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

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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: Tinubu honours Super Eagles players after AFCON, metro: Ex-president Jonathan’s sister buried, entertainment:  Davido and Burna Boy fans clash; politics: Tinubu meets governors over food security— the business: Nigerians groan over the cost of a living issue to discuss on NRTC WEEKLY.

Sport: Tinubu honour Super Eagles players after AFCON

The smiles have returned to the faces of Nigeria’s Super Eagles players and coach following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match against host nation Ivory Coast.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast after an otherwise unbeaten run.

Their spirits lifted when President Bola Tinubu honored them with national awards and land/flats despite their AFCON runner-up finish.

NRTC WEEKLY reported that Nigerians have reacted diversely to this news. While some praised the gesture, others criticized it, emphasizing the need to address economic woes rather than focusing solely on rewards.

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

This debate underscores the complex emotions that Nigerians associate with football and national pride.

Metro: Ex-president Jonathan’s sister buried

Tears flowed freely on Friday as the remains of Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, the elder sister of former President Goodluck Jonathan, were laid to rest. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Obebhatein Jonathan died on 11 January at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

She died at 70 years old after a brief illness. Former President Jonathan disclosed her funeral while sharing pictures on his Facebook page.

Jonathan described his late sister as a guide, confidant, and fellow dream-weaver.

He wrote: “Today friends and associates joined my family to bid a final farewell to my late elder sister Madam Obebhatein Jonathan. She was not just a sister but also a guide, a confidant, and a fellow dream-weaver. 

“Together, we navigated the labyrinth of life, chasing shared dreams with a determination known only to those who truly understand the power of close sibling camaraderie.

“Even though she is no longer with us in body, her memory, and the love we shared will forever remain in my heart. Even though her death is painful, we take solace in the fact that she was an exemplary woman and role model who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity. May her soul rest in peace.”

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

Entertainment:  Davido and Burna Boy fans clash

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that tensions rose during the week as Burna Boy threw shade at Davido while responding to one of Davido’s fans.

Following Nigeria’s defeat at the AFCON finals, an individual identified as X shared a video to which Burna Boy responded with a laughing emoji.

A user, whose display picture featured Davido, then retorted to Burna, stating: “Ode. Bottled 4 Grammys.”

Burna Boy fired back with: “The real joke is in your Display pic.”

Reacting on various social media platforms, Nigerians expressed a range of emotions, including disappointment, amusement, and frustration, regarding the reported clash between Davido and Burna Boy fans.

Some criticised the aggression, urging fans to support their favorites without resorting to hostility.

Others expressed disappointment in the artists themselves, believing they should promote unity among their fanbases.

Social media witnessed a flurry of humorous memes and commentary alongside calls for maturity and responsible conduct. Many Nigerians stressed the importance of acknowledging both artists’ contributions to Afrobeats without fueling unnecessary rivalry.

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

Politics: Tinubu meets governors over food security

President Bola Tinubu’s recent convening of state governors to address Nigeria’s escalating food security crisis has evoked a spectrum of responses from the public.

According to NRTC WEEKLY’s findings, while some Nigerians cautiously express optimism, others remain skeptical and critical.

Many recognize the urgency of addressing the food crisis and view the meeting as a positive stride toward finding solutions. They are hopeful that tangible action plans will emerge and be effectively implemented to enhance food production, distribution, and affordability.

However, some citizens voiced concerns about the government’s track record in handling similar challenges. They stress the imperative of ensuring the effective execution of decisions made at the meeting, underscoring the significance of transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, others urge the government to tackle the root causes of food insecurity, including insecurity in farming communities, insufficient infrastructure, and reliance on food imports.

NRTC WEEKLY’s investigation reveals a considerable segment of the populace harboring skepticism about the government’s capacity to adequately address the crisis. Previous encounters with unmet promises and perceived inactivity contribute to this lack of trust.

Certain critics perceive the meeting as a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to address the issue. They argue that the government prioritizes public perception over implementing substantive solutions.

Moreover, critics advocate for broader inclusion of stakeholders beyond governors, such as farmers, agricultural experts, and civil society organizations, to ensure a more holistic approach.

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

Business: Nigerians groan over the cost of living

Nigerians confront a grim reality: a crippling surge in the cost of living. According to NRTC WEEKLY, this surge has ignited a chorus of frustration and discontent across the nation, affecting all sectors of society.

Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are inundated with enraged posts and memes spotlighting the daily struggles of Nigerians. In several cities, citizens have mobilized peaceful protests against the escalating prices of essential goods and services.

These protests articulate mounting apprehensions regarding the government’s capacity to tackle the issue. Newspapers and news channels are inundated with tales of Nigerians grappling with economic adversity, as confirmed by NRTC WEEKLY.

NRTC WEEKLY also reported that the soaring costs of food, transportation, and utilities have substantially diminished the purchasing power of many Nigerians.

Nigerians are clamoring for tangible action from the government to address the cost of living crisis. This encompasses measures to combat inflation, stabilize the naira, and furnish targeted assistance to vulnerable demographics.

Here, the cotton of this week’s episode of NRTC WEEKLY will drop. Join us for another edition next week as we explore the trending stories in Nigeria.