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ANNUAL DUE OR ANNUAL DOUBT? STAYLITE WEIGH IN ON THIS YEAR'S MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE By Taiwo Ramat Conversations are going around in the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University  and this time, it is not just the fresh students talking. The Staylite have thoughts too, and they centre around one thing: the annual due. From a Wristband to a Mini Notebook Last year, paying your annual due got you a wristband for one thousand and five hundred naira . This year, it is a mini notebook for two thousand naira. Whether that feels like progress depends entirely on who you ask. A Part 3 Student Had a Change of Heart Interestingly, one Part 3 student who had not yet paid her annual due decided to do so after seeing how other Staylite received the package. Small shift, but worth noting. " The Book Is Worth It" — Hon. Akinbode David Part 2 Honorable Member Akinbode David told DSNA he had no complaints about the book he received. "The book is wort...

THE EMBASSY IN DISARRAY: QUESTIONS OVER THE MISUSE OF THE IRSA SECRETARIAT  By Taiwo Ramat The student secretariat of the International Relations Students' Association (IRSA), popularly known as the Embassy, was designed to reflect the identity of a department that prides itself on diplomacy and international affairs. Today, it raises a different kind of question entirely. A Space That No Longer Looks the Part The Embassy, which is expected to embody the standard and sanctity its name suggests, has fallen into a state of disarray. Cobwebs hang visibly around the space, and personal belongings  including clothes, shoes, and perfumes have been found littering the corners of the secretariat. In response to the growing concern, the Assistant General Secretary addressed the situation through the Association's official page, urging users of the Embassy to maintain its cleanliness and uphold the sanctity of the space. The message, while well-intentioned, has done little t...

CORPORATE DAY FALLS FLAT AS IRSA WEEK CONTINUES AMID GROWING CONCERNS By Taiwo Ramat The Corporate Day organised as part of the ongoing IRSA Week drew significant disappointment on Wednesday, as poor turnout from upper-level students and inconsistent representation from the executive body left fresh students; who had dressed and prepared according to the brief feeling let down. Only the Vice President Showed Up According to the flyer disseminated by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), students of the department were expected to dress diplomatically, represent a country of their choice, and prepare a short note on the country they represented. It was a clear, structured brief; one that the majority of Part 1 students honoured. The same could not be said for the rest of the department. Of the entire executive body, only the Vice President turned up in representation of a country, leaving the event visibly thin on participation from the very people expected to lead...

FRESHERS' PACKAGE ARRIVES, BUT DISSATISFACTION TRAILS DISTRIBUTION By Taiwo Ramat The long-awaited Freshers' Package has finally been distributed to fresh students of the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University but rather than relief, its arrival has been met with a wave of disappointment and open rejection from several recipients. For many fresh students, the contents of the package fell far short of expectations. The package, which contained a tote bag and a book, drew sharp reactions from students who felt it did not justify the amount paid. "Just a tote bag and a book for 15k," one student told DSNA, capturing the frustration shared by many of their peers. Complaints were not limited to the value for money. Several students took issue with the quality of the book, describing it as below standard, while others expressed disappointment with the tote bag, stating that it did not reflect the standard they a...

RICHARD RAHUL VERMA: Richard was born November 27, 1968; a prominent American diplomat, lawyer, veteran, and business executive whose career bridges public service, foreign policy and the private sector. As one of the highest-ranking Indian-American Officials in U.S. diplomacy, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-India relations and advancing American interests abroad. EARLY LIFE  & EDUCATION  Verma was born in Edmonton, Canada, to Punjabi Indian immigrant parents who fled through the Partition of India. His family moved to the United States, and he grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the youngest of five children. His father was an English professor, and his mother a special education teacher. He earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University (where he was an ROTC cadet, fraternity member, and senior class president), a J.D. (cum laude) from American University Washington College of Law, an LL.M. (with distinction) in International Law from ...

