NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health

Women Council advocates urgency in efforts to eliminate FGM

321 total views today

By Anita Uzoagba

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) says there is an urgent need to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

The National President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, spoke on this need at a one-day sensitisation workshop in Abuja on FGM laws, surveillance, reporting and prosecution of GBV cases.

Etuk noted that FGM was a serious human rights violation, and it has been recognised as a form of torture and violation of the rights to health, dignity and equality.

She stated that more than 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, with Nigeria having one of the highest numbers.

“In spite of being outlawed by the Federal Government, FGM is still practised in many Nigerian communities.”

Etuk said FGM was a major obstacle to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, adding that as a violation of human rights it is a major public health concern.

The NCWS president recalled that the Nigerian government passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015, which prohibits FGM and provides penalties for those who engage in the practice.

“In addition to the national law, many Nigerian states have enacted laws prohibiting FGM.”

Etuk expressed gratitude to NCWS state presidents, affiliate organisations, partners and sponsors for their support in eliminating FGM and promoting gender equality.

Mrs Yewande Gbol-Awopetu, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, noted that FGM was sometimes seen as a rite of passage.

”It is also often seen as a prerequisite for marriage or a means to control female sexuality,” she said.

The deputy director pointed out that FGM was prohibited under Section 6 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and those who performed or engaged in it were liable to imprisonment.

Gbol-Awopetu, who is also Head of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Response Unit, urged everyone to educate girls in their respective neighbourhoods about the dangers of FGM.

Mr Stephen Nwankwo, an official from the Federal Ministry of Health, thanked NCWS and its sponsor, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for the sensitisation programme.

He encouraged the participants to cooperate and ensure the event’s purpose was achieved, adding that the ministry was committed to eradicating FGM from Nigeria.(NAN)

AU/DE/AMM

(Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru)

General News

Group inaugurates safe public schools’ initiative, honours 10 CEOs

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By Dorcas Jonah

The Advocacy for Good Ethics and Accountability, a civil society organisation (CSO), has inaugurated the Safe Public School Project, an initiative aimed at improving quality of education in the country.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Henry Thomas, unveiled the initiative at the third edition of its National Legacy Summit  in Abuja.

Thomas noted that a state of emergency was supposed to have been declared and should be declared regarding public schools.

”The Safe Public School Project is aimed at improving the quality of education and promoting safe and secure children access to basic education.

”To actualise this project, we will be partnering with relevant agencies of government, private organisations, civil society and media organisations,” he said.

Thomas said the summit, which has the theme ”Doing the Talk”, would focus on supporting government to address the challenges currently facing the country.

“We gather under the theme to speak to the heart of our nation’s challenges and our collective resolve to face them head-on.

“We are aware that Nigeria’s economic and social landscape has become increasingly difficult for our citizens.

“We know that the promises made by previous leaders have often been left unfulfilled, leaving our people feeling disheartened and hopeless,” he said.

The executive director said the summit was inaugurated in November 2022, and had previously focused on pivotal issues.

He added that the first edition of the summit focused on the 2023 general elections, while the second edition looked at the diversification of the Nigerian economy.

Thomas said this year’s summit was also looking at the vital role CSOs play in renewing hope across the country.

”We seek to explore how we can support government’s efforts, not only in word but in action, to deliver the change that Nigerians so earnestly seek.

”Today, we will be honouring 10 CEOs who we believe have done well in the past one year, including the Registrar of National Examinations Council (NECO).

”This honour is to encourage them to do more and to inform others that Nigerians are watching,” he said.

The awardees included FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. YD Ahmed, and Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Dr. Salisu Shehu-Umar.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Dr Jummai Tutuwa, Director- General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, pledged to do more for a better Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

DE/KAE

 

(Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman)

 

Economy/Business

FG hands over 15 CNG buses to transport unions

398 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government has handed over 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to three transport unions in Abuja, to alleviate the burden of fuel subsidy removal on the residents.

