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?
NRTC WEEKLY Highlights
Topics for This Edition: 2Baba saga, Adebanjo’s death, Premier League, Southwest Governors’ meeting, and Tinubu’s economy.
Entertainment: 2Baba saga
The controversy surrounding singer Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, and his divorce took a new turn this week.
In January, the singer announced his separation from his wife of 12 years, Annie Macaulay, citing undisclosed reasons. Seventeen days later, he proposed to Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.
His proposal to Osawaru sparked criticism and stirred controversy on social media. The situation escalated after 2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, urged the 30-year-old lawmaker to release her son.
She accused Osawaru of using voodoo, alleging that she placed beads on his neck and hand during the proposal.
Mrs. Idibia further claimed that her son was not in his right state of mind and had been struggling emotionally. Nigerians were shocked when his family declared him missing on February 10.
They reported that his whereabouts remained unknown and suspected he might have been abducted. The Department of State Services reportedly intervened to assist in locating 2Baba.
Metro: Adebanjo’s death
Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, passed away yesterday at the age of 96. His family announced that he died on Valentine’s Day after battling ill health in Lagos State.
They stated that funeral discussions were ongoing and promised to announce the arrangements in due course. Adebanjo’s death triggered an outpouring of grief across the political sphere.
President Bola Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), alongside Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, mourned and eulogized him.
Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Adebanjo’s passing, stating that his principled voice, which had shaped decades of political activism, would be sorely missed.
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In a personal tribute, the president wrote that the nation would miss Adebanjo’s interventions in national affairs, which had consistently enriched political discourse. Jonathan, in a statement through his special adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, described Adebanjo as a symbol of courage and resilience.
He hailed him as a national hero and a crusader for justice who remained committed to advocating for a better society until his final days.
Sports: Premier League
Football fans buzzed with excitement as the Premier League returned this weekend, with all eyes on the intense title race between Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, Chelsea’s recent loss left their fans reeling, adding another layer of drama to the weekend’s fixtures. Liverpool’s impressive form positioned them as the favorites to claim the trophy, but Arsenal demonstrated resilience and determination, keeping the race alive.
Enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the clashes between these two contenders, knowing that each match could significantly impact the final standings.
Despite the contrasting fortunes of these three clubs, the Premier League’s return reignited the passion and excitement of football fans worldwide.
The weekend’s matches promised thrilling encounters, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments, reinforcing why the Premier League remains one of the most captivating football leagues in the world.
Politics: Southwest Governors’ meeting
Governors from the South-West region convened in Lagos to discuss pressing issues affecting the zone. Their agenda prioritized security matters and regional integration, among other concerns.
The South-West Governors’ Forum gathered at the Lagos House, Ikeja, for a crucial meeting aimed at fostering the region’s growth and development, according to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, the spokesman for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Among those in attendance were Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).
Business: Nigerians endure Tinubu’s economic policies
Nigerians continue to endure the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, with many believing the country will eventually recover.
While some remain hopeful, citing Tinubu’s transformation of Lagos as a precedent, others are growing weary. Food prices keep rising, and the cost of living continues to soar, leaving many wondering—when will Tinubu’s economic policies truly favour Nigerians?
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY.
Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!