2024 has undoubtedly been a yr of heated conversations, as a number of public figures made headlines for commendable achievements and scandals.
Unsurprisingly, Nigerians turned to Google to be taught extra about their favorite celebrities, politicians, and influencers who dominated conversations on-line and offline. From rising stars to controversies and social moments, this yr’s searches offered a snapshot of the personalities that intrigued Nigerians.
On Tuesday, Google unveiled Nigeria’s 2024 Yr in Search report, highlighting the individuals, matters, and occasions that captured the nation’s consideration over the previous yr.
Well-liked names reminiscent of Bobrisky, Yahaya Bello, and Adanma Luke had been among the many most searched personalities. The checklist displays Nigerians’ curiosity about controversial figures and cultural icons.
High Searched Nigerian Personalities
Bobrisky
Bobrisky, Nigeria’s social media influencer and cross-dressing icon, was fashionable amongst searched personalities. He’s the proper definition of “Many Sheges” seen in a single yr.
Making headlines for the incorrect causes in nearly all of the months in 2024, his yr was outlined by authorized battles, together with costs of foreign money misuse after being filmed spraying new naira notes at a public occasion. His dramatic airport arrest for alleged bribery and cash laundering additionally made headlines, whereas his denial of defamation allegations involving Femi Falana and Falz added one other layer of intrigue.
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Adanma Luke
Nollywood filmmaker Adanma Luke made notable headlines for an unprecedented tragic boat accident on her film set that claimed the lives of actor Junior Pope and 4 crew members. The incident sparked controversy and trade backlash, resulting in her suspension by the Actors Guild of Nigeria. She later addressed her psychological well being struggles and sought public forgiveness, including a private dimension to the skilled disaster.
Betta Edu
Betta Edu, ex-Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, confronted intense scrutiny and was finally suspended as a consequence of allegations of corruption. Accusations included the diversion of ₦585.2 million from social welfare funds, unauthorised appointments to defunct companies, and nepotism. Her ministry was additionally criticised for mismanaging flagship applications like N-Energy and the Conditional Money Switch scheme.
Khaid
Rising rapper Khaid garnered consideration after struggling a critical well being scare in April 2024 as a consequence of inner bleeding, which required instant medical intervention. Movies of his hospitalisation went viral, elevating issues in regards to the well being challenges confronted by younger entertainers in Nigeria. Fortunately, his situation stabilised, and followers rallied to help his restoration.
Yahaya Bello
Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello turned a focus of controversy after his arrest and ongoing trial for allegedly laundering ₦110 billion. His bail software was denied, as he hadn’t been formally arraigned. The continued case has drawn important consideration as a part of Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption efforts.
Mike Ejeagha
After garnering thousands and thousands of views, skit maker Brainjotter acknowledged Highlife legend Mike Ejeagha for his contributions to Nigerian tradition when the Enugu State Authorities renamed a serious street in his honor. Mind Jotter revived his 1984 hit music Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo, whichsaw renewed recognition after it turned a worldwide viral dance problem, solidifying his standing as a permanent cultural icon.
Shallipopi
Rising music sensation Shallipopi sparked hypothesis about his relationship along with his file label, Dapper Music, after eradicating their title from his social media bio. The singer turned viral additionally for his chart-topping hit “Forged.” He additionally turned the primary Nigerian artiste to characteristic with singer Rema.
Farooq Oreagba
Farooq Oreagba, CEO of NG Clearing, turned a social media sensation after his trendy look on the Ojude Oba Pageant. This era even made him nicknamed Mr. Steeze. Regardless of being a most cancers survivor, he was wearing vibrant conventional apparel, using on a horse, with tattoos and cigarettes was simply so clean. His charismatic show on the occasion earned him the title of Honorary Ambassador by the Nationwide Council for Arts and Tradition, spotlighting his efforts to advertise Nigerian heritage.
Bukunmi Oluwashina
Actress Bukunmi Oluwashina needed to debunk false rumors about her loss of life in August 2024. Recognized for her impactful roles in Nollywood movies like Ayomi and Expensive Affy, she reassured her followers with an Instagram submit referencing Psalm 118:17, emphasising her good well being and resilience amid the circulation of faux information.
Sharon Ooja
Actress Sharon Ooja’s conventional wedding ceremony to Ugo Nwoke in June 2024 captivated Nollywood followers. The high-profile occasion, attended by high celebrities, revealed Ooja’s beforehand non-public romantic life. Her marriage turned controversial after rumors alleged that she was a fifth spouse.
Different International searched Pursuits
The checklist of trending personalities additionally featured worldwide figures like Donald Trump, Kai Cenat, and Tyla, reflecting Nigerians’ engagement with international politics and popular culture.
Sports activities wasn’t omitted as high searches emerged like Nico Williams, Cole Palmer, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nwabali, and Ballon D’or 2024 star Rodri.
In leisure, searches for songs like “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce and trending motion pictures reminiscent of A Tribe Known as Judah showcased a dynamic cultural yr.
Google’s 2024 Yr in Search not solely celebrated the personalities that Nigerians cherished—or cherished to query—but additionally provided a mirror to the evolving curiosities and issues of a vibrant, digital-savvy inhabitants.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Supervisor for Google West Africa, famous, “These insights mirror how Search continues to be a precious software for customers to navigate and higher perceive their world.”
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FULL LIST of 2024 personalities search
Personalities (Nigerian)
Bobrisky
Betta Edu
Shallipopi
Khaid
Bukunmi Oluwashina
Sharon Ooja
Adanma Luke
Yahaya Bello
Mike Ejeagha
Farooq Oreagba
Personalities (International)
Donald Trump
Kai Cenat
Kamala Harris
Tyla
Diddy
Joe Biden
Skepta
Paul Biya
Tyra Banks
Vybz Kartel
Personalities (Sports activities)
Nico Williams
Nwabali
Leny Yoro
Cole Palmer
Ruben Amorim
Manuel Ugarte
Pedro Neto
Rodri
Joshua Zirkzee
Dani Olmo
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