NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

Water Resources, Blue Economy ministries partner to boost food production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministries of Water Resources and the Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate to enhance food production in Nigeria.

This partnership aims at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja.

Both ministers stressed the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in improving water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Utsev noted the collaboration’s importance following the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation’s emphasis on both ministries’ roles in sustaining Nigeria’s water bodies.

He emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are vital for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.

He outlined the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

“These departments oversee initiatives such as providing clean and reliable water supply, developing and managing irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.

“These efforts are crucial for food security and economic resilience,” he said.

Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.

He further announced that a joint committee would be established by both ministries to develop a working document with a clear framework to guide their collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, Oyetola revealed the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.

He noted that fish production in Nigeria would be enhanced through stronger collaboration between the two ministries.

Oyetola highlighted the ministry’s role in sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention.

He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the water resources and sanitation ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for collaboration to optimise Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.

He noted that sustainable water resource management would improve livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with directors and senior officials from both ministries. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Metro

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training

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Training

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Germany to launch an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for the job market.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, gave this update in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, led by Dr Matthias Leder.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment that empowered young people to thrive and contribute to national development.

He also highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to train seven million youths in critical skills over the next two years.

He added that the ministry was organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event to enhance employability and prepare youths for an increasingly competitive job market.

Leder, in his address, called the training system a potential game-changer for Nigeria, noting the mutual benefits of dual vocational training for both countries.

He explained that the Nigerian youth would receive free vocational training in Germany, and those who pass the exams would be offered jobs at participating companies.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also stressed that the initiative would promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.

He further said the collaboration built on a relationship that began in 2005 and was solidified with the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

FCT Internal Revenue Service partners EFCC to enhance tax compliance

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance tax compliance in the territory.

The acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Mr Michael Ango, solicited for the partnership when he visited Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ango explained that the partnership was in line with the mandate of the FCT-IRS to collaborate with relevant agencies such as the EFCC towards improving tax compliance in the FCT.

He disclosed that one of the major initiatives of the FCT-IRS in 2025 was the harmonisation of revenue collection and administration in the FCT.

This, he said, would not be achieved without the support and collaboration of all stakeholders including anti-graft agencies.

“This is to ensure that all revenue due to the FCT is collected and accounted for in a transparent manner, enhance ease of doing business and improve revenue generation.

“This will further consolidate the massive infrastructural development in the territory by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” he said.

He argued that most suspects being investigated by EFCC for financial crimes were not tax compliant.

Ango added that it would be helpful if the suspects’ tax obligations would also be interrogated as part of EFCC’s investigation processes.

According to him, this approach can also be extended to forfeiture of assets or monies of suspects to the EFCC by the courts.

“When suspects are being investigated or charged to court, we will like to know, Mr Chairman, their tax compliance level.

“If they escape from one door, we can catch them through another door. We will, therefore, be happy to partner with you on this, like we are doing with your sister agency, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),” he suggested.

The FCT-IRS boss condoled with the EFCC on the recent loss of its operative.

He also commended the commission’s chairman and his management team for the excellent work they are doing to tackle financial crimes in the country.

In his remarks, the EFCC boss thanked Ango and his team for the visit and expressed the commission’s willingness to partner with the FCT-IRS to improve revenue collection in the FCT.

Olukoyede said the commission had entered into similar partnerships with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other State Internal Revenue Services.

He expressed the commission’s readiness to extend the same gesture to the FCT-IRS.

According to him, the move will enable the FCT-IRS to shore up its revenue collections.

He, however, stressed the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to highlight the specific areas of collaboration, pointing out that MoU would further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations.

The EFCC chairman, who said he has been keeping tabs on Ango’s achievements since appointment as the FCT-IRS boss, also lauded the ongoing massive infrastructural development in the FCT.

“This shows that taxpayer’s money is being judiciously used across the territory for the benefits of all,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

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By Uche Anunne

An environmentalist, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says only partnership among countries and innovation into cleaner energies can save the climate from further devastating damage.

Onuigbo, former member of House of Representatives, said this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The All Progressives Congress Chieftain represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and former chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“To save the environment and mitigate climate change, we have to collaborate, network and innovate. There is nothing any country can do alone.

