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, metro, and leading stories].

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?

^{Politics: Tinubu retirement of Service Chief, IGP, others and dissolution of the board, entertainment: Burna Boy becomes first African artiste to hit 1 billion Audiomack streams, football: Transfer windows, leading story: I’m not Yvonne Nelson memoir and business: Re-opening of the Seme land border are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

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

Entertainment: Burna Boy becomes the first African artiste to hit 1 billion Audiomack streams

The Internet went agog this week as Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy became the first African artist to hit one billion stream mark on the global streaming platform, Audiomack.

Audiomack announced that the Grammy award-winner made history via its Twitter handle, NRTC WEEKLY gathered.

Burna Boy has undeniably made exceptional achievements in the world of Afrobeat music. With his unique style, powerful voice, and thought-provoking lyrics, he has captured the attention of fans worldwide and solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that one of Burna Boy’s remarkable achievements is his Grammy Award win in 2021 when he took home the prestigious Grammy for Best Global Music Album with his album “Twice as Tall.” This milestone not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the growing influence of Afrobeat on the global stage. 

NRTC WEEKLY maintained that it marked a significant moment for African music and solidified Burna Boy’s status as a trailblazer.

Beyond his Grammy win, Burna Boy has consistently released hit songs that have resonated with fans across different continents. His music effortlessly blends traditional African sounds with contemporary elements, creating a captivating fusion that appeals to a wide audience. 

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

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that from infectious tracks like “Ye” and “On The Low” to collaborations with international artists such as Stormzy, Jorja Smith, and Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy’s discography is a testament to his versatility and creativity.

After being announced as the first African singer to make history, fans described him as a musical force to be reckoned with. They admire his ability to deliver socially conscious messages through his music, addressing issues such as inequality, politics, and identity. 

“Burna Boy’s lyrics often reflect his personal experiences and provide a platform for marginalized voices. His authenticity and willingness to tackle relevant subjects have earned him a dedicated following who appreciates his artistry and activism.”

Fans added.

NRTC WEEKLY findings show that Burna Boy’s energetic stage presence and charismatic performances have become legendary, whether he’s headlining major music festivals or performing in intimate venues, he has a captivating ability to command the audience’s attention. 

His live shows are known for their vibrant atmosphere, infectious energy, and deep connection between the artist and his fans — his impact extends beyond the music industry. 

He has become a cultural icon, using his platform to advocate for social justice, Pan-African unity, and the recognition of African talent. His influence on fashion and style has been noticed globally, with his unique fashion choices and signature African prints inspiring a new wave of fashion trends.

Burna Boy has achieved exceptional milestones in Afrobeat music with a consistent string of hit songs, ability to merge traditional African sounds with contemporary music elements has garnered fans from around the world, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

Fans admire him not only for his musical talent but also for his activism, authenticity, and charismatic stage presence. Burna Boy’s impact on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable, solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Football: Transfer windows

Football transfer windows are exciting periods during which clubs engage in player movements to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that these windows provide an opportunity for teams to buy, sell, or loan players, enabling them to bolster their squad depth and address specific areas of need. 

This year, there have been instances of Chelsea players moving to Saudi Arabia leagues, as well as Chelsea’s strategy of acquiring new talent, along with other clubs’ player acquisition strategies.

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

One notable trend in recent transfer windows has been the movement of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia leagues. Saudi Arabian clubs have shown a willingness to invest in high-profile players from around the world, including those from top European clubs. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that, Ngolo Kante, Mendy, Kulibally, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, and a few others joining the Saudi Arabia clubs while some are joining European clubs.

These moves provide players with new opportunities and can be financially lucrative for both the players and their clubs. The allure of competing in the Saudi Arabian leagues, along with the potential for increased wages, has attracted several players from various clubs, including Chelsea.

Simultaneously, Chelsea has been proactive in strengthening their squad through strategic player acquisitions. The club’s transfer strategy focuses on identifying talented players who can contribute to their style of play and help achieve their sporting objectives. 

The Blues, as fondly called failed to make Europa, Conference, or Champion League last season despite a huge amount of money invested in buying players and signing coaches, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

Further findings showed that Chelsea’s financial backing and global appeal enable them to target top-tier talent from around the world. But will the club perform wonder next season? 

NRTC WEEKLY’s findings revealed that the club has a reputation for making significant investments in players who can make an immediate impact. 

While Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, other clubs employ diverse strategies to bolster their squads. Some clubs prioritize identifying and nurturing young talents with the potential for long-term growth. 

Like Liverpool FC that focus on scouting and signing promising players who may not yet have reached their peak but have the potential to become stars in the future spent lesser than Chelsea.

Liverpool FC and other clubs that fall under this category often invest in their youth academies and establish partnerships with smaller clubs to develop talent through loan systems.

