News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria pledges to deepen trade ties with Thailand
Foreign

Nigeria pledges to deepen trade ties with Thailand

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By Maureen Okon

Dr Yusuf Yakub, Director-General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), says Nigeria is committed to collaborating with Thailand to strengthen technical development, trade, and people-to-people bilateral ties between the two countries.

Yakub made this known when a seven-man delegation from the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, as Africa’s largest economy and the world’s largest Black nation, Nigeria is open to global partnerships that will bolster its economic growth and those of its friends globally.

While underscoring the historical ties between the two nations, he described TICA as a “sister agency” to NTAC, and lauded TICA for the impact of its initiatives.

Yakub noted that both NTAC and TICA were instrumental to promoting soft power diplomacy and South-South cooperation.

He also reaffirmed NTAC’s willingness to engage in joint volunteer programmes with Thailand, adding that the country had made an impressive impact in the production of rice globally.

The DG expressed admiration for Thailand’s innovative agricultural machinery, such as the “Flying Star” multi-functional machine, and welcomed the opportunity to initiate similar technological exchanges.

The former lawmaker said he was considering reviving a trade fair model  between Nigerian and Thai stakeholders, which he earlier initiated as the Chairman, House Committee on Nigerian/China Relations.

He disclosed that NTAC was also undergoing legislative reforms to extend its technical assistance beyond Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

Yakub said Nigeria’s recent deployment of volunteers to Grenada was an example of its desire to expand diplomatic cooperation as directed by President Bola Tinubu in line with his 4D Foreign Policy.

Speaking earlier, Ms. Sasirit Tangulra, the leader of the delegation and Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle-East and African Affairs, said the Thai government was committed to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria.

According to her, Nigeria is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.

She highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Thailand since 1962, adding that Thailand was committed to deepening cooperation through trade, investment, and development partnerships.

Lt. Sorrawud Preededilok, a member of the delegation, explained that the agency was the country’s focal point for international development cooperation operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also said the agency was also committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and behind the success of two Nigerian officials who recently completed TICA-sponsored management degree programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both sides explored opportunities for cooperation, including joint volunteer programmes, technology exchanges, and trade fairs, and concluded with the exchange of gifts.

The Thai government delegation included: Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria; Mr. Kittipet Hongsombud, Director, Africa Division; Mr. Natthawat Malisuwan, Counsellor and Deputy.

Others are Mr. Kittidech Wongnokraset, Counsellor for TICA; Mr. Natjanon Limboonruksa; Development Cooperation Officer, TICA; and Ms. Thananya Panyasin, Third Secretary, Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs.

NTAC was represented by the Director of Programme, Amb. Zakari Usman and other senior officers. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Sustained collaboration panacea to insecurity in North- Sani
General News

Sustained collaboration panacea to insecurity in North- Sani

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By Hussaina Yakubu

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says recent improvements in security across Northern Nigeria are the result of sustained collaboration between federal authorities and local stakeholders.

He, however, warned that progress would remain fragile without the full engagement of the region’s elites.

The governor was speaking at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s two-day interactive programme in Kaduna.

Sani recalled the dire security situation he inherited in May 2023, describing Kaduna as a state “under siege at the time.

“From the Kaduna Abuja expressway to Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi, and the southern parts of our state, fear had overtaken our communities.

“Markets were shuttered, villages deserted, and the spirit of Kaduna was being eroded by violence.”

The governor said that military force alone could not resolve the crisis, leading his administration to adopt what he described as the Kaduna Peace Model.

He explained that this was a blend of proactive security measures, community engagement, and institutional collaboration.

“Our strategy combined support for security agencies with dialogue, local vigilance, and social investment and with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have seen significant improvement,” he said.

Sani said that these efforts led to the dismantling of criminal enclaves along the Kaduna to Abuja highway, the reopening of Birnin Gwari markets after over a decade, and the resettlement of displaced communities in Chikun and Igabi.

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, commending the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Ministers of Defence, Service Chiefs, and other security stakeholders.

Sani stressed that the root causes of insecurity ran deeper than armed conflict, citing poverty, illiteracy, and exclusion as some underlying drivers.

“Insecurity is not just a failure of arms. It is the result of years of policy neglect, economic exclusion, and weak governance structures,” he said.