“We must innovate and collaborate because anything that has to do with the environment is borderless,’’  Onuigbo said.

Onuigbo  sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

Climate change has been largely blamed for some of natural disasters including flooding, desertification, drought, and the recent wild fire that ravaged parts of California, U.S.

He said the recently concluded World Future Energy Summit and 15th International Renewable Energy (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, offered Africa can explore new areas of global partnership in renewable energy.

He said as the continent that bears the larger brunt of climate change, they also offered the continent the chance to deepen existing clean energy networks and investment opportunities.

Onuigbo said President Bola Tinubu had shown the desire for transition to clean energy such as his commitment to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and liberalisation of the energy sector by signing the Electricity Act.

In June 2023, Tinubu, signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”), repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

The Act empowers state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.

“The Summit offered  Mr President the opportunity to speak to the world on investment opportunities in areas as CNG and electric vehicles, the Evergreen City. There are profound declarations,’’ he told NAN.

According to the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame, 2019-2023, Tinubu’s clean energy initiatives are yielding results as international investors are  showing interest in Nigeria’s lithium deposits to boost battery manufacturing.

He said there was a link among poverty, food security, diseases and climate change, saying mitigating the later would help in addressing the former.

For instance, he said, access to clean electricity would enhance economic activities and their attendant multiplier effects in families` income and wellbeing.

“You cannot talk about them in isolation. When there is desertification, drought—climate change impact has implications for sources of livelihood and this engenders poverty and insecurity’’, Onuigbo told NAN.

Onuigbo is a member representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee  on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission(NEDC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Economy/Business

France to upgrade Nigeria’s Survey Agency lab, provide equipment

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By Martha Agas

The French Republic has pledged to upgrade the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s (NGSA) laboratory and provide it with advanced technological equipment.

This commitment followed discussions on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between France and Nigeria.

The announcement was made at the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The French delegation was led by Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

A statement on Monday by Alake’s Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, revealed that the commitment includes funding geological data exploration for the NGSA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on December 1 2024, the Minister announced an MoU with France to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain in both countries.

Gallezot revealed that his department was screening French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The process is designed to ensure that only credible and serious investors are recommended to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Alake expressed gratitude to Gallezot for his cooperation in facilitating the MoU aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sectors of both nations.

He also dismissed misinformation from political opponents, clarifying that Nigeria was neither relinquishing control of its mineral resources nor entering into a military pact with France.

Alake emphasised that the Future Minerals Forum provides a valuable platform for both countries to deepen collaboration and jointly design programmes to achieve mutual goals.

The Director-General of the NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, stated at the meeting that the lack of advanced technological equipment had delayed the exploration of areas with large mineral deposits.

He further emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure, noting that mining is a global industry that demands continuous training and knowledge transfer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Economy/Business

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says it is committed to sustained collaboration with the media and civil society for effective communication of statistical data.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS said this at a Retreat for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) in Keffi on Friday.

Adeniran, who was represented by Dr Biyi Fafunmi, Director, Agric and Business Enterprise, NBS, said the media and CSOs played an indispensable role in national statistics production.

He said the media and CSOs served as a bridge between statistical agencies and the public.

Adeniran said the media served as both facilitators and disseminators, influencing the way statistical information was collected, interpreted, and communicated to the public.

“In reporting, we recognise you as a partner in progress; we urge you to be objective and patriotic in reporting our data as disseminated by NBS.

“By facilitating communication, promoting understanding, and fostering accountability, the media not only enhance the credibility and relevance of national statistics but also empower citizens to appraise more meaningfully with the data that shape their lives.

“As technology and media landscapes continue to evolve, the role of media in this context will continue to expand.

“This will require ongoing collaboration between NBS, the media, and innovation to ensure effective communication of statistical data for planning and development on sustainable bases”.

Adeniran commended the media and CSOs for their role in making NBS improve in data deliverables in spite of the challenges they encountered in their daily endeavours.

Mr Joel Ichedi, the Bureau’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, said the objective of the retreat was to equip journalists and CSOs with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate statistics to the public.

“We recognise that the media and civil society play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.

“However, we also acknowledge that reporting on statistics can be complex and nuanced.

“This retreat aims to bridge the gap between data producers and data users, ensuring that statistical information is accurately conveyed to the public.

