THE ICONS ORGANIZATION

"Why haven't you made your hair?" asked the one whose brain is in a wheelchair Is this natural bundle not enough of a hairdo? Must an artificial make it look appealing to you? Influx beyond westernization A demeanor of unappreciation  Beauty by the standard of a foreign magazine Then a permutation of topazine They define beauty, Through the eyes of a virtual goddess No wonder! Too many hidden weaves  Fear not natural bundles Crass comments will crumble Under the flow of chemicals Cancerous effects that exempt radicals

What a beautiful Juxtaposition! A compendium of commotion She doesn't know where she stands Haggle of interests of lands She's corky and juicy "Mind your business, don't be nosy!" All the attitude and sutana  With a little drip of hossana The breast must be revealed Else she won't be noticed Or a little belly button To give glory to Satan Worship leading,  tongue speaking A lovely fermented drink From an old wine skin For the likes and comments The entire face is under cements Please do leave her be She just wants to be an heavenly baddie

Being a leader is about taking risks while being vulnerable. It is the ability to execute whilst being tolerant. It is character development and balance at its finest. Saddled with this responsibility is the one willing to put aside emotions for the sake of progression.  However, how much can be done or fixed within the period of leadership? When saddled with the responsibility of a leader, how capable do you think you are?  While we complain about our leaders, when given a one-day opportunity to take their place, can we carry the burdens of being 'that' leader? Of course, an intellectual mind has much to offer, yet executing your thoughts and the processes that come with it is the backbone that can make or break what you bring to the table.  Leadership is much more than we think, and one does not need to be at the top of the tier to be a leader. The characteristics of a leader are embedded in everyone and are acquired at every stage of proper development. ...

Omotara Adesina  The Dangote Petroleum Refinery Management has registered as a member of the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN). To date, only three prominent organisations are registered members and together, account for 75% of the Nigerian market. The Dangote corporation also considered the interest expressed by other marketers in lifting and distributing its petroleum products around the nation. The Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Olufemi Adewole, revealed that the association commenced discussions with Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding the lifting and distribution of refined petroleum products last year during a meeting between DAPPMAN Chairman Dame Winifred Akpani, the 2nd Vice Chairman, Alhaji Mahmud Tukur and the President of Dangote Gro...

  Mofeoluwa Ade-Olufadeju  The Nigerian Police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, successfully rescued five out of the six Al-Kadriyar sisters around Kajuru Forest, Kaduna State, on Saturday, January 20. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Police, Josephine Adeh, revealed this in a recent statement.   Recall that the sisters and their father were kidnapped by bandits in the Bwari area of Abuja earlier this month. The gunmen later released their father, telling him to raise N60 million as ransom for the release of his daughters before Friday, January 12. On hearing the development, well-meaning Nigerians donated whatever amount they could, but unfortunately, they could not raise the full amount.   This led to the gunmen reportedly killing the eldest of the six sisters, Naheebah, after which they dumped her body.   The news of the gruesome killing of Najeebah prompted the Nigeria Police Force to "intensify plans to rescue the victims."   On Sa...

Adedoyin Oguntade   The British Council in Nigeria recently announced another increase in fees for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations. Starting on February 1, 2024, applicants will need to pay ₦139,000 for IELTS on the Computer Academic and General Training Modules. IELTS on Paper Academic and General Training Modules now cost ₦134,000. One Skill Retake (O.S.R.) is ₦87,570.   The British Council attributed this adjustment to the increasing costs associated with conducting the exams.   The IELTS is a widely recognised measure of language proficiency for non-native English speakers. In an official notice on The British Council in Nigeria's website, the council stated that the new price list will be effective for registrations on or after February 1, 2024. They further explained that the price change is necessary to support a diverse range of services and comprehensive support for individuals working towards their language...

Mofeoluwa Ade-Olufadeju Popular gospel singer, Moses Bliss, set social media ablaze this Friday, January 19, after sharing pictures of his engagement to his fiancee in a heartwarming post captioned,  "Thank you for saying Yes Love of my life @mariewiseborn❤️ I’ve obtained favour from the Lord😭" The announcement came hours after Bliss dropped a new single titled 'For Life'. Unlike his usual niche of gospel music, this release was a love song and fans began to suspect that the singer had finally found someone special. They weren't wrong. So who is the singer's new partner? Marie Argyare-Wiseborn is a British legal practitioner of Ghanian descent. She graduated from the School of Law, University of Surrey, after which she was awarded a Harmsworth Scholarship. This enabled her to continue her education in the Bar Vocational Studies at City University Law School. Marie finally received her call to the Bar in England and Wales in...