The governor called on Northern leaders to confront their own role in the region’s long standing security challenges, stating that blaming the current administration for inherited problems would be misleading.

“Our problems did not begin two years ago. They are decades old. It is not honest to put the burden entirely on President Tinubu,” he said.

Sani further urged the elites in the region to rise beyond political posturing and contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, inclusion, and development.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. No president or governor can succeed in isolation. We must all take ownership of the North’s future,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth
Agriculture

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth

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Empowerment

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating under the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

They have committed to empowering 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

This initiative was announced during the inauguration of the “Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Programme” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by GEF-SGP with additional co-financing from cash and in-kind contributions from other sources and implemented by ITFA.

Mr Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador at ITFA, explained that the programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ business skills, market access, and readiness for global certification.

He noted that the project’s primary objective was to enable nature-positive MSMEs to become successful, self-sustaining businesses through capacity building, improved market access, and training on international certification standards.

Ezeiruaku said the selected beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos (South West), Nasarawa (North Central), Cross River (South South), Kano (North West), Abia (South East), Bauchi (North East), and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that 30 per cent of the programme’s beneficiaries would be women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.

He said that the expected outcomes included improved business sustainability, increased profitability, and enhanced market presence for participating MSMEs.

Also speaking, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting environmental and livelihood initiatives.

Represented by Rose Agbo, Programme Assistant, she emphasised the need for stakeholders to back strategic projects that supported sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.

Agbo noted that the initiative encouraged MSMEs to adopt nature-positive approaches to business, balancing environmental stewardship with commercial success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Executive, legislature cordial relationship good for Nigeria’s democracy–Ex-lawmaker
General News

Executive, legislature cordial relationship good for Nigeria’s democracy–Ex-lawmaker

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By Uche Anunne

A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government was good for the consolidation of the nation’s democracy.

Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th Assembly, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said a rancorous relationship in the government would only lead to delays in law-making and policy execution, a development he said would not be in the interest of the populace.

Onuigbo said that the executive, legislature and judiciary could work hand in hand without losing focus on their constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians.

“No system is perfect; not even the U.S. We cannot do a blanket condemnation of any arm of government.

“Though there may be some errors, it is not enough for a blanket condemnation of the legislature, judiciary or executive,’’ he said.

Onuigbo, who is also a climate change activist, said it was unfortunate that many Nigerians seem to think that the legislature was pandering to the executive.

According to him, as an arm of government, lawmakers have contributed their quota towards ensuring the 26 years of uninterrupted democracy the country has enjoyed.

He cited the aborted third term agenda of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity incapacitated as part of the legislative interventions that rescued the nation’s democracy of imminent danger.

“The National Assembly shut down the third term agenda. At the same time, the application of the doctrine of necessity ensured that then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, took over power when then President Musa Yar’Adua was incapacitated.

“The legislature is growing; it is finding its feet in the democracy space, though there may be weaknesses.

“They have passed laws that produced institutions like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) that strengthened the present democratic dispensation,’’ Onuigbo said.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the legislature and other arms of government, adding that when compared to other well established democracies, Nigeria’s civilian rule was still in embryo stage. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS
Foreign

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS

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Indonesia and Ethiopia are considering ways to expand bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction in the BRICS bloc, according to a report by Antara News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The report indicated that the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono held a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Fekadu Beyene Aleka during which the two sides discussed the approach to engage in expanding the partnership.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister outlined national priorities, including poverty alleviation through better utilisation of resources.

He noted the high potential for the development of trade and economic ties with Ethiopia and expressed readiness to increase exports of competitive goods – primarily in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sugiono said the volume of bilateral trade between the countries reached 98 million dollars in 2024, up 55 per cent year-on-year.

He added that Indonesian companies are already present in Ethiopia in the sectors of household chemicals, food, and textiles.

The meeting focused on the prospects of signing a bilateral investment treaty, as well as food and energy security.

It is noted that the development of coconut, sugar cane and seaweed production is a priority.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in mastering Indonesian technologies for sugar cane cultivation.

The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science and training, as well as resume the work of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Indonesian minister invited Ethiopia to participate more actively in joint initiatives in BRICS. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

WCA: Adeniyi calls for stronger Customs collaboration
Economy/Business

WCA: Adeniyi calls for stronger Customs collaboration

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By Martha Agas

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration among customs administrations in West and Central Africa (WCA).

