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

Friday Omosola Featured, Leading Stories 23/09/2023

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: Mohbad death and show of love, Sport: Champions League and Europa League returns, politics: Tribunal and sacking of governors, leading stories: Ondo palliatives troubles and business: Acting CBN Governor assumes office are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.}

Sport: Champions League and Europa League returns

The return of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League always brings a wave of excitement and fervor among football fans in Nigeria, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. These prestigious European competitions, featuring the continent’s top clubs, have a dedicated and passionate following in the country.

Manchester United after losing to Bayern Munich (credit: NRTC Library)

Bayern Munich after trashing Manchester United in the UCL opener (credit: NRTC Library)

Since the return this week, Nigerian’s eager anticipation ended as they continue marking their calendars for matchdays and planning gatherings with friends and family. NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the excitement often starts with the draw, as fans discuss potential matchups and analyze the group stages.

Social media platforms light up with posts and hashtags celebrating the return of top-tier European football, especially when Manchester United played Bayern Munich which ended 4:3 in favour of Bayern.

We (NRTC WEEKLY) confirmed that Nigerian football enthusiasts take great pride in seeing their compatriots shine on the European stage with several Nigerian players representing their respective clubs, fans rally behind them, tracking their performances, and sharing in their successes. Names like Victor Osimhen, and Joe Aribo evoke immense pride, and their achievements are closely followed.

The return of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League is a cause for celebration and excitement among Nigerian football fans. These tournaments not only provide top-quality football but also foster a sense of community and pride as Nigerians unite in their love for the beautiful game on the grand European stage.

Leading stories: Ondo State palliatives troubles

Nigerians have reacted to the issues surrounding palliatives in Ondo State crescendo following the fight that happened between Commissioner for Women Affairs, Bunmi Osadahun, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward chairman for Arigidi/Iye, Akoko North West of Ondo State, Olumide Awolumate.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Bunmi Osadahun (credit: Internet)

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that although, the chairman said he beat up the commissioner in self-defense Nigerians especially Netizens stated that it could have been an expressed outrage and frustration upon learning that essential palliatives, including food and medical supplies, were not reaching those in need during times of crisis.

According to them, the fight could have happened because the materials intended to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations were not distributed effectively.

NRTC WEEKLY learnt that Nigerians’ reactions to the troubles and controversies surrounding palliatives have been marked by a mix of anger, frustration, and a strong demand for transparency and accountability.

These events underscore the importance of efficient and equitable relief distribution and highlight the power of social media and grassroots initiatives in mobilizing public opinion and demanding change.

Business: Acting CBN Governor assumes office, Nigerians listed focus areas

As Dr. Olayemi Cardoso assumed office as the new acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Nigerians typically listed expected areas for him to maintain such as stability in the country’s monetary policy.

Dr. Olayemi Cardoso assumed office as the new acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN (Credit: NRTC Library)

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that others include controlling inflation, managing interest rates, and ensuring the overall stability of the national currency, the Naira. Nigerians via their social media handles want the CBN Governor to enforce prudent regulation of financial institutions, including banks and microfinance institutions.

They further expect effective oversight to prevent banking crises and protect depositors’ funds— given the volatility of the Naira’s exchange rate, hoping for him to implement measures to stabilize and strengthen the currency, which could positively impact foreign exchange rates.

NRTC WEEKLY found out that Nigerians want the CBN Governor to contribute to economic growth and job creation and expect policies that encourage lending to the private sector, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are significant drivers of employment.

Other highlighted areas as gathered by NRTC WEEKLY are financial inclusion, fighting corruption and fraud; technology and innovation, collaboration with fiscal authorities, transparency, and accountability among others.

In a nutshell, it’s important to note that the specific expectations from a new acting CBN Governor may vary depending on the prevailing economic conditions and the policy priorities of the government at the time of their appointment. These expectations reflect general themes that have historically been important to Nigerians in the context of central banking and monetary policy.

Politics: Tribunal and sacking of governors

The removal of governors through election tribunals in Nigeria has been a subject of both intense legal scrutiny and public interest. NRTC WEEKLY learnt that Nigerians’ reactions to such occurrences are diverse, reflecting the complex and politically charged nature of the country’s electoral landscape.

Governor Yusuf Abba (Credit: NRTC Library)

This week, the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sacked the state governor, Yusuf Abba, of the New Nigeria People’s and declared the APC candidate winner.

This and more have made Nigerians closely follow the legal process during election tribunal cases, expecting that the judiciary will thoroughly examine the evidence and adhere to the rule of law in making decisions.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that when a governor is sacked through the tribunal, some view it as a demonstration of the independence and integrity of the judiciary, as supporters of the opposing political parties often celebrate.

They see it as a victory for democracy and a chance for their preferred candidate to take office but on the other hand, supporters of the removed governor may express disappointment and frustration.

NRTC WEEKLY learnt that such disappointment might lead to protests, claiming that the tribunal’s decision was politically motivated or unjust, advocating for more transparent, free, and fair elections.

Nigerians’ reactions to the tribunal and the removal of governors are multifaceted and reflect the deep-rooted political dynamics in the country. These reactions highlight the importance of transparent and fair electoral processes and the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Metro: Mohbad death and show of love

The death of singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad has taken a new turn. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Nigerians, especially Netizens believed that his death was not natural.

Mohbad and Naira Marley (Credit: NRTC Library)

Since his death, social media has been agog with celebrities and concerned individuals calling for justice and pointing accusing fingers at his former boss and owner of Marlian Record Label, Naira Marley, and promoter Sam Larry.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Nigerians believed the duo were responsible for Mohbad’s death which had led to several radio stations and some communities banning songs that relate to the Marlian Record.

In the quest to ensure justice, Police had exhumed the corpse of the singer for autopsy and Nigerians are patiently waiting for the outcome of the autopsy and other investigations into the matter, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.

NRTC WEEKLY further gathered that when the body was exhumed, blood was sighted in Mohbad’s grave making Netizens opine that he was buried alive, but how true is this we can’t answer and leave that for our readers to do justice to.

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.