IRSRC IMPEACHES IRSA PRESIDENT; ACCOUNTABILITY CONCERNS PERSIST IN HARBINGER ADMINISTRATION By Taiwo Ramat The International Relations Students' Representative Council (IRSRC) has officially impeached the President of the International Relations Students' Association (IRSA), Akinpelu Samuel Olalekan, following a parliamentary sitting held on Friday, 3rd July, 2026. The impeachment, which took effect immediately, came after the President had received two formal queries from the House. In its resolution, the Council cited a pattern of administrative failures that it deemed incompatible with the responsibilities of the office. Grounds for Impeachment The House considered several concerns before arriving at its decision. These included delays in the execution of executive duties, failure to present an updated State of the Association report despite assurances to Congress, and delays in sending official correspondence relating to the parliamentary sitting which resulted ...

Climate Change: Everyone Has a Role to Play                   Climate change is one of the biggest problems the world is facing today. It means that the Earth's weather is changing over a long period. These changes are mostly caused by human activities such as cutting down trees, burning fuel in cars and factories, and polluting the environment. These activities release harmful gases into the air, making the Earth hotter than it should be. As a result, people around the world are experiencing unusual weather conditions like heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and stronger storms.                  These environmental changes have serious economic, social, and health consequences. Food insecurity, water shortages, the spread of diseases, and the displacement of people due to natural disasters are becoming increasingly common. Developing countries, particularly those with limite...

 Is Technology Bringing People Together or Pulling Them Apart? Technology has changed the way we live, learn, and communicate. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, we can talk to friends across the world, attend online classes, and access information within seconds. But while technology has made life more convenient, it also raises an important question: Is it bringing people together or pulling them apart? On one hand, technology has made communication easier than ever. Families separated by distance can stay connected through video calls, students can collaborate on projects online, and social media allows people to share ideas and experiences across different cultures. In many ways, technology has made the world feel smaller. On the other hand, I believe that technology can also create distance when it is not used wisely. It is common to see people sitting together but paying more attention to their phones than to each other. Instead of having m...

Looking Good Starts with Confidence Fashion is more than wearing expensive clothes or following every trend. It is about expressing your personality, feeling confident, and presenting yourself in the best possible way. Whether you're heading to class, work, or an event, these simple fashion tips can help you elevate your style. Dress for the Occasion Always consider where you are going before choosing an outfit. A formal event requires a different style from a casual outing. Wearing the right attire shows respect for the occasion and leaves a positive impression. Choose Comfort Without Compromising Style Looking fashionable should never mean being uncomfortable. Wear clothes that fit well and allow you to move freely. Confidence naturally comes when you feel comfortable in what you're wearing. Keep It Simple You do not need a wardrobe full of expensive clothes to look stylish. Clean, well-fitted outfits in simple designs often create a more elegant a...

Freshers' Package Delay — VP Issues Fresh Apology as July 15 Becomes New Date It has been over two months since the Department of International Relations held its Freshers' Party on April 24th, and the 100-level students who paid ₦17,000 each are still waiting for their Freshers' package. Yesterday,30th of June, the Vice President broke the silence but not with the news Freshers were hoping for. In a message addressed directly to the Freshers, the VP apologised for the delay and revealed that the printer responsible for producing the books included in the package has been unavailable, making it impossible to meet the July 1st delivery date that had earlier been communicated. The new date is now July 15th. This is not the first time the delivery has been pushed. The package was earlier promised at the congress last Friday, only for items to begin trickling into the secretariat without a clear handover date. July 1st then became the working target and that too has...

The New Scramble for Africa: Why Critical Minerals Matter More Than Ever In 1884, European powers sat in Berlin to divide Africa for it's land and oil. Today, a new "scramble" is happening, but the Prize for it has changed. Instead of oil, superpowers are fighting over critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements. These are the resources needed to build electric vehicles, smartphones, Al, and advanced weapons. The politics for this century is simple: oil shaped the politics of the 20th Century, but these minerals are shaping the 21st century. And once again, Africa is at the center of this race. For a long time, the West treated like a giant supermarket where they just packed raw materials and left. But African countries are finally changing the rules of the game using "resource nationaliom". For example, the DR Congo produces over 70% of the world's cobalt. Through their regulator (ARECOMS) they have put strict limits on expor...