Adedoyin Oguntade  On Friday, January 19, Damilare Ezekiel, the Financial Secretary of the Students' Union, declared the launch of the Student Union Scholarship Scheme. This newly initiated program is designed to extend financial aid to students facing economic challenges, ensuring their continued pursuit of education. The Students' Union aims to address financial hurdles that may hinder students' academic journeys by assisting in the scholarship scheme. The initiative aligns with the Union's commitment to fostering an environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive in their educational pursuits. In conjunction with the launch, the Financial Secretary, Damilare Ezekiel, is urging the student body to actively contribute to the success of the scholarship program. The call for support encompasses voluntary services, awareness campaigns, and enthusiastic participation in the various activities associated with the initiative. To facilitate the reali...

Oluwapelumi Solagbaade  Abiodun Mojolaoluwa, a student from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria, has clinched the first runner-up position in the prestigious African Liberty Essay Competition. The African Liberty Essay Competition, which spans 56 African countries, is an open forum for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their critical writing skills. The competition aims to identify and nurture promising African advocates of freedom, providing them with opportunities to kick-start careers in journalism and public policy. The theme for the 2023 edition was "Pathways to protect free speech in Africa: Opportunities for New approaches to an old problem." Participants were required to present solution-oriented, specific arguments and recommendations, emphasizing uniqueness in their outlook on the provided solutions. Abiodun Mojolaoluwa's outstanding essay on this theme earned him not only recognition but also a prestigious first runner-up positio...

Oluwatoyin Yakubu  January 14, 2024 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a decisive step in addressing corruption in Nigeria by reopening several cases of alleged fraud and money laundering involving former governors and ministers. The total amount under scrutiny exceeds ₦853.8 Billion. According to reports from PUNCH, the high-profile cases, including figures like Fayose, Kwankwaso, and Lamido, have an estimated value of not less than ₦772.2 Billion. The anti-graft agency is actively investigating an additional ₦81.6 Billion linked to alleged looting in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Further revelations indicate that an additional ₦2.2 Billion was allegedly laundered through fund diversion and misappropriation, orchestrated by figures such as former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, late media personality Raymond Dokpesi, and former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa. The EFCC emphasized that the l...

The Alpha Club is set to hold its annual charity week.   Adedoyin Oguntade  The Alpha Club, established at OAU in 1968, is a socio-cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to shaping young men into disciplined and respectable individuals. The club's upcoming Annual Charity Week, scheduled for January 15th to January 21st, 2024, aims to foster a spirit of giving and community involvement among students, staff, and visitors at OAU.   During this week, a range of activities are planned to engage and benefit the community. For instance, on Day 1, there will be free bus rides to facilitate transportation for those in need. Day 2 will feature a blood donation exercise to contribute to healthcare efforts, while Day 3 will involve distributing food packs to support those facing food insecurity.  Additionally, Day 4 will include a Jummah service, providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection and unity. On Day 5, participants will visit an ...

Abdul-Hakeem Akiyode   While the taste of freedom from parents is understood, we will still plead with you to get a grip. OAU has a high social life, and if you do not tread carefully, you might end up on the low end.   OAU, the most beautiful campus in Africa, has earned its prestige and bragging rights through hard work and feats. While I am happy to admit you and willing to hold a matriculation ceremony for you, to truly earn it and graduate well, you have to work.   First, matriculation. Matriculation is held on a day convenient to the management, mostly decided by the number of students being admitted. Therefore, if you are wondering why the date for this session's matriculation is as such, this is why.   Matriculation is held at the Amphi Theatre every session, where students will swear an oath to abide by the school rules. They will be oriented and told how life on campus is.    After matriculation, what next? There are lots of wonders on...

Balancing entrepreneurship and being a student in a Nigerian university can be challenging especially when you're a student in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. As difficult as it may be, some people have mastered the art of balancing all with effective time management and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you go through this double role well:  Create a Schedule:    Develop a detailed schedule that includes your class times, study sessions, and dedicated blocks for your entrepreneurial activities. Having a structured plan can help you allocate time efficiently. This way, each hour has an assigned task. Prioritize Tasks:    Identify your most important tasks for both academics and entrepreneurship. Focus on high-priority items first, ensuring that you meet your academic obligations while making progress in your entrepreneurial endeavors. For some students, entrepreneural activities are moved till weekends while academics activit...

Omotara Zainab ADESINA ZEISS, the renowned German manufacturer specializing in optical systems and optoelectronics, is set to unveil its groundbreaking Multifunctional Smart Glass Technology. This cutting-edge technology enables the optical activation of transparent media, allowing for the projection of holographic and augmented reality content on transparent surfaces. This versatile application extends to head-up displays in cars, 3D control interfaces in smart homes, and the integration of a transparent video camera within glass panes. The initial announcement of this groundbreaking technology was made by ZEISS in 2019, and since then, the powerhouse has made significant advancements, particularly adapting it for use in aircraft cockpits. At the heart of this innovative technology is a thin polymer film that transforms any glass surface into an interactive and dynamic screen, providing optimal clarity on demand. Roman Kleindienst, the Vice President of Zeiss Microoptics, ...

