Celebrating Four Years of Exemplary Impact And Excellence

Over the years, THEWILL DOWNTOWN has remained consistent with its mission to provide the best lifestyle content for you, our dear readers. As we celebrate four years of exemplary impact and excellence, we can’t help but reflect on a journey marked by in-depth interviews with trailblazing personalities, compelling feature stories, and an unwavering dedication to fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness. Through the lens of our celebrated columnists, we have continued to spark conversations, inspire minds, and redefine media storytelling. Since its debut on February 14, 2021, we’ve been able to publish over 200 editions.

This isn’t just about the years we’ve existed but about the impact we’ve made. To commemorate our fourth anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite excerpts that have captured the vision of our magazine over the last year.

 

 

(1)  May 26, 2024

Africa Day isn’t just a celebration of Africa’s past and continuous achievements; it is also a day set apart to call for unity, solidarity, and progress across the continent. Regardless, it is celebrated annually on May 25 with respect to the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that define the African continent. In this exciting cover story, we celebrate our present heroes who are making the continent proud in every aspect of life. We highlighted some individuals like Benedict Okey Oramah, Akinwunmi Adesina, Sarkodie, Rema, and Jade Osiberu, who have pushed the boundaries in their respective fields, reached the global stage, and put Africa on the map, making the world acknowledge their immense talent, knowledge, and resources in the beautiful continent of Africa.

 

 

(2) June 30, 2024

Wale Ojo is an A-list actor celebrated for his dynamic roles in Nollywood and international films. With a career that has spanned decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in African cinema, earning him accolades and a loyal fan base. In this issue, Wale Ojo speaks with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke about his admirable career, how it began, how it’s going, and how he balances it with his personal life.

 

 

(3) July 28, 2024

Dupe Olusola is a prime example of women who took leadership positions in fields dominated by men. Appointed as the Managing Director and CEO in 2020, Olusola became the second woman to run Transcorp Hotels Plc. Her four-year and nine-month tenure ended in January 2025, and during that time, Olusola redefined the company’s course. At a time when the world was manoeuvering the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully turned the company into a beacon of excellence. She brought new ideas and creative approaches to the table, which helped Transcorp weather the storm the hospitality was facing at the time. In an engaging conversation with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Dupe Olusola, discussed her career, achievements, setbacks, and the hospitality industry.

 

(4) September 01, 2024

Over the years, women have changed the definition of leadership in numerous fields like technology, aviation, film, architecture, and medicine, which men have historically controlled. These women are not just participating but also leading, innovating, and succeeding in every setting, from boardrooms to operating rooms, studios to aircraft cabins, encouraging the next generation to set greater goals and dream bigger. In this issue, we listed women like Mo Abudu, Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo, Olajumoke Adenowo, and the like who have paved the way for innovation and leadership in their fields, shattering glass ceilings and creating new avenues that demonstrate how creativity and leadership know no gender.

 

 

(5) October 06, 2024

Shaffy Bello can be regarded as one of the entertainment industry legends who has devoted her life to advancing the industry. Her perseverance, imagination, and hard work have paved the path for the next generation to succeed in an industry that is always evolving. In this insightful conversation, Shaffy Bello talks about her experience in Nollywood, her sense of style, staying true to herself in an evolving industry, and her strategies for staying relevant over the years.

 

 

(6) October 13, 2024

In this cover story, Falz discussed how the current music scene needs him. In an interview with Eki Ogunbor, he talked about his music project and the intentionality he has been putting into his songs,

In his words, he said, “My music generally always references everyday happenings, sometimes quite literally, other times with satire. I can also be very confrontational in my approach.”

 

(7) October 27, 2024

In addition to providing entertainment, filmmakers have utilised their profession to promote social change and raise awareness of important issues such as women’s rights, domestic abuse, and other critical concerns. Omoni Oboli is among the Nollywood directors who have left a lasting impression on the movie industry. Over the years, she has been able to convey compelling and thought-provoking stories.

In this cover story, Omoni Oboli discusses her journey as a filmmaker and how she continues to use her platform to drive conversations around social change. She also opens up about her personal life, including her recent experience of becoming a grandmother and what this new phase means for her personally and professionally.

 

 

 

(8) November 17, 2024

The political landscape in Nigeria has seen significant change over time, with democracy offering a platform for those dedicated to the nation’s development. Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the Spokesman of the House of Representatives and representative of Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, is a prime example of this dedication to effective governance. Over the years, he has utilised his position to promote change for the country and his constituents. His zeal for significant improvements and his commitment to effective leadership have made him a respected voice in the legislative assembly and an advocate for constructive change.

In an exciting conversation with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. discusses his political career, his perspective on Nigeria, and the duties associated with his position.

 

 

(9) December 08, 2024

Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti Uduaghan is also an excellent example of a woman who has broken boundaries and succeeded in previously male-dominated sectors, like politics.  In Nigerian politics, she has established herself as a social entrepreneur, barrister, and fearless supporter of transparency and development. Most importantly, she has used her voice to advocate for justice and accountability, from exposing wrongdoing at the Ajaokuta Steel Mill to becoming the first female elected senator for Kogi state. In this interview, Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan discusses her political journey, challenges, and vision for a better Nigeria.

 

 

(10)Christmas Edition 2024

In this exciting Christmas edition of the year 2024, we had a conversation with Bimpe Onakoya, where she discussed her journey to becoming a makeup icon, her work with Maybelline, NY, Nigeria, the vision behind Elite Makeup Pro, and her thoughts on the evolving beauty landscape in Nigeria. Bimpe Onakoya is the CEO of Elite Beauty Pro, a brand where she provides beauty services to individuals and organisations. She is also the Artistic Director for Maybelline, NY, Nigeria. Throughout her long career, Bimpe has greatly impacted the industry, motivating many aspiring makeup artists with her achievements, such as being the first makeup artist from Africa to work at New York Fashion Week. We are giving her flowers while we still can.

 

 

(11) January 19, 2025

Funke Felix-Adejumo, a Nigerian Bishop, educator, writer, marriage advisor, and humanitarian, is a visionary striving to make a difference, advocate for the underprivileged, and encourage others to follow in her footsteps. As the founder of the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, she has restored women’s dignity and empowered them. She has also created life-changing projects like Grace Orphanage and a children’s hospital out of her devotion to glorify God and bless people. In her interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Funke Felix-Adejumo discusses her life’s work, her vision for empowering women, and how she continues to impact society.