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: VDM and EFCC, Arsenal end season trophyless again, Tinubu commitment to partnership, and Plateau Killings.
Entertainment: VDM vs EFCC
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that activist Martin Otse, known as VDM, threatened to take legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the agency released his mugshot with a money laundering charge after he regained his freedom from custody.
He also alleged that the EFCC still had possession of his phone and vowed to reveal what transpired at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) prior to his arrest. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, raised the alarm over his arrest last Friday.
Meanwhile, Nigerians reacted with a mix of scepticism and support to VDM’s threat to sue the EFCC if they released the mugshot with the charge and allegedly deleted evidence from his phone, which remained in the anti-graft agency’s custody, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.
Some Nigerians applauded VDM’s boldness in challenging a powerful institution, viewing it as a step towards accountability. Others questioned the basis of his planned legal action, demanding greater transparency on the reasons behind his arrest and subsequent release.
Sports: Arsenal end season trophyless
NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that Arsenal fans once again endured the familiar sting of a trophyless season after their only remaining hope—the UEFA Champions League ended in disappointment as PSG knocked them out in ruthless fashion.
The loss triggered an outpouring of frustration online, with many supporters calling for the manager’s dismissal, citing tactical flaws and a lack of cutting edge in decisive moments.
The familiar chant of ‘Next Season FC’ echoed once more, steeped in bitter irony.
Rival fans revelled in Arsenal’s misfortune, flooding social media with memes and mockery, prolonging the banter and deepening the pain for Gunners supporters, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.
The narrative of promise unfulfilled continued to haunt the Emirates, leaving many to wonder when—or if, the trophy drought would finally end.
Politics: Tinubu and strategic partnerships
President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s economic recovery and development across key sectors as he welcomed fresh investment initiatives from the State of Qatar, particularly in agriculture, NRTC WEEKLY gathered.
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He received Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and special envoy of the Amir of Qatar, at the State House and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral ties and implement all existing agreements.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for the strengthening partnership between the two countries, recalling the outcomes of his 2024 state visit to Qatar.
He directed key ministers — Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), and Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) — to expedite the implementation of the signed agreements.
Metro: Plateau killings spark outrage
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that many Nigerians expressed outrage and sorrow over the worsening insecurity in the northwest, particularly following the recent surge in killings across Plateau State.
The violence drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for decisive action.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the killings, urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to find lasting solutions, and ordered security agencies to conduct thorough investigations.
Mutfwang apologised for the failures in security management and introduced measures such as banning night grazing and the vehicular transportation of cattle.
Also, Amnesty International condemned the killings as a gross security failure, citing the government’s continued inability to safeguard citizens.
Calls for justice and prosecution of the perpetrators intensified, with some describing the attacks as acts of ethnic cleansing.
The international community, including prominent figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso, urged the Federal Government to fulfil its responsibility to protect all Nigerians and prevent Plateau State from descending into a permanent conflict zone.
The spotlight now rests on implementing robust security measures, tackling the root causes of the violence, and delivering relief to affected communities.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
