By Juliet Umeh
The New National Anthem, national grid issues, and Bobrisky have emerged as some of the most searched topics by Nigerians in 2024, according to Google’s annual trends report released on Tuesday.
The report highlights pivotal moments and cultural icons that captured national attention throughout the year.
For example, the signing of the New National Anthem by President Bola Tinubu in May sparked widespread interest. Many Nigerians are still adapting to the updated lyrics, making it a trending topic throughout the year.
Similarly, the nation’s power sector garnered significant attention, with Nigeria experiencing 11 grid collapses in 2024, including two major incidents on November 5 and 7.
Additionally, controversial cross-dresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, remained a constant feature in the news.
Google’s annual Year in Search provides a detailed snapshot of Nigerians’ curiosities, showcasing the questions, events, personalities, and topics that shaped the year.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, said: “This year’s trends reflect the collective curiosity and concerns of Nigerians, spanning entertainment, politics, and personal development.”
In the news category, searches were dominated by the US elections, the New National Anthem, and the national grid, followed by inquiries about the minimum wage and the Ibadan explosion.
Bobrisky led the list of trending Nigerian personalities, while rising stars Shallipopi and Khaid also featured prominently, highlighting Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment industry.
On entertainment and culture, Kola-Ogunlade noted:
“The music scene thrived, with I Don’t Care by Boy Spyce crowned as the top trending song, alongside tracks like Ozeba and Commas by Ayra Starr.
“In film, A Tribe Called Judah, Treasure in the Sky, and Damsel led searches in the movies category, while series like Supacell and My Demon topped TV show queries.”
In the culinary space, Nigerians explored diverse tastes, with recipes like Pornstar Martini, Milky Doughnut, and Edikang Ikong soup reflecting a blend of traditional and global culinary interests.
Questions that defined the year’s searches revealed Nigerians’ curiosity about global events, technology, and lifestyle. Common queries included:
“How much is the dollar to Naira today?”
“Who won the US presidential election?”
“How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?”
The report underscores how significant events and cultural phenomena resonate with Nigerians, shaping their digital behavior and interests.