”Our team of experts will provide insights into the latest developments in statistics production, data sources, and methodologies”.

Ichedi emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure statistical information was presented concisely and without bias, thus avoiding misinformation and enhancing public understanding.

Ewache Ajefu, Editor, Business Africa who spoke on behalf of the media, thanked the NBS for organising the retreat, adding that it should be sustained.

Johnny Emmanuel, National President, National Council for CSOs,  commended the NBS on its role in improving the economy and the country through its production of accurate and timely data.

Emmanuel stressed the need for collaboration between the media and civil society noting that CSOs could not achieve their mandate without the media.

NAN reports that there was a business session on Trends in  Development Journalism, Consumer Price Index and GDP Rebasing Update, and Compilation of Trade Statistics.

Other sessions include Methodology for Generating Labor Force Statistics in NBS and A Critical Appraisal of Statistical Reporting and Data Interpretation by Journalists. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy

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By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government says it has supported more than 5 million Nigerian farmers in its multifaceted agricultural partnership programmes with Nigeria since 2019 through its agency for international development (USAID).  

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the partnership has helped strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing food production and bolstering rural economies nationwide. 

It noted that media coverage of its activities had presented an inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, which included assisting local agencies in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology. 

It said the longstanding agricultural partnership with Nigeria culminated in significant achievements and ensured that all U.S. government agricultural programmes operated with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian laws.

“These programmes are developed and implemented in partnership with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials, to ensure they meet local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty. 

“USAID’s work in Nigeria focuses on practical support for farmers, including improved access to markets, agricultural training, and research collaboration. 

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions,” the embassy indicated in the statement.

The U.S. government stated that USAID maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders in agriculture at all levels, and is proud to support Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. 

“As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Culture & Tourism

Partnership, collective efforts needed to eradicate violent extremism -GOC

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, has stressed the need for partnership and collective efforts to eradicate violent extremism in the country.

Mijinyawa said this at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024 which started on Oct. 26 ended on Nov.8 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Lagos.

Participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Liberia took part in the two-week rigorous training.

Mijinyawa commended the seamless collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which resulted to the approval and conduct of the course.

According to him, the strategic partnership between the Centre and the Government of Japan through the UNDP serves as beacon of international cooperation which needs to be sustained.

He quoted former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as saying that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action.

“This points to the fact that it is only through partnership and collective efforts that we can eradicate the menace of violent extremism in the world,” he said.

The GOC said that violent extremism had continued to threaten world peace and humanity in general, adding that all stakeholders must unite to counter it by addressing the root causes.

“These include support to education, community engagements and creating economic opportunities.

“The training will help to enhance capacity and equip potential peacekeepers with the requisite expertise to handle threats posed by violent extremism.

“It will also enable them to effectively perform their roles in a multidimensional peacekeeping mission,” he said

He expressed satisfaction with the caliber of erudite resource persons, facilitators and experts that were invited from both within and outside the country to make presentations during the course.

“We appreciate you for the knowledge you have imparted and for sharing from your wealth of experiences.

“I urge the graduands to apply the knowledge gained from this course in the discharge of their responsibilities in their various formations, units and organisations,” he said.

Mijinyawa commended the collaboration of the Government of Japan, and the UNDP with MLAILPKC which continued to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Africa and the world at large.

Mr Matthew Alao, Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, UNDP Nigeria, said that violent extremism was a complex, multifaceted problem that required equally nuanced and adaptable solutions.

“You will face challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt. However, be hopeful; be optimistic because our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime,” he said.

Alao expressed confidence in the knowledge and skills the participants had acquired, saying that they were not just academic achievements, but the building blocks of resilient communities and sustainable peace.

“Your training equips you to be the architects of this justice; to build bridges where others see only divides, and to illuminate paths towards reconciliation in the darkest corners of conflict.

“Now, you stand ready to return to your respective countries, organisations, and communities as agents of positive change,” the UNDP representative said.

He urged the participants to always remember that countering violent extremism was not solely about security measures or law enforcement.

“It is about addressing root causes, fostering inclusive societies, and offering hope where despair once reigned.

“Your role extends beyond tactical responses; you are now architects of resilient communities and advocates for social justice,” he said.

