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 organisation, 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: Portable, Manchester City Champion League exist, IBB autobiography and Edwin Clark’s death.
Entertainment: Portable and Ogun govt
Controversial singer Portable vowed to turn a new leaf following his release on bail.
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the singer had an issue with the Ogun State government over the assault of three officials from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
He went into hiding after nine of his protégés were arrested and arraigned before the court on five-count charges.Portable’s refusal to honour police invitations led to the police declaring him wanted.
However, he later turned himself in and was arraigned in court.The Zazu crooner secured an N2 million bail from an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, after pleading not guilty to charges including conspiracy, assault, possession of weapons, and disorderly conduct.
The case was adjourned to March 5 for a hearing.
Sports: Manchester City Champions League exit
Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City from the Champions League, sparking widespread reactions from football fans worldwide.
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Many fans expressed disappointment over Kylian Mbappe’s three goals and the 3-2 loss at the Etihad, believing it could have been avoided if Rodri had played.
Given the club’s heavy investments, fans had high expectations for Champions League success.
The fact that Real Madrid knocked out Manchester City intensified reactions due to the historical rivalry between both clubs in the Champions League.
Ultimately, Manchester City’s Champions League exit triggered a complex mix of emotions, ranging from disappointment and frustration to excitement and celebration, depending on individual allegiances.
Politics: IBB autobiography
The release of former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, ignited varied reactions across Nigeria.
A key point of discussion centred on Babangida’s acknowledgement of the 1993 presidential election results, widely believed to have been won by M.K.O. Abiola, which elicited mixed responses.
President Bola Tinubu commended Babangida for demonstrating “unusual courage and patriotism” in admitting Abiola’s victory.
However, many Nigerians and activists voiced mixed feelings—some welcomed the acknowledgement, while others highlighted the pain and injustice caused by the annulment.
Questions also arose regarding the benefits and privileges due to the Abiola and Kingibe families.
Reactions ranged from an appreciation for setting the historical record straight to scepticism that any book could repair the damage done by past actions.
Some legal and human rights activists called for further accountability, while others acknowledged Babangida’s courage in addressing sensitive issues.
The autobiography reignited conversations about Nigeria’s past, particularly the controversial 1993 election, drawing responses from acceptance to criticism.
Metro: Edwin Clark’s death
Elder statesman Edwin Clark passed away at 97, prompting national mourning from politicians and well-meaning Nigerians.
Clark’s family announced his passing in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, southern governors, northern governors, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum all mourned Clark.
President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Clark’s passing as the loss of a true patriot.
The President noted that Clark was a courageous leader who stood firm in his beliefs and never hesitated to stand alone in the face of injustice.
Similarly, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Clark as a distinguished patriot and a relentless advocate for justice and equity.
Idris emphasised that Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and development—particularly as a politician, nationalist, and elder statesman—left a lasting impact on the nation’s governance and unity.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Clark’s death as a monumental loss to the nation.
In a personally signed statement, Akpabio noted that Clark lived a life of service, conviction, and dedication to justice.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, mourned the passing of the esteemed nationalist.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
