NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
350 Nigerian youths to benefit from World Bank scholarship
General News

350 Nigerian youths to benefit from World Bank scholarship

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By Patricia Amogu

No fewer than 350 Nigerian youths will benefit from the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) initiative, a World Bank supported Technology Skills Scholarship 2024.

The Founder of Gallery of Codes, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, in an interview said the Cyber School Africa, a technology driven initiative, would train the youth on digital skills and literacy through the IDEAS initiative.

Ekponimo spoke on the side-line of the orientation and inaugural ceremony to flag off the programme on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the initiative is to harness and explore the Nigerian digital economy while enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian skills development system.”

He said the idea of the programme was to plug the unemployment gap and encourage people, especially the youth, vulnerable groups and People Living with disabilities (PLWD) to participate more in the digital economy.

Ekponimo stated that the objective of the programme was to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian skills development system to produce relevant skills for the formal and informal sectors.

According to him, the programme which will offer internship and mentorship for beneficiaries is supported by the World Bank, Gallery Of Codes and implemented by the Ministry of Education.

“The CyberSchool training programme is designed to align with the IDEAS objective and serves as a catalyst for innovation and job readiness through the acquisition of skills in emerging technologies.

“Over 350 trainees have been onboarded for the programme to be trained on User-Interface designs, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud Engineering and Software Engineering and multifarious digital skills.

“This is the first cohort who will take between three to six months in these different courses and beneficiaries will be certified both by us and also by international certification bodies,” he said.

While urging young people to tap into digital skills to create solutions that will affect the society positively, he stressed that the need for possessing strong digital skills in the rapidly evolving job market, has become more than just an advantage.

“As industries embrace digital transformation and technology continues to reshape the way we work, individuals who are proficient in digital tools and technologies stand out as highly desirable candidates for employment.

“In a digital-first world, enhancing job readiness through digital skills is not just advantageous, it’s essential for staying competitive in the job market and future-proofing your career.

“I encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity for growth and upgrade your skills deposit to improve your earning capacity,” he added.

The National Coordinator, National Talent Export Program of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr Femi Adeloye, said the Cyber School Africa programme was very important.

Adeloye said that Nigeria could only compete globally when we have highly skilled and competent hands in the digital space.

“There are countries like India, Philippines, Bangladesh that are making a whole lot of money comparable to what we use for our budget, and they are getting it from talent export and outsourcing.

“So, if we want to be able to capture these markets they already have, we must have highly competent hands.

“I am excited about this programme, I want to thank the organisers, World Bank and Gallery of Codes for achieving this great initiative and giving this opportunity to many young people out there.

“The World Bank is gearing towards ensuring that by 2025-2030 Nigeria has a technical capacity that can be exported and also drive the human capacity development sector.”

Also speaking, Cyber School Africa (Gallery of Codes) Lead Technical Project Manager, Onisudumeya Hamilton said the IDEAS Project is geared towards ensuring that there is a fundamental level of capacity development in Nigeria.

“In improving the local content you have to train, if you don’t have the human capacity, you cannot improve the local content.
“So, the World Bank decided to assist Nigeria to see to the actualization of that goal.

“Through this programme, we are supporting the Federal Government to facilitate the goal for concomitant actualisation.

“After the first and second cohort, there will be a series of technical internships, laboratory sessions, mentorship programmes, and immersive projects which they will be working on, and at the end of the day, they will be plugged into jobs.” he added (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

Senate to suspend budget of FEDCAM over non-productivity 
Health

Senate to suspend budget of FEDCAM over non-productivity 

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate says it will ensure that no budget is released to the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) of Nigeria over non-productivity.

Sen. Banibo Ipalibo, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) disclosed  this on Thursday when she led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the college in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the committee also visited other health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

NAN reports that FEDCAM was established in 2009 with a mandate to train alternative medicine practitioners in the health care delivery services and also to carry out clinical works and as well provide an alternative method of treating ailments and research.

Ipalibo, while expressing her disappointment at the non-productivity of the institute, said that nothing was happening there.

“There are no students, the staff members are not coming to work and the building they rented is unused.

“It is supposed to be a key area in alternative medicine, it is such a place we could train our children but none of that is happening there and as such, the committee will definitely look into that.

