NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NAN MD condemns encroachment on agency’s property in Adamawa
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NAN MD condemns encroachment on agency’s property in Adamawa

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By Talatu Maiwada

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has condemned the encroachment on the agency’s Yola Office, Adamawa, by suspected land grabbers.

Ali expressed his displeasure during an on-the-spot assessment of the property alongside members of the agency’s management team on Tuesday in Yola.

He described the action as an aberration and affront to the sanctity of a Federal Government property, stressing that NAN lawfully acquired the land over two decades ago.

According to him, the land was allocated to NAN by a former Governor of Adamawa, with a Certificate of Occupancy.

He stated that the agency had since constructed its State Office on the site, which has been operational since then.

The managing director explained that the current dispute began on June 30, 2025, following a report received from the NAN State Correspondent in Yola.

“An individual presented a letter issued by the Implementation Committee on the White Paper of the Commission of Inquiry into the Alienation of Federal Government Landed Property.

“The letter, which was unsigned and dated Dec. 2019, allegedly claimed that the property had been sold to a company called Royal Stone Global Investment Nigeria Ltd.

“It was accompanied by an acceptance form purportedly signed by one Umar Iya of No. 10 Hospital Road, Jimeta-Yola, and dated March 11, 2020,” he said.

Ali said NAN staff in Yola denied the individual access to the premises and directed them to obtain proper clearance from the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

“However, no such contact was made, instead, the individuals returned and forcefully entered the premises and began construction work.

“They also broke the perimeter fence despite a restraining order issued by a competent court,” Ali added.

The NAN boss emphasised the agency’s commitment to due process, stating that NAN, as a law-abiding institution, would pursue all legal avenues to reclaim the property.

He said an official complaint had been lodged with the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, and the State Commissioner for Information had been formally briefed on the development.

“We have also approached the court again to restrain the intruders from continuing with the construction while following up on the legal process,” Ali said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

COREN Assembly to bolster professional compliance, address engineering challenges – President
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COREN Assembly to bolster professional compliance, address engineering challenges – President

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By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering (COREN) says its upcoming 33rd Assembly will bolster professional compliance and address engineering challenges.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, who said the assembly would attract over five million engineers, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Abubakar said the assembly themed “Advancing Quality Engineering Service and Businesses in Nigeria-Professional Compliance and Remuneration” would serve as a platform for both local and international professionals to discuss the evolving demands of the industry.

He said the COREN Assembly was an annual event bringing all Cadres of Engineering Practitioners together to discuss issues that would lift the profession to greater heights.

According to him, this is important because a nation is only developed and respected following the quality of its engineering practitioners and infrastructure.

“The COREN 33rd Assembly is designed to also provide a forum to assess and educate engineering practitioners on various developments within the engineering profession.

“This is for effective regulation and safety for lives, properties and investments as well as to promote shared prosperity for all in Nigeria.

“The Assembly will interrogate the remuneration and fee structure for engineering professionals vis-à-vis the quality of services rendered and the motivation of the practitioners.

“The aim is to ensure remuneration is not exploitative, but fair and motivating,” COREN president said.

According to him, attendance at the Assembly is compulsory for all registered practitioners and a requirement for the renewal of practicing licence for both individual and firms.

Abubakar added that this was to minimise quackery responsible for the incessant engineering infrastructural failures.

He explained that COREN was established as a statutory body with the mandate to regulate and control the engineering education, training and practice of engineering in all its aspects and ramifications.

He said that COREN, in partnership with other stakeholders, was also finalising modalities to commence accreditation of Technical Colleges in Nigeria to meet the global standards of Sydney Accord Dublin Accord.

Abubakar said that in response to the goals of the current administration, the council approved the resuscitation of Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) under a new name of Engineering Residency Programme (ERP).

He said COREN planned to engage the National Assembly to seek legislative backing for its sustainable funding in line with the existing COREN law.

He said the council constituted a Task Force on ERP which would be inaugurated during the assembly.

According to him, COREN has also concluded arrangement with other engineering bodies to commence the implementation of enforcing renewal of practicing licence for all cadres in its bid to advance their professionalism.

“COREN has commenced the implementation of the assessment, certification, registration and licensing of the artisans involved in engineering practice across Nigeria in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is part of efforts to decentralise the operations of COREN, ensure effective engagement at the grassroots and promote sanity in the practice of engineering.

“Seven regional offices were established in Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, FCT, and Gombe.

The COREN boss said the council also commenced specialised training and licensing of Engineering Infrastructure Failure and Forensic Investigators to check the incessant failures of engineering infrastructure, specially building collapse across the country.

He added that COREN was currently oversighting 11 sectors and planned to expand to other sectors by fostering synergy in regulation activities across the economic sectors.

