NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria condoles India over tragic plane crash
General News

Nigeria condoles India over tragic plane crash

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Crash
By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government has condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the
Ministry.

Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.

“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.

“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing  such tragedies in the future.”

The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety
Science & Tech

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.

The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.

“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.

“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.

“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.

Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.

According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.

He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.

“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.

“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.

“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.

“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.

The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.

Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved  Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.

Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.

According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.

The Director-General,  Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.

It provides  professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by  promoting food science and technology, (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda
Defence/Security

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.

Buratai made the call during his remarks at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.

He gave a narration on how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens’ engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.

“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.

“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorists and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.

“Also, citizens should be engaged to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.

“This is because the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.

“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that the whole nation is against banditry and terrorism, ” Buratai said.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.

Buratai explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has brought in policies that have a long term effect that would be felt for the betterment of the country.

“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.

“We need a better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Buratai said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members
General News

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members

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By Daniel Obaje

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.

Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.

One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”

Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”

The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FG targets 24-hour internet, power supply to special institutions
Science & Tech

FG targets 24-hour internet, power supply to special institutions

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By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has inaugurated fibre-to-home to hostels at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) as part of plans to ensure 24- hour internet supply to special institutions nationwide before the end of 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, said at an event in Abuja that the Federal Government was determined to provide the enabling environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

Alausa said that UniAbuja was a special institution, now enjoying 24-hour internet supply, adding that other special institutions would enjoy the same before the end of 2026.

“President Bola Tinubu is energising institutions. We have special institutions in the country today enjoying 24-hour electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project, the solarisation project.

“University of Abuja is one of the beneficiaries. You have a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid here and everybody can attest to it now that you have 24-hour electricity supply.

“The president is not stopping there. Before the end of next year, literally all the special institutions will have mini-grid. You will all enjoy 24-hour electricity supply,” he said.

It is expected that the regular power supply would support the internet facility.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said that UniAbuja was the first of the seven universities in the first phase of the pilot scheme.

Tijani said that by the end of July the seven institutions  would have been connected.

“This initiative we are launching here today is the first of the seven in a pilot scheme, and by the end of July we would have connected the seven universities.

“Galaxy Backbone has the infrastructure in place already; all we are doing is to take the fibre to hostels.

“We have taught it to be important that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn without access to meaningful connectivity.

“When we give you this access that not only are you going to be better in what you are learning, but you are actually going to create the future that our president is asking that we create as a nation,” he said.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Patricia Lar, in her welcome address, lauded the project, adding that it will benefit the school community.

“It is a special initiative that is going to create opportunities for students of all economic status to access data to be able to use for knowledge and education and to feed their creativity with ease.

“We are grateful for deploying fibre to our hostels. This also works with the solar power backup that has been installed in our campus.

The President, Medical Students Association of the institution, Faith David, who spoke on behalf of the students expressed delight with what the government had done by connecting their hostels to fibre for Internet access.

“We appreciate both ministers for this initiative, we are enjoying 24 hour power and now our hostels have been connected to the internet to make learning easier for us,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister
Agriculture

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister

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Projects

By Tosin Kolade
The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Utsev explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.

”These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development”.

He also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.

”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.

He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.

The minister further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara States, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.

He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.

”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.

”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.

Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deborah Coker

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure
Environment

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure

313 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Public-Private Partnerships in the water and sanitation sector in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

This collaboration is aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Utsev made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, and his delegation to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

He stressed that strengthening ties with the ICRC is essential for expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure across Nigeria.

According to the minister, PPPs remain a vital strategy for mobilising private sector involvement and investment in critical sectors.

“Our collaboration must be sustained to fast-track access to safe water, improve sanitation, and boost food production. We are particularly focused on advancing PPP models through the River Basin Development Authorities,” he stated.

Utsev also outlined the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, adding that a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting investment and improving public health outcomes.

He further disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to assess the status and structural integrity of all dams across the country to determine their suitability for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation.

According to him, these integrity assessments will help unlock the economic potential of the dams and support the country’s broader development objectives.

In his remarks, Ewalefoh, commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects that align with both national priorities and global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He underlined the role of PPPs in delivering impactful, transparent, and bankable initiatives.

He cited landmark projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam.

