Lifestyle

Why Young Nigerians are Working Together to Put Life-Size Wildlife Puppets on the Streets of Lagos this April (18th-20th)

Published

Monday, 5 May 2025, 12:10 am

For weeks, the brightly lit Yaba Art Museum had a new outlook. When you walked into it, the paintings on the walls were no longer the most intriguing attraction. All over the main gallery, you found people huddled around tables, assembling curiously shaped wood and paper with the dexterity of skilled technicians and the verve of those on a mission.

For a casual onlooker, this scene could have passed for a craft class, but an inquisitive enquirer soon discovered that the young people at work—students of Yaba School of Technology—were building massive puppet animals set to parade the streets of Lagos from April 18 to 20, 2025. Their technical skills and creativity found expression in an unlikely context: climate activism through public art, specifically a global project tagged THE HERDS.

Being part of the project made me feel like my creativity could actually make a difference. It wasn’t just about making something nice, but using art to spread awareness and start conversations, said Hassan Abdullateef, a Fine Art major at Yabatech.

The journey that brought these students together for this cause began with the epiphany of Amir Nizar Zuabi. The renowned creative director conceived the idea for Little Amal, a gigantic puppet representing a little girl travelling the world. As Little Amal strolled through cities, people trooped out in droves to welcome her, connecting with the message of migration and the reality of refugees. Then it struck Zuabi: maybe a similar strategy could be useful in inspiring climate action; maybe life-size puppet animals stampeding through cities while supposedly fleeing the destruction of their ecosystem due to climate change could be a uniquely effective call to action for the world. And this, “THE HERDS,” was born.

From April to August 2025, a herd of magnificent animal puppets will journey from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle. The procession will make stops in major cities across 11 countries, including Lagos, Nigeria. This public art display will be accompanied by locally relevant cultural performances designed to pique the public’s interest and send a message that the world needs saving.

What makes THE HERDS particularly outstanding is its focus on local stakeholder partnerships in each country. The Nigerian production, led by A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation, has so far gained the support of several partners, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and individuals. When it came to assembling the puppets, Yabatech students, supported by professionals, technicians and the school’s alumni, rose to the occasion.

The students’ reasons for joining THE HERDS project reflect both artistic curiosity and environmental concern. For some, like Adefila Toluwanimi Joshua, the initial attraction was purely visual before deeper engagement took hold, while others like Hassan Abdullateef saw it immediately as “a fun and meaningful way to use art to talk about climate change.” Oladunjoye Ifeanyi Moses was drawn to the project because, in his words, “it’s more than just an art project—it’s a statement.” Even engineering students found purpose in the creative approach, with Joseph Ifefimihan appreciating how THE HERDS “makes climate change easier to understand and connect with.”

Some of the established young professionals working with the students also highlighted the project’s significance and their interest in nature as reasons for choosing to contribute to it. “A project of this scale is needed to get the attention of the world and inspire action to reverse the damage of climate change and save our planet,” said Chuma Anagbado, artist and founder of Lizaad, the design studio that cut the materials used in making all the puppets and single-handedly assembled three of them—elephant, giraffe, and kudu.

I’ve been drawn to climate action issues and projects naturally because I happen to be a plant dad and very much interested in nurturing nature, Anagbado added.

For these young creators, climate activism isn’t an abstract concept or imported Western concern; it’s deeply rooted in their daily experiences. Nigeria’s environmental challenges provide a constant backdrop to their lives, influencing everything from daily comfort to economic stability. It makes sense that they are particularly passionate about the project.

The weather is no longer stable—sometimes it’s too hot, and sometimes there’s too much rain that causes flooding, Hassan recounts, describing personal experiences with floods that left streets impassable for days. People’s properties were floating in dirty water. It made me realise climate change is real, and we need to do something before it gets worse.

The project has transformed students’ understanding of art’s potential to drive social change. Hassan Abdullateef articulates this realisation: Art and creative projects like THE HERDS can really help people understand climate change better. Not everyone likes to read long articles or listen to news, but when they see art, it catches their attention. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Odun Orimolade, Curatorial Director of the Yaba Art Museum. This approach is effective because it bypasses intellectual barriers, connecting directly to the heart of the audience, she says.

Oladunjoye Ifeanyi Moses, a General Art student with an entrepreneurial mindset, expands on this idea. “Art has always been a tool for advocacy, and I see it playing a huge role in Nigeria’s climate movement,” he explains. In a country where environmental issues often compete with immediate economic concerns for public attention, the visual impact of massive puppet animals moving through familiar spaces creates a startling spectacle that demands notice.

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A common thread among the students’ reflections is the importance of youth involvement in climate solutions. “This will help build a knowledge box that moves faster than the internet as they are the next carriers of information to the coming generations,” argues Toluwanimi Joshua.