According to him, COREN intends to submit a legislature request for amendment of the Engineers (Registration, etc.) (Amendment) Act No. 3, 2018 to support the changes.

He said this would deepen the power for enforcement and enhance the ability of COREN to lead in this critical national assignment in a sustainable manner.

Abubakar said the implementation of ERP, admission quota, insurance of buildings, compensation to victims of infrastructure failure, punishment of persons found culpable, were key target areas.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to continue to support COREN in strategic areas to empower it to discharge its mandate to Nigerians by returning the council into funding regime. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Okuku Women unveil N10m solar project to boost security
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Okuku Women unveil N10m solar project to boost security

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Abuja branch of the Okuku Development Union (ODU) Women’s Wing has unveiled a N10 million fundraising campaign to install solar-powered streetlights across Okuku town in Imo.

The initiative, unveiled on Sunday in Abuja, aims to improve security, enhance night-time visibility, and stimulate development in the rural community.

Mrs Ngozi Oguike, Chairperson of the ODU women’s wing, said the effort was a grassroots response to years of government neglect, especially in the area of infrastructure.

“We want to develop our community, secure our streets, and reduce crime. This project is our contribution, but we are also calling on the government to support us by fixing our roads,” she said.

She explained that the solar lighting project would help deter criminal activity at night and support economic and social activities across the community’s five villages.

Also speaking, Mrs Patricia Ojiem, the matron and special adviser to the women’s group, said the initiative was a bold step toward improving the quality of life in Amapu, Uborji, Obogwu, Mgbolo, and Umuokire.

“Our roads are in poor condition. With solar lights, we can attract attention and development. We urge the government to complement our efforts,” she said.

Ojiem encouraged other women groups to emulate the initiative, praising the organisers for their leadership and community spirit.

Mr Martins Onuegbu, President of the ODU Abuja Branch, noted the security benefits of the project and appealed to government authorities to construct a proper road network linking Okuku to neighbouring towns.

“Our road is only about five to seven kilometres long. With proper access and lighting, investors will come. We have fertile land and the potential for agricultural and industrial growth,” he said.

The group called on public-spirited individuals, private organisations, and the Imo Government to support the project and other developmental efforts in Okuku. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Free bus service for civil servants, students begins Monday in Kaduna
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Free bus service for civil servants, students begins Monday in Kaduna

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By Hussaina Yakubu

The Kaduna State Government says it will commence free bus service for civil servants, retirees and students under its Subsidised Transport Scheme (KSTS) on Monday.

The Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, made this known in a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday.

Ibrahim said the free daily transport service, which would run for an initial six months, was aimed at alleviating transportation challenges for key segments of the population.

He explained that the initiative would benefit students of both public and private schools, from the primary to tertiary levels.

According to Ibrahim, the programme is part of Gov. Uba Sani’s effort to ease the cost of living for all the residents of the state.

The director-general added that after the initial six months, a 60 per cent subsidy on the transport fares would be extended to the public.

According to him, the scheme is designed to operate in an orderly and secure manner, with strict adherence to the laid-down procedures to ensure efficient service delivery.

“Civil servants will be granted access to the buses upon presentation of valid staff identity cards and a matching National Identification Number (NIN).

“This is to prevent misuse and ensure that only genuine government workers benefit from the service,” he said.

Ibrahim emphasised that students would be allowed access upon presentation in full school uniforms, while personnel of recognised security agencies would also benefit, subject to proper identification.

He said the buses would operate on three designated routes during the period of the free transport service.

They are: Route One: Rigachikun, Kawo Kasuwa, Sabo and Sabo Kasuwa, Kawo and Rigachikun

The official said that Route Two spans from Rigachikun Kawo, Independence Way ,Yakowa Road and Yakowa Road Independence Way to Kawo, Rigachikun.

According to him, Route Three includes Tudun Wada Poly Road, Sokoto Road to Kawo and also Kawo, Sokoto Road to Poly Road and Tudun Wada.

He advised commuters to avoid rushing or jumping queues while boarding, stressing that law and order would be maintained throughout the operation of the service.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had inaugurated 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses during his state visit to Kaduna on June 19, 2025, at the Murtala Mohammed Square. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Bashir Rabe Mani

Tinubu int. conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike
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Tinubu int. conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The newly rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, has generated more than N700 million in three weeks.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Sunday, during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.

The thanksgiving was for the successful completion of project inaugurations by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

Wike disclosed that the person that was managing the centre before the rehabilitation was remitting only N50 million to the FCT Administration annually.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the public uproar when Wike announced that N39 billion was earmarked for the rehabilitation to upgrade the centre to international standard.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre

The minister said that the move was finally paying off, with more than N700 million so far generated in just three weeks after it was reopened for public use.

