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

Friday Omosola Featured 30/12/2023

NRTC Weekly roundup: trending news stories across the country

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?

Sport: Ronaldo is the 2023 highest goals scorer, metro: Akeredolu’s death, trending stories: Plateau killing, politics: signing of 2024 Appropriation Bill continues, business: New year and commodities price are the stories to discuss this week NRTC WEEKLY.

Sport: Ronaldo is the 2023 highest-scorer

Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievement of the 2023 top scorer title has sparked a firestorm of reactions, dividing fans into cheering camps and jeering crowds.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Ronaldo’s loyal fanbase erupted in celebration. The claim that the “GOAT” silenced the haters again flooded social media, praising his relentless drive and unwavering goal-scoring prowess.

NRTC WEEKLY learned that as fans continued celebrating Ronaldo’s goal, doubters were met with a barrage of statistics, highlighting Ronaldo’s clinical finishing and clutch performances throughout the year. His late-game heroics and decisive strikes were hailed as testaments to his champion mentality.

Not everyone was convinced. Critics argued that Ronaldo’s achievement came primarily in Saudi Arabia, a less competitive league compared to Europe’s top tiers. Jokes about “padding his stats” and “buying his way to the top” circulated online.

Ronaldo’s 2023 scoring feat undoubtedly etched his name in the record books. But the debate over its true value and the legitimacy of his claim as the “highest scorer” rages on.

His fans believed that whether he is seen as the undisputed king or a beneficiary of favorable circumstances, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits continue to captivate and divide the footballing world.

Leading stories: Plateau killing

The Plateau killings sent shockwaves through Nigeria, sparking outrage and grief. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Politicians across the spectrum expressed condemnation, calling for swift action and accountability.

The destroyed Mayanga village of Bokkos local government in Plateau State [PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook]

President Buhari issued a statement, urging security forces to apprehend the perpetrators and promising justice. Opposition figures criticized perceived government failures to protect citizens and called for improved security measures.

NRTC WEEKLY further learned that civil society groups and religious leaders raised their voices, demanding an end to violence and urging peaceful coexistence.

While political opinions may differ, a shared sense of sorrow and a call for justice united Nigerians in the wake of this tragedy.

Politics: Signing of Appropriation Bill

Nigerians’ reactions to the ongoing signing of 2024 Appropriation Bills by state governors have been mixed, reflecting the complex economic and political realities of the country.

Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa signing the Appropriation Bill [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that some see the early passage of budgets as a positive step towards improved planning and execution of government projects. This they said could potentially lead to better infrastructure, social services, and economic growth.

But others remain skeptical, highlighting past instances where budgets haven’t translated into tangible improvements. NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that issues like corruption, poor implementation, and dependence on volatile oil revenues raise doubts about the effectiveness of these bills.

Many Nigerians are demanding greater transparency and accountability in the budgeting process— as they want to see clear breakdowns of how funds will be allocated and used, along with mechanisms to hold officials responsible for mismanagement.

The success of these budgets will ultimately depend on several factors, including global economic conditions, effective implementation, and addressing underlying issues like corruption.

In a nutshell, NRTC WEEKLY gathered that reactions to the 2024 Appropriation Bills reflect a cautious hope mixed with concerns about past experiences and the need for strong accountability measures.

Business: New Year and commodities price

As Nigerians usher in the new year, excitement dances with apprehension. Hopes bloom like fireworks, painted against the backdrop of rising commodity prices.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that pockets pinch tighter, juggling festive cheer with worries about fuel, food, and rent. Some greet the dawn with cautious optimism, determined to squeeze joy from every naira, their resilience a familiar melody played on weathered instruments of hope.

Others whisper anxieties, praying for an economic tune-up to harmonize with their new year’s desires. It’s a familiar dance, this Nigerian tango with uncertainty, but their spirit, like the vibrant rhythm of Afrobeats, refuses to be subdued.

They raise a toast, not just to champagne bubbles, but to the indomitable spirit that whispers, “We’ll dance our way through it, come what may.”

Metro: Akeredolu’s death

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s sudden passing on December 27th, 2023, plunged Ondo State and the nation into mourning.

Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the beloved leader, known for his passionate advocacy for the southwest region and his unwavering commitment to his people, succumbed to complications from prostate cancer while receiving treatment in Germany.

A wave of condolences washed over the nation. President Buhari led the tributes, praising Akeredolu’s “vibrant personality, legal prowess, and dedication to the service of his people.” NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the tributes poured in from fellow governors, political leaders, and ordinary citizens, all echoing the sentiment of a monumental loss.

The days that followed were marked by an outpouring of grief and respect as dignitaries from across the country trooped to Ibadan, Oyo State to pay their last respects. Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visibly shaken by the loss, assumed office as the new governor.

Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu’s legacy extends far beyond his political achievements. He was a respected lawyer, a human rights advocate, and a champion of good governance.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that his death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his impact on Ondo State and Nigeria will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.

Though the circumstances are somber, Akeredolu’s death serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Rest in peace, Governor Akeredolu. Your light may have dimmed, but your flame will forever burn brightly in the hearts of your people.

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.