Only for the rich?

Sir: It is an amazing work you have been doing for more than the last two decades; bringing the undiluted truth to the doorsteps of more than half a million readers and also discussing topics neglected by other newspaper houses. I am talking about topics like children entrepreneurs, African art; both contemporary and old and of course, your pieces on Palace Watch. I for one don’t always read the latter but am sure many Nigerians always do.

However, my complaint lies with your weekly magazine: LIFE; particularly the October 14, 2018 issue. I love that magazine; its advice on fashion, the interviews featured on the middle page, its features on awards and of course, The Editor’s Note but like I said, your last Sunday issue has a problem. The article on page seven: Know Your Wigs! strikes me as not only peace of advice for only the rich but also, insensitive to your readers who live below the average or rich economic class. On the sub-topic Synthetic fibre and human hair weave wigs, there is quite a disturbing line, it says and I quote:

“Synthetic wigs do not last long and they never look good, so let’s not waste a breath on that” that sounds very harsh and insensitive. You as one of the most popular newspaper houses in Nigeria should know that not all of your readers use human hair or even believe in it. I am sure that if survey is done, you will discover that a large number of your female readers actually use these things that ‘never look good’. If this was a personal opinion, it won’t matter but it isn’t. It is the opinion of a widely read magazine that writes; not just for one but for the millions of readers you have out there. These people; men and women alike look up to you, actually take your opinions into consideration and for you to say that, it’s quite disturbing. You of all people should understand diversity after all, if you can run an issue on gay marriages in Nigeria; not demeaning it but standing as a voice to something looked upon in the society as a taboo, I don’t see why you can’t support the idea of synthetics as well. In addition, the price ranges are just too extreme: N50,000 for a wig?! Please be reminded that not every reader has the means to indulge in such spending and there are good ones for way below that price.

Please in the future, when writing, try and remember that you write not only for the people of wealth who earn nice salaries but for the cleaner who has a B.Sc in Accounting as well as the undergraduate who is self-sponsored, has self-esteem issues and dreams of having a better life and your unrealistic price range is not helping. Your magazine ought to give these people hope and a little time to indulge; even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

Eloho Donwa.