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

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?

^{Leading stories: Naira Marley preaches against Drug Abuse, politics: Tinubu releases ministerial portfolios, business: Federal government dolls out 5 Billion for palliative, entertainment: Jagun Jagun movie, sport: Reactions as Messi makes UEFA Men’s Player of the Year nominees are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

Leading stories: Naira Marley preaches against Drug Abuse 

On Thursday, NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Naira Marley’s outspoken stance against drug abuse sparked diverse reactions among Nigerians. As a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry known for smoking, his preaches against drug abuse have drawn both praise and criticism.

After the singer was in the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters where he met with the Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, to declare support for the campaign against drug abuse, Nigerians commended him for using his platform to address such a critical issue. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that some Nigerians knocked the Marlian with his messages that resonated strongly with the youth, given his own experiences and candid approach. 

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Netizens via their social media handles questioned the drug abuse case against the singer despite managing to capture the attention of those who might otherwise ignore the dangers of drug abuse. 

According to some Netizens, his messages serve as a wake-up call, encouraging young people to rethink their choices and make healthier decisions.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that some critics argue that Naira Marley’s preaching against drug abuse might come across as hypocritical due to his past controversies and associations. They question whether his intentions are genuinely driven by concern for the youth or if it’s a calculated move to improve his and NDLEA’s public image. 

Despite these reservations, there’s no denying that his messages are sparking conversations about a critical issue that affects Nigerian society.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Naira Marley’s preaches against drug abuse regardless of the opinions have undeniably generated important conversations about drug abuse in Nigeria. 

‘The long-term impact of his advocacy remains to be seen, but he has undeniably succeeded in bringing attention to a crucial societal concern.’ 

Netizens stated.

Politics: Reactions trail unveiling of Tinubu Ministerial Portfolios

Nigerians have expressed shock over the recent release of ministerial portfolios by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the announcement has sent shockwaves through the country, triggering a mix of surprise, anticipation, and skepticism. 

As a much-anticipated event, the unveiling of ministerial portfolios often carries significant implications for the nation’s governance and direction.

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Nigerians are no strangers to closely following political developments, and the release of ministerial portfolios is a particularly awaited announcement. Citizens and political observers alike eagerly scrutinize the choices made by the president, analyzing the individuals selected for key roles and the distribution of responsibilities among various ministries.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the president’s choices may reflect his strategy to balance political interests, regional representation, and the need for expertise in various sectors. Some appointments may be met with enthusiastic support, while others might raise eyebrows due to concerns about competence, past performance, or perceived biases.

We (NRTC WEEKLY) confirmed that social media platforms light up with discussions as Nigerians share their views on the ministerial appointments with expressions of excitement, disappointment, or frustration with the president’s selections. 

Memes, commentaries, and analyses flood the digital landscape, reflecting the diversity of opinions and emotions provoked by the announcement, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed. 

Nigerians, having witnessed past administrations facing challenges in translating promises into effective governance, are watching closely as the new appointees assume their roles on Monday, hoping for meaningful change and progress.

Business: Nigerians reacts to the Federal Government’s 5 billion naira palliative allocation

The recent allocation of 5 billion naira by the Nigerian federal government to each state for palliative measures has elicited a range of reactions across the country. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that given the ongoing economic challenges and the impacts of the global pandemic, Nigerians have been closely watching government responses to provide relief to citizens in need.

The announcement of this fund allocation has triggered a mixture of hope, skepticism, and concern among Nigerians. Many citizens welcome the government’s move as a step in the right direction, acknowledging the importance of providing financial support to vulnerable populations during times of crisis. 

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Since the removal of fuel subsidy, the economic downturn and job losses have disproportionately affected lower-income households, making these palliative measures a critical lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet.

NRTC WEEKLY investigation showed that the skepticism arises from a history of mismanagement and lack of transparency in previous relief efforts (COVID-19). Nigerians often remember instances where promised funds or support did not reach those who needed it most, leading to a general distrust in the government’s ability to effectively distribute aid. 

