NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health

Tallen, forum task stakeholders on protecting women, preventing electoral violence

137 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) have called on stakeholders to protect women and prevent electoral violence ahead of the general elections.

They made the call on Friday at a National Dialogue on Preventing Violence Against Women in 2023 general elections organised by WIPF, with support from National Democratic Institute (NDI), in Abuja .

Tallen said that women were faced with a lot of challenges particularly in the political season thus the need for them to stand together and support one another .

“We have a role to support and protect these women because women are the most vulnerable and better leaders, they have the mothers’ hearts to make things happen.

“On behalf of all Nigerian women and the female candidates, I am making a passionate appeal that we owe it a responsibility to ensure that these women are protected,” the minister urged.

Tallen encouraged women to be strong and fully armed ”because the struggles continue.

“Those that have registered to monitor these elections, you should have the fear of God to protect the vulnerables and ensure that each vote is counted.

“We should not fold our hands and allow these women to be phased out, because if women are not on the decision table, the country won’t work.”

President, WIPF, Ebere Ifendu, said the dialogue was a continuation of the meetings with security agents and candidates ahead of the elections to look for ways to tackle violence during elections.

She said; “Women are mostly hit when there is violence and you can see that our situation in Nigeria today is very pitiable and scary and everyone is feeling it .

“The level of violence is something we need to address, we have an election in few days’ time and a lot of things are happening.

“INEC themselves are crying, over 52 INEC establishments had been destroyed, so it is something that should be of concern to everyone living in Nigeria especially the government and security agencies.

“This is the reason we are here today with all our stakeholders to talk about what steps we are going to take to ensure that the elections are free from any form of violence.”

According to Ifendu, the group expects  credible elections that the people will come out to vote .

She said the group identified some challenges that might affect the elections like attacks during campaign and Naira scarcity, among others.
“WIPF is now partnering with NCSDC, we will have a situation room with them to take proactive action against violence,” Ifendu added.

She said that there would be a communiqué at the end of the dialogue to be shared with the media and major stakeholders like INEC and the I-G so as to encourage follow up and implementation of the salient issues raised.
Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, commended the forum for the initiative to support and make case for women ahead of the elections.

Obi stressed the need to take the protection of women during elections seriously to avoid unpalatable incidences.

She said: “When you strike a woman, so many humans are affected, there is a changing trend and that is that if you touch a woman now, you touch every woman.

“Wherever you are in any corner of the country, just let us know, these days, we just need to activate the agency of women.”

Obi said that for women to progress, they have to start looking out and helping each other as well as shun envy and jealousy.

She said: “It is important to know that when a sister is wounded, you have been wounded, if you don’t protect the next woman to you, you yourself are not protected.

“So, as we face the 2023 general elections, we need to mobilise.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Economy/Business

Nasarawa NYCN urges commercial banks to improve electronic banking services

132 total views today

By Olukayode Babalola

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa state chapter, has called on commercial banks to improve their electronic banking service to ameliorate the hardships occasioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Cash Redesign Policy.

The Nasarawa State Chairman of NYCN, Malam Jaafar Loko, made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at the Keffi Local Government area of the state.

NAN reports that the CBN had in October 2022 announced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1,000 notes with the old notes ceasing to be legal tender by January 31st, 2023, but since the implementation of the policy, Nigerians have faced difficulties obtaining the new notes.

Loko said the council was deeply concerned about the inability of people in the state to access cash and especially the difficulties experienced in the use of electronic banking services in many instances which are supposed to be a viable option to the use of cash.

He said the lack of adequate cash in circulation and the failure of the electronic banking services of commercial banks had no doubt caused severe discomfort among the people of the state and the country at large.

“We, however, commend the resilience of our people who in spite of the difficulties experienced as a result of the implementation of this policy, have maintained decorum and refused to unleash anger through the destruction of public facilities like it has been experienced in many parts of the country,” he said.

Loko who expressed support for efforts made by the Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa-led administration to ensure that commercial banks make cash available and improve electronics banking services, also called on the banks to do the needful to reduce the hardships faced by the public.

“Furthermore, we appeal to young people and indeed the good people of Nasarawa State to remain patient while government takes measures to address all challenges associated with the implementation of its monetary policy.

“Be assured that we are together in this and we will do everything within our power to ensure that government is proactive and lives up to its responsibility,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Politics

PRP tasks FG on massive crude oil theft

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By Naomi Sharang

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) on Friday tasked the Federal Government to investigate massive crude oil theft in the country.