“When we visited the centre in 2024, Tinubu described the centre as an eyesore, stressing that this is not the international conference centre that Nigeria should be presenting to the global community and directed that we rehabilitate the edifice.

“We shut the place down and within seven months we rehabilitated the centre.

“The shocking thing is that the man who was running it from Adamawa was paying the government N50 million a year.

“But in just three weeks that we opened it after the renovation, we have made over N700 million,” he said.

He added that when the FCT Administration took over the centre to carry out the rehabilitation, the person that was managing it called him all kinds of names.

The minister said that when he decided he would not allow the centre to be run down, some people painted all kinds of pictures and told all kinds of stories.

“These are people who claim that they want to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to disregard people who had opportunities to be in government for several years but could not facilitate critical infrastructure in their states.

Wike explained that the thanksgiving service became necessary to thank God for the successful inauguration of 17 projects in 16 days by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

“It was not easy. Nobody lost his life, no accident going from here to outside the city – Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari. It has not been easy.

“We thank God for the grace; we thank God for the strength given to all of us. It’s teamwork and we did it successfully,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 
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Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital.

Wike stated this on Sunday,  during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, for the successful completion of project inaugurations by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister said nothing was moving in the nation’s capital until the coming of Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that residents were already confessing the changes.

“This is because you have a government that is determined to make the needed changes.

“If the Tinubu government is not interested, it will be the same thing but because he is interested, he said this is not the kind of capital we should have; this is not the kind of city Nigeria should be boasting of.

“We need to transform Abuja to be like other cities in the world and he gave me a matching order to see that things are working.

“Yes, we cannot say we have completely changed Abuja but you can see the processes and the steps being taken to put Abuja where it is supposed to be,” he said.

He pointed out that most of the infrastructure, particularly roads were in a bad shape, adding that currently things were different.

The FCT minister appealed to residents and Nigerians to be patient and see what Abuja would become in the next one year.

He pointed out that some people resisted his appointment as the FCT minister because he didn’t come from a particular area in the country, which he described as “unfortunate”.

Wike lauded Tinubu for standing firm on his decision to work only with people that would support him and work with him to develop FCT.

“We are contributing our own quota and it is left for the people to judge our performance. We will continue to work hard to improve on what Mr President has promised FCT residents and NIgerians in general.

“Like the Vicar of the Church Ben Idume has said, everybody can attest to the changes Mr President has introduced in the FCT.”

Wike pointed out that for the first time under Tinubu’s administration, the FCT now appoints its Permanent Secretaries (PS) as against posting them from the Federal Civil Service.

He explained that Tinubu’s decision was to ensure that FCT workers’ growth was not retarded as they retired at the rank of directors.

“People who get to the director level retire and do not get to the permanent secretary level, but today, by the grace of God, all the civil servants in the FCT are likely to grow to the level of permanent Secretary.

“Secondly, today, FCT had its own Head of Service, who of course, is a woman and from FCT. All these are things that people should thank Mr President for.

“Also, before now, it will be difficult for FCT to access funds, but Mr President in his wisdom decided that FCT Administration should be pulled out from the Treasury Single Account.

“This has significantly helped us to access funding and execute development and infrastructural projects across the FCT,” he said.

He explained that the thanksgiving service became necessary to thank God for the successful inauguration of 17 projects in 16 days by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

“It was not easy. Nobody lost his life, no accident going from here to outside the city – Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari. It has not been easy.

“We thank God for the grace; we thank God for the strength given to all of us. It’s teamwork and we did it successfully,” he said.

Earlier, Idume presented an Award of Excellence to the minister for the exceptional performance in infrastructural development in the FCT.

Idume observed that contrary to the opposition Wike faced, he had proven his detractors wrong as FCT minister from the southern part of Nigeria.

He described Tinubu as a “visionary leader” saying, “he appointed Wike FCTA Minister because he knew he would perform against all odds”. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Lagos-Calabar highway: Umahi confirms investor interest, sets December target
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Lagos-Calabar highway: Umahi confirms investor interest, sets December target

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

A number of financial institutions have shown eagerness to participate in execution of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and similar landmark road projects of the Federal Government.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made the disclosure while addressing journalists after inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and some bridges in Lagos.

“I have had meetings with a lot of financial institutions, and they are very eager to participate.

“We are doing everything to complete Section 1 by December and have it approved, and that will open a floodgate for other financial aids.

“One thing that I must commend the President for and, of course, beat my chest and say glory be to God, is that the international funders came and they saw the quantum of the job we are doing.

“That, for me, is a pass mark,” Umahi said.

He said that the recently-inaugurated 30km portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would not be open to motorists until completion of an additional 17.47km portion of the Section One, Phase One, of the road project.

