IASA Launches Its Maiden Magazine

By Daniel Kelechi and Blessing Famose

The International Affairs Students’ Association (IASA), University of Lagos (UNILAG) has launched its inaugural magazine titled “The Diplomatique.’

The launch, which took place on 25th September 2024, at the Faculty of Social Sciences Board Room 2, brought together academic scholars, diplomats, professionals, students, and practitioners in international affairs for discussions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.

Present at the ceremony were Dr. Maryam Quadri, Head of the Department of Political Science, UNILAG, Prof. Oloruntola Sunday HoD, Mass Communication Department, Prof. Samson A. Adeosun, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Olayinka Asekun, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Lady Amb. Judith Eyegho, Chairperson, Shalom Vineyard Initiative and Convener of ECOWAS Summit, Mrs. Faithia Kolejo, member, Lagos youth parliament, and representatives from Lagos Model United Nations, among others.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Think Globally, Act Locally,” Lady Amb. Judith Eyegho encouraged the members of IASA to project their country positively to the global community by investing in their minds and being good ambassadors of Nigeria and any organisation, they are representing.

In her words, “Nations are all in business, every one of us is in business, you might be representing your country as an ambassador or representing a company as a brand so you’re in business of promoting the product you’re selling to the people”.

She urged students to always prioritise the interest of their country when they are on the international stage as ambassadors. She also noted that the media has a role to play in the promotion of the positive aspects of Nigeria, rather than focusing its reports on mostly the ills of the country.

The launching ceremony witnessed a fundraising session with the chief launcher, Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, launching the magazine with five hundred thousand Naira (₦500,000) while scholars at the event who did not make public their donation promised to give the association something tangible. Members of the association and other students also purchased the magazine at a flat rate of ten thousand Naira (₦10,000).

The association’s staff adviser Dr. Ferdinand Ottoh who joined virtually charged the association to keep their zeal burning and be ready to go beyond magazine publication into other endeavours that will make the association stand out.

In an interview with UNILAG Sun reporters at the event, the outgoing President of the association, Enitan Adepoju who pioneered the publication, said that the magazine became necessary to ensure that issues being discussed among members of IASA are aired.

He said: “For our voices to be heard, we need to ensure that we publish something that can go far and wide, that people can see and read and also bring forward solutions to global issues.”

Speaking on the challenges encountered during the magazine production, Adepoju noted that it was not an easy task but the zeal to publish the first ever magazine of the association kept him and his team going. He also commended Emmanuel Onuh Oche, Head of the Magazine Publication Committee, Ifeoluwa Peter, Head of the Magazine Launch Committee, and their teams for their commitment and efforts towards making the publication a reality.

He expressed his hope that the magazine will attract the attention of various international organisations, enlightening them on the initiatives IASA is taking, and the solution it offers to global challenges.

“Some of the invited guests have a copy and they’re taking it around, and it is not just going to be the hardcopy alone. We have a soft copy that will be sent to the Cameroon Consulate, Taiwan Consulate, and South Africa Consulate,” he said.

The event ended with presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding members of the association. This did not go without the inauguration of new executives for the association.

The International Affairs Students’ Association (IASA) is an association domiciled in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, to promote the ideals of international diplomacy and to foster in the students the attitude of constructive engagement in international issues and capacity for humanitarian services.