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: Epl returns, Corpers 77k allowance, economy hardship, Edo killing—Peller vs 30 days rant.
Sports: EPL returns
NRTC WEEKLY learned that football lovers, especially Premier League fans, could not contain their excitement as the league resumed after an international break.
Their emotions ran high, particularly among supporters of clubs in the top six battling for Champions League and Europa League spots. Despite the title race being a contest between Arsenal and Liverpool, the anticipation among fans intensified.
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that fans shared highlight reels of their favourite players from the international break, hoping they carried that form into the Premier League. Arsenal and Liverpool supporters experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety as the title race heated up.
Every upcoming fixture felt like a potential title decider, sparking discussions about “must-win” games and possible slip-ups.
A major concern centred on the fitness of key players returning from international duty. The Premier League’s return became a highly anticipated event, with fans eager to see how the title race unfolded.
The rivalry between Arsenal and Liverpool fans created a thrilling atmosphere as the season neared its climax.
Leading Stories: Corps members received ₦77,000
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members celebrated after receiving their long-awaited increased allowance.
The Federal Government disbursed the new ₦77,000 monthly payment, aiming to improve the welfare of corps members amid the rising cost of living.
However, reports surfaced of payment delays, leaving some corps members waiting for backlogs.
While many welcomed the allowance increase, concerns remained about outstanding payments and the need for broader reforms in the NYSC program.
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Business: Economic hardship worsens under Tinubu
NRTC WEEKLY learned that multiple sectors in Nigeria struggled amid economic difficulties under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Rising fuel prices and inflation strained household budgets, making it difficult for many Nigerians to afford daily necessities.
Metro: Edo killing sparked outrage
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the brutal murder of 16 travellers by an irate mob in Uromi, Edo State, drew strong reactions from President Tinubu, state governors, and political leaders, who condemned the attack.
President Tinubu ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators, while governors joined the call for justice.
Reports revealed that on Saturday, the victims, who were identified as hunters, travelled in a Dangote Cement truck when local security operatives stopped them around 1:30 p.m. in the Udune Efandion community.
Upon searching the vehicle, the security operatives reportedly discovered Dane guns, triggering an attack by the mob. A disturbing video on X captured the moment the victims were lynched.
In the 29-second clip, the travellers screamed for mercy as the crowd brutally assaulted them before setting them ablaze. Shockingly, some residents continued their daily activities, appearing unbothered by the unfolding violence.
Reacting to the incident, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects.
The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated on Friday that security agencies held an emergency meeting with community stakeholders to address the crisis.
He further disclosed that a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams had been deployed to prevent further unrest. Yamu cautioned against retaliatory attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.
President Tinubu, in a statement on Friday, directed security agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators faced justice.
Expressing shock at the gruesome act, Tinubu extended his condolences to the victims’ families, assuring them that the government would bring the attackers to book. The Northern States Governors’ Forum also strongly condemned the killings.
Forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya described the attack as a gross violation of human rights, stressing the need to punish extrajudicial violence.
In a statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at Gombe Government House, the NSGF chairman extended condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected by the tragedy.
Entertainment: Peller faced backlash over ‘30 Days Rant’ comments
TikToker Peller faced heavy criticism on social media after calling on Nigerians to stop the “30 Days Rant Challenge.”
The viral social media trend, particularly popular on TikTok, allowed Nigerians to vent their frustrations about worsening economic conditions.
The movement gained traction after a youth corps member posted a video criticizing the government’s economic policies.
Peller, a TikTok influencer, warned about potential consequences, suggesting that excessive online criticism could prompt the government to ban TikTok, which served as a livelihood for many content creators.
He also remarked that instead of complaining online, people should voice their grievances in marketplaces.
His comments sparked outrage, causing him to lose followers. In response, he issued an apology to clarify his stance and regain public support.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
