By Milcah Tanimu
Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search for Nigeria, highlighting the topics and events that captivated the nation. Topping the list were searches for the U.S. elections, the national grid, and the reinstated national anthem, reflecting Nigerians’ strong interest in political and economic issues.
Trending Topics of 2024
The annual report offers a deep dive into the subjects that defined the year. Among the most-searched:
- U.S. Elections: With Donald Trump’s victory as U.S. President, Nigerians closely followed updates and results from the November elections.
- National Grid: Repeated power failures and over 10 grid collapses spurred significant interest in the country’s energy issues.
- National Anthem: President Bola Tinubu’s reversion to Nigeria’s old national anthem, dropped in 1978, also grabbed attention.
People, Entertainment, and Culture
In addition to news, Nigerians turned to Google for entertainment and cultural content:
- Trending Personalities: Bobrisky topped the list, alongside musicians like Shallipopi and Khaid.
- Music: Popular songs like “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce and “Ozeba” by Ayra Starr led searches.
- Movies and TV: Films like “A Tribe Called Judah” and series such as “Supacell” and “My Demon” captured the imagination of netizens.
Key Questions Nigerians Asked
Google Search also revealed curiosity about everyday issues and global events. Top queries included:
- “How much is dollar to naira today?”
- “Who won the U.S. presidential election?”
- “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?”
Nigerians also sought clarity on words like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves.”
Insights from Google
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, commented, “The 2024 Year in Search provides a unique glimpse into the questions and interests shaping Nigerians’ lives. Search remains a vital tool for understanding the world around us.”
Takeaway
From political developments to entertainment trends, Google’s 2024 Year in Search reflects the diverse interests of Nigerians and their reliance on technology to stay informed and entertained.