Adeniyi made this appeal during the Cultural Night-Out and Dinner at the fourth World Customs Organisation – WCA Donor Conference held on Thursday.

He said the WCA region must embrace greater cooperation, collaboration, and mutual understanding to achieve shared goals.

According to him, this united effort will boost economic growth across the region and enhance the welfare of its people.

He noted that African nations share cultural values, stating that their dances and traditions highlight the continent’s uniqueness and foster unity.

Adeniyi said Africa should focus more on what unites its people rather than on divisive issues.

“Those things that unite us are more important than those that separate us,” he emphasised.

He added, “It is vital that we now focus on the elements that bring us together.”

He warned against external influences that create division within the region, urging unity instead.

The NCS boss said the Cultural Night celebrates more than culture — “it promotes regional integration essential for customs, security, and economic cooperation,” he said.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, given that customs services face shared responsibilities in trade, security, and revenue generation.

Amadou Konate, Vice President of the WCO/WCA region, praised the cultural displays, noting they reflect the region’s shared values.

Konate expressed optimism that discussions at the conference would strengthen customs operations across WCA countries.

He said the gathering also allows for reflection on reforms and opportunities for deeper partnerships to address common challenges.

Konate noted that countries in the region are learning from Nigeria’s customs reforms and modernisation strategies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference seeks to raise awareness of development partners’ initiatives in the region.

It also aims to coordinate regional and national projects, and secure funding for their implementation. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Bingham Varsity VC tasks scholars on interdisciplinary research, dialogue
Education

Bingham Varsity VC tasks scholars on interdisciplinary research, dialogue

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By Blessing Ibegbu

Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, has called on scholars to play a vital role in encouraging interdisciplinary research, dialogue and collaborations to address the root cause of conflicts.

Ayuba made the call at the maiden International Conference on ‘Political Instability and Crisis of Development in Africa (PICDA) on Friday in Karu.

The theme of the conference is: “Cultural Pluralism, Conflict, Crisis of Integration and Development in Africa.”

The conference  was organised by the Department of Political Science of the university.

Ayuba said that the conference was aimed at addressing political instability and the crisis of development on the African continent.

According to him, the theme underscored the intricate dynamics of our continent’s diversity, as well as the need for inclusive strategies that foster unity, peace and sustainable development.

He said the time was ripe for every individual to work together to develop homegrown solutions to Africa’s challenges.

“In terms of cultural pluralism, Africa is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, with over 3,000 ethnic groups and a multitude of linguistic diversities.

“Our continent is a melting pot of identities and cultural pluralism should therefore be our greatest strength, one that enriches our societies, promotes social cohesion and encourages creative and economic challenges.

“Unfortunately, historical legacies of colonialism, governance challenges, weak institutions, corruption, among others have contributed to political instability in the continent,” he said.

Ayuba said that the current instability in the form of widespread protests, civil wars, and coup d’etats illustrate the nuances and varied experiences across the African continent.

“All this stifles human development, perpetuates cycles of poverty, hampers economic growth, development and exacerbates divisions leading to heightened tensions, secessionist movements prolonged conflict development in Africa.

“In spite of these challenges, all hope is not lost. We must commend the resilience and agency of African nations.

“There are stories of success and innovation in some African countries that inspire our hope of achieving political stability and sustainable development in Africa,“`he said.

He said that some recommended pathways to stability and development require promotion of good governance, institutional reforms, fostering inclusive political processes and upholding the rule of law,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Mohammed Salih, International Institute for Social Studies, Hague, Netherlands, in a keynote address, said the conference was aimed at tackling the challenges confronting these turbulent times.

According to him, we live at a time when politics and development are experiencing relentless crises.

He said that politics from the global to the national is increasingly infused with extremism, populism, and exclusionism.

Salih said they are sources of conflict over resources, identity, power, and regularly used as instruments of dominance over others,” he said.

Prof. Adebayo  Olukoshi, Lead presenter, Institute of Governance, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa, said Ayuba  and Salih`s  addresses seems as if  there was probably a lot that had been lost as a community of scholars in  two or three decades.

He said that the capacity to dispassionately dissect the challenges confronting our country, and continent in a manner that was forward~looking and progressive seems to have diminished.

