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: End to Fubara’s Wike feud, Tinubu’s signing of tax reform, Club World Cup knockout stage, Bobrisky’s new name and look.
Politics: Wike and Fubara End Feud
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, settled their differences.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions, as citizens, particularly in Rivers State, expressed relief and hope that the resolution would finally pave the way for governance and development.
Although Fubara had not yet been reinstated as governor following the emergency rule imposed on 18 March by President Bola Tinubu, the prolonged conflict had paralysed governance, compromised security, and created uncertainty, prompting widespread calls for peace.
There was cautious optimism that the newly brokered truce, reportedly facilitated by federal intervention, would enable the state to focus on critical developmental issues instead of political wrangling.
However, many Nigerians remained sceptical, perceiving the reconciliation as possibly superficial or a temporary arrangement driven by political convenience rather than a genuine desire for peace. Some believed the underlying power struggle might resurface, given the depth and intensity of the initial dispute.
Leading stories: Tinubu signed tax reform bills
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that President Tinubu signed four tax reform bills into law, sparking mixed reactions nationwide as the development aimed to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
Government officials and several economic experts praised the reforms as vital steps towards economic growth, improved revenue generation, and a simplified tax system.
Like Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, many argued that the new laws would ease the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, attract investment, and improve the ease of doing business.
The Presidency stressed that the tax reforms were “pivotal” to Nigeria’s prosperity and addressed the nation’s historically low tax-to-GDP ratio.Despite this, many Nigerians remained apprehensive.
The bills had initially drawn heated opposition, particularly concerning the VAT revenue-sharing formula and possible impacts on states.
While advocates of the reforms pointed out that provisions such as zero corporate tax for small businesses and VAT exemptions on essential items would provide relief, critics feared that some measures, including the potential for future VAT increases, could worsen inflation and erode purchasing power for ordinary Nigerians already facing severe economic pressures.
Sports: Club World Cup Round of 16: European giants secure spots
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup took shape, with Premier League sides Manchester City and Chelsea securing qualification, alongside European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Football fans across the globe buzzed with excitement as the knockout stage approached, promising electrifying clashes involving some of the world’s top clubs.
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The prospect of these European giants facing off in the newly expanded tournament format ignited passionate discussions across social media and fan forums.
Many supporters eagerly anticipated high-stakes matches, hoping to witness dream encounters between clubs that rarely meet outside the UEFA Champions League.
Particular interest surrounded how the European elite would perform against strong sides from other confederations, setting the stage for a truly global football spectacle.
Nonetheless, some fans and analysts raised concerns about fixture congestion and player welfare, especially for clubs already navigating packed domestic and continental schedules.
Entertainment: Bobrisky’s new look sparks social media frenzy
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Bobrisky’s recent announcement of a new name (Afolashade) and altered appearance triggered a social media frenzy.
Singer Portable led the online reaction as Bobrisky, who previously identified as the self-proclaimed Mummy of Lagos, unveiled a shift towards a more masculine identity, along with a striking new look that quickly became the centre of online debate.
Many Nigerians, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, responded with a mixture of surprise, humour, and sharp criticism.
Some viewed Bobrisky’s latest transformation as yet another publicity stunt, while others expressed confusion over the fluidity of the identity being presented.
The development once again stirred broader conversations about self-expression, attention-seeking in celebrity culture, and shifting societal perceptions.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