Alhaji Falalu Bello, the National Chairman of the party, said this at a news conference in Abuja.

Bello said that reports had indicated that Nigeria was losing billions of oil revenues due to illegal bunkering and vandalisation of crude oil pipe lines.

“The massive crude oil theft of over 600,000 barrels a day is what we are begging President Muhammadu Buhari to address before he leaves office in May.

“Yes, Mr President, three months is not long enough for you to thoroughly investigate and deal with these serious issues in the oil industry but three months is long enough for you to set up a powerful judicial commission of inquiry on the industry.

“This should be under a reputable and agile retired Justice of the Supreme Court to thoroughly investigate at least, the aforesaid activities in the industry with a view to ascertaining how the frauds have taken place,” he said.

The party chairman also called on Buhari to reverse the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN).

“We therefore, ask the president to immediately instruct the CBN governor to return to Nigerians, the old currencies he has caused them to deposit with Nigerian banks.

“The CBN should also allow those old currencies remain legal tender until the CBN prints enough currencies to replace new ones,” Bello said.

Bello said that the PRP would make agriculture an economically viable sector such that farmers would be guaranteed minimal price for their produce.

He also promised that girl-child education would be accorded top priority.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Editing by Ali Baba-Inua

Religious

Cleric urges leaders to ameliorate sufferings of the poor

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

An Abuja Based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has urged leaders to ameliorate the sufferings of the poor and the less privilege in the society.

Al-Yolawi, who is the Chief Iman of Area 10 Garki Abuja Jumma’a mosque, made the call while delivering his sermon titled, “Lessons from Turkey and Syria Tragedy”, on Friday in Abuja.

The cleric also enjoined leaders at all levels to fear Allah and be merciful to those under their care or close to them.

He emphasised the need for leaders and all Nigerians to take life easy and avoid harming others, saying “anything can change at a blink of an eye”.

“For instance, in Turkey and Syria within 47 to 48 seconds, the whole life of millions of people changed, business lost, buildings collapsed, schools and hospitals destroyed, children became orphans, fathers become childless and thousands of lives lost.

“So be careful, it can happen to any one of us in our own way. Give a helping hand to people in difficulties and hardship not increase their problems and troubles. The power of Allah supersedes every power, be humble and respectful.”

The cleric, who enjoined sinners to stop and repent before it is too late, encouraged good people in the society not to relent of doing good and preaching good as that was the only way.

“I will seize this opportunity, on behalf of Area 10 Muslim Community, to extend our condolence message to the Turkish Government, Nile University, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Nusrate Islamic Foundation, and other good people of Turkey and Syria.

“May Allah forgive those who lost their lives in the calamity and grand them Jannatul Firdaus,” the cleric prayed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Foreign

Diplomatic Village will accelerate growth in Nigeria’s economy, curb unemployment- CEO

232 total views today

By Lizzy Okoij

Mr Uche Odozor, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Diplomatic Village says the establishment of the facility will accelerate growth in Nigeria’s economy, provide employment opportunities and help government curb arbitrary importation.

Odozor made this known of Friday while taking some journalists on a tour of the facility, a government policy driven by private investment established in compliance with the Vienna Convention of 1961.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vienna Convention exempts diplomats from all forms of duties and taxes in their serving countries.

Odozor said that with the technology deployed for the functioning of the village, the Nigerian government can now monitor diplomatic importation against any form of abuse and track the level of waiver granted via a data base.

He also noted that the opening of the facility has also created employment opportunities for Nigerians.

“Nigeria is signatory to a Vienna Convention Act of 1961 which provides duty free and tax-free shopping to all diplomats and commonwealth of nations in countries where they serve.

“And what that means is that all the all the personal consumption and products that diplomats are exposed to in this country are not to be taxed or vatted. Not just resident diplomats but those visiting.

“It has huge economic benefit because before now, every diplomat who could do so were bringing in items for their consumption. It became subjected to abuse of that privilege and that has worried the nation, we have incurred a lot of losses.

“That was why we started the discussion with the government since 2011, and the processes were really rather rigorous but today, the project has taken off.

“You can see the technology deployed and most importantly we can now track the level of waiver granted these waivers via a data base.

“What it means is a strict or more stringent measures in terms of controlling the level of arbitrary importation on the part of diplomats which by their rights they are entitled to.

“But some of these items, rather than bring them in for personal use, they come in in commercial volumes, so we lose revenue.

