News Agency of Nigeria
Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages
General News , Metro

Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages

260 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Festus Ugwegbu, Legal Secretary, FCT Streetlights Maintenance Contractors, has attributed the darkness experienced in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to vandalism and power outages.

Ugwegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the streetlights were properly maintained, functional and ready to shine, but for power outages and acts of vandalism.

“The major problem with streetlights in the FCT is constant power outages and load shedding by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

“Furthermore, there is a high rate of vandalism, as mentioned, which obviously affects the total cost of contract execution.

“Otherwise, the streetlights are always active and ready to shine,” he said.

The legal secretary debunked reports in a section of the media that the darkness experienced in parts of the FCT was due to laxity on the part of the contractors.

He said despite failed appeals to the FCT administration to review their two-year contract as a result of inflation, the contractors have continued to optimally deliver on their responsibility.

“To put the record straight, the contract was awarded in August 2022, and it is expected to end by July 31, 2024, with a fixed contract rate from inception, irrespective of inflation and the hike in prices of materials and labour.

“Nevertheless, we have been delivering our assigned responsibilities despite failed appeals to the FCT for a review of the contract, and price variation to reflect the effects of inflation on the cost of executing this project,” Ugwegbu said.

According to him, the fact that the contractors are still being owed has not deterred them from meeting their contractual agreement.

He said the long term solution to the issue was to have a dedicated and independent power source to power the streetlights.

“As professionals, the solution to the problem of darkness in FCT is to provide a dedicated and independent power source to serve and support the illumination of our streets.

“Steps should also be taken by the FCT administration to ensure that areas not currently under the purview of any contractor is duly awarded to an eligible contractor for maintenance and security,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Pay TV: SLTV Boss, Nwafor receives ‘Salute to Courage Award’
Entertainment

Pay TV: SLTV Boss, Nwafor receives ‘Salute to Courage Award’

1,041 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

Dr Ifeanyi Nwafor, Managing Director of Metrodigital Limited, owners of Silver Lake Television (SLTV), indigenous Nigerian satellite pay television, has been honoured with ‘Salute to Courage Award’ (SACA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he receive the award at the SLTV Post Launch Reception organised by Camroll Quest Limited and associates of SLTV on Saturday in Abuja.

Princess Nikky Onyeri, Chief Operating Officer of Camroll Quest Ltd, who presented the award to the SLTV boss, said the honour was in celebration of his doggedness towards ensuring that Nigeria has indigenous pay television.

According to her, Metrodigital Limited, under Nwafor’s watch, took bold and patriotic steps in conceiving SLTV for Nigerians to have alternative to monopolistic satellite pay TV service providers.

“When nobody gave Nigerians a chance, Ifeanyi Nwafor and Metrodigital remained focused and resilient for us to have our own satellite pay television, and so today, we are recognising tenacity, we are recognising resilience and doggedness.

“This celebration and award came from many years of being in the battlefield as the opposition party tried everything possible to put Metrodigital away.

“I believe this is also the only award that is recognised by the government of Nigeria in the sense that the National Copyright Council has certified this award.

“For 13 years they were taken to court in Nigeria and they still took them to European courts for three years, all as part of plots to stop this patriotic vision, but Metrodigital won at the end.

“The fact that we are in the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, has also given us another hope because this is happening under his government,” she said.

In his remark, Nwafor expressed appreciation for the honour accorded him and the SLTV team, adding that the team was poised to do more towards ensuring that the pay television network gives value to Nigerians.

He lamented that the growth of pay TV in Nigeria over the years had been hampered by policies and legal frameworks that encouraged monopoly.

“I am very happy and humbled by this honour,and we promise not to disappoint Nigerians as we urge them to patrionise their own.

“We are very considerate with our prices because we are Nigerians and we are not going to take Nigerians for granted,” he said.

He explained that SLTV has over 50 HD channels with 10 Sports channels that show live football matches from all major football league in Europe, with a monthly subscription ranging from N2,500 and N5,000.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the occasion, Abubakar Jijiwa, said SLTV was a veritable alternative that has emerged to respond to yearning of Nigerians by giving them value for their money.

According to Jijiwa, a former Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the new satellite pay television will also create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths from its entire value chain.

“SLTV has come to stay, but we must support it as our own, because our own will drive direct foreign investment and create jobs.

“Let us spread the message that there is now a Nigerian company that is providing pay TV services at a cheaper price than others,” he said.

