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: INEC releases final list of Ekiti governorship candidates, excludes PDP
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the final list of candidates cleared to contest the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notably absent.
INEC made the list public on Monday in a document signed by its National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony.
According to the commission, a total of 12 political parties will participate in the election.
The document clearly outlines the names of the governorship candidates and their respective running mates, while also detailing their academic qualifications, ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees.
Among the approved candidates are nominees of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and several other political parties.
Business: National grid collapse triggers nationwide blackout
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that Nigeria was plunged into darkness on Friday following the collapse of the national electricity grid, marking the first system failure recorded in 2026.
Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed that power generation across the country dropped to zero megawatts at about 1:00 pm, indicating a total shutdown of the grid.
The collapse triggered widespread blackouts, with electricity distribution companies forced to shut down supply to customers as a result of the system failure.
Several consumers reported loss of power shortly after midday, disrupting businesses, households, and public services.
Distribution companies including Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja, and Yola recorded zero power allocation.
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Leading Stories: FG opens applications for 2026 PTDF overseas scholarships
NRTC WEEKLY reported that the Federal Government opened applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme, offering Nigerian postgraduate students the chance to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The announcement was made in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, on Monday.
“FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said.
According to information on the scholarship board’s website, the scheme is designed for MSc and PhD candidates in fields related to the oil and gas industry.
It covers tuition, return airfare, accommodation and living expenses, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable.
The PTDF statement said, “The 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships provide access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise, while developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Sports: CAF sanctions Algeria after misconduct in AFCON loss to Nigeria
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) levied a total of $100,000 in fines and issued match bans against two Algerian players following serious misconduct after their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension. Defender Rafik Belghali was given a four-match ban, with two matches suspended for a one-year probationary period.
These suspensions will be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Algerian Football Federation faces multiple financial penalties.
CAF imposed a $25,000 fine for the inappropriate behavior of players and officials after the match.
A further $50,000 fine was issued for offensive gestures by supporters towards officials.
Other fines include $5,000 for the team receiving five cautions, $5,000 for fans using smoke devices, $5,000 for thrown objects, and $10,000 for security breaches.
Entertainment: Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, breaks silence on paternity allegations against son
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that business mogul Adedeji Adeleke has publicly dismissed claims linking his son, award-winning singer Davido, to the paternity of the 12-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo.
Speaking at a press conference from his Lagos residence, the 68-year-old billionaire declared that Anu is not Davido’s daughter.
He explained that Kemi Olunloyo impersonated the child online. “Kemi Olunloyo is the one impersonating the young child Anu, and I don’t even think it’s legal for her to impersonate a minor,” Adeleke stated.
Furthermore, Adeleke revealed that he contacted Anu’s aunt, who confirmed that Olunloyo managed the Instagram account making the claims.
Although the aunt asked Olunloyo to stop, she apparently refused.
Transitioning to his family background, Adeleke noted that he already has 14 grandchildren.
He emphasized that while another child would not diminish his family, scientific evidence proved Anu was not related to them.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