IRSA Follow-Up Report  Post Congress Update The State of Association — Still Missing It has now been over 48 hours since the General IRSA Congress ended, and the updated State of Association that President Akinpelu Samuel promised to deliver before the congress closed is yet to surface on any official platform. DSNA reached out to the General Secretary today at the Embassy for answers. Her response was telling ; the concerned executives are yet to send her any report, which is why she hasn't been able to share anything. In other words, the bottleneck isn't the General Secretary. The ball is squarely in the court of the executives who were tasked with updating their respective sections. The congress demanded this. The President acknowledged it publicly. Over 48 hours later, the silence continues. Good News : Freshers' Package Is on Its Way   On a brighter note, there is finally movement on the long-awaited Freshers' package. Items have begun arriving at the s...

HEALTH TIPS🩺✨                 Good health is the foundation of a happy and productive life, and it is achieved through healthy daily habits. Here are some simple and effective health tips to help you stay healthy, prevent illness, and improve your overall well-being: ✓Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. ✓Take breaks from screens, practice good posture, and protect your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). ✓Connect with nature. Fresh air and natural surroundings reduce stress and boost well-being. ✓Walk at least 20 minutes per day; it improves heart health, circulation, and keeps you energetic. ✓Eat probiotic and fiber-rich foods for a balanced digestive system. ✓Nourish your mind by reading, learning, and engaging in activities that inspire you.          Healthy habits take time. Stay cons...

Departmental Congress Report Harbinger Administration  The Department of International Relations held its congress under the Harbinger administration, led by President Akinpelu Samuel (SAM Impact). The congress was anchored by the President and the General Secretary, and kicked off at 3:30 PM. Turnout was quite low at the start — only 24 members were present when things got going. The congress opened the usual way, with the OAU anthem, before diving into the agenda. A Little Tension Early On Early in the session, members were asked to move forward in the classroom since the turnout was small and the room was large. Some refused, and this didn't sit well with others who felt it was disrespectful to the presiding officers and the congress itself. The issue was eventually settled without it getting out of hand. Minutes of the Last Congress The General Secretary read the minutes of the previous congress. After a few clarifications, the minutes were adopted. State of the Ass...

When Diplomacy Comes Before Citizens The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have once again exposed a painful reality in African geopolitics. The gap between the idea of African brotherhood and the experiences of ordinary Africans are different. For nearly two weeks, migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and other African countries faced intimidation, harassment, displacement, and violence as anti-migrant groups blamed foreigners for unemployment, crime, and poor public services. South African authorities condemned the attacks, while President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed growing tensions to poverty and high unemployment. Yet for many victims, these explanations offered little comfort as businesses were destroyed and lives disrupted. What has generated particular debate in Nigeria is not only the attacks themselves but also the Federal Government's response. While countries such as Ghana moved quickly to document losses, engage international institution...

DID YOU KNOW? PASSPORTS DID NOT ALWAYS EXIST Today, passports are essential documents for international travel, serving as proof of identity and nationality. However, passports have not always existed in the form we know them today. In ancient times, people could travel across many regions without carrying official travel documents. Instead, travelers often relied on letters of introduction, royal permits, or verbal assurances for safe passage. One of the earliest references to a passport-like document can be found in the Bible, where a Persian king granted permission and protection for a traveler named Nehemiah. During the Middle Ages, kings and rulers issued letters allowing individuals to travel safely through their territories. These documents were mainly used by merchants, diplomats, and important officials rather than ordinary citizens. Modern passports began to develop in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as governments sought greater control over borders...

OFF CAMPUS by Elle Kennedy If you are looking for a deep prestige- tier drama, this might feel a bit too much like a " guilty pleasure" or algorithm- driven series. However, if you want a fun, emotional and genuinely charming college romance with highly charismatic leads, Off Campus is absolutely worth your time.  The Off Campus series is a romantic drama television show based on Elle Kennedy's bestselling books. The story centers on college students and hockey players at the fictional Briar University as they navigate love, friendship and early adulthood. The narrative from Off Campus offers several core themes that directly translate to real- word student survival tips. One of the major tips that relates to the life a student is formulating a healthy "study life" balance. The central plot revolves around the unlikely dynamic between Hannah ( a classical music major) and Garrett ( the star hockey captain). The lesson is the struggles students faces ...