Top government functionaries, heads of both private and public organisations, seasoned entrepreneurs and consumers of pay TV services were among stakeholders present at the event.

Also there was goodwill messages from the Nigerian police and other stakeholders.

NAN reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had in March unveiled the indigenous Nigerian satellite television, SLTV, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

He said its establishment aligns with the hopes of Nigerians to “reap from the bountiful harvest awaiting investors in the Nigerian economy.”

Akume, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the operators of SLTV, Metrodigital Limited, took a patriotic step in setting up the satellite television.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

UP NEPA’, advocacy film on Nigeria’s power sector, premieres in FCT
Entertainment

UP NEPA’, advocacy film on Nigeria’s power sector, premieres in FCT

375 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

‘Up NEPA’, a documentary that chronicles the lingering challenges of electricity supply in Nigeria has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filmmakers, industry stakeholders, representatives of relevant institutions and electricity consumers were present at the screening of the film on Thursday night in Abuja.

The documentary is produced by Griot Studios, a multimedia company acclaimed for producing and distributing content with socio-cultural effects towards a better society.

‘UP NEPA’ probes Nigeria’s unreliable power supply and its impact on individuals, Businesses and the economy.

The film brings to the fore broad challenges facing the sector, including poor electricity policy implementation, regulatory uncertainty, gas supply challenges, transmission system constraints and corruption, among others.

The film features special guest stars including veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and ace rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI, among others.

Industry experts such as Patrick Okigbo, Bart Nnaji, Alex Okoh, and Rahila Thomas and other stakeholders were also interviewed in the documentary.

It also features interviews with everyday people, including cold store owners in Ibadan, plastics manufacturers in Aba and Kano and healthcare workers in Lagos.

Ishaya Bako, Director of film, said it was shot in various locations across Nigeria and was released in partnership with ‘The Electricity Hub.’

Bako, renowned for directing award-winning documentaries like “Fueling Poverty” and “Silent Tears,” said the “UP NEPA” project took over two years for its completion.

“I am grateful to be able to share this film with an audience which it has been many years in the making.

“The documentary provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges of providing adequate, and sustained electrical power to Nigeria’s growing population in spite being one of the world’s largest primary energy producers.

“It also examines the historical changes and government reforms within the power sector while anticipating future developments.

“I am particularly grateful to the MacArthur Foundation, for their support in producing the film, and our hardworking team at Griot Studios, who have persevered to ensure this project becomes a reality,” he said.

Earlier, Ummi Yakubu, Executive Producer of “UP NEPA” and Creative Director of Griot Studios, told NAN on the sideline that the project was conceived to stir discussions towards finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

“This is an issue that affects the quality of life, from every aspect of it, whether it is healthcare, business, the quality of life generally.

“It is important to note that economic development and growth cannot take place without consistent and reliable power supply.

“We are hoping that the average Nigerian will watch this and understand what is going on in the power sector and understand who the key players are.

“They will also understand how power actually gets generated, all the way to coming down to us being able to switch on our sockets and get power,” she said.

NAN reports that the premiere included an interactive session between industry stakeholders, special guests and electricity consumers.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Global security environment more volatile, uncertain – CDS
Defence/Security

Global security environment more volatile, uncertain – CDS

339 total views today

By Deborah Coker

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Thursday said that the survival of any country depends largely on its ability to confront any security threat.

Musa said this in his remarks at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), holding in Abuja.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Training and Operations, the CDS noted that in recent times, the global security environment has become more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, requiring more resilience and dynamic approach to address.

He added that the security challenges Nigeria had dealt with over the years have negatively impacted the social, economic and other issues on citizens.

According to him, these challenges include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, transnational crimes and other social vices.

”The novelty and dynamic nature of these, underpins the requirement for a comprehensive approach to address them. A comprehensive approach begins with collaboration among stakeholders to enable us effectively address a continuously evolving threats within our country.

”As such, efforts of all forms will be required to address these challenges appropriately.

”It is also important to mention that the armed forces of Nigeria consider it a priority to secure the territorial integrity of our country by land, sea and air’’.

The CDS said priorities would continue to be put in ensuring peace and security of the country.

”Despite the efforts of the military so far, the security challenges between our borders still persist. This means that notwithstanding the successes already achieved in various sectors of operation, there is still much more to be done.

