SEB SOCIAL | AT THIS TIME

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The Pulse of Social Media: Nigeria & Global Trends at this Time

From political twists in Abuja to viral dance moves sweeping Johannesburg and Jakarta, social media continues to shape conversations and culture. This month, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) are serving up a mix of protest, pride, memes, and AI-powered creativity. Here’s a deep dive into what’s trending now, and why it matters.

Nigeria: Activism, Afrobeat & Social Buzz

Pop Culture and Viral Moments

Nigerian youth are rewriting the rules of digital engagement, with trending phrases like “No Gree For Anybody” asserting a bold self-assured attitude across TikTok and X. Dance challenges like Shallipopi’s Pluto Moves have turned streets, churches, and weddings into mini performance stages, while the nostalgic Koroba hairstyle has made a fashion comeback among Gen Z influencers.

International content creators are picking up local phrases too. Kai Cenat’s infamous shout , “Just give me my money!”, has become a meme anthem across Nigeria’s TikTok. Meanwhile, Afrobeats superstar Davido finds his 2015 hit Dodo revived by a new wave of content creators vibing to the track.

Political Turbulence & Online Outcry

Social media isn’t just a playground , it’s a battlefield. This month:

• Allegations of a planned coup against President Bola Tinubu have dominated discourse, following a police declaration against Andrew Wynne and Lucky Obiyan.
• Activists protesting bad governance face treason charges and are remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, sparking fierce debates about democracy and digital dissent.
• Minister Nyesom Wike is under fire for allegedly breaching PDP party lines, with suspension threats looming.
• Opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso are rumored to be brewing a coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

Even the mysterious fire at the Katsina Government House became meme material, the Nigerian internet never sleeps.

Pride & Achievement

Mariam Eniola Bolaji’s bronze win in Para Badminton at the 2024 Paralympics is igniting feel-good patriotism, with her inspiring journey trending across Nigerian social feeds.

Global Trends: Tech, TikTok & Cross-Cultural Waves

Platforms as Cultural Architects

Across the globe, short-form content platforms have shifted from entertainment to influence:

• TikTok is now a search engine for Gen Z, guiding users on everything from dating advice to grocery hacks.
• Meta platforms are integrating AI-generated posts and comment suggestions, making creators rethink their content strategies.
• On LinkedIn and Instagram, creators are flaunting the prompts behind their AI-generated content, transparency is the new creative flex.

Challenges That Went Global

• The Tshwala Bam Dance, born in South Africa, has conquered hearts across continents.
• The 12345678 Rap Challenge is turning wordplay into a new kind of lyrical sport.
• Nigeria’s gospel jam President General Dance is unexpectedly blowing up internationally, with choirs and influencers jumping on the beat.

Platform Dynamics: What’s Driving the Buzz?

Platform	Nigeria Focus	Global Focus
TikTok	Dance, slang, memes	News, AI tools, activism
Instagram	Fashion, events, entrepreneurship	Social commerce, brand transparency
X (Twitter)	Political drama, hashtags	Live debates, echo chambers
Facebook	Community posts, small biz promotions	Marketplace and misinformation discourse

Hashtags like #PeterObiAt64, #BlessedSunday, and #JustGiveMeMyMoney continue trending, showing how Nigerian digital culture blends politics, faith, and humor.

Why It All Matters: Perspectives Behind the Trends

Social media in Nigeria is more than scrolling and swiping, it’s revolution, enterprise, and identity:

• Movements like #EndSARS and #WeAreAllNatasha prove the digital power of activism.
• Gen Z creators are reshaping storytelling through expressive short-form content.
• The influencer economy is growing rapidly, turning everyday users into mini media moguls.

Globally, the digital sphere is just as charged:

• Hashtags like #MeToo2025 and #ClimateNow translate digital awareness into real-world change.
• Content creation is evolving through AI, from avatars to auto-edited videos.
• But alongside the fun come challenges: misinformation, echo chambers, and algorithmic bias.

In a nutshell  

The world is talking, dancing, protesting, and monetizing, all through their screens. Whether it's Davido grooving to old hits or a protest hashtag shaking up the status quo, social media remains our loudest, most creative megaphone.