With the year coming to an end, Google, in its annual 'Year in Search' publication, has revealed what Nigerians have searched for in 2019.
The data is collated by looking at Google searches on the major moments and top trends in Nigeria over a sustained period in 2019.
This year’s trending news search shows that the ASUU strike, which occurred between November 2018 and February 2019, ranked first. It overtook trending news topics like AFCON 2019, Naira Marley -- a Nigerian music artiste -- and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Naira Marley was the most searched person of 2019 with even the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, unable to dethrone him in an election year. His position at the top might be attributable to his alleged involvement in cyberfraud and his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His song, ‘Am I a Yahoo Boy?’, released just before he got arrested no doubt played a part in piquing people’s interest, consequently leading to more searches.
Following the fresh xenophobic attacks by South Africans in Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) reportedly as a result of the murder of a taxi driver by Tanzania nationals, “What is xenophobia?” was 2019’s most searched question. “What is ruga?” -- Rural Grazing Area -- and “What is terrorism?” also made the most searched questions list.
Suggested Read: How social media may have fueled the anti-xenophobia outrage in Nigeria
It was a big year for the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, as the first female winner -- Mercy Eke -- and Anita Natacha Akide (Tacha) were among the five most tweeted about housemates over the 99 days the show aired.
Suggested Read: According to data, BBNaija’s Mercy Eke didn’t just beat housemates, she also ‘peppered dem’ on Twitter
For trending actors in 2019, the news of Regina Daniels’ marriage to Ned Nwoko early in the year helped knock off Genevieve Nnaji as the most searched actor. It also ranked higher than searches for other actors like Tonto Dikeh and Hadiza Gabon, among others.
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Nigerian music artistes, Wizkid, Davido, and Olamide, maintained their positions on the list from 2018 for the top trending songs, with Burna Boy making it to the list this year.
Here is the compilation of Google’s trends in Nigeria for 2019.
Top trending news searches
ASUU strike
AFCON 2019
Naira Marley
Women's World Cup 2019
Xenophobia
Election result
XXXtentacion
iPhone 11
MC Oluomo
Headies Award 2019
Top Trending People
Naira Marley
Atiku
Neymar
MC Oluomo
Rema
Cameron Boyce
XXXtentacion
Teni
Nipsey Hussle
DJ Arafat
Top Trending Sports People
Neymar
Emiliano Sala
David Luiz
Bruno Fernandes
Higuaín
Nicolas Pepe
Tammy Abraham
Denis Suarez
Daniel James
Isaac Promise
Top Trending Actors
Regina Daniels
Genevieve Nnaji
Tonto Dikeh
Hadiza Gabon
Ini Edo
Eniola Badmus
Iyabo Ojo
Femi Adebayo
Ken Erics
Toyin Aimakhu
Top Trending Questions
What is xenophobia?
What is ruga?
What is terrorism?
What is election?
What is justice?
What is political party?
What is revolution?
What is capital market?
What is happening in South Africa?
What is first aid?
Top Trending Songs
Joro - Wizkid
Dangote - Burna Boy
Brown Skin Girl - Beyoncé, Wizkid, St Jhn
Woske - Olamide
Pawon - Olamide
Risky - Davido
Billionaire - Teni
Oil and Gas - Olamide
Uyo Meyo - Teni
Blow my mind - Davido, Chris Brown
Top Trending Movies/TV Shows
Big Brother Naija
Mehek
Captain Marvel
When they see us
Aquaman
Shazam
Game of Thrones Season 8
Money Heist
John Wick 3
Avengers Endgame
You can visit Google’s trends sites for more information about Google’s Year in Search across the world.