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, handed over the buses to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Alkali at the ceremony on Thursday, said the initiative was in fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Clean Energy Transport Scheme.

He said moving to compressed natural gas would cut down carbon emissions, reduce cost of fuel for transport operators, and enable growth of a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.

The minister said the buses also symbolised the government’s commitment to empowering citizens, while transitioning to a cleaner energy economy.

“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative is a bold statement of Nigeria’s intent to take control of its resources and utilise them for the benefit of its people.

“We have been exporting our raw materials for decades only to import finished goods at a premium.

“We exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum; we exported palm oil, cocoa, and rubber and imported soap, chocolate, and tires. The time has come to break this cycle,” he said.

According to him, the nation will not continue to export gas only to import products like fertilizers or other derivatives, but to harness the gas to power the economy.

“Nations like Japan, which import our gas, have demonstrated their transformative potential.

“They use gas to drive their transportation sector, reduce their reliance on petrol, and export vehicles like Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi to countries like ours.

“Why shouldn’t Nigerians benefit from the resources beneath our soil?” he said.

He said the buses doled out to the unions were tools to make a positive change in the country.

“They represent a commitment to sustainable growth, economic empowerment, and a greener future.

“ I call on the NURTW, RTEAN, and NARTO to ensure these buses are used effectively and maintained properly. This is not just about today but about creating a transportation system that will serve generations to come.”

He said the ministry would ensure effective sensitisation of transport owners, operators, passengers and the general public to make the initiative accessible to Nigerians.

The Programme Director of Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said that residents of the FCT would enjoy 40 days free rides on the buses.

According to him, the initiative is safer, more reliable, and available.

“On these buses for the next 40 days, people will enjoy free transportation as part of the benefits of this administration.

“And after 40 days, they will enjoy a discount because of the work of  President Bola Tinubu,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Defence/Security

ICPC unveils service charter to track operations

330 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has unveiled a service charter to track, monitor and hold the commission accountable in its operations.

Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN,  the Chairman of ICPC, who said this at the inauguration of the charter in Abuja, said that would ensure excellent service delivery to citizens.

Represented by the commission’s Secretary, Mr Clifford Oparaodu, the chairman said that the charter would place the commission in a vintage position to deliver efficient service.

”The Service Charter outlines 27 services rendered by the commission, ranging from the administrative functions such as general administration, procurement, training, and operational functions.

”The services also include investigation, prosecution, systems study and review, public enlightenment and education.

“The charter also lists seven performance targets and timelines for some of the administrative functions such as acknowledgement of petitions and response to communications,” he said.

Aliyu said that the charter, however, acknowledged that some of the activities could not be tied to timelines.

He listed the services which timelines could not be provided with specific accuracy to include investigation of petitions, prosecution of cases, recovery of looted funds and benefits for petitioners and victims of corrupt activities.

He pledged the commission’s commitment to undertake, pursue, and deliver such services with utmost commitment.

He explained that ”the charter also contains obligations of the different stakeholders including the commission’s “customers”, visitors, contractors as well as staff, management and board of the commission.

”There is the Grievance Redress Mechanism, which outlines the channels for complaining when services are not rendered as they should be.

”The mechanisms include our toll-free number (0800-CALL-ICPC), the phone numbers of the Complaints Desk Officer and the Nodal Officer, email addresses and state offices addresses.”

He urged all the heads of departments and resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners to make information available on these services on request and during their monitoring exercises to assess service delivery.

The Nodal Officer, SERVICOM, ICPC, Mrs Azuka  Ogugua, said that the charter would help the commission achieve its goals.

”It is going to improve our operational services, we now have a template in which we can hold ourselves accountable. If we are not meeting up with the standards we set, we will query ourselves.

”The public should expect a more structured, a more focused ICPC in the way we do things because we now know that the public is aware that we have a service charter.

