Lagos weddings have levels. There’s the church crowd — punctual, pious, and usually related to someone important. Then the main guests — fashionably late, glamorous, and camera-ready. And finally, the after-party elite — those who skip everything else and glide in at 7 or 8 p.m., perfectly fresh, acting like the reception was just a warm-up. They come ready for lights, camera, and luxury perfume
THE LAGOS WEDDING GUEST STARTER PACK
There’s something uniquely chaotic and thrilling about Lagos weddings – the blend of glamour, drama, and traffic that turns a simple ceremony into a cultural event. They’re part fashion show, part concert, part spiritual warfare. Everyone’s competing – the bridesmaids for camera time, the aunties for attention, and the guests for survival. In a city where weddings happen every weekend (and sometimes twice in one day), here’s your insider guide to showing up, showing out, and making it to Monday with your sanity intact. Welcome to The Lagos Wedding Guest Starter Pack.
moments. They don’t know the couple, and honestly, it doesn’t matter. They are the content.
5. The Influencer Table
Every wedding now has one. A perfectly lit corner filled with ring lights, drone cameras, and tripods. Guests here aren’t eating; they’re filming transitions. Every toast, outfit, and step is optimised for Instagram. If your wedding attendance doesn’t appear on a blog’s “Top Looks of the Weekend,” did you really attend?
6. The Money (and the Myth of the Ban)
Yes, spraying money is technically banned — but Lagos has never met a rule it couldn’t remix. You’ll
see guests “accidentally” drop cash during dance moments or discreetly hand out envelopes midsway. Transfers have replaced the rain, but the spirit is alive. Love may be the occasion, but celebration still comes with a side of soft flex.
7. The Food, the Drinks, and the Silent Prayers
Food at Lagos weddings is survival of the fittest. Those who know the caterer’s cousin always get served first. If you manage to secure jollof, plantain, and small chops before the “Table 12” stampede, you’ve been favoured. And don’t be fooled, people still bring gifts. Not everyone, but a few sentimental souls will arrive with homeware or even cash envelopes tucked into glittery purses.
8. The Souvenir Situation
Souvenirs aren’t extinct, just selective. If you’re at the couple’s table or know the planner, you might leave with a candle, a tote bag, or even a power bank. The rest of us settle for selfies and half-eaten cupcakes.
9. The After-Party Reality Check
By 11 p.m., the bride’s in her second dress, the DJ’s on his third round of Unavailable, and the after-party crowd has officially taken over. The aunties have gone home, the uncles are counting envelopes, and someone is barefoot, screaming, “This is my song!”
The lights dim, the smoke machine returns, and suddenly, nobody remembers why they came, just that they’re having the time of their lives.
DAVIDO AND CHIOMA’S WEDDING
IRE &TEE’S WEDDING
NIGERIAN WEDDING
PHOEBE’S “CLOSER” - A SLOWBURNING LOVE LETTER IN SOUND REVIEW:
By Ayo Lawal
There are songs you hear, and then there are songs you feel. Phoebe’s latest single, “Closer,” falls beautifully into the latter. The first note drifts in, soft and sure, and suddenly the noise of the day melts away, leaving only the warmth of her voice and the steady heartbeat of a melody that feels both familiar and new.
But “Closer” isn’t just a love song. It’s a longing for connection, for comfort, for that rare feeling of being completely seen. Phoebe takes something universal and turns it into something intimate. Her voice doesn’t just tell the story; it lives inside it.
The first time listened, it was late — city quiet, phone screen dimmed, and the world just a little slower. There was something hypnotic about it. The soft, soulful R&B rhythm felt like a gentle tide pulling me in. Then came the hook that addictive “bum bum yeah, bum bum bum yeah” refrain: simple, honest, and impossible not to hum along to. It’s the kind of melody that sneaks into your bones without asking permission.
The next morning, played it again. Different mood, same magic. The song that lulled me to sleep now had me ready for the day. That’s the beauty of “Closer” — it shape-shifts with your emotions. Night or day, solitude or company, it finds its place.
Lyrically, it’s tender and unguarded. Phoebe sings, “Baby, your name is my heartbeat / Can’t get you off repeat / Late night, early morning / For each love that I need.”
There’s no pretence in those words — just vulnerability. She isn’t performing affection; she’s surrendering to it. And then the chorus arrives, not with fireworks, but with feeling — her voice gliding effortlessly over the melody until words give way to that soft, rhythmic hum. It’s less of a chorus, more of a confession you can’t quite put into words.
Sonically, “Closer” carries the soul of classic R&B but breathes with the pulse of modern Afrosoul. It’s smooth without slipping into sleepy, emotional, without the weight of melancholy. The production is clean and uncluttered — warm chords, gentle percussion, and layered harmonies that leave space for her voice to shine. And she knows exactly what to do with that space. The way she stretches certain words feels like she’s holding on to a feeling she’s not ready to let go of.