”Equally, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has come to appreciate that owing to the complex and unique nature of security threats in contemporary times, there is need for all stakeholders to work together.

”This is because no single service or agency can effectively address this threats alone.

”Moreover, these security challenges have become increasingly diverse and unconventional, thus the need for a forum where we will collectively resolve to provide valuable insights and perspectives’’, he added.

Musa expressed confidence that the seminar would be fruitful and rewarding, as the forum was aimed at promoting social, intellectual and professional interaction on security issues towards enhancing the security of the country.

”The expectation is that our collective discussions will generate a common understanding of pressing security challenges and enable the exploration of innovative solutions to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar has the theme ‘ Curbing Oil Theft and Illegal Crude Oil Refining In Nigeria’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Macroeconomic stability: IMF recommends determined implementation of government’s policy in Nigeria
Business

Macroeconomic stability: IMF recommends determined implementation of government’s policy in Nigeria

324 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) says determined and well-sequenced implementation of government’s policy intentions would pave the way for faster, more inclusive, resilient growth in Nigeria.

The IMF said this in a statement at the conclusion of its Executive Board’s 2024 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria, a copy of which was obtained by the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

The Board of Directors of the IMF said the government’s reforms had to be well-communicated to also help restore macroeconomic stability, reduce poverty, and support social cohesion.

The Directors highlighted the importance of reforms to enhance the business environment, improve security, implement key governance measures, develop human capital, boost agricultural productivity, and build climate resilience.

“These reforms are crucial to boost investor confidence, unlock Nigeria’s growth potential and diversify the economy, and address food insecurity, and underpin sustainable job creation.”

They said over the last decade, limited reforms, security challenges, weak growth and now high inflation had worsened poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria.

“While Nigeria swiftly exited the COVID-19 recession, per-capita income has stagnated.

“Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 2.9 per cent in 2023, with weak agriculture and trade, and in spite of the improvement in oil production and financial services.

“ Growth is projected at 3.3 per cent for 2024 as both oil and agriculture outputs are expected to improve with better security. The financial sector has remained stable, in spite of heightened risks.

“Food insecurity could worsen with further adverse shocks to agriculture or global food prices.

“ Adverse shocks to oil production or prices would hit growth, the fiscal and external position, and exacerbate inflationary and exchange rate pressures.”

The directors said Nigeria, under its new administration, had set out on an ambitious reform path to restore macroeconomic stability and support inclusive growth.

“The Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal and welcomed the bold reforms implemented by the new administration.”

They commended the authorities’ focus on revenue mobilisation, governance, social safety nets, and upgrading policy frameworks in the face of Nigeria’s significant economic and social challenges.

The directors commended the administration’s’ actions to rein in inflation and restore market confidence.

They stressed the importance of keeping a tight monetary policy stance to put inflation on a downward path, maintaining exchange rate flexibility, and building reserves.

The directors recommended caution regarding amendments to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act that might weaken the central bank’s autonomy.

They also commended the authorities for restarting the cash transfer programme and emphasised the urgency of scaling it up to mitigate acute food insecurity.

The directors welcomed the administration’s work on a comprehensive revenue mobilisation strategy including boosting tax enforcement and broadening the tax base.

They underscored that mobilising revenue and reprioritising expenditure, including phasing out costly and regressive energy subsidies, were critical to creating fiscal space for development spending and strengthening social protection while maintaining debt sustainability.

The directors appreciated the authorities’ commitment to discontinue deficit monetisation and positively noted progress in macroeconomic policy coordination.

They emphasised the importance of close monitoring of financial sector risks.

The directors supported the increase in the minimum capital for banks and urged the CBN to unwind the regulatory forbearance introduced during the pandemic.

They supported the administration’s efforts to foster financial inclusion and deepen the capital market.

The directors welcomed the IMF’s capacity development to support the Nigerian authorities’ reform efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NASENI restates commitment to enhance production of Nigeria’s branded products
Science & Tech

NASENI restates commitment to enhance production of Nigeria’s branded products

360 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has restated its commitment to enhance production of Nigeria’s branded products, technology transfer domestication, commercialisation and stimulation of indigenous socio-economic advancement.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, said this on Thursday while unveiling NASENI’s branded products at the agency’s quarterly media briefing in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new products include car battery, laptop, smartphone and Solar-powered street light.

