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: Chelsea Club World Cup humiliation, INEC new headquarters, Laide Bakare and Portable’s spat, and Benue killings.
Sports: Chelsea’s Club World Cup humiliation
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Chelsea suffered a shocking 3–1 defeat to Flamengo in their second Club World Cup match, leaving their fans stunned and frustrated.
Despite Pedro Neto giving the Blues an early lead, they collapsed in the second half.Backed by a vibrant crowd, the Brazilian side launched a remarkable comeback and scored three goals.
Tensions among Chelsea supporters intensified after Nicolas Jackson received a straight red card, extinguishing any realistic hopes of a comeback. Social media users reacted with widespread dismay and criticism, questioning the team’s defensive weaknesses and Enzo Maresca’s tactical decisions.
While some fans held out hope for qualification, many demanded explanations following a performance that raised serious doubts about the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
Politics: INEC’s new headquarters sparks outrage
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that many Nigerians expressed anger over the government’s decision to construct a new INEC headquarters despite ongoing security crises and economic hardship.Citizens widely criticised the move as a blatant misplacement of priorities.
They questioned the logic of investing in such an expensive project while states like Benue and Plateau continued to endure unrelenting violence and millions struggled with hunger and poverty.
The public reaction highlighted growing concerns over the disconnect between government expenditure and the urgent needs of ordinary Nigerians. Critics argued that the funds should have gone towards tackling insecurity, supporting displaced citizens, and easing the cost of living.
The government’s failure to sign key electoral reform bills—especially those mandating electronic transmission of results—further inflamed public anger. Many accused leaders of prioritising infrastructure over free and credible elections.
Entertainment: Laide Bakare and Portable resume feud
NRTC WEEKLY reported that actress Laide Bakare and controversial singer Habeeb ‘Portable’ Okikiola reignited their long-standing feud online, sixteen months after their initial fallout.
Their dispute originally began in February 2024, after Bakare—serving as Osun State’s Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment—stated in an interview that she would retaliate if her husband ever cheated on her.
Portable, then aged 31, publicly condemned her remarks, accusing her of promoting infidelity and warning her to steer clear of his wife, actress Ashabi Simple.Bakare later responded during an interview on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast, calling Portable a “dirty boy” for attacking her on social media.
Although Portable initially dialled down his criticism, he claimed Bakare had invited him to an event but refused to pay him—despite her celebrity status.However, less than sixteen months later, the pair rekindled the drama online.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
The latest clash started when Bakare criticised Nigerians who travelled to countries like Mali, Iraq, and Libya to accept domestic jobs they would reject in Nigeria. In a video shared on her Instagram page, she insisted that there were decent job opportunities at home.
She also alleged that many Nigerians abroad ended up in prostitution and degrading work.She further expressed her disappointment that most refused to return, despite the efforts of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and compassionate citizens.
In response, Portable posted a video on Instagram, slamming her remarks. He argued that there were no jobs in Nigeria and warned Bakare against suggesting that Nigerians abroad were unemployed or engaged in sex work.
Bakare, visibly angered by his comments, told Portable to stay out of her business.
In a follow-up video, Portable—clearly upset—claimed he wanted to date Bakare, citing her familiarity with those involved in prostitution and her single status.
He revealed that their earlier dispute stemmed from her inviting him to a party but refusing to pay him for his appearance.
As of the time of filing this report, both entertainers continued exchanging jibes on social media.
Leading Stories: Benue massacres stir nationwide grief
NRTC WEEKLY reported that Nigerians reacted with outrage, sorrow, and growing exasperation over the worsening violence in Benue State. The latest series of massacres in June 2025 claimed hundreds of lives, fuelling the belief that Benue had become a killing field.
Citizens expressed deep fatigue from what they described as endless mourning.
Many condemned the government’s slow and inadequate response to the crisis. Social media exploded with demands for swift action, with users comparing the government’s forceful handling of political dissent to its silence or weak reaction to the bloodshed in Benue.
Celebrities and civil society organisations, including Plan International Nigeria and NANS, denounced the killings and called for justice, accountability, and urgent intervention.
The public urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives over capital projects and to provide immediate relief for victims and displaced persons.
There was a widespread belief that failure to act decisively would further erode citizens’ trust in governance.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