“We will ensure that no budget is released and no tax payers money is wasted in such a project until the project comes back on stage and provides the services that this country needs,” she said.

Chief Accountant of the College, Mr Abayomi Abiodun disclosed that there were over 132 workers of the establishment.

He recalled that in 2011, the Ministry of Health suspended the management staff and appointed an interim administrative team.

“From 2011 to 2019, FEDCAM was administered by the interim administrative team of the ministry of health.

“We have been trying to see how the college will come on board but unfortunately, last year, the ministry decided to place hold and suspend the activities of the college.

“Without the principal leadership of this college, absolutely nothing can take place because the ministry has a way of doing their things.

“These and other more, are our challenges,” he said.

NAN reports that other facilities visited by the committee included the National Hospital, Abuja, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and Federal Staff Hospital, Gwarimpa.

While at the National Hospital, Ipalibo expressed satisfaction with the services rendered by the hospital.

“They have a lot of potential, there is a lot more that they can do if they are provided with more equipment.

“The hospital is also doing a lot of cancer care,” she said.

Ipalibo assured the management of the hospital of legislative backing to further boost ita activities.

At the NHIA, the Director-General, Dr Kelechi Ohiri said that the agency was currently finalising the 2021 and 2022 Audit.

He said the reports would be  completed in March while the 2023 Audit Report would also be concluded on time.

Ohiri said an estimated 15,000 persons had been enrolled on health insurance from both the national and the state health insurance authorities.

He said the figure represented about seven per cent of the population but too low to provide health coverage for Nigeria.

The DG said, in 2023, a total of N128 million was generated internally from enrollees and accreditation of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and health care facilities, among others.

He said about half of the total sum was remitted  to the federation account.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Sightsavers receives international award for inclusive education in Nigeria
Health

Sightsavers receives international award for inclusive education in Nigeria

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By Justina Auta

Sightsavers Nigeria, an NGO, has received an international award for improving accessibility and quality of primary education for children with disabilities in Kaduna State.

Its Communication Associate, Ms Joy Tarbo, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, that the award was presented to the NGO by the Zero Project, a global organisation.

Tarbo said the award was presented to the organisation at the United Nations Office in Vienna on Wednesday, for its role in testing a locally led blueprint for inclusive education in Jema’a, Kaduna State.

“Through the Inclusive Futures programme, a UK Aid’s flagship disability-inclusive development programme, we supported children between 4-14years living with disabilities in Nigeria in their right to access education.”

The Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, expressed delight at the award.

“We are immensely proud to receive the Zero Project award for our inclusive education work and strong partnerships with OPDs and the state Ministry of Education amongst other partners.

“This recognition reaffirms our belief that every child, regardless of disability, deserves access to quality education. Together we can achieve our goal of ensuring that no child is left behind in education”.

Also, Johannes Trimmel, Director, Inclusive Futures programme said: “It means so much to have our work recognised on a global stage by the Zero Project awards.

“People with disabilities and their representative organisations need to be included in development programmes to shape and transform the societies that we live in.

“This recognition motivates us to amplify efforts in providing education for children with disabilities.”

The Zero Project awards recognise organisations that have removed barriers for people with disabilities through their innovative and scalable solutions.

Sightsavers won the award in partnership with the International Disability Alliance (IDA), a consortium of more than 20 organisations, working together to ensure PWD are included in development and humanitarian programmes. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Stakeholders canvass use of apps to improve rights of mining communities
General News

Stakeholders canvass use of apps to improve rights of mining communities

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By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the mining sector have called for the use of web and mobile apps to foster sustainable development in mining host communities.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday at a two-day Collaborative Meeting on Sustainable Development in Mining Host Communities (Hostcommunities.ng app familiarisation and onboarding workshop) in Karu, Nasarawa State.

They said the use of apps, which could be downloaded at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrisasek, would improve the rights of host communities and enable them to receive maximum benefits from mining operations.

The meeting was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), under the auspices of the Ford Foundation BUILD Initiative.

Mr Monday Osasah, Executive Director of Centre LSD, said the centre had been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development in mining host communities across Nigeria, in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development (MSMD).

Osasah, represented by Dr Emenike Umesi, Director of Leadership, Centre LSD, said the centre developed an app called hostcommunities.ng to ensure adequate development of the mining host communities.