In a remarkable feat, Chelsea thrilled their fans with a striking performance, securing a 4-0 win against Preston North End at Stamford Bridge, propelling them into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Despite Chelsea's impressive goal tally and numerous assists this season, garnering three points had proven to be a challenge. However, yesterday marked a booming day for the Blues as they overcame their hurdle with a convincing victory over Preston North End. The absence of Nicholas Jackson, who was away in Senegal, provided an opportunity for Raheem Sterling and Armando Broja to shine. Sterling's far-fetched free kick and Broja's glancing header contributed to Chelsea's commanding 4-0 triumph. Enzo Fernandez displayed precision and determination, securing Chelsea's fourth goal. Thiago Silva, the experienced player, showcased his skills by doubling the advantage with an unexpected header from a corner at the near post, just eight minutes after Broj...

Emmanuel Onabodu  Since January 4, 2024, students at OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY have been facing difficulties due to a prolonged power outage in their residences. The lack of electricity has affected various utilities, causing inconvenience and disruptions to the students' daily lives. The breakdown in power supply has left students without access to essential utilities that rely on electricity. Water supply, in particular, has been severely impacted, resulting in inconsistencies and forcing students to trek 3 to 4 kilometers on campus to fetch water for their daily activities. With no electricity in their residential areas, students have resorted to using academic facilities such as classrooms and the library to charge their academic devices. This shift has created challenges for both studying and charging gadgets, as students struggle to find working electrical outlets. The consequences of the electricity failure have extended to lecture theaters, where in...

Ever chop headache wey no wan gree comot? We sabi am well well. Headaches dey common for life, but if we sabi wetin dey make dem happen and how to manage dem, e fit helep us wela. This tori go talk about wetin dey cause headache, how e dey affect us, and simple ways to stop dem for house. Why Headache Dey Happen: Headache fit show face as tension headache or migraine. E fit happen because of stress, no drink enough water, or changes for our body hormones. Sometimes, headache fit be sign say another thing dey happen for our body like infection or using too much medicine. How Headache Fit Affect Us: Headache no be only for head alone, e fit spoil our whole day. E fit make e hard for us to do our work and put us for bad mood. No be only to stop the pain, e also dey about making our whole life better. Headache Matter for Everywhere: You sabi say plenty people dey suffer headache for all over the world? Some groups of people fit dey get am pass others. As we sabi this one, e go ...

Oluwapelumi Solagbaade  Ever found yourself stuck with a persistent headache that just won't let up? We've all been there. Headaches are a common aspect of life, but delving into the reasons behind their occurrence and learning how to manage them can significantly impact our well-being. This article aims to shed light on the causes of headaches, their effects on our daily lives, and practical methods to prevent and alleviate them. Understanding Headache Causes: Headaches come in various forms, including tension headaches and migraines. Common triggers include stress, dehydration, hormonal changes, and underlying health issues like infections or medication overuse. Identifying the root cause is crucial in effectively addressing and preventing headaches. The Impact of Headaches on Daily Life: Beyond the throbbing pain, headaches can disrupt our entire day, hindering productivity and affecting our mood. Managing headaches isn't solely about alleviating the pain; it...

Yakubu Toyin  In a decisive move against the proliferation of unaccredited educational institutions, the National Universities Commission (NUC) released a list on January 2, 2024, exposing 58 fake universities operating illicitly within Nigeria. This revelation follows the earlier closure of 18 foreign universities by the Federal Ministry of Education for violating the Education (National Minimum Standards, etc) Act of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, among other offenses. The federal government, in a stern response to the escalating issue, suspended the accreditation of certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo. This drastic measure was prompted by an in-depth investigation that uncovered an individual obtaining a degree from a Cotonou University within six weeks, subsequently enlisting and participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. The NUC, via its official website, issued a categorical warning, stating, "For the avoidance of doubt, anyb...

Adedoyin Oguntade  In an announcement on Saturday, January 6th, the Students' Union disclosed its collaboration in the upcoming 6th Edition of the Ile Ife Heritage Marathon Race Competition, slated to take place in Ile Ife. Participant registration is currently open and will continue until January 15. This marathon provides an opportunity for both novice and experienced runners to surpass their limits and build connections with fellow athletes. Scheduled for Sunday, February 4, 2023, the competition has garnered support from notable entities such as Obafemi Awolowo University, the Nigerian Red Cross, The Ọọni of Ife, Osun State Government, and The Great Ife Students' Union. Following the recent West African University Games hosted by OAU from December 19 to December 23, which attracted over 20 universities from Ghana and Nigeria, the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon promises to be a captivating event. The WAUG Championship showcased various sporting activities, including A...