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? 

Topics for discussion in this edition of NRTC WEEKLY include Onyeka Onwenu’s death, hardship bites harder, IgboMustGo, football leagues to return and the EndBadGovernance protest. 

Metro: Onyeka Onwenu’s death

Nigerians are in mourning this week as iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu has passed away. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the legendary musician died on July 30 in Lagos after collapsing at the 80th birthday celebration of Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO, Stella Okolie.

Born in Anambra State, Onyeka Onwenu graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, with degrees in International Relations and Communication. She also earned a master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York. 

Her father tragically died in a car accident when she was just four years old, a week before he was appointed Minister of Education.

Before venturing into music, Onyeka worked as a journalist for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she was renowned for her investigative reporting on social issues. She co-authored the globally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “A Squandering of Riches” on corruption in Nigeria in 1984 and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

Onwenu was celebrated for her unique blend of traditional African music and contemporary pop, singing in both English and Igbo. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “You and I,” and “Ekwe,” which have become classics in Nigerian music.

In addition to her singing career, Onyeka Onwenu starred in several Nollywood films, portraying a range of strong female characters. Notable films include “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Muna,” and “Mothers-in-Law.”

Onwenu was also active in politics and public service. As a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), she served as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 2013 to 2014.

Throughout her career, Onyeka Onwenu received numerous honours for her contributions to music and advocacy, including national honours such as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and various music awards.

She is survived by her two children, Tijani and Abraham. Her death has been a shock to many prominent Nigerians, with condolences pouring in from President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and others.

Business: Hardship bites harder

Nigerians are increasingly struggling as the economic hardship in the country intensifies. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that this hardship appears to be worsening daily.

Many Nigerians are finding it difficult to put food on their tables as the value of the Naira continues to plummet. During ongoing nationwide protests, some have mentioned that N100,000 now holds the same value as N1,000 did previously.

While citizens endure abject poverty, political leaders appear indifferent, focusing instead on their well-being.

Politics: IgboMustGo

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that social media was abuzz as some users demanded that Igbo people vacate Lagos and the Southwest of Nigeria in anticipation of a massive protest.

Many believe this reaction stemmed from the perceived withdrawal of Igbo people from ongoing nationwide protests, sparking widespread criticism and calls for the prosecution of those responsible for the threats.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, expressed deep concern over these threats made on social media, urging authorities to thoroughly investigate and prevent such divisive acts.

Similarly, Afenifere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and others condemned these actions.

Sports: Football leagues to return 

All is set for the return of major football leagues this month, and fans are eagerly anticipating seeing their favourite players back on the pitch.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that in the Premier League, Liverpool is the only team that hasn’t signed a new player, while all other teams have made acquisitions. As teams continue to build their squads, many are eager and curious to see how the season will unfold.

With the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Saudi Pro League, and others set to return, football fans are thrilled to say goodbye to boredom.

Leading stories: EndBadGovernance protest

“When citizens can’t feed themselves and continuous taxes keep rolling in daily, along with rising commodity prices, it is truly the handiwork of a bad government,” said one of the protesters at the EndBadGovernance protest.

NRTC WEEKLY reported that thousands of Nigerians have begun a ten-day nationwide protest called ‘EndBadGovernance’ due to widespread hunger that has claimed many lives.

The protest, which started on Thursday and has entered its third day, has reportedly been marred by violence as police have used teargas and shot at protesters.

Deaths have been recorded, prompting calls for Mr Tinubu to address the nation. NRTC WEEKLY also reported unrest among politicians as citizens remain resolute in their protests.

Several opposition political parties have criticized the APC and its leaders, deeming them unfit to govern the country.

Stay tuned for the next episode of NRTC WEEKLY as we delve into the latest happenings in Nigeria.