                                                   LIFE IS A SPOON           Anytime I sit quietly and ponder about life lately, I realize that life is just like a spoon.           A spoon tastes both sweet soup and bitter medicine, yet it remains the same, and yeah, life is like that. A spoon, at the same time, is never filled on its own. Someone must place something in it. Actually, some days, life serves us happiness, love, disappointment, heartbreak, failure, and loss. There will be moments of joy and moments of pain, but what matters is not what touches you, but what you become through it.          If we look at it closely, the spoon does not complain about what it carries; it simply holds it for a moment and lets it pass.         Funny enough, many...

Segun Odunayo: The Voice of the Masses What does it take for a journalist to leave the comfort of the newsroom and venture into difficult environments in search of the truth? For Segun Odunayo, journalism is more than a profession—it is a commitment to telling stories that matter. Through investigative reports, human-interest stories, and public affairs coverage, he has established himself as one of the notable voices in contemporary Nigerian journalism. At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly and public trust in institutions is constantly tested, journalists play a vital role in holding power accountable and informing citizens. Segun Odunayo has embraced this responsibility through his work at The PUNCH Newspapers, where he has covered issues ranging from governance and security to health and social development. What makes Odunayo particularly remarkable is not merely the awards he has won, but the impact of the stories he tells. His reports often focus on issues aff...

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. What does it mean to be truly loved, even when you believe you are unworthy of it? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers explores this question through a powerful story of pain, hope, and redemption. Set during the California Gold Rush, the novel follows Angel, a young woman haunted by a difficult past, and Michael Hosea, a man whose unwavering love challenges everything she believes about herself. One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional depth. Rivers does not shy away from portraying the effects of trauma and rejection, yet she balances these themes with messages of forgiveness, healing, and second chances. The characters are complex and realistic, making their struggles and growth feel genuine. Beyond its romantic storyline, Redeeming Love is a story about transformation. It highlights the power of grace, faith, and unconditional love, encouraging readers to look beyond a person's mistakes and see their potential for ch...

The Politics of Fear: Nigeria’s Security Crisis Nigeria is under siege. From the North-West to the South-West, kidnapping and banditry have grown from small problems into a dangerous business. Recent cases, including the abduction of schoolchildren, show that something is broken. When families have to beg for money to pay ransoms because the government cannot protect them, it is clear that the system is failing. This is a failure of leadership, not just a security problem. The government’s current strategy of relying on soldiers is not working. Criminals are smarter and faster than the current police response. Without better intelligence gathering, technology, and a real plan to stop the flow of money to these gangs, the violence will continue. The political situation makes things worse. As we head toward the 2027 elections, politicians are using this fear for their own gain. Instead of fixing the country, they are using insecurity to win political points. This is dangerous...

Ancient Norway in World Cup The Norwegian team took a step deeper into their history. The team uploaded a picture representing the Vikings power rather than the regular football jersey. The image portrays the roof of the country, Norway. The squad headed to one of the country's famed fjords to be snapped head-to-toe in authentic Viking dress, with weapons and shields to boot. Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 team is in Mexico amidst the ongoing row over visas and access to the stadiums in the US where they are to play. West Ham United West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has stepped down as Joint Chairman at the club with immediate effect following a joint investigation by BBC Panorama & The Times newspaper into his behaviour. Brighton Transfer News Brighton have agreed to sign winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK Stockholm in a deal worth £21.5m. FROM BAUCHI TO BRIGHTON! Zadok Abu Yohanna (born June 29, 2007) is a Nigerian professional...

- Davido & Ayra Starr featured on the official FIFA 2026 World Cup album Ayra Starr joins American rapper Latto on a track titled "Show Me", while Davido teams up with Major Lazer and Nelly Furtado for "No Place Like Home." Peller engaged Jarvis, hints at wedding amid pregnancy rumours Popular Nigerian streamer Peller has engaged his lover, Jarvis, in Ghana on a Wednesday night. Sharing a video of the moment on Instagram, Peller hinted at plans for their wedding. He wrote: “Yes my safe place and my greatest blessing. Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter and making memories together. Now excuse us, we have a wedding to plan.” ~ Pulse NG - Niniola pays emotional tribute to late husband, Michael Ndika: “He was the engine behind my success” Nigerian music star Niniola Apata has opened up about the profound impact of her late husband on both her life and career. She described him as the driving force behind her stardom. The tribute was delivered dur...