“We completed 20km at the beginning, and then we completed 10km.”

He said that the contractor, Hi-Tech Construction company, was working hard to complete the 17.47km.

“This is what we are working to join, and when we have joined it, if you are travelling from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Free Zone, then you can use the coastal highway.”

The minister said that the road would be tolled to ensure constant maintenance.

“Whether these roads are tolled or not, they need constant maintenance.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Anambra govt. trains 60,000 youths in digital technology — Commissioner
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Anambra govt. trains 60,000 youths in digital technology — Commissioner

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By Chimezie Anaso

Dr Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information in Anambra, says no fewer than 60,000 youths have been trained in digital technology by the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo administration.

Mefor said this at the inauguration of Tell Your Neighbour About Solution (TYNAS) Support Group in Awka on Saturday.

TYNAS installed Mefor, Pius Udo, a former Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly and Titus Akpudo immediate past chairman of Association of Anambra State Town Unions as their Patrons during the event.

Mefor said the government targeted to train one million youths in its digital tribe creation initiative under the Solution Innovation District (SID) programme.

He said the governor was an achiever and global citizen who had exceeded his manifesto through his legacy projects.

The commissioner said his ministry would produce a scorecard flyer for the group to help them go about their campaign activities.

“Soludo administration has trained 60,000 youths in digital skills free; this is a training that is valued at an average of N3.5 million per student.

“Soludo is not constructing political roads but roads that are designed for 20 years, you do not need to tell lies about Soludo, you do not need propaganda to campaign for him, he is a global product.

“All his achievements are legacy projects, he is implementing free education, free healthcare, these are not in his manifesto and he has done all these without borrowing.

“We will win this election free and fair, the job of TYNAS is going to be at the polling units,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Chief Emeka Mbagha, Convener and Director-General of TYNAS, said Soludo had done well in his first term and deserved to be returned for a second term.

Mbagha said the governor had executed numerous game-changing projects while in office and charged members to go to their homesteads and spread the good news.

He said Soludo had exceeded expectations through his road infrastructure, free education, free antenatal care and merit based massive recruitment.

According to him, Soludo is blessed to live good as a person, but he has decided to use it for the good of humanity.

“Let us go forth and talk to our communities, our age grades, non-indigenes that Soludo has done well and deserves a second term.

“We have decided to key into this gift of God to humanity by spreading the message, the reward for government work is more work,” he said.

Also speaking, Chief Pius Udo, another patron of the group said Soludo came prepared for the task and he hit the ground running of governing Anambra.

According to him, Soludo started with Okpoko, and we all see the difference today.

“He has done well, he deserves a second term, our campaign for him is based on conviction and not for benefits,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire
Metro

FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Federal Government has successfully negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27 billion to N17 billion.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge in Lagos.

He said: “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.

He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.

Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.

He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.

He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.

“They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.

The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.

He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.

On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.

“Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works.

“The lives of the people are more important,” he said.

He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Gwagwalada residents hail Wike on road projects
Metro

Gwagwalada residents hail Wike on road projects

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By Uche Bibilari

Some residents of Gwagwalada Area Council have commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the ongoing rehabilitation of roads and improvements in infrastructure.

They noted that the projects were already boosting economic activities in the district and improving ease of movement for residents and businesses alike.

The residents said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the official commissioning of the newly rehabilitated 10-kilometre roads in the area on Friday.

They expressed optimism that the improved infrastructure would ease transportation, enhance business activities, and contribute to the overall development of Gwagwalada.

They expressed optimism that the renewed focus on road infrastructure would significantly ease movement, improve access to markets, and foster growth across the council.

Mr Onyema Uzoechi, a businessman, described the road rehabilitation as “unprecedented,” noting that the roads, especially the market road, had been in a deplorable state for years, severely affecting trade and movement.

“Before now, the Gwagwalada market road was terrible, especially during the rainy season.

“This made access almost impossible. I’m very delighted with this development and urge the minister to consider other roads in the council,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Suleman Abdulhamid, a motorcyclist, said the improved roads had boosted his daily earnings.

“Before the rehabilitation, I used to avoid that route due to its bad condition. Now, business is better and smoother,” he said, commending the minister for prioritising infrastructure.

“When government does well, they should be commended.”

Also speaking, the President of the FCT Market Women and Men Association, Mrs Sarauniya Erondu, thanked the minister for responding to the plight of FCT residents.

She noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was gradually being felt through Wike’s interventions.

“Only God will reward him and the president for giving us a good minister,” she said, also appealing for women’s empowerment and support for small traders.

NAN reports that the roads rehabilitated include Aguma Palace Road, Radio Nigeria Road, New Market Road, and other connecting routes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abiemwense Moru

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