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?

^{Metro: Wizkid mummy’s death, leading stories: Reactions as some States kickoff distribution of rice and beans; politics: Higher expectations as new ministers resumed office, entertainment: Asake shutdown O2 Arena, sport: Tobi Amusan fails to defend title are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

Reactions as some States kickoff distribution of rice and beans

Following the approval of N5bn for palliative for each state, news spread about the distribution of rice and beans in certain Nigerian states as part of the measure to counter the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the reactions varied across the country as some Nigerians whom the distribution has commenced in their states expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to provide support during what they understood to be a challenging economic transition.

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

However, a significant portion of the population also voiced skepticism and frustration, questioning the effectiveness of distributing food items as a solution to the broader issue of fuel subsidy removal, which was seen as causing an increase in fuel prices and subsequent inflation. 

NRTC WEEKLY’s findings revealed that the criticism centered around the belief that addressing the root cause of the problem would be more beneficial than short-term measures.

NRTC WEEKLY observed that social media platforms became hotbeds for expressing opinions for many citizens who have not heard of or seen the news of the distributor in their states of residence, upon applauding the initiative by some Nigerians. 

In essence, the reactions to the distribution of rice and beans as a palliative measure were mixed, reflecting the diverse perspectives of Nigerians regarding the government’s response to the fuel subsidy removal and its impact on their daily lives, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.

Entertainment: Asake shutdown O2 Arena

The epic entrance of Ahmed Ololade popularly known as Asake on Sunday in a helicopter during his London show held at the O2 Arena set the internet ablaze. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the ‘Mr Money’ crooner arrived on the stage in a helicopter to perform songs from his debut album, ‘Mr Money With The Vibe’ and latest album project, ‘Work Of Art.’

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

The news of his performance that led to the shutdown of the O2 Arena reverberated across social media platforms, triggering a wave of excitement and admiration among netizens. Asake’s achievement was celebrated not only by his fans but also by a broader audience that recognized the significance of performing at such a prestigious international venue.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that social media feeds were flooded with congratulatory messages, trending hashtags, and awe-struck comments, with users expressing their pride in seeing a Nigerian artist reach such heights and showcase the country’s musical talent on a global stage.

Memes, videos, and images capturing the electrifying atmosphere of the event were widely shared, creating a virtual experience for those who couldn’t attend in person.

Netizens from various corners of the internet hailed Asake’s accomplishment as a testament to the power of music and determination as well as drew parallels between his success and the increasing global recognition of Nigerian and African music as a whole.

NRTC WEEKLY findings show that Asake’s shutdown of the O2 Arena became a topic of discussion beyond just the music scene. 

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

‘It symbolized a larger narrative of breaking barriers and defying odds, inspiring young artists and dreamers across the nation.’

Sport: Tobi Amusan fails to defend title

Nigerians were not happy as the defending champion of 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan missed the podium in the 100m hurdles finals of the World Athletics Championships, ending 6th in a time of 12.62 seconds.

When news broke about Tobi Amusan’s inability to defend her title as the 100m hurdles world record holder, a mix of emotions swept through the Nigerian population. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Tobi Amusan had been a source of pride for the country, and her previous achievements had garnered widespread acclaim.

On social media platforms and online discussions, reactions were diverse with some fans expressing disappointment and sympathy for Tobi, understanding the pressure that comes with being a world record holder, and recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of any athlete’s journey. 

Many Nigerians rallied behind her, offering words of encouragement and support for her future endeavors, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

However, some voiced their frustration and surprise at her performance. Critiques and speculations about the possible reasons for her failure to defend the title emerged, ranging from technical aspects of her performance to factors beyond her control. 

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

As is often the case with high-profile sports events, analysts and experts shared their opinions on what might have gone wrong— despite the disappointment, many Nigerians remained optimistic about Tobi’s abilities and potential for future success. 

‘Her previous achievements and dedication to her sport were not forgotten, and this setback would only serve as a stepping stone for her to come back stronger.’

Politics: Higher expectations as new ministers resumed office

As new ministers assume office, they’re being met with high expectations from the populace. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Nigerians are looking to these ministers to bring about positive change and address various pressing issues that the country faces. 

As they step into their roles, there are several areas where citizens hope to see meaningful progress, such as policies and strategies that will promote economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. NRTC WEEKLY findings revealed that with a large youth population, there is a strong desire for initiatives that will empower young people and support entrepreneurship.

NRTC WEEKLY further learnt that Nigerians want the state of infrastructure in the country to remain a major concern as well as address the ongoing security challenges in the country.

Nigerians expect the ministers to devise effective strategies to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminal activities that have affected various regions— reforms that can provide better access to quality education and healthcare services across the country.

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

Other areas touched were commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption, work towards improving energy infrastructure, initiatives that will enhance agricultural productivity and promote food self-sufficiency and effective representation of the country’s interests on the global stage, and foster diplomatic relationships that benefit Nigeria.

Metro: Wizkid’s mom’s death

Entertainers have condoled with Nigeria Afrobeat star, Ayodeji Balogun, known as Wizkid, who lost his mother, Dolapo Balogun.

The news was made known by his manager, Sunday Aare. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that in their condolence messages, the entertainers wished the 33-year-old Grammy award winner grace to bear the loss. 

Mrs Balogun had two other children — Yetunde Balogun and Lade Balogun. In 2014, Wizkid released a song titled ‘Joy’, specially dedicated to his late mother.

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.