Joseph Ifefimihan frames youth involvement as a matter of self-preservation: “It’s important for young people to be involved in climate change conversations because we are the ones who will live with the long-term effects. The choices made today will shape our future, so we can’t afford to be silent.”

Ogbu Obinna Frednard puts it even more bluntly: “Older generations might have started this, but we’re the ones stuck figuring out how to survive it.” This generational perspective gives the project additional urgency and purpose. “We’ve got to be involved because it’s our lives, our communities, our wildlife on the line,” he adds.

As the puppet animals prepare for their Lagos debut, the students have clear visions for what they hope these creations will communicate. Toluwanimi Joshua hopes the takeaway will be a call for us to “come together and save each other,” as reflected by the collaborative nature of the process of assembling the puppets and displaying them publicly.

Oladunjoye Ifeanyi Moses also envisions a significant impact: “I hope these puppet animals send a clear message about the urgent need to protect our environment. As they march through Lagos, I want people to see them not just as art, but as symbols of the wildlife and nature that are at risk due to climate change.”

“We’re losing these creatures, and if we don’t act, they’ll be gone,” says Ogbu Obinna Frednard. The stark simplicity of this statement, coupled with the visual power of the puppets themselves, creates an unmistakable call to action.

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Lifestyle

Campus love vs real world dating – which one is scarier?

Published

3 hours ago

May 4, 2025

Julie

Contents

The Vibes Are Different Money Matters Commitment and Intentions So, Which One Is Scarier?

In Nigeria, lectures, studies, and assignments characterise campus life, and a sprinkle of romance here and there. Did you really attend a Nigerian tertiary institution if you didn’t try love?

I mean, it’s like a six-unit course that must be completed. But while campus love is a thing of dreams, beauty, and butterflies, there is a raging debate about which is truer between campus love and real-life dating.

Which one is scarier between the concepts? Hold on and walk with me as I unpack the romance rollercoaster that is Campus Love vs. Real World Dating—and why both come with their kind of wahala.

The Vibes Are Different

ALSO READ: 10 men share the red flags they watch out for when dating a woman

Campus Love feels like a Netflix romance blockbuster. You meet during group assignments, flirt at the library, or lock eyes in the reading room, pretending to be focused. At this point, life is simpler, and so, love is vibey. No rent, no fuel price stress – just vibes and vibes alone, with the one your soul longs for.

Real World Dating, on the other hand, is like LinkedIn meets. Before you even plan a date, you’re running background checks, dealing with trust issues, and asking existential questions like: “What exactly are we?” You may as well sign in with a therapist before you begin.

Money Matters

In campus love, being broke is part of the experience. You both eat Gala and Coke, walk instead of taking a keke, and “Netflix and chill” is often just “laptop and vibes.”

In real-world dating, being broke? A red flag. Dates now involve fine dining, Uber fares, and surprise birthday gifts. Financial stress becomes a third wheel in your relationship, and we all know how burdensome that can become, especially if you’re still struggling to find your footing.

Commitment and Intentions

Campus relationships can feel deeply emotional, but many don’t survive graduation. Once NYSC or job hunting kicks in, so does the ghosting.

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In the real world, people either want marriage, vibes, or something in between – and figuring out which one can take months. One moment you’re planning baecations, the next thing you’re begging your partner to explain what they mean by saying they don’t want anything serious.

So, Which One Is Scarier?

Honestly? Both.

ALSO READ: 7 red flags in women that men must not ignore

Campus love is scary because it’s intense but temporary. It feels like forever until it isn’t.

Real-world dating is scary because it’s slow, cautious, and emotionally expensive. You’re older, wiser, and maybe a little more tired.

But here’s the beauty: both teach you something. Campus love shows you your capacity for butterflies. Real-world love shows you your capacity for boundaries and growth.

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Lifestyle

Ankara is the new streetwear -How Gen Z is reviving traditional fashion

Published

9 hours ago

May 4, 2025

Julie

Contents

1. The Rise of Ankara Mix & Match 2. Tailor Culture 2.0 3. The Rise of Ankara Streetwear Brands 4. Genderless, Limitless Fashion 5. Social Media = Style Playground

Once upon a time, our parents taught us that Ankara was strictly a “Sunday best” material.

That’s why we always kept our Ankara materials under the box until it was time for owambes, family portraits, and special Sunday gatherings. But we’re no longer in that generation.

We’re seeing nearly everything change in the fashion world, including the Ankara tradition. Ankara has suddenly gotten a glow-up, and Gen Z is certainly behind the wheel.

We’re seeing an unprecedented shift from what Ankara used to be. Today, it’s bolder, cooler, and “younger.” Let’s look at all the ways our young champions are reviving traditional fashion using Ankara.

