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Dethroned Zamfara Emir, Atiku Abubakar, Dies In Dubai

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atiku Abubakar - Zamfara Emir

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, the  dethroned Zamfara Emir, has reportedly died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He passed on Sunday, August 28, 2022.

The late Emir who was hospitalized at a Private Hospital in Dubai following a protracted illness died Sunday evening.

Sani Zurmi, a family member of the Late Emir broke the news of his demise, and disclosed that his remains will be brought to Nigeria for burial.

According to Zurmi, “His remains are still in Dubai due to non-availability of flight to bring the deceased back home for burial”.

The late Abubakar was dethroned along with the Emir of Dansadau, Husaini Umar on April 27, 2021, for allegedly aiding banditry in their respective Emirates.

Ondo: Govt To Hold Teachers Responsible For Low Enrollment In Public Schools

By
The Source
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Students - Education

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo state government has said teachers in its employment that enrol their children in private schools are not adding value to the teaching profession.

According to the state chairman of Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, such teachers are contributing to

the dwindling population of pupils in public schools in the state.

The Head Press & information Services of the board, Bisi Agboola, in a statement in Akure, stated that government was worried over the development, despite its investment in primary education.

Agboola, said the chairman, at a meeting with head teachers across the three senatorial districts of the state, frowned at the dwindling population of pupils in public schools inspite of government efforts.

According to him, the state government has decided that  teachers will henceforth be held responsible for any drop in schools’ enrolment.

The SUBEB chairman condemned  the attitude of some teachers taking their children to private schools and ruled that it has become an offence for any public school teachers to take their wards to private schools.

Olabimtan said Ondo state government will not relent in its efforts at upgrading school standard as well as provide personnel.

He called on the Education Secretary in the 18 Local government areas not to hesitate at reporting any teacher found wanting in their duty post for possible sanction.

The chairman charged the teachers to buckle up and do the needful in the area of enrollment drive and shun any act of indolence.

The statement added that the state government has approved that serving primary school teachers can now reach the level-16 status like their counterparts in the civil service.

By implication, teachers can be considered for the position of permanent secretary, when such vacancy is opened.

Already, promotion letters have been distributed to 2,111 teachers out of which 85 are of grade level-16.

0labimtan thanked Governor Akeredolu for providing UBEC Counterpart funding, which has hitherto been neglected for about five years, paving way for the massive reconstruction of schools, renovations as well as provision of furniture items.

The state Chairman of PTA, Alhaji Abimbola Omo-Oloja, while responding, thanked the governor, for his interest at lifting education from foundation.

Omo-Oloja, who pledged the unflinching support of parents, appealed for the return of extra curricular activities in schools.

Ekiti Govt Sheds Light On Landed Property In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State government has clarified status of one of its landed properties in Akure, Ondo state capital.

The landed property situated at the high brow Alagbaka Government Reserve Area, is one of the assets inherited by the state on its creation  in 1976.

The Chief Executive Officer, Fountain Holdings Limited, the company in charge of EKiti State Property,  Mr Seyi Ayeleso explained that the property has not been sold for N150 Million as being speculated in social media.

An Akure based man in a two minutes and 50 Seconds video had alleged that a piece of land belonging to Ekiti state in Alagbaka Area of Akure Ondo State capital had been sold by the Fayemi’s aide with the knowledge of Fountain Holdings Limited.

Ayeleso in a Statement, described the video as a total falsehood and an attempt by blackmailers aiming to tarnish the good image of the Fayemi led administration.

He challenged the rumour monger and the man behind the video to come out with evidence or face the wrath of law.

”The ideal thing would have been to maintain golden silence in a situation like this. But for the good of the public, we have to respond officially to his innuendoes not to dignify him but to safe  the public from manipulation.

“The land was allotted to Ekiti State through the issuance of Survey Plan and Certificate of Occupancy in 2004 and duly registered in the book of Ondo State Government.

“So it is not a land that can be sold in secrecy. When land especially like the one in question located in the high brow part of Alagbaka is sold, there are necessary processes such as payment of Government fees and such transaction will be documented in the State Land Registry.

“The Alagbaka/Akure land in question is one of the assets of EKSG on my desk and I can tell you that the land is not sold and there is no plan to sell it.

“Sales of land cannot be done in secrecy. And any inquisitive individual can easily do a search at the Land Registry to know if there is any transaction on any land. As I talk to you the Certificate of Occupancy and the Survey Plan are in my custody.

