Xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa were among the most searched items on Google this week, the company said on Thursday.
Taiwo Kola Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for English-speaking West Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the search took place between February 23 and March 1.
“Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have become somewhat strained this week after allegations of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa circulated on the internet,” he said.
The Google manager said the fall of the US dollar against the Nigerian naira was also attracting people's attention online.
“The dollar, which had been rising like a rocket into space, lost steam this week as the Nigerian naira strengthened to 425 naira per dollar in the parallel market.
“This is a welcome relief after the rate has been hovering around 500 naira to the dollar for the past few months.”
“The development is reportedly as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria's recent change in foreign exchange policy,” Kola Ogunlade said.
He added that the release of the song video of the late Eric Ayobami also trended on Google.
“While the talented singer's death continues to shock friends and fans, the long-awaited video for his song 'The Sound' was released this week,” he said.
A spokesman said the videos were intended for broadcast television and video-sharing sites such as YouTube.
Kola Ogunlade said news of the death of Game of Thrones actor Neil Fingleton, who died aged 36, was also a hot topic.
He pointed out that the 7ft 7ins tall British actor played the giant Mag the Mighty in the popular American fantasy drama television series “Game of Thrones.”
“The actor, a former basketball player, was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the tallest man in the UK in 2007,” Kola Ogunlade said.
He said people were also searching quite a bit about the start of Lent.
“Ash Wednesday occurred this week, which would normally mark the start of Lent.
“It has inspired many Christians around the world to begin 40 days of intense reflection through prayer and fasting.
“Catholics are known to smear ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross and then go to church to be blessed, to signify their repentance and mortality.”
Kola Ogunlade said other articles that trended on Google included La Liga table results, Europa League draw results and top American actress Viola Davis' confession about her struggle with imposter syndrome.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Google Trends, which was launched in May 2006, allows users to see how search keywords and their demographics have changed on Google over time.
