Three students were shot at Lifecamp Government Secondary School in Abuja, just 500 meters away from the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The perpetrators, described as “bad boys,” reportedly came armed with guns, turning the school premises into a scene of chaos. A concerned source revealed that such gun violence has sadly become a yearly occurrence, raising serious questions about the security situation in the heart of Abuja. The Lifecamp Government Secondary School is located directly opposite the Lifecamp Police Station, emphasizing the urgency for authorities to address the recurring threat faced by students and residents in the area.

The source expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t know if you can raise awareness about this issue. This shouldn’t be happening in the heart of Abuja by small children, and nobody is doing or saying anything.” The proximity of the incident to prominent figures, including the FCT Minister, adds to the gravity of the situation. As the news unfolds, parents are left devastated, with bloodstains marking another unfortunate chapter in the history of violence at Lifecamp Government Secondary School. The authorities, including the police, are under scrutiny for their response time, highlighting the need for swift and effective measures to ensure the safety of students and residents in the area. The community demands urgent action to break the pattern of violence that seems to grip the school annually.

Despite attempts to reach out for official statements, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, remained unresponsive at the time of reporting. The incident underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive and sustained strategy to address security concerns around educational institutions, ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.

The leader of the Abuja Film Village International (AFVI), Habila Kayit, has called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the unlawful termination of appointment of his colleagues which has resulted in a heated protest from staff members of the organization on Wednesday 27, 2023 in Abuja.

The protesting staff members who lamented the unreasonable sack of their colleagues explained that since September 30, 2022, they have not been paid their salaries and allowances, even though they have families and dependants.

They conveyed their dismay of the unlawful termination of the employment of Staff members of Abuja Film Village International Limited by its then Managing Director, Barr Francisca Ibezim, saying they were fully employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and had enjoyed every privilege that comes with the employment.

“We were invited on September 30, 2022 through a notice for staff meeting but received the greatest shock of our lives as the entire staff was issued termination letters with no specific reason for their action.
However, we do not enjoy attracting negative publicity to the administration which we are also a part of. As a result, we have followed all administrative channels to seek reinstatement but all to no avail hence the resolve to cry out for help,” Kayit said.

It was gathered that over 5,000 hectares of land were allocated for the project in Kusaki and Yanga Districts of Kuje Area Council for the actualization of the Abuja Film village project from inception, but the project which should provide jobs to millions of people in the creative industry seem to have been abandoned.
Kayit further said they were employed on a full time basis as staff of Abuja Film Village International and some worked for over 15 years.

According to her, when the then Minister of the FCT, Muhammadu Bello, came on-board in 2015, he made frantic efforts to reposition FCTA business holdings including Abuja Film Village for profitability and better service delivery.

The protesting staff thus demanded the immediate reinstatement of their sacked colleagues and appealed for the full payment of their salaries and arrears over the time of the unlawful disengagement, while calling for the immediate investigation of the 400 Million allocated in the 2023 budget for the AFVI by the National Assembly.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its nod to the 2024 Appropriation Bill, revealing an aggregate expenditure of N27.5 trillion. The announcement was made by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, following a FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The approved budget marks an increase of over N1.5 trillion compared to the earlier projection of N26.01 trillion. Minister Bagudu stated that the targeted revenue for the upcoming year is set at N18.32 trillion, which surpasses the revenues of 2023, including those from supplementary budgets. Despite the increased expenditure, the deficit is reported to be lower than that of the previous year.

The Minister highlighted the adjustments made to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Policy Framework. The exchange rate was revised to N750 to $1, and the benchmark crude oil reference price increased to $77.96, representing a $4 increment from the initial approval.

President Tinubu is set to present the budget to the National Assembly on Wednesday, unveiling the administration’s priorities and financial allocations for key sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and security.

In a bid to enhance transparency and public engagement, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, announced plans for a Town Hall meeting on the 2024 Appropriation Act. This innovative approach aims to gather inputs from Nigerians before the budget comes into effect, fostering inclusivity and building trust in the legislative process.

Speaker Tajudeen urged all committees to expedite their considerations, aiming for a two-week timeframe to ensure the swift passage of the budget. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork, he outlined the need for committees to operate effectively, engage with the public, and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.

As President Tinubu prepares to present the budget in person, this marks a crucial moment in Nigeria’s fiscal planning, setting the stage for economic priorities and development initiatives in the coming year. The government’s commitment to transparency and public participation is evident in the planned Town Hall meeting, showcasing a proactive approach to inclusive governance.