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?

^{Sport: Super Falcons shines in World Cup opening match, entertainment: Anikulapo series production wrap-up, business: Fuel price rise again, leading stories: Garri, the new grocery, politics: Nigerians tell Tinubu to ‘allow poor breathe’ are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

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

Sport: Super Falcons shine in World Cup opening match

The impressive performance of Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup opening match has put a smile on the citizens’ faces amidst the economic hardship in the country. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that with an enthralling opening match, the Super Falcons of Nigeria put up a stellar performance against their formidable opponents, Canada, resulting in an intense goalless draw that set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

The first Nigeria opening match in group B took place at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia with fans from all corners of the globe gathering to witness the much-anticipated tournament.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic cheers and applause filling the air as the two teams, Nigeria and Canada, stepped onto the field.

The Super Falcons found it hard to demonstrate their determination right from the start, displaying non impressive exceptional skills and tactical prowess. 

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

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Super Falcon played with a cohesive and disciplined approach, passing the ball fluidly and defending resolutely against Canada’s attacks.

Led by star players like Uchenna Kanu and Desire Oparanozie—Asisat Oshoala, a five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, whose reputation precedes them as a true icon of women’s football, the Super Falcons unleashed a series of well-coordinated attacks, constantly challenging Canada’s defense. 

Despite their relentless efforts — their goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s excellent performance, they were unable to find the back of the net in the first half, and both teams headed into halftime with the score tied at 0-0.

Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum made some changes in the second half which was no different, as both teams fought tooth and nail for an opening goal, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

The Super Falcons’ defense remained rock-solid, thwarting any attempts by the Canadian team to breach their backline. Their goalkeeper made several crucial saves including a 50th-minute penalty save to deny Christine Sinclair a goal to showcase her exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.

As the match reached its closing stages, the intensity on the field reached a fever pitch. The Super Falcons continued to dazzle the crowd with their attacking prowess, creating several goal-scoring opportunities, but the Canadian defense held firm, denying them any breakthrough.

Canada, too, had their moments, launching swift counter-attacks and testing the Nigeria defense but couldn’t score despite a player being sent off. 

Reacting to the exceptional performance, Nigerians, especially Netizens hailed Chiamaka Nnadozie for the penalty save.

Netizens maintained that despite the game ending in a goalless draw, the quality of football displayed by the Falcons was a testament to the rising popularity and competitiveness of women’s football on the world stage.

‘The Super Falcons’ impressive goalless draw against Canada in the opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup showcased their potential and determination on the global stage. 

‘With their solid defensive display and attacking flair, the Super Falcons have certainly laid down the gauntlet for the rest of the competition, leaving football enthusiasts excited for what lies ahead in this thrilling tournament.’

Entertainment: Anikulapo series production wrap-up.

There was excitement in the air this week as renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan announced the wrap-up of the highly anticipated movie ‘Anikulapo’ series.

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that the wrapped-up had left audiences eager to witness the promising series after seeing the first part centered around a young man, Saro seeking greener pasture. 

Netizens opined that with the captivating storyline, stellar cast, and masterful direction of the first part of the movie, the series promises to be a groundbreaking project that celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcases the country’s talent in the world of entertainment.

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

Kunle Afolayan, known for his exceptional storytelling and ability to capture the essence of Nigerian culture, has once again set out to prove his mettle as a visionary filmmaker with the Anikulapo series. 

NRTC WEEKLY findings show that the production of the Anikulapo series spanned several months, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of its creation, starting from casting, set design, etc., as Afolayan spared no effort in ensuring that the series accurately depicted the era and brought the story to life.

Afolayan’s exceptional cast drawn from a pool of talented Nigerian actors, both established and rising stars, was topnotch. 

According to Netizens, the authentic portrayals of the characters mean they can expect a movie that will resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level as they eagerly await the release of the series.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Anikulapo series production wrap-up by Kunle Afolayan signifies a significant milestone in Nigerian television.  As the series heads into post-production, expectations are running high among fans and critics alike, eager to witness the final result of this monumental effort.

‘With its compelling storytelling, stellar cast, and attention to historical accuracy, the series is set to make a profound impact on viewers, elevating the standard of Nigerian television and contributing to the country’s ever-growing presence in the global entertainment industry.’

Business: Fuel price rise in Nigeria causes ripple effect on commodities, transportation, and other sectors

Nigerians have again entered another era of hiking Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that since President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of subsidy as he assumed office, things had not been easy for Nigerians. 

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

According to our findings, Nigeria is currently experiencing the impact of a significant rise in fuel prices, triggering a chain reaction that has reverberated across various sectors of the economy. 

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that the surge in fuel prices has led to an increase in the cost of commodities, transportation, and other essential services, putting a strain on the livelihoods of citizens and businesses alike.

The fuel price increase, largely influenced by international market fluctuations and domestic economic factors, has had far-reaching consequences on the cost of living in Nigeria. 

