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?
Topics for discussion in this edition of NRTC WEEKLY include the Minimum wage, August nationwide protest, EPL, Abija TikTok video and JAMB cutoff mark.
Leading stories: Minimum wage
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 after extended negotiations with the Labour Union. The National Assembly will receive an executive bill on the new national minimum wage.
The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, and Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo.
In a press briefing, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero stated that the unions accepted the offer because President Tinubu committed to reviewing the national minimum wage law every three years and exploring ways to support the private sector and regional governments in paying their workers.
The development sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. Some have criticised the union for accepting the offer, while others have praised them for ensuring the bill’s smooth passage.
With the new minimum wage now approved, attention turns to the state governors, who are expected to implement and pay the new wage promptly.
Business: August nationwide protest
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Nigerians are preparing for a nationwide strike starting on August 1, lasting for ten days.
Amid increasing hardship, the protest is set to occur in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and abroad.
A flyer circulating on social media, titled “Days of Rage” and “End Bad Government in Nigeria,” aims to draw the government’s attention to citizens’ difficulties.
According to a post seen by NRTC WEEKLY, the protest demands changes to several government policies, which the organizers claim have caused unexpected hardship for Nigerians.
Among other demands, the group urges the government to end the subsidy scam and lower fuel prices to below N300 per litre, reduce tertiary education fees to their previous rates, make electricity tariffs affordable, return import duties to their previous rates, and publicly disclose and reduce the salaries and allowances of all Senators and House of Representatives members, and reform the EFCC.
While some organizers remain anonymous, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been actively promoting the August protest on his social media channels.
Sowore, who has led several protests in the country, stated that a revolution would begin in August, asserting that “Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come” #RevolutionNOW.”
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Sowore wrote: “The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow. Let everyone rise all at once in August 2024!”
Sports: EPL
NRTC WEEKLY learned that the wait is nearly over, as the Premier League is set to resume this August, with anticipation building like pre-match electricity.
After a summer filled with international tournaments, transfer window drama, and pre-season friendlies, fans are eager for the real action to begin.
This year’s return is particularly exciting. Newly promoted teams like Ipswich Town, returning to the top flight after a long absence, bring a fresh wave of energy to the league. Fans of these clubs will be especially vocal, eager to see their teams compete against established giants.
Speaking of giants, the transfer window has certainly stirred things up. Key signings and unexpected departures have pundits and fans buzzing about potential title races, relegation battles, and breakout stars. Every fixture feels significant, with supporters already dreaming of glory or fearing the worst.
The return of the Premier League isn’t just about the matches. It’s an opportunity for communities to come together, and for friends and families to bond over their shared passion. Pubs will be packed, scarves will be flying, and living rooms will erupt in cheers (and groans) as the drama unfolds.
As August approaches, one thing is clear: the return of the Premier League is going to be a major event. Get ready, football fans – it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
Clubs with new coaches are eager to see their managers in action and make history.
Entertainment: Abija vs TikTok
Social media buzzed with activity when veteran Yoruba actor, Tajudeen Oyewole, known as Abija, requested financial assistance on TikTok.
The 66-year-old actor, famous for his roles as a traditionalist in films, wore traditional attire as he interacted with fans during a TikTok live session.
During the live session, Abija asked his followers for financial help and expressed gratitude to those who contributed to his bank account.
“Larry, thank you so much. You will grow old in sound health. I have sent my account details to the comment section of Baba Legba. I appreciate you.
“You will also not beg to survive. You will not suffer in life. My account is in the comment section. Thank you, everyone”, he said.
During the live session and as of press time, he didn’t disclose his reason for begging for money on TikTok. Last year, NRTC WEEKLY gathered that he appealed to his fans to get him a car.
Education: JAMB cut-off mark
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 140 as the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off mark for university admissions in 2024.
During the 2024 policy meeting in Abuja, the board also set the cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education at 100.
This annual policy meeting establishes the guidelines and requirements for the admission cycle, as stakeholders in tertiary education convene to agree on the criteria, which are then adopted by JAMB.
However, the new cut-off marks have faced criticism, with many believing the board is jeopardizing the quality of education in Nigeria.
Stay tuned for the next episode of NRTC WEEKLY as we delve into the latest happenings in Nigeria.
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