It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup, and 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 organisation, 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 touches down in Abu Dhabi for 2026 ADSW
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that President Bola Tinubu arrived in the United Arab Emirates late Sunday night, January 11, 2026, ahead of the high-stakes Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport at exactly 11:30 pm local time.
He was greeted by a high-level UAE delegation led by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi.
Tinubu’s arrival in Abu Dhabi follows a strategic stopover in Europe.
Leading Stories: US suspends visa processing for Nigeria, 74 other countries
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the United States has suspended visa processing for Nigerian travellers, adding the country to a growing list of nations facing fresh travel restrictions.
As a result of the decision, US authorities will no longer receive or process visa applications from Nigerians.
The suspension is not limited to Nigeria, as it also affects applicants from countries such as Russia, Somalia, Brazil and Afghanistan, among others.
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According to a report by Fox News on Wednesday, an internal memo from the US State Department revealed that the Donald Trump administration has halted visa processing for applicants from a total of 75 countries.
However, officials have yet to clarify how long the suspension will remain in place.
Business/Economy: CBN says 20 banks meet recapitalisation requirements ahead of deadline
NRTC WEEKLY reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed that approximately 20 deposit money banks have already met the new capital requirements under the ongoing banking recapitalisation programme, shifting focus toward ensuring stronger balance sheets translate into real sector credit growth.
Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, made the disclosure on January 16, 2026, during a panel at the launch of the 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in Lagos.
At the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2025, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso had reported that 16 banks achieved full compliance ahead of the deadline.
Abdullahi explained that the recapitalisation programme was designed to build stronger banks capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy through increased credit to SMEs and businesses at competitive rates.
Sports: Fortress Morocco, fallen Eagles: How home power carried the Atlas Lions to the final
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Morocco’s fortress held firm again on Wednesday night as the Atlas Lions edged Nigeria on penalties to reach the AFCON 2025 final.
After 120 goalless minutes, the hosts prevailed 4-2 in a tense shootout.
It was another statement of Morocco’s dominance on home soil.
Their unbeaten run now stretches to 26 matches, dating back to their AFCON 2023 exit.
Inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, belief crackled through the stands as fans sensed destiny, knowing this was only Morocco’s second AFCON final appearance since 2004.
The kingdom has waited decades for this moment and victory on Sunday would crown years of deliberate football investment and national ambition.
Nigeria arrived battle-tested and composed, refusing to be overwhelmed early.
Eric Chelle’s side absorbed pressure and disrupted Morocco’s rhythm intelligently.
Calvin Bassey anchored that resistance with authority and composure.
The Fulham defender won duels, read danger early, marshalled the back line superbly, and was by far Nigeria’s best player on the night.
Entertainment: Omije Ojumi’ gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu is dead
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that Bunmi Akinnaanu, widely known as Bunmi Omije Ojumi, a popular gospel singer and evangelist, has died.
Her family confirmed in a statement that she died on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos.
Another gospel artiste Alayo Melody, shared a family statement on Instagram alongside a photo of the late singer and a video showing her remains in a body bag.
“With great sadness,we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye OMIJE OJUMI ,passed away on 12th January,2026 at Lagos hospital Nigeria
May God grant her eternal rest🙏
Signed: Olawale Akinnaanu. For the Family”, the statement read.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
