Happy Thursday, Nigeria. Through the power of the Internet, I’ve found just a FEW stories that got people buzzing. Government, entertainment, and…wildlife? Read on, you’ll see what I’m talking about in this week’s installment of What’s Trending #Lagos.
#SMWLagos 
We’re in ARISE magazine and Ebony.com!: Ngozi Odita, the Executive Director of Social Media Week Lagos, has been featured in two major publications recently! She’s doing a great job of spreading the good news of SMW Lagos and making sure our voices are heard! First in ARISE magazine’s recent issue (#18) and then in Ebony.com in an article titled Africa By The Africans. I like the sound of that. I know, I know. #ShamelessPromotion. But I wanted to share the awesome momentum that Social Media Week Lagos is getting in the media! Thank you so much for getting the word out and sharing your passion for the continent with us. We really appreciate it.
#JuliusOnah #GodParticle
J.J. Abrams selects Nigerian director for next film: Emmy award-winning director/producer/screenwriter J.J. Abrams (Lost, Star Trek, Mission Impossible III,) has selected Nigerian-born director Julius Onah to direct his next sci-fi project God Particle. Onah, 29, has won multiple awards for his work and recently finished his debut film The Girl Is In Trouble with Spike Lee as executive producer. Big up! Can’t wait to see the God Particle turns out to be. Very hush hush at the moment…
(source: Bella Naija)
#SaveTheLions
Less than 40 Lions left in the country: You know…I find myself shying away from talking about animals when referring to countries in Africa — it’s how the media already portrays the entire continent – awesome animals first, and human beings second. But I have to address this! According to LionAid, the leading charity to protect endangered lions, there are only 34 lions left in all of Nigeria! Most people think of the savanna of Kenya and other east African countries as the only habitat for the King of the Jungle, but west Africa was once home to thousands of these majestic animals. According to LionAid, this is the reason resources and funds are being poured into western countries to provide protection for this endangered animal. (source: BellaNaija
#TwitterPolitics
Twitter beef in these political streets: How does social media effect politics and communication between politicians? This is undoubtedly something we will be talking in depth about during the SMW Lagos festivities in February. President Spokesperson Reuben Abati tweeted Obasanjo (former Nigerian President and Army General) challenging him on comments made about the current administration. Looks like Abati used a personal Twitter account, so he’s communicating as a private citizen. Although, we all know the line is muddied. What implications do these sorts of social media beefs between government officials have? (source: Linda Ikeji)
#MTVBase
MTV Base on the quest for new Nigerian TV host: MTV Base (the international music version of MTV) is looking for a new video jockey tv presenter extrordinaire from Nigeria!!! Cynthia “C-Von” Okpala was MTV Base Nigeria’s first VJ. She’s had a great seven-year run, and now YOU could be beside her on screen! Since interviews are just plain boring, there will be a whole mini-reality show documenting the quest for Nigeria’s new MTV Base VJ! January 15 is when the first of three episodes will air. If you’re in the entertainment biz, then you know — this gig is NICE. Check out this video for more info.
(source: Bella Naija)
#LagosLightRail
Lagos light rail on track to be finished in June: Gov. Fashola of Lagos State announced this week that the projected finish date for the Lagos light rail is June of this year. The route would run through Okokomaiko, Mile 2, Orile, Iganmu and Marina. According to Fashola, the light rail will greatly impact these communities and the way they get around, making motorcycles (and the potential danger they bring) inconvenient to use.
(source: BusinessDay)
What did we miss? Got a product, event, song, film, etc that’s got Lagos buzzing? Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @SMWLagos and visit us on Facebook: Social Media Week Lagos and let us know what’s trending in Lagos. Use the hashtag #WTLagos so we can spot you, and you could see your suggestion on next week’s #WTLagos!