Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from The Matrix:
1. Senate Probes Wike’s Demolition Exercise In FCT, To Invite Minister
The Senate on Thursday is proposing an investigation into the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has set up an investigative committee to look into the matter.
This is even as the committee is set to invite the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have rendered many residents homeless.
2. Pension Fund Assets Hit N21.92trn In October, As Registered Contributors Surge To 10.53m-Pencom DG
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has disclosed that total Pension Fund Assets in October 2024 surged to N21.92 trillion.
This represents an increase of N1.13 trillion when compared to the N20.79 trillion recorded in July.
This is even as the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) increased to 10.53 million registered contributors.
3. Continental Re Donates N62m To Build ICT Facility At College Of Insurance
Continental Re, a leading insurance company in Nigeria has donated the sum of N62m to establish an ICT facility at the College of Insurance & Financial Management (CIFM) to bridge the skilled insurers’ gap in the insurance ecosystem.
4. Female Entrepreneurs To Receive Massive Boost As DBN Secures €50m Funding From AFD
Female entrepreneurs in Nigeria are set to receive massive boos as the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has signed an agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) for a €50 million line of credit to support women-owned businesses in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, DBN said the fund is aimed at supporting the development of women entrepreneurship, job creation, strengthening access to finance, and enhancing the integration of gender within DBN and its partner financial institutions (PFls).
5. Dangote Refinery, Neptune Oil Collaborate Over Export Of PMS To Cameroon
Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil have jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, to Cameroon.
This milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demand.
6. Badenoch Stands Firm Amid Shettima’s Criticism Of Nigeria Comments
The leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has reiterated her stance on her remarks about Nigeria, despite backlash from Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
Badenoch, who was born in the UK but spent much of her upbringing in Nigeria, has often been critical of the challenges she faced in the country.
7. Oshiomhole Defends Son’s Appointment As Edo Health Commissioner
Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended his son Cyril’s appointment as the Commissioner for Health in Edo State, emphasizing his qualifications and independent achievements.
Speaking during an interview on *Channels Television’s* *Politics Today*, Oshiomhole addressed criticism that the appointment by Governor Monday Okphebolo, his ally, was politically motivated.
8. INEC Proposes Computer-Generated Voting Slips To Supplement PVCs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a shift in voting requirements, recommending computer-generated voting slips as an alternative to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
This suggestion comes with the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
9. Tinubu To Present 2025 Budget To National Assembly On Tuesday
President Bola Tinubu is set to present the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 17.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.
Akpabio confirmed that the budget presentation would be held in the House of Representatives’ chamber.
10. Gov Yusuf Reshuffles Cabinet, Abolishes Chief Of Staff Role, Drops Five Commissioners
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has undertaken a major cabinet reshuffle, scrapping the Chief of Staff position and removing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi.
The announcement, made by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday, is aimed at boosting administrative efficiency and delivering on the administration’s promises to Kano residents.