Checking some citizens’ expressions about corruption and bureaucratic hurdles that might hinder the equitable distribution of the allocated funds for the citizens, NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the online discourse reflects the complex relationship between the government and the people, highlighting both the desperation for assistance and the desire for accountability.

While 5 billion naira is a substantial amount, some critics argue that it might not be sufficient to adequately address the scale of economic challenges faced by a nation as populous and diverse as Nigeria, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.

This opens up conversations about the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to providing long-term support and stability to the citizens.

Entertainment: Jagun Jagun movie 

Again, the Nigerian film industry, often referred to as Nollywood, has produced a remarkable ability to captivate audiences not only within the country but also around the world. 

After Anikulapo, the recent buzz surrounding Femi Adebayo’s movie “Jagun Jagun” exemplifies the global reach and impact of Nigerian cinema, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. 

NRTC WEEKLY learnt that since the release of the movie on August 10th, Nigerians have been expressing widespread satisfaction as “Jagun Jagun” takes center stage in discussions across the globe. Femi Adebayo, a seasoned actor, and filmmaker, has managed to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. 

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The movie’s themes, performances, and production quality have combined to create a cinematic experience that’s garnering international attention.

This level of satisfaction among Nigerians stems from several factors— firstly, the pride in seeing Nigerian filmmakers creating content that not only entertains but also showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and storytelling prowess. 

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that “Jagun Jagun” weaves together elements of drama, action, and traditional values, creating a tapestry that resonates with audiences of various backgrounds.

Social media platforms went abuzz with discussions, reactions, and recommendations about the movie with Nigerians both home and in the diaspora proudly sharing their thoughts and encouraging others to watch the film. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that fans express their admiration for Femi Adebayo’s work, the cast’s performances, and the overall impact of the film as the movie’s global recognition is not only a source of pride but also a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian cinema on the international stage. 

The success of “Jagun Jagun” serves as an example of how Nollywood continues to break barriers and expand its reach beyond national borders—it encourages other filmmakers to aspire to create content that resonates with a diverse audience.

Furthermore, the success of “Jagun Jagun” signifies the power of storytelling to bridge cultures and connect people across continents. Nigerian narratives can evoke universal emotions and themes that resonate with audiences regardless of their backgrounds.

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‘The global discussions reflect the immense pride and enthusiasm that the country’s film industry evokes. This cinematic achievement showcases the talent, creativity, and cultural richness that Nollywood brings to the world stage, fostering connections and conversations that transcend borders.’

Sport: Reactions as Messi makes UEFA Men’s Player of the Year nominees 

The recent nomination of Lionel Messi for the UEFA Champions League Men’s Player of the Season award, despite Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) early exit from the Round of 16, has sparked a wave of reactions across the footballing world. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Messi’s reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time undoubtedly influences the discourse surrounding his nomination.

We (NRTC WEEKLY) learnt that reactions to Messi’s nomination are a mixture of praise, disbelief, and debate, with many fans and experts applauding UEFA for recognizing Messi’s brilliance, acknowledging that his performance on the pitch often transcends team results. 

They point to his remarkable goal-scoring record, assists, and overall impact on matches, regardless of PSG’s outcome in the competition, but on the other hand, some critics question the decision, citing the importance of team achievements in a tournament like the UEFA Champions League. 

According to the Netizens, a player’s contribution should be evaluated in the context of how far their team advanced in the competition. With PSG’s elimination in the Round of 16, some believe that players from teams that reached the later stages should have been prioritized for the award, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. 

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With social media platforms buzzing with arguments about Messi’s nomination,  fans express their opinions on whether individual excellence should outweigh team success when considering awards of this nature.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that the nomination has ignited debates about the criteria for evaluating players in awards that are meant to celebrate both individual skill and team achievements.

As the winner will be announced at the UCLdraw on 31 August 2023, the discourse is will Lionel Messi win or Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland of Manchester City. 

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