Nigerians turned to Google in 2024 to satisfy their curiosity about various personalities, music, politics, and lifestyle trends, according to the annual “Year in Search” report from the tech giant.
Topping the list were popular cross-dresser Bobrisky, former Health Minister Betta Edu, and Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The controversial socialite Bobrisky, born Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju, sparked significant online interest after a series of high-profile legal troubles. In April 2024, Bobrisky was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged naira abuse.
This led to a six-month prison sentence, during which rumors swirled about the luxurious conditions of his incarceration, including reports of a furnished cell and access to personal electronics.
His arrest and subsequent attempt to leave the country in October through the Seme border reignited public interest, making him a trending topic on Google.
Former Health Minister Betta Edu also made headlines. Appointed in May 2023 under President Tinubu’s administration, Edu faced a suspension in January 2024 over an alleged ₦585 million scandal.
Despite speculations about her possible reinstatement, the controversy ended her tenure, fueling public searches about her political career and connections.
In sports, Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, captured Nigerians’ attention with his stellar performance at the African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Though Nigeria lost in the finals, Nwabali’s skillful goalkeeping made him a standout figure. His father’s recent passing further brought him into the public eye.
The music scene saw rising stars like Shallipopi and Khaid gaining traction, with Boy Spyce’s “I Don’t Care” leading the year’s top song searches. Lyrics searches were also popular, including tracks like “Ogechi,” “Ozeba,” and Chandler Moore’s “Omemma.”
In the entertainment sector, movies such as “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Treasure in the Sky,” and “Damsel” topped search trends, while TV series like “Supacell,” “My Demon,” and “Queen of Tears” captivated audiences. Culinary searches took an interesting turn, with the “Pornstar Martini recipe” becoming the most Googled drink.
Google’s West Africa representative Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade remarked: “The 2024 Year in Search offers a unique lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped the lives of Nigerians this year.”