Halilu said that the feats were recorded in line with the agency’s 2023-2027 strategic launchpad to fit into the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the present administration.

He said the launchpad was to enhance Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, reduce the country’s import bill, reposition the agency to leverage on the comparative advantage of the 36 states.

The NASENI boss disclosed that the agency was working assiduously to bring in more products to create a national brand that every Nigerian would love to see.

He said that the agency embarked upon in its launchpad to improve the livelihood of Nigerians and foster national development.

“What we are trying to do is to open our doors to people that will contribute to our activities and development of our nation.

Halilu said that the areas of focus of the strategic launchpad were agriculture and food manufacturing, defense and aerospace, sustainable transportation and mobility.

He said others included renewable energy and sustainability, health and biotechnology, information technology and software, construction and smart city.

NASENI boss also presented the agency’s proposal evaluation portal, a website for those who intend to work with the agency.

He said the NASENI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) would soon be launched for task tracing within the agency.

He said that the agency’s e-procurement portal, an initiative in the launchpad, was to enhance transparency.

According to him, the NASENI youth empowerment programme consists of schemes with the prospect of creating 18,000 direct jobs.

He said the vehicles to drive the project included skills acquisition centres, trainings, stem box innovation hub and campus.

The EVC said the work of Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) and the Delt-Her initiative programme was geared towards encouraging female participation in the engineering sector.

He added that the agency also trained 20 Nigerian engineers in Indonesia on equipment fabrication under the agency’s full acquisition saputra coal fertilizer project among other ongoing achievements.

NAN recalls that in February, the agency launched three sets of its branded products which were solar powered irrigation system, electric motorcycles and tricycles, and off-grid solar home systems. (NAN)(www nanwews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Deji Abdulwahab

Zambia explores collaboration with NiDCOM on diaspora engagement
Foreign

Zambia explores collaboration with NiDCOM on diaspora engagement

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By Maureen Okon

A delegation from Zambia on Thursday visited the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja to study its approach in engaging with Nigerians in the diaspora and how that affects the economy of the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team, led by Zambia’s Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ms. Mukamasole Kasanda, was also accompanied by some officials of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

She said that the aim was to leverage the experience of Nigeria to strengthen Zambia’s diaspora engagement.

The official applauded NiDCOM for its efforts in the last few years, and said Zambia would learn from its experience.

“We are looking at establishing a migration resort center and in the last two days, this has been our homework.

“Your Constitution now allows for dual citizenship and it is a plus, we also worked on our constitution recently and one of the issues we looked at was to ensure that there was dual citizenship.

“We must commend you in ensuring that you lobby enough to have a law on Diaspora because it is very difficult to operate without a law, usually you have a lot of resistance from the general public and even within government itself,’’ she said.

Responding, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Secretary of the commission, Dr Sule Bassi said Nigeria has a population of over 200 million out of which about 20 million Nigerians are in the diaspora contributing to their host communities’ GDP and that of Nigeria.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave the visiting delegation from Zambia an account of what Nigerians in the diaspora meant to the world and their country of origin.

“Nigerians in Diaspora are a huge global economy drivers in different fields that they find themselves, which are healthcare, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship amongst other.

“They remit 20 billion dollars yearly to the Nigeria economy.”

According to her, former U.S President Barack Obama once said when you remove Nigerians from the American healthcare system the medical field will collapse.

“We have eight Nigerians in the U.S Congress and also a Nigeria has established an Agege Bread Bakery in Canada.

“This is just a few of what the diaspora are doing and that is how important Nigerians are to their host communities,’’ she said.

The chairman, however, said that the commission was still grappling with the problem of harmonising the Diaspora and the home front for a stronger nation.

Also, speaking, IOM Regional Project Coordinator, Mr Sunday Omoyeni, said that when migration was effectively managed, it can create avenues for development.

According to him, leveraging on diaspora engagement is born out of the desire of Zambian government to exploit the migration dynamics.

“In Zambia, we have intra-regional migration which happens within the region compared to Nigeria where we have more of Nigerians who migrate outside the region.

“I think the region as a whole has come to the realisation of the need for them to leverage the migration dynamics for the development of the country.

“This also align with the principles of IOM in terms of ensuring that migration is beneficial.

“Migration is not just about problems, when migration is effectively managed it can create an avenue for development,’’ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Red Cross sensitises 1.4m people to dangers of Lassa fever
Health

Red Cross sensitises 1.4m people to dangers of Lassa fever

220 total views today

By Franca Ofili

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) says it will sensitise about1.4 million people to the dangers of Lassa fever.

