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Showing posts from June, 2026

The New Scramble for Africa: Why Critical Minerals Matter More Than Ever

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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...

Follow up Report

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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🩺💪✨

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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...

IRSA Congress Report

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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...

Editorial: When Diplomacy Comes Before Citizens

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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

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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...

MOVIE REVIEW

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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 🤧

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                                                   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...

Personality of the Week : Segun Odunayo

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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...

BOOK REVIEW

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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

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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...

SPORTS NEWS

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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...

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

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- 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...

GLOBAL NEWS

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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...

COUNTRY IN FOCUS: PARAGUAY

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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

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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...

Campus News

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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...

A MOVIE REVIEW: IF WISHES COULD KILL

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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...

Reporter's Diary

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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 ...

Campus Journal

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International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC 2026): Panelists advised young journalists  to uphold fore values  By Atson Dorcas and Kareem Aliyah The International Campus Journalism Conference 2026 was held on 6 June 2026 at the ICT Conference Hall and was organized by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The theme of the conference was "Active Voices: Youth-Driven Journalism for National Cohesion and Progress." The conference brought together media professionals, investigative journalists , campus journalists and students from various institution. Among those present were campus journalists from the University of Ibadan (UI), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), as well as representatives of Lagos Voice and students from other press related bodies on campus. The event commenced with an opening prayer, after which participants joine...

Entertainment News🗞️

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS         Global and local entertainment news experienced a dynamic mix of major cultural festivals, high-profile celebrity controversies, and shifts across television and digital platforms. Burna Boy & Shakira Team Up for World Cup AnthemBurna Boy has joined global pop icon Shakira for "Dai Dai," the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following his performance at Qatar 2022, this major track cements the "African Giant" as a premier global ambassador for Afrobeats. Asake Announces "In God We Trust" World TourYBNL superstar Asake has revealed dates for his massive "In God We Trust" world tour, launching in July 2026. Spanning North America, Europe, and Africa, this highly anticipated run highlights how firmly Afrobeats has integrated into the global mainstream. Regina Daniels Rules Out Future MarriageNollywood star Regina Daniels sparked intense online debate after declaring she will never marry again. Spe...

DIPLOMAT OF THE WEEK

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ABDISALAM ABDI ALI Abdisalam Abdi Ali is a Somali politician and diplomat who currently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia. He was appointed to the position in May, 2025. He studied Healthcare Administration with a minor Business Management and Administration at the University of Toledo. He also completed an executive education program in Global Business and Politics at the Yale School of Management. He is a member of the 11th Federal Parliament of Somalia, he served on the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. He is the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing. He has been focusing on strengthening Somalia's diplomatic relations, expanding cooperation with African and international partners, supporting regional peace and security initiatives and enhancing Somalia's position in international organizations. He represented Somalia at African Union...