“However, in line with our investment philosophy, we have the plan  to  concession the land to a developer on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model under the company’s established strict due diligence and process.

“It is therefore easy for any reasonable person to find out the true position by going to the Land Registry to make necessary enquires.

“There is the Freedom of Information Bill that entitles every citizen to seek information on any Government program or project. He can equally go to the Ministry of Justice to activate his right to know.

“No doubt, the social media has created media space for the good, the bad and the ugly to say all manner of things.”

Ayeleso charged members of the public to disregard the video as it is fitting only for the dustbin.

Ekiti Anglican Diocese Gets New Bishop

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rev Andrew Olusola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

The Church of Nigeria, Ekiti Anglican Diocese now has a new Bishop in person of Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi.

The new bishop,  the sixth for the diocese,  was born on July 2, 1959 in Fiditi, in Oyo State, and Consecrated Bishop by the Most Revd Peter Akinola at the Cathedral Church of St James, Oke-Bola, Ibadan on May 14, 2008.

He was enthroned as the First Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti Kwara Missionary Diocese on May 26, 2008 and remains the Bishop of the Diocese till he was elected, confirmed and enthroned as the 6th Bishop of Ekiti on 13th August, 2022.

In his mission statement, the new bishop plans to raise a formidable team of highly committed Ministers of the gospel and Lay people, discover and harvest the people and bring them to grow in the faith, deepen and widen the study of the word of God and reach more Youth through focused Christian education, mentorship and discipleship.

Bishop Ajayi also intends to care for widows, orphans and the needy;  aim to provide basic medical needs through funds raised for that purpose, promote unity amongst the three Houses of Bishop, Clergy and Laity, strengthen the Diocese to be self-sustaining financially and operationally and revive Christian commitment and dedication of members to a good cause.

Ekiti Anglican communion, which has now been biforcated into two, has as its pioneer bishop, the late Rt. Rev’d Michael Adeniyi Osanyan, enthroned on October 30, 1966, followed by late Rt. Rev’d Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, consecrated as the second Bishop on 18th October, 1970 and Rt. Rev Clement Agboola Akinbola as the third Bishop of Ekiti on 5th July, 1986.

Also, Rt. Rev’d Samuel Adesso  Abe became the fourth bishop and the Rt. Rev’d Dr (Most Rev’d) Christopher Tayo Omotunde Ph.D was bishop from 23rd June 2012 – 1st March, 2022.

2023: Obasanjo Dashes Hope Of Presidential Candidates, Says He Has No Special Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Obasanjo and Presidential Aspirants

By Akinwale Kasali

For weeks, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State, home of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has been a Mecca of sorts for Presidential Candidates ahead of the 2023 Elections.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, recently visited and consulted the Owu, Ogun State born former Military President, as regards his Presidential Aspirations. And so did the others.

A few days ago in London, he led the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to a meeting with the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his allies which include State Governors and other high profile PDP stakeholders. Wike and Camp are rebelling against the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the PDP Leadership.

But Obasanjo has dashed the hope of all the candidates. He says he has no preferred candidate among those contesting the 2023 presidential election.

Obasanjo, who stated this in Minna on Sunday when he paid former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar a visit, over the laters recent ill-health, said he only has a national agenda, not a preferred candidate.

“I don’t have a special candidate, I have a national agenda.”

“I came to see my brother who has been a little indisposed. I had plans to visit him when he was still in London, but the day I arrived London was the day he returned home.

“So that is why I decided to come and see him at home. He is very special so I had to come.

He also said that “if there is anyone who is indisposed, I will visit and I am still strong.”

The former President who was in a closed door meeting with Abdulsaami arrived at 12:30 and left at 1:13pm.

Ondo To Get Befitting Judiciary Complex

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is set to build an ultra-modern and befitting Judiciary complex in Akure, the State capital.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu disclosed this during an inspection visit to the site of the proposed complex.

The Commissioner visited the site to inspect the clearing of the land in preparation for the commencement of the project.

Aminu hinted that the ground-breaking of  the Complex will be performed by Governor Akeredolu before the end of the year.

He noted that the Judiciary Complex will sit on 12 hectares of land, adding that the location beside, El-shaddai Church Alagbaka, Akure, was chosen because of its uniqueness.

”We are here on an inspection visit to see the preliminary operations such as clearing of the site in readiness for the commencement of the project.