According to him, the app is designed to empower members of mining host communities and the public to report on community development projects undertaken by mining companies.

He said it was necessary to address the ills caused by the impact of mining on host communities leading to environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic inequalities.

“This is to ensure that communities will maximally benefit from mining operations.

“We believe that this platform has the potential to enhance transparency, accountability, and community engagement in the mining sector.

“We envision improved frameworks, enhanced livelihoods and increased awareness on gender issues as concrete milestones that can be achieved through collaborative action and pragmatic solutions.

“By focusing on practical interventions, we aim to equip our partners with the tools and knowledge they need to drive lasting change on the ground.’’

Osasah said that the aim of the meeting was to identify real gaps, implement practical solutions, and measure tangible progress in the sector.

“Let us draw on our collective expertise and practical experience to generate innovative ideas and pragmatic approaches that can drive real change in mining host communities,’’ he said,

Dr Vivian Okono, Director, Mines and Environmental Compliance Department, commended Centre LSD for the initiative to transform the mining sector.

Okono said the purpose of the meeting was to explore innovative approaches to foster sustainable development in mining host communities.

“The app, hostcommunities.ng is coming at the right time in the sense that the protection of rights of host communities is very critical.

“You have done so much and there is still so much to achieve and in the face of the renewed hope agenda, I will urge everyone to think outside the box.

“This will help us to contribute our quota to achieve progress and protection so host communities can benefit,’’ she said.

Mr Taiwo Otitolaye, National Coordinator, Publish What You Pay (PWYP) commended Centre LSD, Ministry of Solid Mineral,and the Ford Foundation for the initiative.

Otitolaye said the development of the software has transformed engagement in host communities as it gave evidence-based interventions where host communities could monitor, report, and give feedback on happenings in communities.

He urged that the initiative be cascaded across Africa for sustainable development in mining host communities.

The Programme Coordinator of Centre LSD, Mr Vincent Dania, said hostcommunities is a web and mobile application platform that empowers members of mining host communities and the public to monitor and report progress of Community Development Agreement (CDA) projects.

Dania said the app was developed by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), adding that the hostcommunities app was now available on play store. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Chijioke Okoronkwo

NBC to demarcate Delta boundaries to avert clashes – DG
Metro

NBC to demarcate Delta boundaries to avert clashes – DG

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC), says it will expedite action in the definition and demarcation of Delta boundaries and its neighbouring states to avert clashes.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from Delta, in Abuja on Thursday.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Delta Boundary Committee, Mr Monday Onyeme.

Adaji explained that the decision to define and demarcate the boundaries was to curb further boundary disputes between the state and its neighbours.

He commended Onyeme for taking steps to prevent likely provocation between the state and its neighbouring states.

According to the DG, Delta is one of the few states that have a well-established State Boundary Committee, which has contributed significantly to the cordial working relationship between the state and NBC.

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the boundary dispute between Delta and Ondo, which has continued to linger, despite the commission’s technical and political approach to restore lasting peace between the two states.

“It is usually not uncommon to see two sister states who used to be one disagree over boundary lines after the creation of a new state.

“I commended Delta government for its commitment and proactive actions to tackle the lingering boundary dispute.

“The efforts are clear indications of the government’s determination to prioritise the state’s interests and avoid disruptions to its developmental agenda.

“This, in the long run, will ensure territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence between her and her neighbours,” he said.

In his remarks, Onyeme explained that the visit was predicated on the need for the state government to be able to deliver socio-economic development to its people.

He said that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, peace, and security. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigerian media, beacon of hope for national dev’t – Wike
Metro

Nigerian media, beacon of hope for national dev’t – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the Nigerian media as a beacon of hope in the quest for national development.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at the 2024 National Security Conference, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the New National Star Newspaper.

The minister, who was represented by the most Senior Director in FCT Administration, Dr Udoh Atang, said that the Nigerian media were contributing their quota to national discourse aimed at proffering solutions to common challenges.

He said that in a nation as vast and as diverse as Nigeria, security challenges often loom large, threatening the peace and stability of the country.

“It is during such times that the press emerges as a beacon of hope.

