Nigerians Are So Creative, Why Is Our Streetwear So Safe?

The clothes often mirror what is already trending globally. In every collection, I can see moodboards and Pinterest influences; not because I am a fashion historian, but because it avoids pushing beyond the shallow.

Jorts, sambas, t-shirts, and hoodies; there is a list of staple items you are bound to see at Nigerian streetwear events. The brands are often easy to spot, not because of the exquisite craftsmanship that reminds you of the Miu Miu jackets that Wisdom Kaye purchased. But because of the heavy logomania they possess. T-shirts with emblems, logos, and names of the brands splattered or printed across them.

Despite the multicultural city that Lagos is, these shirts are riddled with the same motifs: Eagles, cowries, silhouette of Africa, and if you are lucky, you might see a reference to an African landmark — I saw Mount Kilimanjaro on a shirt. The eagles are often a reference to the national coat of arms or the football team. But that’s Nigeria 101; it is not an exciting or innovative shape to anyone who has lived in more than one city, especially one outside Lagos and Abuja. The nation itself has an array of coats of arms, constantly drawing inspiration from one, as a Nigerian reads like “florals in spring”. Plus, it is often a bald eagle, and those are not native to Nigeria.

Full story at Pulse NG

UNFPA Appoints Botlhale Boikanyo as Regional ICPD Youth Champion for East and Southern Africa

Johannesburg, August 2026 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) East and Southern Africa Regional Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Botlhale Boikanyo as its new Regional International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Youth Champion.

 

Botlhale Boikanyo is an award-winning South African poet, actress, speaker, and youth advocate whose journey from becoming the first poet and youngest winner of South Africa's Got Talent at the age of 11 has evolved into a powerful platform for youth empowerment and social change. As the founder of the Botlhale Boikanyo Foundation, she has dedicated her work to amplifying young voices, championing education and self-expression, and inspiring a new generation of African changemakers through the power of storytelling. Through her advocacy and leadership, she has inspired young people to use their voices and engage in shaping policies and solutions that affect their lives and futures.

 

As Regional ICPD Youth Champion, Botlhale will work alongside UNFPA to amplify the voices of young people across East and Southern Africa and advocate for accelerated action towards achieving the commitments of the ICPD Programme of Action. She will support efforts to advance bodily autonomy, gender equality, access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, and meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

 

For UNFPA,  young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Putting young people at front and centre of sustainable development is both urgent and non-negotiable. Their voices, experiences, and innovations are essential in building the Africa we want.

 

Speaking on her appointment, Botlhale Boikanyo said:

 

“My hope and dream is to live in a world where every young person, especially women and girls, has the freedom and opportunities to shape their own future and is included in the rooms where decisions about their lives are made. Being a UNFPA Champion is another step towards turning that vision into reality. It is an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people through storytelling across our region, and advocate for investments that uphold the rights, dignity, well-being and potential of every young person everywhere.”

 

The appointment comes at a critical moment for the region, where young people in Africa constitute a significant share of the global youth population of 1.9 billion and are leading transformative efforts in their communities. Yet many continue to face barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and opportunities to meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives. She believes that storytelling is a catalyst for social change and that young people must not only be heard, but meaningfully included in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and futures.

 

As Regional ICPD Youth Champion, Botlhale will use her energetic presence and platform to engage with young people, policymakers, civil society, and development partners to advocate for investments and policies that uphold the rights, dignity, and potential of every young person.

Fourways & Environ: Gina Hair Braiding at your service

Ladies and gentle men, Gina Hair Braiding, is currently service the best:

Gina Hair Braiding is an African hair braiding specialist salon located at 6 Forest Drive, Fourways, Sandton, South Africa. You can reach them by phone at +27 73 636 4463. 

Salon Details & Contact

Address: 6 Forest Drive, The Pearls of Fourways, Sandton, 2001, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 73 636 4463
Website / Social Media: Visit the Hair By Gina Facebook Page for updates.

NikeBalogun creative excellence shines at Misters of Nigeria

Fashion designer NikeBalogun once again demonstrated her exceptional talent and creativity at the recently concluded Misters of Nigeria (MON) competition held at the Muson Centre.

NikeBalogun, the creative force behind NikeBalogun Designs, created a striking emerald-green agbada for Mr Kwara, one of the contestants at the prestigious Misters of Nigeria 2026 pageant (MON).

The outfit, which blended traditional Nigerian craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, was designed to celebrate cultural heritage while projecting confidence, sophistication, and modern masculinity. Mr Kwara went on to win the coveted Mr Popularity title and was also crowned Mr Manhunt International, making the design part of a remarkable success story on one of Nigeria's leading pageant stages.

By Precious Omolu

Full story at Pulse NG

I've Tried So Many Basics From Uniqlo — But These Are What I'd Actually Buy

If you haven't already, consider this your sign to give Uniqlo a real chance. It's long been my go-to spot for basics year-round. I live in HeatTech undershirts all winter long and the brand's iconic plain white tees during the warmer months. Nary a season passes without picking up more essentials, and it's time for you to do the same. The universe has brought us together so that I can sing the gospel of this affordable Japanese clothing brand.

Below, I've rounded up some must-haves currently on sale at Uniqlo. They're staple pieces that belong in every closet and have a timeless silhouette that will stand the test of time, both literally and aesthetically. Compared to other fast fashion retailers like Zara or H&M, Uniqlo items are made with high-quality materials, which I have found helps the clothing last longer and look better. The trick to shopping at Uniqlo is to pick up a few wardrobe basics to carry you through each particular season.

The brand has an uncanny ability to know exactly what its audience wants and needs every season, and has mastered creating fabrics that make each specific time of year comfortable and stylish. It's HeatTech clothing and lightweight, packable puffer jackets are considered cold-weather staples, while the AIRism collection makes the heat bearable.

By Lourdes Avila Uribe

Full story at Yahoo News

Prince William's former aide praises 'strong' Kate Middleton and shares behind-the-scenes insight from royal wedding

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton with Princes William
and Prince Harry in 2007
(Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)

For a decade he was the trusted right-hand man to Prince William and Prince Harry and later helped Catherine shape her royal role before becoming godfather to Prince George. Having earlier served as equerry to the Queen Mother, the former Irish Guards officer became an SAS troop and squadron commander, earning an MBE for his part in smashing a Colombian drugs cartel.

But after a lifetime of service – from the battlefield to Buckingham Palace – Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is stepping out of the shadows with his first novel, a gripping wartime thriller inspired in part by his extraordinary career and the remarkable life of his late mother. "It's a funny feeling, but it's rather exciting actually," he tells HELLO!

In 1984, while in his early 20s he was plucked from a trench in northern Germany and selected to spend two years as the Queen Mother's equerry, which he describes as "absolutely unforgettable".

By Emily Nash

Full story at Yahoo News