Do you know what's happening outside Nigeria? No? Then let's see... Today's global news headlines are dominated by an escalation of conflict in the Middle East, a sharp rise in African health emergencies, severe weather warnings from the UN, and major European security threats. US–IRAN CEASEFIRE STALEMATE  The military conflict between the US and Iran has officially hit its 100-day milestone. A fragile, open-ended ceasefire, originally brokered by Pakistan on April 8, is now on the brink of total collapse following heavy reciprocal missile and drone strikes, deadlocked negotiations, blockade of Hormuz, and asset seizure strategies by US forces. EXTREME HEAT AND DROUGHT  The United Nations, through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), issued a global severe weather warning following the apparent return of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which threatens to trigger record-breaking heatwaves, extreme floods, and prolonged droughts worldwide. The UN warns th...

Name of Country: Republic of Paraguay Continent: South America Date of Independence: 15 May, 1811 Current President: Santiago Peña Official Languages: Spanish and Guaraní Currency: Paraguayan Guaraní Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America. It shares borders with Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina and is divided by the Paraguay River into the Eastern Region and the vast Chaco region in the west. Its capital and largest city is Asunción. Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811 and has a history marked by both resilience and hardship. The country suffered greatly during the War of the Triple Alliance, a conflict against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay that devastated its population and economy. Today, Paraguay is a democratic republic with an elected president and a constitutional system of government. The Paraguayan economy is driven mainly by agriculture, livestock farming and hydroelectric power. It is one of the world's leading exporters of soy...

DIPLOMAT OF THE WEEK Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Breaking Barriers in Global Diplomacy What does it take to become the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO)? For Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the answer lies in decades of dedication, leadership, and service on both national and international stages.  Born in Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has built a remarkable career that spans public service, international development, and global economic governance. She is widely recognized as one of Africa's most influential figures and has become a symbol of excellence, resilience, and transformational leadership.  Before assuming office as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization in 2021 , Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served Nigeria in various capacities, most notably as Minister of Finance. During her tenure, she championed economic reforms aimed at improving transparency, reducing corruption, and strengthening Nigeria's financial managemen...

OAU at 65 Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence The celebration of Obafemi Awolowo University's 65th anniversary is a remarkable milestone in the history of one of Nigeria's most prestigious institutions. Established in 1961 as the University of Ife and later renamed after Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the university has remained a symbol of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. For sixty-five years, OAU has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and Africa through quality education, research, and community service. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the institution over the decades. OAU has produced distinguished graduates who have excelled in various fields, including politics, diplomacy, law, medicine, engineering, business, and academia. The university's commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and critical thinking has earned it a reputation as one of the leading centers of learning on the cont...

Five high school friends receive a death warning from a mysterious wish-granting app as they struggle to escape the fates, they uncover chilling truths connecting the app to the sudden death of a classmate. The show blends teen drama, horror and occult made judging heavily from Korean Shamanism traditions. It takes a familiar premise and makes it fresh with its infusion of Shamanism and exploration of the cursed app concept has been explored before but what keeps it engaging is the interplay between desire and consequence, wrapped in a suspense driven narrative. No one feels completely innocent or completely guilty, giving one has their own struggles and secrets which make the story feel more realistic and unsettling. Instead of a show of revelations the story opts for a full info dump which doesn't match the tone established earlier. The ending feels rushed, leaving several threads dangling and raising more questions than it answers with some lighter edits to the story and maybe a...

By Olugunwa Funke At the very root of daily frustration is a  transportation system which is simply unacceptable. Students are forced to wake up at grueling hours, only to spend valuable, productive time stranded at bus stops or crammed into the bus . The sheer physical and mental drain of simply trying to get to school is exhausting. By the time a student finally steps onto campus, their energy is depleted, and their peace of mind is shattered, all before a single lecture has even begun. This systemic failure does not just steal time; it actively robs students of their dignity.      Beyond the classroom, the hyper-inflation of everyday essentials has triggered a quiet, desperate economic emergency. The cost of cooking gas, basic food items, and learning materials has surged beyond comprehension. While students deeply understand and appreciate that their parents are pushing themselves to their absolute limits to send money, the harsh truth is ...