“The Ondo State Judiciary Complex will house 20 different Court buildings. That is, each building from Court one to Court 20.

“Besides that, there will be another separate building that will house the Chief Judge’s Court. That’s making twenty-one different buildings.

“Apart from these, it will also have an ancillary building for the registry and other staff. There will also be a hall. Furthermore, there will be befitting road infrastructure including hydraulic structures and concrete pavement or asphaltic pavement.

“The ground-breaking will be performed by Mr. Governor before the end of this year. It will be completed in 18 months from when the construction begins. When completed, the Judiciary Complex will rank as one of the best in the country.”

The Commissioner stressed that the project is among the numerous interventions of Governor Akeredolu across the three senatorial districts of the State.

“This project is part of the efforts of the Akeredolu administration to make the administration of justice smoother and better. It will be another legacy project for the administration of Governor Akeredolu.

“We can only continue to pray for the Governor and appreciate him for his commitment to making Ondo State far better than he met it.

“Despite the huge financial difficulties, Mr. Governor has continued to deliver on his promises and making life meaningful for the people.”

Again, Wike Tears Sule Lamido Apart

By
The Source
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Nyesom Wike and Sule Lamido

By Gideon Njoku

Like a raging volcano, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike flew back to Nigeria, and immediately, descended on former Jigawa Stats Governor, Sule Lamido.

Wike and  Lamido have literally been at each other’s neck over the wrangling between Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, since after Atiku beat Wike to a second place, and shunned him as his running mate.

Apparently exasperated by  Wike’s reluctance to toe the Party line, by his threats, and his open romance with Presidential candidates of other Parties, specifically Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, a romance which not a few PDP stakeholders see as anti-party on Wike’s part, Lamido descended on him.

He asked the PDP and Atiku to ignore Wike. He called Wike an Emperor in Rivers State. He told Wike he had no control over the  votes of Rivers electorate. And finally, Lamido reminded Wike that in about eight months time, he would become a former Governor.

In a swift response, Wike told Lamido that he, Lamido, has become politically irrelevant. And reminded him that he was one of the reasons the PDP lost elections in 2015.

True, Lamido was one of the PDP Governors in 2015, who had nothing good to say about then President Goodluck Jonathan and/or his Government in the run-up to the Presidential election. The way he carried on, not a few people had expected Lamido to decamp to the APC at the time with the other PDP six Governors who decamped. He disappointed them by not decamping, but the APC had a landslide victory in Jigawa.

On Thursday, Atiku had appealed to PDP stakeholders to seize fire. He told them to stop the brick-bracks. Without mentioning names, he told them to stop the onslaught against Wike. Atiku obviously had in mind Lamido and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu when he gave the warning.

However, on Friday when Wike arrived from London where his Camp met with Tinubu, Obi (accompanied by former President Olusegun Obasanjo) in the presence of the Camp Wike PDP Governors of Abia (Okezie Ikpeazu), Benue ( Samuel Ortom), Oyo ( Seyi Makinde), Wike could not resist taking another dig at Lamido.

Addressing the Press at the Port Harcourt International Airport, in the company of Ortom and Ikpeazu, both of whom had spoken before him, Wike poked at Lamido.

He refrained from mentioning Lamido by name, but it was obvious who he was referring to.

In very strong words, Wike condemned those who, after being Governors for eight years, nominate their sons to also run for the same seat. He talked about former Governors who nominated their sons to go to the Senate. And he talked about somebody whose educational qualification is only Primary six, but who ended up as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

Wike:  “Never mind some people who do not believe in the existence of this country. Some people who are just interested in their own. Some people who only know how to produce their own children as Governors or members of the National Assembly. It is only in this part of the world.

“A man finishes to be Governor, and have his own son again to be Governor. This is part of the crisis we are having. It is unfortunate.

These are the kind of people who say they are leaders in this country. What example are they showing as leaders of this country?

“Leadership is not about you  and your family. Leadership is also about everybody.

“Somebody finishes eight years as Governor. Somebody is bringing his own son as Governor. Somebody is bringing his own son to go to the National Assembly. It is only in this part of the world that you see this. We are talking about poverty. These are people who do not mean well for NIgeria; Nigeria cannot move well except with them.

“See, it is a country where somebody with a Primary six certificate will become a Minister of Foreign Affairs. Primary School Certificate becoming a Minister of Foreign Affairs. That tells you how bad this country has become.”

