NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

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?

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

^{Entertainment: Wizkid fails to make Headies, leading stories; Emefiele arrest and charges, politics; Tinubu’s N500bn palliatives, sport; Preseason game commences, Manchester United shine as Arsenal held to draw — education, NECO results in shock Nigerians are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

Whizkid’s absence from Headies nomination, a surprising turn of events

The Headies [Hip Hop World Awards] one of Nigeria’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, has always been a platform to recognize and honor outstanding talents in the Nigerian music industry. 

NRTC WEEKLY learned that the music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria allowed numerous artists to vie for recognition each year — but there’s no doubt that some noteworthy names may be left out. 

The Internet went agog on the 12th of July when famous Afrobeat singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known as Wizkid failed to get a nomination at the 2023 Headies Awards for the first time since 2011.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that in a surprising turn of events, the absence of Wizkid from the Headies nomination list this year has left fans and critics alike astonished. 

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

His absence from the Headies nomination list does not diminish his accomplishments or global acclaim as an artist who has successfully transcended boundaries and achieved international recognition. 

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that the singer will continue to make waves in the music industry even though the exclusion may have disappointed fans who were eagerly anticipating his presence at the award ceremony.

Wizkid fans via their social media platforms question the credibility of the award ceremony due to his omission while others see it as a testament to the diversity and competitiveness of the Nigerian music scene. 

While NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that Wizkid’s absence from the Headies nomination list this year has sparked conversations and raised eyebrows within the Nigerian music industry; the specific reasons behind his omission remain unknown and it is essential to point out that Headies is just one platform among many through which Wizkid’s talent and achievements can be acknowledged.

His fans argued that his remarkable career would continue to unfold, evident that his impact on the Nigerian and global music scene will endure, regardless of any award nominations or omissions.

“Headies organizers should address the lapses and ensure transparency in their next year selection process to maintain the trust and respect of both artists and fans.”

Sport: Preseason game commences, Manchester United shine as Arsenal held to draw

Amid anticipation and excitement for the kickoff of the season, the commencement of the preseason games brought delight to football enthusiasts worldwide. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that as fans eagerly awaited the return of their beloved teams to the pitch as two English giants, Manchester United and Arsenal, took center stage in a highly anticipated preseason game.

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

The preseason period is a crucial time for teams to fine-tune their tactics, experiment with new formations, and allow players to regain their match fitness after a well-deserved break as well as serves as a platform for managers to assess their squads and identify areas that need improvement before the start of the competitive season, NRTC WEEKLY learned.

In this particular preseason clash, Manchester United showed glimpses of their potential as they demonstrated their attacking prowess and claimed the spotlight win over Leed United. 

With the arrival of new signings and the continued development of their young talents, the Red Devils showcased a fluid and cohesive style of play. According to their fans, the team displayed excellent chemistry and coordination, which was evident in their quick passing, incisive runs, and clinical finishing means it’ll not take it easy on the Giants clubs when the League commences. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Manchester United launched a series of blistering attacks that left the Leed defense scrambling to contain their relentless pressure. The fluid movement and creativity in the final third provided two goals for the Red Devils, with their attackers combining effectively to penetrate the Leed backline.

While Manchester United showed a standout performance with their marquee signing, who had recently joined the club with high expectations, Arsenal Football Club displayed a cold message to their fans. 

Displaying immense skill and vision, Arsenal dictated the game’s tempo and orchestrated attacking moves with pinpoint passing with the ability to find teammates in dangerous positions and unlock the Nürnberg defense with Bukayo Saka’s goal in seven minutes. 

Saka and other players’ intelligent through balls were a joy to behold for fans until the 62 minutes equalizer goal from Okunuki. NRTC WEEKLY learned that Arsenal found themselves held to a draw, despite showing glimpses of their attacking prowess. 

The Gunners struggled to find their rhythm in the second half of the match, but as the game progressed, they grew into the contest and managed to create a few promising chances of their own.

Arsenal’s defensive unit worked tirelessly to repel Nürnberg’s advances, and their goalkeeper made a series of stunning saves to deny the club from finding the back of the net. 

As the game approached its final stages, Arsenal’s resilience couldn’t pay off as they failed to find a second goal through a well-executed set-piece routine, showcasing their tactical astuteness.

Reacting to the Arsenal draw, Netizens said the club display revealed that the Gunners are not ready for the task ahead, although the new signees are yet to resume. 

On the  Manchester United side, they commended their attacking prowess.

