NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup — in this week’s edition, we are focusing on five trending stories across the country.

As usual, the stories will cut across the top five beats in our media organization, NRTC [your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content covering entertainment, sports, politics, business, and metro].

As we all know, a day can’t pass without trending stories and we have tracked many of them for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself?

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

Business: Nigerians grapple with agony as fuel prices surge under Tinubu administration, politics; Tinubu resumes office, hopes high, metro, Raymond Dokpesi death, Sport: Saudi Football League’s rise, attracting star players after Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, entertainment, Anikulapo returns with series are the stories NRTC WEEKLY will be covering this week.

Politics: Tinubu resumes office, hopes high

The resumption of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s 16th President has sparked a renewed sense of optimism and high hopes among Nigerians. As one of the country’s most prominent political figures, Tinubu’s return to the presidency holds the promise of transformative change and a brighter future for the nation. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the ‘Renewed Hope’ of Tinubu could have explored the reasons behind Nigerians’ optimism and the expectations they have for a better Nigeria under his leadership.

Taking over from ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, his track record of effective governance as two terms governor of Lagos State sent a limelight of better Nigerians to citizens.  

Many Nigerians argued that during his tenure as a governor, he implemented progressive policies that brought about significant infrastructural development, improved education, and enhanced healthcare services, optimistic he would replicate the same as president. 

NRTC WEEKLY findings showed that the sustainable economy, job creation, and entrepreneurship were a few of the achievements of President Tinubu as governor, igniting hope among Nigerians. 

“His track record in promoting business-friendly policies in Lagos State has positioned him as a leader capable of stimulating economic growth and attracting both local and foreign investment, ultimately fostering prosperity for all Nigerians,” Nigerians added. 

Nigeria in the past eight years has witnessed a lot, ranging from insecurity, poverty, the worst economy, education, health, and infrastructure among others. 

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

NRTC WEEKLY investigation shows that lack of adequate infrastructure has hindered Nigeria’s progress in various sectors but to Nigerians, Tinubu’s presidency would bring optimism for significant infrastructure development across the country drawing from his success in transforming Lagos State.

They expect improved road, networks, modernized transportation systems, and enhanced power supply with the aim for a far-reaching impact, boosting industries, improving quality of life, and facilitating economic development.

They [Nigerians] opined that there would be a more secure and stable Nigeria with equipping security agencies, intelligence gathering, and fostering regional cooperation offers a glimmer of hope for a safer Nigeria.

“Tinubu’s presidency would prioritize social welfare programmes that would uplift the poor, provide access to quality education and healthcare, and empower marginalized communities. 

“With his previous efforts to bridge the gap between the rich and poor in Lagos State through initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund have resonated with Nigerians, fueling their hopes for a more inclusive society.”

According to the data gathered by NRTC WEEKLY, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resumption as Nigeria’s President has rekindled hope and optimism among Nigerians for a better country, especially those who believe in his ability to deliver positive change based on his track record of effective governance, commitment to economic prosperity, focus on infrastructure development, dedication to security and stability, and advocacy for social welfare and inclusivity. 

As Tinubu takes the reins of leadership, Nigerians eagerly anticipate a future characterized by progress, prosperity, and a brighter Nigeria for all its citizens, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

Business: Nigerians grapple with agony as fuel prices surge under Tinubu administration

Optimism for a better Nigeria was high on May 29 as Tinubu took the oath of office, but the hope dazzled as he [the new president] announced a total removal of fuel subsidy. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the removal has not commenced and Nigerians expected the removal to take effect after 2023 — but petrol marketers hoarded the fuel leading to scarcity and a hike in PMS.

NRTC WEEKLY found out that the increase in fuel price under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unleashed a wave of agony and frustration among Nigerians. 

Further findings showed that as the cost of fuel rises, citizens are burdened with escalating living expenses, transportation challenges, and a growing sense of economic insecurity. 

In Nigeria, fuel has a direct impact on everything ranging from food to transportation, among others. Our investigation revealed that as transportation costs surge due to higher fuel prices, the prices of food, groceries, and other commodities rise proportionately. 

Some citizens who spoke with NRTC WEEKLY stated that the burden falls heavily on their already stretched budgets further exacerbating poverty levels and creating a sense of despair.

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week 

Although the price surge is not up to a week, things have experienced a new turnaround, especially transportation challenges, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. 

The lack of trains made Nigerians heavily rely on road transportation, making fuel an essential commodity for millions of citizens who depend on it for their daily commute and business activities. With fuel price hikes, public transportation fares skyrocket, placing an additional burden on commuters. 