”When they write to ICPC they are going to get response, not just acknowledgement, within the time stated, which is 14 days, this is the standards and it can be reviewed.

”It is also to assure the public that the ICPC is listening and will serve them better,” she said.

The National Orientation Agency`s (NOA) Nodal Officer, Mr Obinna Nwosu, in his remarks, lauded the commission for developing the charter.

He said that the charter showed that the commission prioritised quality service and stakeholders’ satisfaction as a responsive and responsible public service.

“It is instructive to note that, as service providers, our stakeholders expect much from us; and when we match their expectations with quality service, we gain their trust.

’At NOA, we believe that quality service delivery is a result of positive values, attitudes and behaviours. In fact, it is the bedrock of public trust,”  he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Yahaya Bello presents self to EFCC, detained

403 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former governor of Kogi,  Yahaya Bello, after he presented himself before the anti-graft agency.

Bello is being prosecuted by the agency over alleged fraud when he served as governor of the north-central state.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bello was at the EFCC at about 12 54 p.m on Tuesday and was detained in its Abuja office.

He said that the former governor, who was declared wanted by the commission, came with his lawyers.

”He is having a session with investigators of the commission.

”He is being detained in our custody and he is going to be arraigned in court accordingly.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Yakubu Uba

Business , Defence/Security

Navy confiscates 8.1m barrels of stolen crude, apprehend 120 barges – Official

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy confiscated more than 8.1 million barrels of stolen crude oil and 86,500 metric tonnes of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel in four years.

The Chief of Training and Operations (Navy), Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, made this known while briefing newsmen on the activities of the navy on Monday in Abuja.

Ferreira also said that the navy confiscated 788,312 litres of illegally sourced PMS and about 21 million litres of Kerosene within the same period.

The navy, he said, also apprehended 120 barges, 181 speed boats, 1,453 wooden boats laden with stolen products as well as 118 vehicles conveying stolen petroleum products in the last four years.

According to him, anti-oil theft operations remain the navy’s most critical function due to the contribution of oil revenue to Nigeria’s economic survival.

He added that the navy deactivated more than 1,528 illegal refining sites and 8,790 storage tanks, and arrested 392 suspected oil thieves.

“The suspects were handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

“Of particular note were the arrests of MT SWEET MIRI and MT VILLANIRIS I both filled with a combined quantity of four million litres of stolen crude oil.

“In view of its transnational nature, the fight against oil theft, also involves collaboration with our neighbours such as Cameroon, Benin and Togo who assisted in the apprehension of vessels such as MT NEW ANGEL and MT JASMINE involved in crude oil theft,” he said.

Ferreira said the navy recently hosted “Exercises CROCODILE LIFT and GRAND AFRICAN NEMO”, which are multinational exercises involving Nigerian Navy Ships, boats and aircrafts as well as ships from regional navies and partners such as France, UK and Spain.

This, according to him, is part of navy’s regional efforts to enhance maritime security,

He said the exercises were geared toward enhancing their international partnership and collaboration to curb maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

He added that the Nigerian navy has ensured compliance for legitimate upstream and downstream operations on behalf of the regulators.

According to him, the Nigerian navy’s efforts have greatly curbed oil theft and led to a significant increase in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output from 1.23 million barrels in October 2022 to 1.8 million barrels in October 2024 as revealed by the NUPRC.

Ferreira lamented that there had been misrepresentations in certain quarters aimed at tarnishing the image of the navy by mischief makers whose freedom of action in oil theft were severely degraded by the navy.

“In spite of the disruptions by these unpatriotic elements, the Nigerian Navy has remained critical in the success of several strategic initiatives such as the Presidential Crude Oil Barging Regime.

“The Nigerian navy will continue to remain focused in carrying out our functions as a highly professional and dedicated force in line with our statutory roles.