As fuel is a primary energy source for transportation, electricity generation, and industrial activities, its price hike has directly affected the production, distribution, and pricing of essential goods and services.

NRTC WEEKLY found out that one of the most noticeable impacts of the fuel price rise has been seen in the cost of commodities as transportation of goods from farms to markets and factories to retailers has become more expensive.

Some citizens have had to contend with rising prices for food, household items, and other essential commodities, NRTC WEEKLY gathered. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that as commodities had skyrocketed, some States rolled out palliatives to cushion the effect but citizens opined that the palliatives will do nothing more than to adjust fuel prices periodically to reflect global market dynamics and fiscal realities.

Additionally, industries heavily reliant on fuel for their operations have had to bear the brunt of the price hike which might lead to them shutting down as manufacturing, agriculture, and power generation sectors, among others, have witnessed a rise in their production costs, leading to reduced profit margins or potential price increases for their products and services. 

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that this will in turn contribute to inflationary pressures on the economy as a whole as the operational costs of running generators have risen significantly, posing challenges to businesses in terms of sustainability and profitability.

‘As the cost of living rises and businesses face mounting challenges, finding a delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and protecting the welfare of citizens remains a critical task for policymakers. Addressing the root causes of fuel price fluctuations and exploring sustainable energy solutions may be vital to mitigating the impacts of future fuel price hikes on the Nigerian economy and its people.’

Leading stories: Garri, the new grocery sensation sweeping Nigeria

For the past few days, a remarkable shift has been observed in Nigeria’s grocery shopping habits, with a humble staple known as ‘Garri’ gaining immense popularity and emerging as the new grocery sensation in the country. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Garri, a traditional West African food made from cassava, has long been a dietary staple, but its resurgence as a trendy and versatile grocery item is capturing the hearts and taste buds of Nigerians from all walks of life.

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

Garri’s rise to prominence is attributed to the current increase in fuel price which has led to a rise in commodities making it an attractive and practical choice for consumers across Nigeria. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that one of the key reasons for its newfound popularity is its affordability. With economic challenges and fluctuating food prices, many Nigerians have turned to Garri as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive food items.

Being versatile and easy to purchase, Garri has found its way into various dishes, making it a versatile grocery option. Traditionally, Garri is consumed by soaking it in water to create a fluffy, dough-like consistency, often served with various accompaniments such as groundnut, sugar, or milk. 

But, NRTC WEEKLY learned that Garri’s long shelf life and ease of storage make it a practical choice for households across Nigeria. Unlike perishable goods, Garri can be kept for an extended period without losing its nutritional value, making it an essential and reliable item to have in the pantry.

Without considering the health challenges or benefits of Garri had contributed to its growing popularity as a new grocery sensation. 

According to our findings, apart from its culinary uses, Garri has also become a go-to snack for many Nigerians. The rise of Garri as the new grocery sensation has had a positive impact on local farmers and traders as well. 

The demand for cassava has surged, leading to increased cultivation and market opportunities for small-scale farmers, thereby contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

Garri’s journey from a traditional staple to the new grocery sensation in Nigeria showcases the power of an increase in fuel price, turning it into the only affordable commodity for Nigerians.

‘As much as the fuel price remains up, Garri is set to remain a favorite grocery item in Nigeria for years to come.’

Politics: Allow the poor to breathe

A groundswell of voices is rising across Nigeria, as citizens unite to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the pressing issue of poverty and socio-economic inequality in the country. 

NRTC WEEKLY found out that ‘Let the poor breathe’ was slang used by President Tinubu during his campaign, meaning the poor people should have a life to live.

Nigerians from all walks of life are urging Tinubu to take concrete steps to alleviate the burden on the impoverished segments of society, allowing them to breathe and prosper.

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

Netizens attacked Tinubu for having digressed from his promise to Nigerians’ within a few months of assuming office, despite being seen as a key player in the nation’s political landscape that could bring change with his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. 

NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that as Nigeria grapples with the harsh realities of poverty, citizens are increasingly vocal about the urgent need for leaders like Tinubu to prioritize policies and initiatives that address socio-economic disparities.

They said Tinubu should ‘allow the poor to breathe’ resonates with Nigerians who feel the weight of poverty and its impact on their daily lives. Many are expressing their frustration with the lack of adequate support systems and opportunities for those living in poverty, resulting in a cycle of economic deprivation and limited access to necessities.

The rallying cry for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ‘allow the poor to breathe’ reflects the deep-rooted desire of Nigerians to see tangible efforts in addressing poverty and socio-economic inequalities in the country.

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the coming together of voices from across the nation demonstrates the strength of public sentiment and the power of citizens to advocate for change, signaling the need for leaders to heed the call and prioritize the welfare of the impoverished.

‘We believe he has the opportunity to champion transformative policies and initiatives that can uplift the marginalized and vulnerable segments of society, creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nigerians.’

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.