“This situation particularly affects us low-income earners, who struggle to afford the increased fares, leading to reduced mobility and limited access to job opportunities and essential services. For instance, some of us earned a hundred thousand naira [100k] — going to the office each day cost two thousand naira, how do we survive?”Nigerians who spoke with NRTC WEEKLY asked. 

Also, NRTC WEEKLY found out that the surge in fuel price has negatively impacted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs whose businesses heavily depend on fuel to power their generators and operate their machinery. 

While some Nigerians were lamenting the fuel costs rise, some opined that the only way to sustain the country’s economy was subsidy removal. 

“It is the fact that the increase in fuel prices has plunged Nigerians into a state of agony and despair, escalating living expenses, transportation challenges, economic insecurity, inflationary pressure, and the potential for social unrest paint a grim picture for the population.

“But it’ll soon get better, if Nigerians can endure, even though the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, [responsible for harnessing Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves for sustainable national development] announced an increase in pump price across the county.” 

Sport: Saudi Football League’s rise, attracting star players after Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr

The recent signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr, a club in the Saudi Arabian football league, has sparked a wave of excitement and intrigue. This move has not only captured global attention but has also paved the way for the Saudi league to emerge as an attractive destination for top-tier football talent. 

NRTC WEEKLY found out that some Saudi football clubs have been sending offers to star players in Europe with a huge and attractive salaries because clubs there possess significant financial power, allowing them to compete with some of the wealthiest European leagues. 

Saudi club Al-Nassr made Cristiano Ronaldo become the highest-paid athlete in 2023 globally after moving to the Saudi Arabian football club. Ronaldo earned $136 million — $46 million on-field and $90 million off-field after he parted ways with Manchester United and moved to Al-Nassr in 2022 on a deal until 2025. 

In May this year, Lionel Messi was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for going on a personal promotional trip to Saudi Arabia without permission. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Messi was offered around a £260 million a year deal to join Al-Hilal. 

Messi was reported to have gone on the trip without PSG’s knowledge. The 35-year-old who’s leaving PSG this season was expected to announce his new club with offers from Serie A, Spain, and Saudi clubs. If he eventually signs for Al-Hilal, it’s glaring that the two greatest of all time (GOAT), Messi and Ronaldo’s continuous rivalry will not end soon.

Apart from Messi being offered a contract from Saudi, some legends in football have reportedly been wooed by clubs from Saudi Arabia. The players are, Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos among others. 

The offers to these players made the internet go agog, as Ronaldo fans took to their social media handles to celebrate their GOAT influence. 

“He [Ronaldo] said that the Saudi League would become one of the top to compete in the world and here it’s happening. His influence is topnotch,” his fans said. 

Entertainment: Anikulapo returns with series

The highly anticipated return of ‘Anikulapo’, a movie by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has ignited excitement among film enthusiasts worldwide, especially Nigerians.

Afolayan, known for his great storytelling style and penchant for creating captivating narratives, had kick-off the making of Anikulapo part two, promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. 

NRTC WEEKLY learned that the anticipated series will feature an ensemble of star actors ( Lateef Adedimeji, and Gabriel Afolayan) and actresses, elevating the project to new heights. 

Afolayan has carved a niche for himself in the world of filmmaking, and recently Anikulapo sweeps five out of the sixteen categories it was nominated for in the just concluded Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA2023). 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that fans are eagerly awaiting Afolayan’s unique storytelling style, innovative visuals, and meticulous attention to detail.

“We have been waiting since he mentioned releasing the second part of the movie in the series because we thought it had ended. 

“Now that new great and talented actors and actresses are included, we can’t wait for the movie to hit Netflix,” netizens said.

Metro: Raymond Dokpesi’s death

Faces [family and friends of Raymond Dokpesi, the Nigerian media mogul and founder of Daar Communications] were etched with expressions of sadness, their eyes filled with tears that speak volumes about the pain and loss they are experiencing. 

There is a palpable sense of unity among the family members and friends as they lean on each other for support, offering words of comfort and gestures of affection. 

Raymond Dokpesi, who died on May 29, 2023, was said to have fallen while using a treadmill machine, a statement by Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications, Tony Akiotu, obtained by NRTC WEEKLY confirmed. 

According to the statement, Dokpesi was recovering from an undisclosed illness and had to do routine exercises as part of recuperation.

The media mogul was sick for some weeks before the fall that claimed his life, NRTC WEEKLY gathered.

His death has sent a shock to many and his politicians and business colleagues have sent their condolences messages to his family. They described him as a true man who fought for the growth of Nigeria but death removed his hand from the pot of soup unannounced. 

“Our thoughts are with the family he left behind, and we pray God gave them the energy to bear the loss.” They said. 

Here, the cotton of this week’s episode of NRTC WEEKLY will drop. Join us for another edition next week as we take you around the trending stories in Nigeria.