“Preseason games are not necessarily an accurate reflection of what lies ahead in the competitive season, they offer a glimpse into the potential and preparations of each team. 

“As Manchester United shone brightly, and Arsenal displayed resilience in the face of adversity, we eagerly await the forthcoming campaign, hoping for the clubs to flourish and achieve success on the grand stage of football.”

Education: NECO results shock Nigerians

The release of examination results always carries a certain level of anticipation and nervousness among students and their families. In a recent occurrence that sent shockwaves across Nigeria, the release of the National Examinations Council (NECO) results left many Nigerians surprised and concerned.

NECO, one of Nigeria’s major examination bodies, conducts various secondary school examinations, including the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). These exams hold significant importance as they serve as a benchmark for students’ academic performance and their future educational prospects.

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

The shock that reverberated through the nation stemmed from the unexpected decline in overall performance, with a significant decrease in the number of students who achieved desirable grades. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that this year’s outcome was in stark contrast to the expectations of students, parents, and educators who had anticipated a more favorable outcome.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo Andrew said 76 pupils had the highest score of 203 while six pupils had the lowest score of one mark.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that the release of the NECO results led to widespread discussions and debates across the country with many Nigerians expressing disappointment and concern, questioning the possible causes behind the decline in performance. 

Various factors were speculated to contribute to this unexpected outcome, including changes in the examination format, curriculum issues, teaching methodologies, and even societal challenges that may have impacted students’ focus and preparation.

Some argued that since the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reduced cut-off marks for all Universities in Nigeria to 140, definitely the student’s performance will be low.

As the shock of the NECO results settled in, Education stakeholders and parents’ calls for reforms and measures to uplift the education system gained momentum. 

According to them, the incident served as a wake-up call, reminding the nation of the importance of investing in education, both in terms of resources and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. 

“It highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that would foster improved academic outcomes for Nigerian students.

Leading stories: Emefiele arrest and charges

The case of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele has triggered reactions from Nigerians following conflict judgement surrounding his case this week, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the Department of State Service, DSS, to either charge Emefiele to court or set him free following his detention. NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that DSS hours after the judgement was passed announced charging Emefiele to court. 

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

But to the greatest surprise of Nigerians, another Federal High Court in Abuja ordered DSS to set Emefiele free barely 24 hours after the Service announced his charge. 

While voiding the order l, Justice Bello Kawu held that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele violated the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.

Reacting to the order, Nigerians expressed concerns over the conflicting judgement going on in the country, adding that Emefiele should not go unpunished having taken a decision that led to the death of many Nigerians. 

Recall that NRTC WEEKLY reported about the crisis that surrounded the naira redesign worsened early this year due to the Central Bank of Nigeria naira redesigned policy. 

Nigeria witnessed queues at banks, tension, protests, and unease regarding the scarcity of the new notes due to the naira redesign which in turn led to the death of many. 

During the naira scarcity issue, Nigerians begged Emefiele and concerned Bodie to allow them to spend the old notes but all proved abortive until the last minutes.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that on Friday, June 9, 2023, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele as CBN Governor and directed that the bank’s Deputy Governor of Operations, Folashodun Shonubi resume office in an acting capacity over what he described as mismanagement of funds.

The next day, the DSS confirmed that Emefiele is in its custody and since then had been in their detention.

According to DSS, Emefiele’s arrest had been launched since 2022 before he finally landed into their custody in 2023, on the strength of suspected fresh criminal infractions/information, one of which forms the basis for his current prosecution. 

At the time of filing this report, Nigerians, especially Netizens demanded the whereabouts of old notes the Banks collected back.

Politics: Tinubu’s N500bn palliatives

Social media went buzzing following the House of Representatives’ approval of a sum of N500 billion for the Federal Government roll palliatives programme following the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the House for the approval of the funds as measures are being worked out to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

ALSO READ: NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week

House said the approval was sequel to the consideration and approval of a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the amendment of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.

Reacting to the development, Nigerians expressed concern that the palliatives will be held by some politicians as witnesses during the COVID-19 lockdown begging the president to monitor the process. 

While commending Tinubu for understanding the people suffering due to the subsidy removal opined that the process should be scrutinized to avoid the former experience.

“Under Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, palliatives were hoarded and were later used for campaign — therefore, the trust is not there again.”

Here, the cotton of this week’s episode of NRTC WEEKLY will drop. Join us for another edition next week as we take you around the trending stories in Nigeria.