Social media has been abuzz with the 10-year challenge, so we decided to hop on it for our cover story, this time looking at Nigeria 10 years ago versus now.

Looking back over the past ten years, Nigeria’s culture has quietly but powerfully transformed. From the bold makeup of 2016 to the natural beauty, global fashion, and digital creativity of 2026, every part of our lives tells a story of growth, resilience, and imagination. Entertainment has crossed borders, and music and films now inspire the world, while social media connects millions in ways we never imagined.

Religion has embraced technology, making faith accessible in every corner of the country, while institutions like the National Theatre have been reborn, symbolising a nation proud of its creativity and heritage.

Read our cover story about Nigeria then and now, on pages 8 to 10 of this issue.

When people dream of an island getaway, it’s usually to Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the Maldives, but there are hidden gems beyond these islands that travellers rarely explore. Our travel page explores them. Scroll to page 15 to learn more.

Skincare in 2026 is no longer about trial and error. People want treatments tailored to their skin concerns, and this is where AI comes in. AI helps people understand their skin, choose the right products, and build a routine tailored to their specific skin type. See how AI is personalising skincare this year on the beauty page—page 12.

Check out our movie review page for the movies we reviewed this week, and don’t forget you can download the playlist we have curated just for you.

Until next week, enjoy your read.