Re-opening of the Seme land border

Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of all land borders after assuming office which includes Seme — but the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the re-opening of the Seme land border for the importation of vehicles. 

The Director of Road Transport in the Ministry of Transportation, Ibrahim Musa, made the disclosure this week, NRTC WEEKLY gathered.

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

Nigerians maintained that the reopening of the Seme land border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin is a significant development with numerous implications for businesses, individuals, and human welfare in general. 

The Seme border, located in southwestern Nigeria, serves as a crucial trade route connecting both countries and facilitating regional commerce. NRTC WEEKLY gathered some of the anticipated effects and benefits associated with its reopening.

Boost to Cross-Border Trade: The reopening of the Seme land border is expected to revitalize cross-border trade between Nigeria and Benin. It allows for the free movement of goods and services, reducing trade barriers and facilitating the exchange of commodities. 

More so, the reopening will help small-scale traders who heavily rely on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods.

Economic Growth and Job Creation: The renewed trade activities at the Seme border are likely to stimulate economic growth and job creation. With increased trade flows, businesses will experience higher demand for their products, leading to expansion and the need to employ more individuals. This, in turn, can contribute to poverty reduction and overall economic development.

Enhanced Regional Integration: The Seme border reopening fosters regional integration among neighboring countries. By promoting trade and economic cooperation, it strengthens ties between Nigeria and Benin, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. This integration is essential for regional stability, peace, and the realization of shared development goals.

Revenue Generation: The renewed trade activities at the Seme border have the potential to generate substantial revenue for both Nigeria and Benin. Increased trade volumes result in higher import and export duties, customs charges, and other related fees. This revenue can then be reinvested in infrastructure development, public services, and social welfare programs, benefiting the citizens of both nations.

Facilitation of Supply Chains: The reopening of the Seme border streamlines supply chains and logistics networks. Businesses can access a wider range of goods and raw materials, facilitating their manufacturing processes and improving overall efficiency. This can lead to cost savings, improved product availability, and better competitiveness in domestic and regional markets.

Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Interaction: The reopening of the Seme border allows for increased cultural exchange and people-to-people interaction between Nigerians and Beninese. Such interactions foster understanding, appreciation of diverse cultures, and the building of social connections. It strengthens regional harmony and contributes to a more interconnected and tolerant society.

Taking to their social media handles, Netizens expressed joy over the order as well as called for the reopening of other borders to lessen the burden on Nigerians.

“Reopening of borders will be a positive step toward realizing the full potential of regional trade and cooperation, benefiting both nations and humanity as a whole.”

Netizens stated.

Leading stories: I’m not Yvonne Nelson 

Nigerian singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuka, popularly known as Iyanya became the talk of the town after a Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson in her memoir, “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” accused him of cheating on her with Tonto Dikeh, a Nigerian actress. 

NRTC WEEKLY’s findings showed that around 2012, Iyanya and the ace Ghanaian actress were the talks of the town due to their amorous relationship.

Yvonne said she was heartbroken after confirming the authenticity of the information given to her by someone who lived with the singer.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the caller said anytime she left Iyanya’s house, another actress came over and sometimes slept over. The Ghanaian actress maintained that she took to Twitter to rant but Tonto Dikeh responded on Twitter, saying “People changed and so did feelings, so I should move on.”

But Netizens attacked Iyanya after replying to the accusation of cheating on Yvonne. According to them, Iyanya will never get their support for cheating as well as paint the image of Nigeria badly.

But the singer, in a tweet obtained by NRTC WEEKLY, said: “Na love I love, na trust I trust, breakfast don belle full me.”

“We will not support you on this Iyanya, Nigeria dudes are always honest to African Babes — for cheating on her, it’s not good enough.”

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Iyanya who posted the interview video of Yvonne supporting her earlier claim in her memoir vowed to reply very soon. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the actress also made some shocking revelations about loving to attend parties in Nigeria over acting in his home country, Ghana. She opined that she got paid to attend parties in Nigeria because the organizers want to use her to show off.

In the book, Yvonne said she aborted a pregnancy for a Ghanaian renowned musician, Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie.

NRTC WEEKLY couldn’t confirm if it was after her relationship with Iyanya or before.

Politics: Tinubu retirement of Service Chief, IGP, others and dissolution of the board

Earlier this week, President Bola Tinubu approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police from the Service.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that affected are the Advisers, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service with announcement of immediate replacements.

The development was contained in a statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

In the same vein, Tinubu ordered the immediate dissolution of boards except before traveling to Paris for a finance summit. 

However, Nigerians who spoke with NRTC WEEKLY expressed joy over the dissolution and retirement, stating that all the retired and dissolution boards are corrupted. They maintained they should all be prosecuted.

Recall that, last week, NRTC WEEKLY discussed that Nigerians hope is high for Tinhbu’s performance following his quick switch into action within two weeks after he assumed office. 

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.