“In doing so, the Navy will continue to work with Sister Services, partners and credible stakeholders in line with the whole-of-society approach in protecting our nation’s resources for economic prosperity and national development,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

FG promises justice for victims of terrorism

386 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that victims of terrorism get justice.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, gave the assurance at the launch of the Model Legal Provisions (MLP) for Victims of Terrorism, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Babadoko.

He said the event marked a significant step forward in the collective efforts to address the needs and rights of victims and survivors of terrorism.

According to him, Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism.

“We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of terrorist attacks, which not only claim lives but also leave lasting scars on individuals, families, and communities.

“As Government, we recognise the importance of addressing the needs of victims, as the scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over the nation, leaving behind a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma.

“It is therefore imperative that we not only combat terrorism but also provide comprehensive support to its victims.

“As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I am committed to ensuring that the rights of victims are upheld and that justice is served,’’ he said.

Fagbemi said the government had taken significant strides in recent years to enhance its counterterrorism efforts like the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, with its provisions for the Victim Support Trust Fund.

According to him, Section 91 of the Act establishes the Victim Support Trust Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to victims of terrorism.

He added that Section 92 of the Act made provision for establishing the Trust Fund Committee for the purpose of administering the fund.

He gave assurance of his office’s commitment, as the custodian of the law, to ensuring the effective implementation of those provisions and the Model Legal Provisions.

“Today, we gather to launch a technical assistance project aimed at implementing Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism.

“We are confident that this technical assistance project will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of our legal and judicial institutions to effectively apply these provisions.

“By adopting and implementing these provisions, we will ensure that victims receive the necessary support, compensation, and rehabilitation they need to rebuild their lives,’’ he added.

The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that Nigeria had borne witness to the extreme consequences of terrorism since 2009, with women, children, and youth disproportionately affected over the years.

Laka said that children had been abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatisation.

According to him, these tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss, and a deep sense of insecurity.

“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.

“Against this backdrop, today’s launch of the MLP Project to support the needs and protect the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism marks a significant step forward,’’ he said.

Laka said the project was aimed at building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences, while ensuring robust support for victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

IEDs poses major threat to counter-insurgency operations – NCTC boss

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has said that the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists poses a threat to counterterrorism operations.

Laka said this on Tuesday, at a two-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training for various security agencies and services, organised by the NCTC, in Abuja.

He said that IEDs had become a tool of terror used by insurgents, militants, bandits and criminal elements to destabilise communities, destroy infrastructure and inflict fear and suffering on innocent lives.

According to him, the recent blackout in the Northern part of the country was caused by terrorists that destroyed five power transmission lines using improvised explosive devices.

Laka said the training was part of the planning by the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre in preparation for 2024 Crisis Response Exercise, scheduled for Nov. 25 to Nov. 29.

He said the exercise was aimed at empowering security agencies and relevant ministries, departments and agencies on interagency cooperation and coordination using the National Crisis Management Doctrine during national crises.

According to him, the counter IEDs training is to further create a platform for the NCTC  to assess the readiness of participants in countering improvised explosive device procedures and operations.

“It is therefore carefully designed to refresh and sustain the capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal and canon operator on the effective operations of the various counter IEDs equipment at their disposal.

“It is also planned to test the participants’ command and control structures and to ensure that decision making processes are clear, swift and efficient,’’ he said.

The NCTC coordinator urged the participants to be open-minded and engage in a way that would allow them to learn from each other’s expertise.

According to him, this approach will lead to a successful exercise, rapid response and thereafter enhance the national security of our dear country in the long term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, handed over 58 people rescued by the security agencies in joint operations to the Kaduna State Government.

Ribadu handed over the victims to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who will hand them over to the government.

Gen. Musa who presented the victims to the representative of the state government and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Kila, said that no money was paid for their rescue.

” The rescue is as a result of combined efforts of the military and other security services.

“The operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic which requires efforts by all and not just the military kinetic efforts,” he said.

The CDS said that all Nigerians must take ownership of the operation for the security agencies to succeed.