“The media serves as the eyes and the ears of the public, uncovering stories that would otherwise remain shrouded in darkness.

“Through diligent investigative journalism, reporters bring to light issues of crime and terrorism that undermine our nation’s security fabric,” he said.

The minister commended the press for their significant role as the watchdog of the society, adding that they hold those in power accountable to the people for their actions and inactions.

He said that the FCT Administration has recorded significant success in addressing the recent surge in security threats that confronted the residents of the FCT.

He attributed the successes to the multi-faceted approach, combined with robust law enforcement measures as well as proactive community engagements initiatives.

“We have prioritised community-oriented policing approaches, fostering trust and co-operation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

“My tour of the six area councils has galvanised the populace and reassured them that they are not alone in the fight to safeguard their lives and property,” Wike said.

Earlier, the NUJ President, Dr Chris Isiguzo said that the conference was organised to foster a fruitful dialogue on the lingering security challenges in Nigeria with a view to finding permanent solutions.

Also, Dr Obinna Nwachukwu, the Editor-in-Chief, New National Star Newspapers, noted that each zone in the country was facing peculiar security challenges that needed to be addressed. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FCTA denies school fees increment in public boarding schools
Metro , Education

FCTA denies school fees increment in public boarding schools

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says there is no increment of school fees in public boarding schools in the federal capital.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Thursday.

NAN recalls that some parents had claimed that the FCT Administration increased school fees for students in FCT public boarding schools.

They claimed that the fee was increased from between N29,000 and N32,000 to N47,000, a development they claimed had forced some parents to withdraw their children from boarding schools to day schools.

Reacting, Hayyo said, “This is not true; this is not true.

“The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, had even approved the increase in the feeding allowances for boarding schools due to rising cost of food items.

“Look at the situation, how much is a bag of rice in the last two years and how much is a bag or rice currently? He asked.”

The mandate secretary also denied the claim that some parents have withdrawn their children from public boarding schools in the FCT.

According to him, FCT public boarding schools are positioned to provide quality education at affordable cost and within the means of parents.

“I don’t think there is someone that will remove his children or his son from public school as a result of the feeding cost; I doubt much.”

He added that the quality of education in public schools was very encouraging, stressing that the best student in the 2023 West African Examination Council was from a public school.

He also said that students from public schools won more trophies from debates, quizzes and other academic and sports competitions in 2023 than private schools.

“In fact, in Abuja, so many parents are removing their children from private schools to public schools because of the quality of education the public schools provide.

“There is a high number of enrolments in public schools in Abuja currently and we are trying to bridge the infrastructural gap to accommodate more pupils and students,” he said.

Hayyo said that FCTA has concluded plans to inaugurate the schools recently rehabilitated, while plans are underway for the construction of new ones.

NAN recalls that the mandate secretary had on Jan. 30 announced Wike’s approval of N30.9 billion for massive public school rehabilitation projects in the federal capital. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

FCT experiences first rain in 2024
Metro

FCT experiences first rain in 2024

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced the first rain in 2024 in the early morning of Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the light rain which started half hour into the new day, about 12.30a.m., lasted about 25 minutes, stopping at 12.55a.m.

The unexpected rain which was devoid of lightning, heavy winds and thunderstorms was witnessed at Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Garki in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The rain was also witnessed in Dutse, Zuba, Bwari, Gwagwalada and Mararaba.

Residents of the areas expressed mixed feelings over the rain.

Mrs Anna Jonah, a resident of Kubwa said the unexpected rain brought a temporary succour from the heat wave experienced in the past few days.

She, however, expressed worry that because the rain was light, a delay in another rain might intensify the heat.

“Before the rain started, I was lying down on the tiled-floor in my room to get some relief from the heat and I had also taken cold bath twice because of sweating.

“However, after the rain, I moved to the bed with my husband and we had sound sleep, because of the mild coldness that accompanied it

“The concern is that a light rain like this might increase the heat in the coming days, especially as NiMet recently predicted a delay in rain in the North-Central states,” she said.

Lawal Sale, a resident of Garki said the rain was a bit heavy in the area and all the cars parked by occupants of his quarter that had accumulated dust were washed off by the raindrops.

Sale also confirmed relief from the intense heat witnessed in the FCT in the past days.