“So this is going to curb revenue loses. Their response in the past 48 hours since the launch is quite remarkable,” odozor said.

Odozor said that the government have provided adequate facility for the facility with the special squadron, which is diplomatic police stationed within and outside the premises.

The diplomatic village CEO also noted that as part of its inclusion mandate, arts and crafts from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are being displayed in the village for diplomats to buy.

He said that proceeds from the sale of the arts works are returned to the displaced persons in hundred per cent.

He also disclosed plans to establish similar facilities in other parts of the country with a high presence of diplomatic contingents like Lagos, and Borno States where staff of the United Nations are very much present.

Mr Mohammed Yakub, Director, Tax and Policy in the Ministry of Finance said that the establishment of the Diplomatic Village is in line with global practice.

He said that diplomats serving in Nigeria can now enjoy tax free services and items, the same things that Nigerian diplomats serving abroad enjoy.

The one-stop shop for diplomats have all the facilities and services that they need for their day to day living; duty free shopping mall, clinic, spa, restaurant, gym, luxury store, wine shop, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Politics

Muslim scholars pray for Tinubu’s victory, peaceful elections

154 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

A group, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, on Friday held intercessional prayers for peaceful elections and victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the prayers at the Abuja National Mosque, the Secretary-General of the scholars, Prof. Olaiya Olaitan, said the situation of things in the country required divine intervention.

Olaitain said: “We are gathered here today to seek Allah’s divine favour over the forthcoming elections, pray for peaceful and successful democratic transition.

“We are equally praying for victory of our endorsed presidential candidate, Sen. BolaTinubu and his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who are determined to ensure good governance in the country during their tenure.

“The prayers, which are part of a continuous process are also going on at various major central mosques across the country throughout the period of the transition process.”

He said the organisation had sat severally and took a decision to endorse Tinubu, adding, “the country is yearning for a capable person that would take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Olaitan called on the political players to abide by the law and avoid making statement that could destabilise the country and truncate the electoral process.

He said: “We are also appealing to the electorate to be more patient with the leaders at all levels.

“This is moreso that the period of the present administration is winding up and be hopeful that if Tinubu is elected, the country will witness more prosperity.” (NAN)(www.nanneww.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Culture & Tourism

Day of African Child: CBAAC spurs children’s creativity through Talent Hunt

229 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) on Thursday harnessed and spurred children’s creativity through a talent hunt, held in commemoration of the Day of the African Child.

The talent hunt event had students from over 10 schools compete in traditional chants, saxophone, talking drum, poetry, piano, folklore, comedy, set drum and cultural dance performances.

The programme with the theme “Harnessing The Creative Talent of the African Child” was held in Lagos.

The participating students presented rib cracking comedies, soul-searching poetries, interesting set drum performances and all.

Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao,  Director-General,  CBAAC, during the programme said that the talent hunt programme was deliberately held to harness children’s talents.

Amao noted that as the day of the African Child was instituted to create awareness on the plight of the African Child, it was also necessary to celebrate the bravery and ingenuity of the African child.

She said as it was known that creativity drives the world economy, there was great need to catch children young to properly harness their potential.

” It is our belief in CBAAC that providing an avenue that nurtures, promotes and enhances the creative talent of the African child was key in preparing them for a better and brighter future.

” The centre has made the day of the African child one of its flagship programmes to be celebrated annually with a talent hunt.

” The initiative will continue to serve as a platform where children can develop their God given talent, showcase their creative skills, mingle and exchange ideas with their peers and air their views on issues that affect their wellbeing,” she said.

Amao advised the participating students to always take every opportunity to develop their talent which was capable of enriching them at the long run.

Dr Sheyi Kehnny, Associate Professor of Music, University of Lagos, who was the head of jury for the programme announced the winners for each category of the competition.

He advised the students not to allow their academics to hinder them from developing your creative ideas.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the schools that participated in the talent hunt included Aunty Ayo International school, Ikoyi; Dowen College, Lekki; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba; Golden Anchor Group of Schools, Yaba; Iiogbo Junior High School, Ebute-Meta and Mary Anne College, Lagos Island.

Others were: Masterpiece College, Ayoninujesu; Christ the Redeemers Secondary School, Gbagada; STC College, Ojuelegba; De Basic Innovation International School; Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere and Queens College, Yaba.

For each category of the competition, the children were rewarded.

Those with first position were given N100,000, the second position got N80,000 while those with third position were given N50,000.

