In 2019, Nigerians as usual turned to Google for virtually all the answers. From queries as minor as ‘What is First Aid?’ to more complex inquiries like ‘What is Xenophobia?’.
And it is quite interesting to check these search histories as they most times reflect what most Nigerians find worthy of their time and show important events that happened during the year – that you probably might have forgotten about.
And this year’s list is no different.
It included people and topics that trended and garnered searches for various reasons. And below are the top ten searches of 2019.
ASUU Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) claimed the top spot on Google searches this year. The reason for this, as expected, is its never-ending threats of going on strike/indefinite strike in some scenarios, if its demands are not met by the federal government.
The union has recently been making news waves about another threatened strike over the enrollment of its staffs on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). And so, it’s a no-brainer that Nigerians are searching.
AFCON 2019
Nigerians are big on sports – especially football, for either gambling or pleasure. Which is definitely why the biennial international men’s football championship of Africa, African Cup of Nations (AFCON), made the top searches list.
The event which held in June/July in Egypt with Algeria emerging as the winner, while Nigeria came 3rd at the event.
Naira Marley
“O te se lebo, Yahoo ni babalawo…“. A phrase needed to set parties on fire once it starts blasting from the speakers.
As such, it’s a no-brainer, that Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley – a controversial Nigerian musician, yet heroic figure to a set of Nigerians called ‘Marlians’ – makes the top search list.
The musician was involved in a controversy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud earlier in May – an event that sent his street cred beyond charts.
Women’s World Cup 2019
The 8th edition of the Women’s World Cup held in June/July this year. The quadrennial international women football championship was contested by 24 women’s national teams including Nigeria.
Although the event was won by the USA, Nigerians were obviously keen about it.
Xenophobia
For the most part in September, the news of xenophobic attacks in South Africa dominated the media.
With Nigerians reported to be one of the main victims of the attacks, it’s no surprise that the event was one of the most searched by Nigerians who either wanted to know what it was or be kept in the know about the updates.
Election Results
Nigeria had her general elections in February 2019 to elect the President/Vice President, and members into the House of Representatives and the Senate. Gubernatorial and state assembly elections also held in March.
With a delay in the announcement of results, Nigerians wanted to keep up with the latest news, thus Google searches.
XXXTentacion
American rapper and singer, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, popularly referred to as XXXTentacion was shot and killed in front of a motorcycle store in June last year at the age of 20.
Although a controversial figure within the music industry, XXXTentacion is said to have left behind a “huge musical footprint” probably why he still trended in 2019 among the Nigerian rap music lovers.
iPhone 11
Apple’s new flagship smartphones – the iPhone 11 series were widely searched for by Nigerians. Being the gadget lovers we are, it’s no surprise that the devices make the cut.
MC Oluomo
Probably the only surprise result on the list. Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo was recently elected Chairman of the Lagos State arm of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers, a position which has seen him courted by celebrities including Mike, a finalist of the Nigerian reality TV show, BBNaija.
Prior to that, he was referenced in Nigerian Musician Teni’s 2018 single, Case.
Headies Award 2019
Nigerians are also very interested in entertainment. The Headies, a music award show established to recognise outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry, held in October.
The event saw several exceptional artistes in the Nigerian music industry, including Burna Boy, go home with 21 carat gold plaques.
These are the top 10 Google searches in Nigeria for 2019. Which of these queries did you search for during the year? Let us know in the comments.
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