Lamido “seems guilty” of at least two of these.

Even though his educational qualifications is higher than Primary School, not a few eye brows were raised when Obasanjo appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs. Of all the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Nigeria has had, at least, since 1999, he seems the least qualified, educationally. He attended the famous Barewa College ( 1962 -1966) and Government College, Birnin Kudu.

In the upcoming 2023 Govenorship election, Lamido’s son, Alhaji Mustapha Sule-Lamido, is the Governorship candidate of the PDP.

However some people have pointed out that Wike is not quite correct over a son vying for the seat of a Governor after his father. They point out that contrary to his submission, it happens in other parts of the world, even at the Presidential level.

In the United States of America, for example, George W. Bush, became the President after his father, George H.Bush, had been President. George Bush Snr. had also been a Vice President.

And, after George Bush jnr’s two-term tenure, his younger brother,  Jeb, who was a Governor, also aspired to be President, but failed. At l  a point, both George Bush jnr. and  Jeb Bush were State Governors of Texas and Florida, respectively.

It is to be seen if Atiku’s warning to all Parties will prevail. For now, Wike and his camp have not publicly said they would work for Atiku’s victory in the 2023 Presidential election.

Nigeria, Cameroon To End Frequent Border Clashes

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria and Cameroon Border

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to find a lasting solution to frequent border clashes, Nigeria and Cameroon officials have again met in Abuja.

At the parley, Federal Government  expressed determination that in no distant time, the areas of border disagreement between Nigeria and Cameroon would be resolved amicably.

The leader of the Nigerian delegation, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN made this known at the 34th session of the Camaroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) held in Abuja.

“Nigeria is committed to the quick and successful execution of the mandates of the Mixed Commission,” Malami said, noting that areas of disagreement have been reduced to just three.

He called on the experts to “embrace pragmatism in order to reach consensus in all the three areas of disagreement,” hoping that “amicable solutions would be found as soon as possible to enable the work be completed.”

At the session, Nigeria and Government of Republic of Cameroon have shown commitment to work closely with parties to identify and encourage the implementation of trans-border infrastructural project to enhance the economic cooperation and the integration of the two countries and the west African region.

The Mixed Commission recommended that the two parties finalized the agreement on the joint exploitation of the hydrocarbon along the maritime border.

A Comminique issued at the end of the session noted that the parties involved did not have same understanding of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment on the course of the boundary on localities of Rhoumski, Pillar 8 and Koja.

The Mixed Commission agreed to table discussion on the matter to the ICJ for clarification of its decision.

The two countries commended the sub-commission on Demarcation and the Joint Technical Team for reaching an agreement on the course of the boundary in Mabas village and the project steering committee and the technical monitoring team for successful construction of additional 327 pillars in Alantika mountains, which has been endorsed by Mixed Commission.

The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission was established pursuant to the Joint Communique adopted at a summit in Geneva on 15th November, 2002.

ASUU President, Osodeke, Says Three State-Owned Varsities  Not On Strike Are Quacks

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

As backlashes and condemnation continue to trail remarks by the president Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Prof Emmanuel Osodeke for allegedly calling state owned universities quacks, there seems to be a twist to the statement.

Osodeke has debunked the report making the rounds that it named universities owned by State governments quack, saying he was misquoted.

Several media platforms were on Friday flooded with reactions to purported assertion by the ASUU President that state universities are quack and should not be taken seriously.

Prof Osodeke was reported on Thursday while speaking on Arise Television where he addressed some issues regarding the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by ASUU over six months ago to have made the remark.

Speaking about some State universities that recently pulled out of the struggle, the ASUU president said, “talk about important universities not those quacks. They’re not part of our strike”

The development has triggered backlash from some State universities and concerned Nigerians who lambasted the ASUU president for allegedly naming State universities ‘quack’.

Ekiti State University, (EKSU) in its reaction, stated that with that statement coming from Osodeke, he was bereft of ideas.

“This arrant nonsense coming from  Comrade Osodeke is totally unacceptable and condemnable.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof Odunayo  Adebooye, while reacting, described ASUU president as a careless talker by way of announcing universities that are no longer on strike are ‘quacks’.

Prof Adebooye stated the State university has 481 full-time educational workforce and among them, 387 are full-time Ph.D. holders, “this is now not a quack.”

Speaking with journalists on Saturday, the ASUU president debunked the report saying he was misquoted by the media.

