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?

^{Business: Labour Unions protest, politics: Tinubu set a record for ministerial nominees, metro: another Nollywood actor dies, sport: African countries set records in the World Cup, leading stories: more palliatives are the stories to discuss on this week NRTC WEEKLY.} 

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

Business: Labour Unions protest, Nigerians express disappointment 

On Tuesday, the nationwide planned protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trades Union Congress (TUC) made the internet go agog being the first of its kind under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the planned nationwide protest was because of the removal of fuel subsidy by Tinubu as well as the cost of governance reflecting concerns about government spending and its impact. 

When the protest fliers went viral on social media, Netizens were keen that the protest would last for days since the high cost of governance can strain public finances, divert resources from essential services, and lead to inequality.

They opined that the effects of this issue are widespread as it can lead to reduced funding for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which are crucial for citizens’ well-being and economic development. Additionally, excessive government spending can contribute to inflation and hinder economic growth, NRTC WEEKLY learned. 

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

Fast-forward to the protest day which happened in almost all the states was to call on the government to address these concerns and bring a multi-pronged approach which is necessary. The approach might include implementing transparent budgeting practices, optimizing government agencies and ministries to eliminate redundancy, and reducing unnecessary perks and allowances for public officials. 

Reforms in taxation and revenue collection can also play a role in improving government finances, Engaging in open dialogue with labor unions and civil society to find common ground and understanding can help in crafting effective solutions, these and more were inscriptions on the protest placards. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that while concerned Nigerians were on the street to demand a balanced approach that can tackle the root causes of the high cost of governance and ensure the well-being of citizens and public employees is essential for a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria, the leadership of the Unions met with President Tinubu only to come out with a resolution to dissolve the ongoing protest. 

Taking to their social media handles, Nigerians dragged the Union’s leaders of compromise, saying they expected the protest not to end soon. NRTC WEEKLY gathered Netizens stating the leaders who met with the President were bribed to call off the strike. 

‘They have sold their consent and left the common masses on the street to suffer — even if they gave them billions it’ll be finished and we’ll all come back to suffering. Nigerian leaders are not trustable.’

Netizens stated.

While some were knocking the Unions leaders for betraying Nigerians, some kudos to the President for allowing peaceful protest and also a quick intervention to address the protest. 

‘We know some leaders who didn’t give room for protest during their tenure and no table negotiations to see to problems facing the citizens.’

Leading stories: More palliatives

The questions many Nigerians are asking as State Governments continue rolling out palliatives are whether the measure will cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the citizens. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that they knocked the government if the palliatives would alleviate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in fuel prices. 

According to them, commodities keep rising, and the government is proposing an additional ten thousand naira (#10,000) naira and food that can’t feed two people per day as palliatives. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Nigerians stated that there is no way the government can make sure the money and food get to the vulnerable people in the country. 

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

They said the initiative wouldn’t provide much-needed relief to those who are most affected by the fuel price increase, no matter how well its implementation went.

They said if politicians could hoard Coronavirus palliatives — meant for the poor; then distribute them as a campaign souvenir, there is no future for the proposed palliatives.

The success of this measure should rely on the accurate identification of beneficiaries and transparent distribution mechanisms, but corruption that has eaten deep into the bones of desperate politicians will divert the funds from reaching the vulnerable. 

While the Nigerian government’s palliatives offer hope in cushioning the impact of fuel subsidy removal, success depends on efficient implementation and transparent distribution. 

Accurate targets must be prioritized for the vulnerable people to have a better life — be able to afford essential commodities, and invest in improving public services. Moreso, monitoring and evaluation will be necessary to make adjustments as needed and ensure that the palliatives effectively alleviate the burden on Nigerians during this period of economic transition, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

Sport: African countries set to make history in the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup

Three African countries (Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa) have made history at the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup. NRTC WEEKLY gathered it was a historic achievement as the counties secured their spots in the Round of 16 for the first time. 

Their remarkable performances have seen them overcome traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, and others, showcasing their growing prominence in international women’s football.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons displayed their resilience and skill, not only defeating strong opponent Australia — draw with Canada and Ireland but also proving their mettle on the global stage, NRTC WEEKLY learnt.

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

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana demonstrated their tactical prowess and determination, turning heads with their impressive victories over Italy, a draw with Argentina, and a loss to Sweden. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, with their unique style of play, have captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide with a win over Colombia and South Korea with a six-nil against Germany. 

These breakthroughs signify the remarkable progress of women’s football in Africa. They underscore the dedication of players, coaches, and the entire football ecosystem in nurturing talent and promoting the sport. The success of Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco sends a powerful message that women’s football is on a remarkable trajectory of growth and development across the globe.

As these teams continue their journey in the tournament, their achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring players and a reminder that with determination, talent, and hard work, any team can make history on the world stage.

In the spirit of celebration and more achievements, Netizens are optimistic Nigeria will beat England on Monday, Morocco to outshine France and South Africa will send the Netherlands packing. 

Politics: Nigerians react as Tinubu set record for highest ministerial nominees 

Nigerians on social media have reacted to the increase in the number of ministerial nominees by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NRTC WEEKLY gathered that with the nomination of Festus Keyamo on Friday, the number of ministerial nominees will make a total of 48. 

This means that Tinubu broke former Muhammadu Buhari, Olusegun Obasanjo, Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan to set a new record in the country’s 24-year democratic rule.

Buhari during his first tenure appointed 36 ministers and increased it to 42 in his second term, Jonathan nominated 33, Yar’Adua 39 and in 1999 named 42 ministers, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.

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

According to them, the personnel cost which has been on the increase since 2016 will keep soaring higher and if care is not taken, the country may run into debt. 

Metro: Another Nollywood actor dies

The room was filled with a palpable sense of sorrow as colleagues, dressed in somber attire, gathered together in respect to a veteran Yoruba actor, Musiliu Ajikanle passed on. 

NRTC WEEKLY gathered that dimmed lights cast a solemn ambiance, while a large portrait of the actor in happier times stood as a silent tribute. The hushed conversations and exchanged glances reflected the deep loss felt by everyone present. 

Memories of shared moments and laughter lingered in the air, juxtaposed with the weight of the realization that the stage would forever remain incomplete without their departed companion. 

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

Ajikanle died this week after seven years of battling with a stroke.

His colleague and a Nollywood filmmaker and actor, Saliu Gbolagade announced in an Instagram post on Monday.

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.