“What we are seeing out of this, is the success of the collaboration right from the top. From the presidency, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence to all agencies working together, including the Kaduna State Government.

“The governor has been very supportive and very helpful and it is this collaborative effort that has made it possible for us to be able to rescue these individuals.

“It is a joint effort and we were able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals,” .

“Now, I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult for us to succeed.

“The success depends on all of us working together because it is a whole-of-society approach,” said.

Musa said that certain individuals had been trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed by sabotaging the efforts of the government.

He added that the security agencies were working round the lock tirelessly to make sure Nigerians feel safe and protected.

“Today is Saturday, many people would have wanted to be home, relaxing, but we are working. Saturday, Sunday, day and night and all Nigerians have keyed up, and everybody is contributing to the success we are seeing.

“I want to also inform Nigerians that we will continue to work hard together and will not leave any stone unturned until every Nigerian that is in captivity is freed and Nigerians are free to move about within the country, both day and night, as it used to be before.

“We assure Nigerians that we are getting all the support to ensure that we work, and we assure Mr. President that we will do everything possible, and including Nigerians, until we succeed, we’ll continue to push,” he added.

The defence chief clarified that contrary to the believes of many, not all persons involved in banditry were willing tools, adding that some were conscripted.

He said the military will continue to go after the perpetrators, adding :”they will not be let free for the innocent blood they have shed”.

The National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were kidnapped from their homes and farm lands in Gayam, Sabon layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Laka said that troops of I Division, on Nov. 14, at about 1500hrs successfully led a joint operations leading to their rescue.

He said the victims comprised 35 males and 23 females.

According to the him, preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called JANBROS.

“During the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of Kilometers through the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.

“Upon their rescue, the government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to ONSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups, where they have been examined and six were admitted.

“The six admitted victims have recovered and joined us for subsequent handing over to their respective families,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to Kaduna Governor, Sani Limankila thanked the security agencies and called on all Nigerians to team up with security agencies to end kidnapping. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Take active role in anti-corruption war– ICPC boss tasks women, youth

377 total views today

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), has urged women and youths to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the county.

Aliyu made the call in his address of welcome at a one-day workshop for women and youths on corruption prevention at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has as its theme: “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption”.

The ICPC boss said that women and the youth disproportionately experienced the effects of corruption in society, and urged them to rise to fight against it.

Aliyu stated that the conference was put together as a pivotal event dedicated to empowering two key groups, women and young people in the fight against corruption.

”Today’s workshop is not just an event; it is a crucial platform that aims to highlight the pivotal roles that women and the youth play in the fight against corruption.

”By uniting our voices and resources, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in our communities.

”Engaging women and young people in this battle is essential, as they are often the first to feel the effects of corruption, yet they hold the keys to innovative solutions and transformative leadership,” he said.

Aliyu said further that the workshop stands as a pillar of public engagement, fully aligned with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.

“ICPC is committed to leveraging technology for mobilisation, building inclusive coalitions, and empowering marginalised voices to foster a more just and equitable society.

”By engaging women and youth, our over-arching objective is for our anti-corruption efforts to become more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable.

”It is also to enhance credibility, increased public support, innovative solutions, long-term impact and, of course, a more just and equitable society for Nigerians,” he said.

In her address, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu,  wife of the President, said that when corruption thrives, the most vulnerable women, children, and marginalised communities bear the heaviest burden.

”It is for their sake, and the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge.

“As we gather today, let us reflect on the words of our elders: ‘It takes a village to raise a child;’ and in the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption.

“We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone,” she said.

The President’s wife commended the ICPC and its leadership for their unwavering commitment to the cause of anti-corruption.

The conference brings together leaders, activists, policymakers, and community members to address the unique challenges women and youth face in combating corruption.

Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the conference aims to equip participants with strategies against corruption.

It also aims to support networks to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability within their communities and institutions.(NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

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