According to Osodeke, he was referring to only three universities owned by State governments which are currently not on strike.

Describing the report as fake, Osodeke lamented unprofessionalism in reportage, alleging that the media aimed at creating confusion in the system.

“There is nothing like that. It is a lie. I have told myself that I will not talk to the press again because they always misrepresent things.

“I have found out that Nigerian press is specialized in manipulating interviews, reporting what someone did not say just to create confusion in the system. They won’t report things the way it is.”

Aglow International Marks Silver Jubilee, Unveils Mrs. Uzodimma Patron

By
The Source
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Aglow International

The wife of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma was on Friday unveiled as Patron of Aglow International Nigeria.

The ceremony took place at the 14th National Biennial Conference of Aglow International in Owerri which coincides with the body’s Silver Jubilee anniversary.

The theme of this year’s Conference is: “Divine Restoration.”

Speaking after her investiture as Patron, Mrs. Uzodimma pledged her unflinching support and continued assistance to the Aglow International Nigeria, noting that Imo will experience total restoration and healing following the body’s hosting of its Conference in the State.

The wife of the Governor who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Bola Njoku at the event which held at Goshen Anglican Retreat Centre New Owerri, acknowledged that Imo is the first State in the entire South East Nigeria to host Aglow National Conference.

The Imo First Lady noted that she is indeed “delighted and proud to celebrate with the Owerri Chapter of the Aglow International Nigeria in their 25th Anniversary that coincides with their National Convention,” and commended members for their “unrelenting efforts and fervent prayers to the peace of our homes and society at large.”

Mrs. Uzodimma appreciated them for finding her worthy to be made Patron of Aglow International Nigeria.

She said the activities of the body are in sync with the programmes of her office which includes promoting women and girl child welfare in Imo State and the society at large.

She commended her husband,  Governor Hope Uzodimma, for his outstanding achievements, especially at “ensuring that women and children of Imo State are made better by providing them with affordable healthcare, vocational trainings, security, among others.”

In his address at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Imo State,  Prof. Placid Njoku congratulated the women group for choosing Imo State for this year’s Convention and commended them for the choice of their theme.

Prof. Njoku said the theme “resonates with the 3R mantra of Imo State Administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma that is anchored on Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.”

He added that the Uzodimma’s administration coined the 3R mantra to constantly remind Imo people of its mission in the State, noting that “Imo people will confirm that the current administration has lived up to the expectations,”  despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, ENDSARS and the festering of insecurity.

Prof Njoku further adduced that the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria have “affected every fabric of Nigerian economy, from agriculture to industry, trade, oil and gas, power and supply as well as deterred the social sector – education, health, transport and others, unemployment is at its peak, strikes are pervasive, poverty and hunger are surging.”

Regardless, the Deputy Governor encouraged Aglow International to keep the candle burning with prayers, as “God will surely hear our prayers and restore hope and peace to the people and society at large.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr (Mrs) Njoku who is the Chairman Local Organizing Committee, Aglow International Conference, Nigeria 2022,  described the day as a special day that God has made for everybody to rejoice and be glad, particularly for actualizing the Aglow International 2022 Convention.

Mrs. Njoku said the theme of the Convention is apt in the present day and circumstances in the country, going by the numerous challenges we are faced daily which she said include insecurity, gender violence, economic and political hardships, loss of family values etc.

She said she is optimistic “God has promised to restore the lost glory and dignity of His people through His everlasting love for us.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the National President, Aglow International Nigeria and Member/Treasurer Aglow  Africa,  Mrs. Bisi Adeluyi did not betray her excitement and expressed gratitude to God for bringing them to Owerri to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. “It is the first National Conference of Aglow to be held in the South East Zone of  Nigeria,” she noted.

Mrs. Adeluyi explained: “The event is the 14th National Biennial Aglow Conference, and Aglow is a network of caring and praying women, where the capacity of women are built to understand the word and to become effective fervent prayer warrior. We are evangelists affecting fellow women positively.”

Highpoints of the occasion were: Award/Investiture as Patron on the Imo State First Lady, Award of Queen Esther of our time to Dr. (Mrs.) Njoku, Exceptional Service Award of honour to the National President, Mrs. Adeluyi and the cutting of 25th Anniversary cake.

Among those who witnessed the ocassion include the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Mrs Nkechi Ugwu, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Bath Okorochukwu, the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs.) Pat Iwu among others.

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