Each of the participating students was also given a certificate of participation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Health

Leprosy Mission scale-up intervention to ensure inclusion of children with disability

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By Lizzy Okoji

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has scaled up its intervention for 2023 in the country.

This is to ensure that children and young Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) were fully included in the society without any form of discrimination.

Mrs Jika Amah-Baruwa, the Senior Programme Officer, TLMN, made this known at the opening of the Mission’s 2023 Partners Inception meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Amah-Baruwa noted that inclusion of children and young PWDs must go beyond paper work to implementation.

She said that adopting the Rights Based Approaches would enable PWDs (including children, their caregivers & families) to build resilience and actively participate in the socio-economic aspect.

Amah-Baruwa told newsmen that TLMN was determined to achieve through a cluster of 22 local partners across all geographic zones of the country, an increase from 17 individual local partners in 2022.

“This inception meeting kick-starts the process to further engage the government around disability issues.

“We say again and again that it must be an inclusive society not just on paper but that everybody matters.

“We want to see a Nigeria where PWDs have access to quality education and support services, such that our classrooms have supplies that will enable children with disability read and write unhindered.

“Afterall, PWDs pay tax, so also when it comes to development and issues in Nigeria, why are they not participating.

“It is for strategic reasons that we adopted the cluster approach and not just a single partner working independently, because we wanted a situation where we can have clusters of organisation working as a stronger component to be able to address issues.

“Though 22 partner organisations, it is a crushed component of network of partners who will be working as 16 organisations,” Amah-Baruwa said.

Meanwhile, Dr Nasir Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has reiterated the Federal Government’s support to the Leprosy Mission in achieving its mandate.

Gwarzo, represented by Mr Chidera Ahauotu, Assistant Chief Social Welfare, said the ministry would work with TLMN towards actualising its 2023 objectives, aimed at inclusion and empowering the physically challenged, people affected by leprosy and tropical diseases.

“The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have the mandate for disability matters in Nigeria.

“And that is one of the key areas the leprosy mission has focused on in order to promote an inclusiveness in all spheres of life in the society.

“So, we encourage the leprosy mission in whichever way they come to us, financially, morally and where we can.

“They help us in designing some of the programmes that will assist the disability community and we continue to exchange ideas on how to enhance the disability community.

“And all other persons affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria,” Gwarzo said.

Similarly, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, the Executive Director, Festus Fajemilo Foundation, one of TLMN’s partner organisations, said that they would continue to do more to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and those infected with leprosy.

“We have been reaching out to persons with disabilities, especially children, in critical areas including health education, livelihood.

“So this year, we intend to reach out more to target beneficiaries bearing in mind the effect of COVID-19 still in place, the recent crises in the country regarding currency crunch.

“So we intend to deepen our programmes in terms of education, livelihood to provide succour for our target beneficiaries, their parents and caregivers.

“It will be our desire to have more funding, support from Lilianne Foundation via the Leprosy Mission so that we can achieve more,” Fajemilo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TLMN SPO-PO meeting seeks to bring partner organisations together at its instance as the strategic partners organisation to synchronise work plan for the year and the budgeting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General News

FG urges CIOTA on measures to transform, promote transport sector

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has urged the Chartered Institute for Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) to evolve measures that will transform and promote the country’s transport sector.

Prince Ademola Adegoroye, the Minister of State for Transportation, made the call during the inauguration of the 2nd Governing Council of CIOTA in Abuja.

Adegoroye commended achievements of the institute, adding that it had supported the ministry in policy formulation, development of initiative and development of local capacity in the country.

Prince Segun Obayendo, President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), emphasised the need for synergy between relevant stakeholders and the government to advance the country’s transportation sector.

Obayendo said the collaboration would bring about the positive change desired in the nation’s transport sector.

Obayendo, Chairman of CIOTA’s Governing Council, said the council was the highest decision making body of the institute, charged with providing policy guidelines for effective administration of the institute.

He said, “ the implementation of these key responsibilities is germane, particularly as the institute strives to implement its laws and ensure professionalism and efficient management and administration of transportation in Nigeria.

“ There is therefore, a greater need for synergy among the newly constituted governing board, relevant stakeholders and the government at all levels.

He said such synergy would strengthen public engagements, advocacy initiatives and ensure implementation of policies for the mutual advancement of the transport sector.

While commending the visionary founding fathers of the institute, Obayendo said the institute had made giant commendable strides since its inception.

According to him, CIOTA has the onerous responsibility of advancing the study, training and regulating the practice of transport management and administration in Nigeria, regardless of the specialisation within the industry.