Alao appreciated the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the UNDP for their support which had been instrumental in shaping future leaders.

One of the participants of the training, Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele, from the Armed Forces of Liberia, said that the course broadened his knowledge regarding peacekeeping in violent extreme situations.

“The training also gave me insight into the drivers that cause violent extremism and how to use non kinetic measures to win the war.

“Countering violent extremism is a holistic approach involving both government institutions and societal institutions, using non kinetic approach to defeat the ideology of violent extremism,” Nimele said.

Also, Maj. Felix Adongo, from the Ghana Army, said that his take home would be to employ the use of more non kinetic measures in countering the extremist agenda rather than always resulting to force.

“It is important that we tackle this menace from this angle by identifying and getting to the root causes of the extremists ideas and agenda,” Adongo said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

Macron unveils plans for triangular partnership in Africa

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By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a triangular partnership between France, Morocco and Africa to foster cooperation in key sectors for growth, stability and development.

 

Macron announced this on Tuesday in Rabat while addressing a joint session of the two Houses of the Moroccan parliament.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the address formed part of the activities of the French president’s 3-day visit to the Northern African country.

 

He said the France, Morocco and Africa partnership would be premise in the areas of education, agriculture, ecological projects, digital technology and energy.

 

Macron stressed the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership in Africa, underlining the vision of the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI for the continent.

 

“Morocco, by virtue of its geography, its history, its culture and the vision of its Sovereigns, has long affirmed its vocation as a platform, a channel, a singular path,” Macron said.

 

This, he said, underlined that the Kingdom’s stability, openness and development “are unrivaled assets which we recognise at their true value and which can inspire many joint initiatives.”

 

Speaking on the Moroccan-Western Sahara issue, Macron reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco sovereignty over the contentious region.

 

“For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.

 

“The 2007 autonomy plan constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

 

He said that the Paris position was rooted in history, respectful of realities and promising for the future, and the one that France would implement to support Morocco at international forums.

 

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Macron paid tribute to the action of King Mohammed VI for providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

 

“I salute his mobilisation and that of all Morocco in favour of de-escalation, resumption of dialogue and the relaunch of a credible political process.

 

“In the current cacophony, in which extremes on all sides are indulging, Morocco has a strong and singular voice,” he said

 

Macron said Morocco and France were now destined to lay the foundations for a reinforced exceptional partnership, and to offer the generations of the next 25 years a new vision.

 

“At a time when His Majesty King Mohammed VI and I decided to write a new book together, I want to share with you that I am certain that these ties will continue to grow ever stronger,” he said.

 

He lauded the values of diversity, dialogue and tolerance, adding that it remains at the heart of the Morocco’s people, its institutions and Constitution.

 

“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” he said.

 

Macron added that Morocco’s wealth “is even more precious and worthy of respect at a time when our world is torn apart by intolerance and war.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Morocco, France sign historic partnership deal

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By Usman Aliyu

The Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic on Monday signed a landmark “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” declaration to significantly bolster bilateral relations.

 

The two countries signed the agreement during a 3-day official visit to Morocco by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that while Macron signed for France, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI signed on behalf of his country.

 

The partnership, according to the Moroccan government, will strengthen long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

 

The government said the bilateral deal reaffirmed the mutual cooperation and strategic autonomy.

 

Key provisions include fostering exceptional relations, establishing a comprehensive strategic framework and adhering to principles of state-to-state relations, sovereign equality and non-interference.

 

“The profound relations between the two countries are rooted in history and exceptionally rich human and cultural ties which have underpinned the friendship and cooperation for several decades.

 

“The leaders also reaffirmed that their countries’ joint action, both bilaterally and internationally, would continue to rest on the principles of state-to-state relation, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and foreign policy decisions, among others.

 

“Both nations emphasised their commitment to directing the ‘reinforced exceptional partnership’ toward three major goals that include consolidating political and strategic convergence.

 

“Others included deepening and modernising partnerships to promote economic development, social cohesion and strategic autonomy.

 

“Another goal is the strengthening of privileged cooperation in human ties, human capital and culture rooted in a Francophonie of values and openness,” the government said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the two heads of state welcomed the ambitious cooperation that they had established and strengthened in migration, and called for the building of a comprehensive agenda in that regard.

 

They also agreed to directly oversee the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

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