ALSO READ: 18 stunning Ankara outfit ideas for Easter Sunday

1. The Rise of Ankara Mix & Match

We’re seeing thrift shopping (a.k.a. “bend down select”) becoming popular among young people. Sellers and designers know this, so they’re trying everything to have options available for the young. This has given birth to the Ankara mix-and-match tradition. This is why you’ll see Ankara skirts paired with vintage tees and bomber jackets with Ankara linings. It’s fashion fusion, Nigerian edition.

This mash-up style screams: “I’m repping culture, but I’m doing it my way.”

2. Tailor Culture 2.0

Back in the day, your mum dragged you to the tailor for Christmas clothes. Now, you’re sliding into young designers’ DMs with Pinterest boards and mood inspirations.

Gen Z designers are ditching boring cuts for cropped tops, flared pants, patchwork shirts, and even puffer jackets – all made with Ankara. They’re changing the sewing culture to suit modern trends. It has become obvious that they want to tell stories with every cut, and they’re doing it just as well.

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3. The Rise of Ankara Streetwear Brands

A wave of fashion startups is using Ankara in non-traditional silhouettes. Think streetwear labels that make:

Oversized hoodies with Ankara pockets
Joggers with tribal prints
Ankara canvas sneakers
Reversible bucket hats

ALSO READ: How to slay in an owambe with your Ankara fit

You’ve seen them around. They’re becoming more popular these days, and we love the level of creativity they are coming with.

4. Genderless, Limitless Fashion

In the past, traditional Ankara was often boxed by gender. But Gen Z doesn’t care, and that’s why they’re redefining how it’s done. Men are rocking skirts. Women are wearing agbada. Everyone is wearing what feels good and looks fire.

This has caused us to see Ankara as a fabric of expression rather than the fabric of expectation it used to be.

TikTok and Instagram Reels have become Gen Z’s digital runway. Young Nigerians are styling Ankara with sneakers, chains, sunglasses, and Gen Z confidence.

One viral video can turn a local tailor into a fashion influencer. Thanks to social media, Ankara is going global, getting likes from Lagos to London.

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Lifestyle

7 Creative thank you gifts employees love more than bonus checks

Published

12 hours ago

May 4, 2025

Julie

Contents

1. The Rise of Ankara Mix & Match 2. Tailor Culture 2.0 3. The Rise of Ankara Streetwear Brands 4. Genderless, Limitless Fashion 5. Social Media = Style Playground

Instead of a one-size-fits-all cash award, thoughtful gestures can show you understand what motivates each individual. Personalized learning opportunities signal investment in career development. Wellness tools demonstrate care for physical and mental health.

Flexible time offers work life balance. Hobby stipends encourage creative pursuits that replenish energy. Shared experiences build stronger connections. Curated surprises maintain engagement throughout the year.

By selecting meaningful tokens of appreciation your organisation fosters loyalty, reinforces a culture of recognition and makes each team member feel truly valued.

Customised professional development vouchers
Each employee receives credit toward courses, workshops or conferences aligned with their ambitions. This might include specialised certifications in emerging technologies, leadership seminars or creative writing master classes. Providing these opportunities shows respect for individual career paths and enables workers to acquire new skills that benefit both their personal growth and organizational success.

ALSO READ: May Day: President Tinubu salutes Nigerian workers, reaffirms commitment to welfare

Curated wellness and ergonomic packages
A thoughtfully assembled wellness kit can include an adjustable laptop stand, ergonomic mouse and keyboard, a high quality water bottle and a subscription to a guided meditation app. Combining tools that improve posture with products that encourage hydration and stress relief demonstrates a holistic approach to employee health and well being.

Flexible time off tokens
Offer branded cards redeemable for a four hour break in the afternoon, a late start day or an extended lunch with no questions asked. Granting control over scheduling empowers employees to attend important life events, manage appointments or simply recharge when they need it most.

Monthly creative stipends
Allocate a monthly allowance for employees to explore personal passions. Whether they invest in painting supplies, baking equipment or photography classes, supporting hobbies outside of work rekindles creativity, reduces burnout and brings renewed energy to their professional roles.

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Exclusive team building experiences
Coordinate activities based on shared interests such as a private mixology workshop, an urban art tour or a guided kayaking excursion. These bespoke experiences foster collaboration in a relaxed environment and create memories that translate into stronger workplace relationships and improved communication.

Personalised recognition artwork
Commission a custom illustration featuring each team member’s key strengths, favorite projects or major achievements. Present this as a high quality print for their desk or home office. This unique piece serves as a daily reminder of their contributions and the company’s appreciation.

Subscription based surprise boxes
Arrange quarterly deliveries tailored to individual tastes, options might include artisanal coffee selections, curated book bundles or self care kits with bath salts and herbal teas. Regular surprises maintain a sense of being valued throughout the year rather than concentrating recognition in a single moment.

By choosing gifts that align with personal interests, well-being and professional aspirations, organizations can express gratitude in ways that resonate deeply and inspire long-term loyalty.

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