Ewalefoh proposed deeper collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure, rehabilitating dams, enhancing sanitation facilities, and scaling up hydropower initiatives.

He also recommended exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities under PPP arrangements.

He urged the management of the River Basin Development Authorities to participate in the PPP National Summit scheduled for June 14, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and attract greater investment in the water and sanitation sectors.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration
Metro

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has pledged to implement   sustained youth-centered policies to end irregular migration and its attendant dangers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made the pledge at the closing of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the Rabat Process is a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.

NAN also reports that Nigeria, the incumbent chairman of the Rabat Process hosted its thematic.meeting themed, Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration, with over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries in attendance.

Yilwatda assured that the government would prioritise skills, mobility, and dignity, advancing innovation in migration governance, to nip irregular migration in the bud.

He described the exploration of youth innovation and education as drivers of sustainable migration systems.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to lead the Rabat process with empathy, data, and integrity, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to achieve the desired migration governance.

“The meeting has addressed the influence of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, emphasising the need for a more just and humane future for migration in Europe and Africa.

“In the meeting I acknowledged the hard truths about migration, including the global narrative that casts migration in the language of fear and the limited opportunities for young people,” he added.

He said that migration should be seen as legal, dignified, and voluntary, with skills shared and youths running towards purpose, rather than from lack.

While appreciating the Kingdom of Spain for its support and partnership, the minister urged the development partners and the private sector to support skills programmes that link education with employability, especially in fragile and climate-affected regions.

He, therefore, called for shared frameworks that recognised qualifications, return talents, and open safe pathways for migration.

According to the minister, migration should be seen as the expression of choice, ability, and vision, not the consequence of despair.

Yilwatda said there was a need to give youths more than sympathy as they need structures and access.

Speaking in the same vein, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, promised to keep exploring ways to make more sustainable youths’ participation in the Rabat process.

Jimenez noted that there was a need to move from inclusion to the co-creation of a space of dialogue in migration governance.

“The representatives of the Nigerian youth said that they are a part of a solution. I think that youths are the solution.

“Youth is the driver of the future, and the future just started here in Abuja within the Rabat process,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe
Metro

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe

217 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday identified three key steps to take in addressing the menace of irregular migration from Africa to Europe.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction gave the solutions at the opening of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development in January 2025 to pilot the process for the next year.

The maiden meeting themed, “Youth, Innovation and Education- Driving the Future of Migration”, has in attendance over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

Yilwatda, reiterated the need to address irregular migration –  movement of people across borders that does not comply with the legal frameworks- and it’s attendant danger and  effects.

In tackling the challenge, the minister said there was a need to create spaces for digital skills, ownership, and migration literacy across Africa and Europe.

“The second priority is developing a harmonised migration policy framework to ensure qualification and reduce irregular migration.

“The third priority is to establish youth innovation funds to support enterprises and returnees,” he said.

The minister sought the collaboration of partners on migration governance to co-create youth innovation hubs, harmonised migration policies, and establish youth innovation funds to reduce irregular migration.

While noting that over 80 per cent of migrations were regular, especially for Nigerians, the minister stressed on the importance of focusing on the 20 per cent of irregular migrations that needed attention.

He described migration as a strategy for peace, prosperity, and survival, not just for Nigeria but for the entire world,

According to him,  migration, when governed, can contribute to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural resilience.

He emphasised the need for education and training for better opportunities in changing the lives of many young people.

For her part, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador -at Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, said that Spain’s migration policies were designed with active listening to the needs and concerns of African foreigners, their governments, and societies.

She recalled that the Spanish Prime Minister launched the new Spain-Africa strategy in December 2024.

The agreement, according to her,  seeks equal partnership between Spain and Africa, and inspires the entire Europe-Africa relationship.

“The strategy includes promoting regular migration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” Jimenez said.

She added that Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat process, focusing on youth education, innovation, and regular pathways to prevent irregular migration was apt.

Also speaking, Gautier Mignot, Head of European Delegation to Nigeria, said that the EU supports awareness-raising campaigns and community-based programmes to inform young Nigerians about the risks of irregular migration.

“The EU promotes a comprehensive approach to migration, working with partner countries like Nigeria.

“Also EU is committed to supporting Nigeria in migration management and legal migration processes,” Mignot said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised  through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons under its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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