He, however, said the relief might be short lived and advised farmers not to rush to planting because the rain might not be consistent.

NAN reports that a resident of Kuje said there was no rain in the area but the weather was cold compared to what they had in previous days. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCT minister inaugurates 10th ASOFEST
Metro

FCT minister inaugurates 10th ASOFEST

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Wednesday inaugurated the 10th edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the celebration is  “Peaceful Co-existence, a Panacea for Economic Revival”.

Mahmoud said ASOFEST would bring different cultural groups from the six Area Councils of the territory together to showcase their cultural heritage.

She said the theme of the festival was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, through diversification of the nation’s economy from oil.

The minister called for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage for economic diversification.

According to her, preserving and promoting the rich culture, customs, and tradition will play a key role in promoting peaceful co-existence amongst different ethnic nationalities.

She underscored the need to sustain programmes and activities that promote cultural complexities that define peoples’ uniqueness in a multicultural country like Nigeria.

“As life evolves daily and for modernisation purposes, we as the people, must continue to create programmes and activities that define who we are and celebrate our heritage and uniqueness.

“We must learn to tell our own stories to the outside world through the display and showcasing of our beautiful cultures.

“Most importantly, it is also a way of making our children learn and appreciate their roots,” Mahmoud said.

Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCT Administration, described ASOFEST as a melting pot of divergent cultural groups and traditions in the FCT.

“It also provides an opportunity for the people to display their distinctive delicacies, culinary skills, pottery, tie and dye, wrestling and weaving of clothes, mats and hats among others,” he said.

The mandate secretary expressed hope that the festival would provide employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCTA to construct Gwagwa, Karimo, Dei-Dei road – Wike
Metro

FCTA to construct Gwagwa, Karimo, Dei-Dei road – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will construct Gwagwa, Karimo to Dei-Dei road, to ease traffic congestion.

Wike made the pledge while inaugurating the construction of access road to Saburi 1 and 2, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja on Wednesday.

The road begins from the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway, also known as Zuba Kubwa Expressway) to Old Keffi Road, near Deidei International Market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the decision to construct the road followed a request by the AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, to the minister to consider expanding the road to ease traffic congestion.

Maikalangu had described the road as a strategic commercial road in the whole of FCT, but in a bad state, narrow and required expansion for the road users.

He also said that the Saburi Road, from the expressway to Old Keffi Road, would ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the rainy season.

He added that the road, when completed, would trigger socio-economic activities and other development strides in the area.

Responding, Wike asked the people at the event if they were in consensus with Maikalangu’s request to construct the Gwagwa-Karimo-Dei-Dei road, and the highly elated residents unanimously answered yes.

The minister, thereafter, said, “consider it to be done.

This, according to him, is the essence of governance when the government responds to the needs of the people.

“Mr President has emphasised that our people in the rural areas must be given attention because they constitute the larger part of the population.

“So, it is not only where the elite are living, but also where the poor ones are, so that we will be able to reduce the level of insecurity, make economic activities to thrive and have our farmers bring in their goods to the market,” he said.

He called on the residents to pray for President Bola Tinubu for good health and God guidance to be able to keep his campaign promise of providing dividends of democracy to the people.

He said that the construction of additional roads across the six areas councils of the FCT would be inaugurated in the next three months.

The minister said that the commitment was part of efforts to keep peoples’ hope alive in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.

He appealed to the Senate and House Committees on FCT to support in passing the FCT statutory budget which would be submitted soon to enable the Administration to deliver more roads and other projects in rural communities.

Earlier, the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, thanked Wike for constructing rural roads across the six area councils.

“Today is a great day for us and other Nigerians that are jampacked in Jiwa Chiefdom. The road you are constructing now, we are very grateful,” he said.

Musa, thereafter, announced the conferment of the traditional title of Jagaban (Chief Warrior) Kudu of Jiwa Chiefdom on the FCT Minister, making it the fifth traditional title conferred on the minister by FCT communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far, the FCT Minister has inaugurated the construction of six rural roads totaling 42.2 kilometres across six Area Councils.

The roads include 11 km road in Kwali Area Council, five km dual carriageway in Kuje, nine km road in Gwagwalada, 7.2 km road in Bwari, five km road each in Abaji and AMAC. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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