What’s remarkable is how inclusive the song feels. It could soundtrack a late-night text to someone you miss or a quiet moment spent alone. It’s for lovers, dreamers, and anyone who has ever longed for something — or someone—that makes them feel alive. When shared it with a few friends, they all had the same reaction. One called it “a hug in a melody.”
Another said it felt like that soft rush when someone you love brushes past you. Phoebe’s voice doesn’t feel distant or produced to perfection — it sits close, intimate, almost whispering.
Maybe I’m biased — I’ve always had a soft spot for songs that make you feel something. But there’s a sincerity here that’s impossible to ignore. “Closer” doesn’t try too hard; it simply exists, effortlessly beautiful.
With earlier hits like “Attention,” “EarCandy,” “Lagos Baddie,” “Scream,” and “Paradise,” Phoebe has proven she knows how to make music that connects. But “Closer” feels like a deeper dive — personal, vulnerable, and self-assured. It’s the sound of an artist growing into her truth.
NAIRA RAIN: IS THE CULTURE A SHOW OF CELEBRATION OR EXCESS?
There’s a moment at every Nigerian party that everyone waits for — the one where music, joy, and chaos collide. The DJ drops a banger, the celebrant makes their grand entrance, and someone reaches into their pocket, eyes gleaming with mischief. The first few naira notes fly, then another handful follows. Before long, the dance floor turns into a money storm. The crowd cheers. Phones flash. And for a few glittering minutes, it feels like anything is possible under that rain of naira. It’s beautiful, it’s dramatic — and it’s very Nigerian. But in a country where spraying money has become both a symbol of joy and a punishable offence, one can’t help but wonder: is this culture of celebration slowly tipping into excess?
By Funke Babs Kufeji
The Heart of the Tradition
Long before Instagram, naira guns, and camera flashes, spraying was a simple gesture of love and community. In Yoruba culture, it symbolised blessing and prosperity. Among the Igbo, it was a mark of honour — a way to show support and pride in someone’s success. When a bride danced and guests showered her in money, it was more than a display — it was a prayer in motion. The money, often gathered by friends and family, wasn’t about extravagance; it was about sharing in the joy of another. Over time, it became the heartbeat of celebration across tribes and occasions. Whether it was a naming ceremony, a birthday, or even a funeral, spraying was how Nigerians said, “We see you, we celebrate you.”
From Tradition to Performance
But as with everything in the age of social media, what started as sincerity soon turned into spectacle. Now, the spraying moment isn’t spontaneous — it’s choreographed. DJs build it up, photographers hover, and planners pencil in “money rain” on the programme. Guests no longer spray in quiet joy; they spray in slow motion for Instagram Stories. Bundles of cash are flung with precision, sometimes accompanied by foreign currency for effect. In some circles, it’s no longer about why you spray but how much you spray. And if you don’t? People notice. Because in the new Nigerian social playbook, not spraying — especially if you’re “somebody” — can almost feel like disrespect.
When the Party Meets the Law
However, this act of joy is
technically a crime.
Under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act (2007), “spraying, throwing, or dancing on the naira” is classified as currency abuse. The punishment? Up to six months in prison or a fine. The CBN argues that defacing money disrespects the nation’s currency — and they’ve started enforcing it. In 2024, socialite Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for spraying naira at a party — no fine, no warning. Around the same time, E-Money and other celebrities were questioned after videos of them spraying naira and dollars went viral. Even in Kano, a makeup artist and a TikTok influencer were jailed for doing the same at their weddings. The government’s message was loud and clear: it’s time to stop turning the naira into party décor.
Nigerians, Being
Nigerians…
Except, of course, Nigerians aren’t known for backing
down when it comes to celebration. If one door closes, they’ll spray through another.
Many have simply found creative workarounds. Some now spray foreign currency, insisting the law only applies to naira. Others use prop money — high-quality imitations printed purely for aesthetics. Some parties have even gone “cashless,” where guests drop envelopes in sleek money boxes or scan QR codes to “spray” digitally.
And then there are those who’ve evolved the gesture entirely, choosing to donate the sprayed cash to charity or community causes afterward — redefining abundance with a purpose. One thing’s certain: Nigerians are not letting go of the naira rain. It’s too much a part of who we are — the rhythm, the colour, the energy. It’s not just about money; it’s about mood.
Between Pride and Pressure
Still, the conversation
lingers. What happens when celebration becomes competition? When generosity turns into performance?
For some, spraying is cultural pride. A way to express joy without restraint. For others, it’s a symptom of social pressure, a silent contest of who can outshine who. And in a country grappling with inflation and economic disparity, the optics can be hard to ignore — cash flying at parties while many struggle to afford essentials.
But this is Nigeria, a nation that knows how to dance even in the rain — especially when it’s raining money. So maybe the question isn’t whether spraying should stop, but what it really represents today. For some, it’s still love made visible. For others, it’s showmanship turned art. Either way, the naira will keep falling — from joy, from pride, from habit — as we keep celebrating ourselves the only way we know how: loudly, lavishly, and without apology.
