Estimated reading time: 5 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?
NRTC WEEKLY Highlights
Topics for this edition: Obi vs Tinubu poverty assessment, Portable’s Ibadan show, Manchester United vs Liverpool and New Year resolutions.
Politics: Obi vs Tinubu
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi faced criticism from appointees of President Bola Tinubu after urging the President to visit Nigeria’s 36 states to assess the widespread poverty and hardship affecting citizens under his administration.
During a New Year conference in Abuja, Obi criticised Tinubu’s numerous international trips, stating that the President has visited over 17 countries on more than 30 trips without addressing the suffering of Nigerians at home.
Obi’s remarks sparked backlash from Tinubu’s aides and supporters, who accused the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate of attempting to tarnish the President’s image.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s claims, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.
“While Nigerians celebrated the New Year with hope for a brighter 2025, Obi remains stuck in his gloom-ridden narratives,” Onanuga said. He also labelled Obi’s comments as those of a “doomsayer”, arguing that Nigeria is witnessing significant progress across various sectors.
Additionally, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, criticized Obi, accusing him of being an “enemy of progress” with no significant achievements during his tenure as Anambra governor.
Entertainment: Portable’s Ibadan show controversy
Nigerian singer Portable came under fire after failing to perform at Taye Currency’s concert in Ibadan on January 2, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated.
The concert organisers revealed that despite the anticipation surrounding Portable’s scheduled performance, he was not allowed to appear on stage due to security concerns.
These concerns were linked to Portable’s controversial comments about Ibadan last year, where he referred to the city in unflattering terms. Although he later apologised, some residents reportedly sought to confront him at the event.
Fans, who had eagerly awaited Portable’s performance, expressed their outrage on social media, with many calling out the singer for failing to address the situation directly.
Sports: Manchester United vs Liverpool showdown
Anticipation is at its peak as Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to face off in one of football’s most heated rivalries. Fans worldwide are abuzz with excitement, eager to see how the clash unfolds tomorrow.
United supporters remain cautiously optimistic despite their team’s underwhelming performance this season. The weight of past defeats and Liverpool’s dominance in recent meetings adds a layer of nervousness as they hope for a turnaround.
On the other hand, Liverpool fans are brimming with confidence, fueled by their team’s recent form and success in this fixture. They are determined to extend their winning streak and assert their superiority.
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Neutral fans are looking forward to the high-stakes drama, ready to savour the intensity and passion that this rivalry promises. The atmosphere surrounding the match is electric, ensuring an unforgettable spectacle for players and fans alike.
Leading Stories: New Year resolutions
As the New Year begins, the tradition of setting resolutions continues to elicit a variety of reactions, ranging from optimism to scepticism. Many see resolutions as a chance for a fresh start and personal growth, embracing the opportunity to set goals and strive for improvement.
For some, the enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring them to reflect on their aspirations. However, others approach resolutions with scepticism, citing their high failure rate.
Unrealistic or overly ambitious resolutions often become the subject of lighthearted jokes and social media banter. This scepticism is fueled by past experiences of unmet goals or the challenges of sustaining long-term change.
Despite differing perspectives, the New Year remains a moment for reflection, renewal, and hope for the future.
Stay tuned to NRTC WEEKLY for more updates on these pressing issues shaping Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.
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