The sensitisation would also be on preventive measures and where to access treatment.

The Secretary General of the society, Mr Abubakar Kende, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during the celebration of the World Red Cross Day.

The Red Cross Day celebration is with the theme, ‘Keeping Humanity Alive”.

“The most current thing which we are doing right now is Lassa Fever Intervention.

“We intend to sensitise at least 1.4 million people about the dangers of the virus, how to avoid it and where to access treatment if they suspect they are infected

“As things stand now, 150 people have died of an outbreak of Lassa Fever in 27 states including the Federal Capital Territory.”

He said that 5,295 lassa fever cases have been reported in 2024, in Nigeria.

According to him, the worst affected states are Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Ondo, Plateau, Benue, Cross River, Rivers, Anambra, and Ebonyi States.

He said that the society’s volunteers would work with communities in some particular Local Government Areas to reduce rat infestation.

According to him, the volunteers will show communities how to provide immediate help for suspected cases.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Over 17.5m PWDs require basic education – Lalu 
General News

Over 17.5m PWDs require basic education – Lalu 

230 total views today

By Ahmed Ubandoma

No fewer than half of the 35.5 million population of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across the country, require basic education to meet up with their counterpart across the globe.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lalu spoke when he received Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, the President of Nigeria Airforce Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) at the Commission’s headquarters.

He noted that disability issues remained a phenomena that required all hands to be on deck to improve the quality of lives of PWDs.

Lalu said the commission was ready to partner with NAFOWA in the areas of educational advancement and other social inclusion needs of PWDs.

”We are ready and open for collaboration with NAFOWA because one of our mandate is to improve the quality of education, healthcare services and improve general wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

”We hope and believe that this collaboration will see to the improvement of the quality of life of 35.5 million persons with disabilities across the disability communities in Nigeria ” he said.

On her part, the NAFOWA President reiterated the Association’s  commitment to strengthening partnership and advocacy towards achieving inclusive education for PWDs.

She said, NAFOWA had been in the forefront in mainstreaming disability inclusion for people with social needs.

”It is our firm belief that everyone especially persons with disabilities deserves the opportunity to reach their full potentials.

” That is why we are focusing on establishing a special school for people with special needs that will offer education and therapeutic services to help PWDs unlock their potentials” she said.

She, therefore expressed optimism that the partnership will yield the desired result in the lives of PWDs in the nation (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Rwanda Policy serves as deterrence for illegal migrants – UK envoy
Sports

Rwanda Policy serves as deterrence for illegal migrants – UK envoy

327 total views today

By Chinenye Offor

Dr Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria says his country’s Rwanda Policy is intended to serve as discouragement to illegal migrants seeking asylum in the European country.

Montgomery said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He explained that the UK Parliament had agreed in a bill passed into law to partner with Rwanda in handling illegal migrants to the UK and deporting them to Rwanda.

According to him, the Rwanda Policy is a way of sending signal to illegal migrants that even if they are able to find their way to the UK through the wrong channel, they would still not succeed in remaining in the UK.

He said that the migrants would be housed, looked after, and if they have genuine asylum concerns, their cases would be assessed and processed.

He however said that the agreement with Rwanda still had to be legally ratified, and to go through its own processes. But I believe that it will be ratified as an international treaty.

“It is really important to stress that this is about illegal migration to the UK. It is about people who are often exploited by criminal gangs to take what is an awfully terribly perilous journey.

“That is crossing the English channel in tiny boats run by criminal gangs, with the promise of getting them into the UK. This is really tragic because many people die while crossing”.

The envoy also said it was premature to say whether or not Nigerians were part of the policy at the current stage of the implementation plan.

He noted that it would not be appropriate to talk about individual cases or to talk about operational planning.

He gave an assurance that some safeguards have been put in place to check the entire process.

“We have been working directly with relevant authorities to ensure that there is a decent standard of housing for the people that will be deported.

“They will have access to whatever level of education they need from primary to tertiary and vocational education.

“They will have the right to work in Rwanda. They are economic migrants, but there will be some people who may have legitimate asylum claims.

“We have been working with the Rwandan judiciary and their bar association to ensure that the migrants have “caseworkers” and legal representation to go through due process,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Emmanuel Yashim

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