He said it also provided professional opinion to government on current and proposed transport policies, whether as a result of prepared legislation or custom and practice.

The governing council chairperson pledged the commitment of members to work with well -meaning stakeholders to bequeath an institute that would take the transportation sector to greater heights.

Dr Anthonia Ekpa, former Transport Director, Ministry of Transport, expressed her wiliness to support CIOTA in achieving its desired goals.

Ekpa, a member of the World Road Safety Organisation, said she planned to introduce the organisation in Nigeria, and sought the collaboration of the institute to ensure this was realised.

The Director-General, Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute, Prof. Sampson Duna, reiterated the need for collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure safe and cheap means of transportation for Nigerians.

“We are ready to partner with any stakeholder in the transport sector and fund their projects that is geared towards advancing the sector,’’ Duna said.

The Chairman, Membership and Planning Committee of the CIOTA, Prof. Odewumi Samuel, expressed optimism that the recently inaugurated council would develop measures that would help tackle most challenges faced in the sector.

The Deputy President of CIOTA, Alhaji Umar Iya, said he had confidence that the committee would move the institute forward and drive its policies.

Mrs Chinwe Uwaegbute, National Publicity Secretary of CIOTA, said the committee would as a matter of urgency, hit the ground running to ensure it delivered on its campaign promises.

“You will recall that the president, during his campaign, made a lot of promises; what we are looking at is that at the end of this inauguration, we want to hit the ground running.

“We are looking forward to a very realistic roadmap and how we can easily achieve them in the remaining space of months that we have for this tenure,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Health

Group seeks measures to kick out leprosy from Nigeria

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By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the health sector on Wednesday have called for deliberate measures to kick out leprosy from Nigeria.

They made the call at a one-day Symposium on World Leprosy Day with the theme: “The Multi-Dimensional Impact of Leprosy on the Sufferers: The Need to have the Conversation Now” in Abuja”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that leprosy is a curable infectious disease mainly causing skin lesions and nerve damage.

Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme said there was need for Nigeria to join the global community to kick out leprosy from the country.

This, he said, it was because of its effects not just on adults but also on children.

Anyaike said: ‘”This is very embarrassing; whenever you see an infection or a disease affecting the children that means that there is an active spread of the disease.

“People tend to run away from leprosy and it comes with a lot of misinformation some say that it is due to punishment from God or due to voodoo.

“So, there is so much stigma and discrimination attached to it and our priority is to engage the communities that is the sure way of getting the right information and reduce stigma and discrimination.

“There are several things attached to stigma and discrimination: First on the list is social exclusion, it comes with poverty and all because they don’t come out among people.”

Anyaike said that the group strongly believed that if leprosy was kicked out it would contribute majorly towards achieving sustainable development goals as a country.

Dr Sunday Udo, National Director of Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, said, “leprosy is really not getting much attention in Nigeria like other diseases probably because it affects the poorest of the poor.”

Udo said the symposium was put together to mark the World Leprosy Day was aimed at creating awareness on the disease and know how far the country had fared and the way forward.

“That is why TLM and other lead agencies are really poised to ensure that we don’t neglect or leave them, we support them and work with them to improve their lives and ultimately defeat leprosy.

“We have a drug called prophylaxis. It is a drug that we can give to anybody who comes in contact with leprosy and then within two years, you are protected.

“So, every two years, you get a pill that will protect you from catching the disease.

“Now, we want the government to be able to pick up this particular intervention and make it national,” he said .

Mrs Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, Board Chairperson TLMN, said leprosy was curable, adding, “but because it is not known on time, it leaves indelible marks on people.

“The popular belief that leprosy is caused because of people’s sins or as a result of curse is false .

“It is peripheral, it’s on the skin around the nose region itbis curable but if you live it too long, they can really deform you then people will begin to segregate .”

Andem-Rabana advised people to stop living by speculation and build their knowledge on how to tackle the disease so as to help themselves and those around them.

“If the rest of the world has eradicated leprosy, we can do it too and I think we should do it now,”she said

The National Leprosy Goodwill Ambassador, Chief Chika Okpala also known as Chief Zebrudaya called for the need to intensify sensitisation on the disease .

Okpala said:”If people are properly educated on the disease , then it would stop this stigmatisation that is rampant in Nigeria.”

He said that there was need for the government to take deliberate steps to tackle the disease, adding a lot needed to be done to eradicate the misconceptions around the disease.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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