“Considerably, reflecting in many ways a certain loss of faith in the ideals of nations and in the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

“These are issues that are important to confront because they are themselves indicative of perhaps a deeper crisis in our nation-building and development experience that needs to be corrected,” he said.

“It is not that there is something that is peculiar about us as Africans or as black people or as Nigerians, that means that we should necessarily suffer some of those challenges and problems which we are grappling with.

“They are products of very specific historical conditions and processes, which some of our mentors and pioneers of African political science actually went into in some ways to try to understand,” he added.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Amb. Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Security and Plural Studies and the presentation of award of excellence to Olukoshi. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry
Defence/Security

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry

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By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) has pledged collaboration with security agencies to address banditry and other security issues in Katsina and the North-West zone.

Dandutse made the commitment during an inspection of a Police Area Command project in Funtua on Saturday.

Dandutse emphasised that the presence of the police area command would significantly reduce insecurity, boost the local economy, and ultimately improve the region’s overall development.

“This command we are trying to do is with the support of all the sister security agencies. We are going to face them squarely even in their hideout.

“We cannot allow criminal and disgruntled elements to be taking away people’s lives and their properties. Living in peace is the greatest key to any success in this country,” he said.

Dandutse, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on North West Development Commission (NWDC) strongly condemned any form of support for criminal activities.

He emphasised that no responsible government would tolerate the maiming and killing of innocent citizens.

Dandutse who is also Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund reiterated the government’s resolve to confront criminal elements head-on, promising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

“So, we cannot afford to allow this thing to continue. We are going to foster it with all kinetic and non-kinetic approach to ensure that we make it,” he said.

The lawmaker advised bandits and criminal elements to abandon their criminal activities and reintegrate into society.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s skills acquisition programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods in spite of the current global economic challenges.

“We have a lot of windows in this country. There are lots of skills acquisition which the president is trying to foster for Nigerians so that they can be on their own in spite of the challenges we have in the economy

“This economic problem is a global challenge. It’s not a Nigerian problem alone.

“We have to be very serious, resolute and wake up from our slumber to ensure that we have a sustainable economy in this country,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

UNDP, academy empower youths to harness AfCFTA opportunities
Economy/Business

UNDP, academy empower youths to harness AfCFTA opportunities

409 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Lelook Bags Academy, has trained 100 Nigeria youths on bag making.

The training is to enable the youths to key into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, said this at the graduation ceremony of the students in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Attafuah, the event emphasises the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to foster intra-African trade and economic growth.

While stating the transformative potential of AfCFTA, she said that intra-African trade, remained at a mere 16.6 per cent of the continent’s population of 1.4 billion

She emphasised that Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, engaged in only about 10 per cent of this trade, indicating substantial room for growth.

Attafuah stressed the need to connect individuals to opportunities, markets, and knowledge, with a particular focus on supporting women’s roles in trade.

She announced initiatives to link women to essential information, networks and financing, aiming to ensure that AfCFTA served as a practical tool for inclusive development.

Addressing the graduates, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer  (CEO) of Lelook Bags Academy, emphasised the significance of discipline, continuous learning, and innovation.

She urged them to view their acquired skills as instruments to break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth and create lasting impact.

Ezenwa urged the graduates to be proactive in building opportunities and leading change, emphasising that Africa’s development in trade would be significantly driven by women.

Also, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, applauded LeLook Bags’ impactful training of 100 youths in bag manufacturing.

Tallen reiterated the international competitiveness of LeLook’s products and emphasised the importance of such initiatives in providing sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.

She urged the public to support locally made products like LeLook bags, which rivals international brands in quality and design.

Dr Asabe Bashir, Director-General of the Mariam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, commended the high standards of LeLook’s products.

Bashir announced plans for collaboration with the Academy to enhance vocational training programmes in the country.

She said that such initiatives not only uplift individuals, but also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth by fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship among women and youths.

“These endorsements underscore the critical role of skill acquisition and local manufacturing in driving economic development and reducing unemployment in Nigeria,” she said.

Mr Desmond Toover, one of the graduating students, speaking on behalf of the class, thanked the UNDP and Lelook for the support and opportunity.

” We are more than a graduating class. We are a collective force, each of us bringing unique talents and perspectives that, when combined, can create extraordinary outcomes.

” We are deeply grateful to the phenomenal UNDP and Lelook Bags for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this training,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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