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North Central PDP Youths Kick Against Postponement Of NEC Meeting, Insist Damagun Must Go

By
Ayodele Oni
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Umar Damagun - PDP Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

Youths from the North Central Zone have flayed the postponement of the National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) again for the second time.

The Zone has been angling to produce the next national chairman of the party after the NEC ratifies the removal of Damagun as acting national chairman.

Kola Ologbondiyan, a former publicity scribe of the party, who spoke on behalf of the youths in Abuja, disclosed that respecting the party’s constitution was the only way to address the challenges facing the PDP and also fixing Nigeria.

He warned that “Anything outside of this demand will end up an exercise in futility.

“Leaders must look at the bigger picture and address the truth wherever it is required. We must tell those who have undertaken to either kill the PDP or render it comatose that the party is not a one-man organisation.

“The founders named it the Peoples Democratic Party. It is, therefore, owned by the people of Nigeria and not any individual, no matter how well placed.

“The National Executive Committee of the party took a decision at its 98th meeting to consider the demand of the North Central at the 99th meeting scheduled in August this year, but the proposed NEC has suffered untold postponements to the detriment of the party and Nigerians.

“These postponements of NEC by the National Working Committee is an aberration that shows a huge disrespect for the constitutional order of the party.”

Ologbondiyan noted that the North Central region would continue to press for what rightly belongs to it.

“It is trite wisdom that as long as Damagum is being encouraged to continue to sit on the position of North Central, the concept of fixing the PDP will be mere lip servicing.”

The main opposition PDP had announced the postponement of its National Executive Committee meeting initially slated for November 28.

The party in a statement on Thursday said the postponement became necessary to enable members attend the burial of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and late First Lady of the state.

The statement signed by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, said the 99th National Executive Committee meeting was postponed due to the funeral of Patience Umo Eno, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.

The statement said, “Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee may recall that the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, was rescheduled to hold on Thursday, November 28, 2024, after an extensive meeting of leaders, critical stakeholders and relevant organs of the party held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

“However, at its meeting of Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the attention of the National Working Committee was drawn to the programme of events of the funeral ceremony of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, which events coincide with the scheduled dates of activities for the 99th NEC meeting.

“After due consideration, the NWC, recognising the need for party leaders to commiserate with Governor Umo Eno and also participate in the funeral, hereby wishes to notify distinguished members of NEC of our party that the 99th NEC meeting, earlier scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024, will now be held on a date that will be communicated to members in due course.

“All NEC members should please note the change of date and be guided accordingly. The NWC sincerely regrets the inconveniences this change of date will cause distinguished members of NEC.”

Gov Aiyedatiwa Markets Ondo Potentials To Entrepreneurs

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Aiyedatiwa Markets Ondo Potentials

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has highlighted the State’s vast economic potential, its strategic location, rich natural and mineral resources, and ongoing developmental projects, to Entrepreneurs as three days Global Entrepreneurship Festival, kicked off in the state capital.

The governor described entrepreneurship as the most powerful weapon to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Aiyedatiwa, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, on Friday, called for collective action to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for economic transformation.

“Entrepreneurship is the life-blood of innovation, the catalyst for economic growth, and the driving force behind social progress.

“It is the entrepreneurs among us who dare to dream, who take risks, and who push boundaries to create new opportunities and solve real-world problems.”

The Governor described the festival as a pivotal event that will shape the socio-economic future of Ondo State.

He emphasized the multidimensional objectives of the festival, including celebrating entrepreneurial achievements, fostering collaboration, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and boosting local economy.

He noted the state’s position as Nigeria’s fifth-largest producer of hydrocarbons, its 40 percent contribution to the country’s cocoa exports, and the promising future of the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport.

“Our state is uniquely positioned for investment, with boundless opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.

“The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will connect Ondo to Lagos in about 30 minutes, making it a prime location for economic activities.”

The Governor commended the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for its efforts in job creation and entrepreneurial promotion, urging participants at the festival to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship.

“Let us work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world.”

The Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village Board, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, described the village as a transformative initiative designed to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

“The Entrepreneurship Village in Ondo State will provide a platform for mentorship, funding, and innovation. It is a place where dreams are turned into reality, and where the next generation of global leaders will emerge.”

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions.

Enugu Emerges Host Of National Sports Festival After Ogun’s 22nd Edition In January

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Mbah - Governor of Enugu State

By Ayodele Oni

While Ogun State is still preparing to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in January 2025, the National Sports Commission, (NSC) has announced Enugu State as the host of 23rd edition.

Date for the 23rd edition is unknown yet, the NSC clarified that the announcement will propel Enugu to make adequate preparations for the spoting event.

The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event.

The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence.

Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament.

According to the NSC, with Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally.

This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.

The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament.

With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January next year, it also marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival.

Simon Ekpa: “We Shall Provide Evidence Against The Murderer” – Enugu Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Simon Ekpa

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Government on Friday November 22, 2024, signaled its readiness to provide avalanche of evidence to support the terrorist and murderous tendencies of the leader of IPOB faction Simon Ekpa.

This is even as it described the self proclaimed IPOB Prime Minister of Republic of Biafra in Exile as “a  murderer, common criminal, con man and terrorist”.

The Source reports that on Thursday November 21,the Finnish police  announced the arrest and arraignment of Ekpa, along side four others on terrorism-related charges.

Reports also indicated that Ekpa and his co-suspects have been remanded in custody on the orders of a District Court in Paijat-Hame for alleged public incitement to commit crime with terrorist intent .

A statement issued by the Secretary to the Enugu state Government, SSG, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, also commended the Finnish authorities for the arrest of the leader of the Autopilots group widely perceived to be the architect of most of the orchestrated violent attacks and killings in the South East region.

The Enugu State Government while expressing satisfaction with the development insisted that Ekpa and his criminal gang do not serve the interests of Igbos and the South Easterners, but their selfish destructive aims.

According to the Government, Ekpa and his group are only out to unleash hardship on the people, killing innocent citizens ,while at the same time living extravagantly in  Finland.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, and security in all parts of the South East.

This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer and a fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East  Region.

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East destroying lives, property and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hardwork.

He thrives on manipulating, exploiting and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest  and for the restoration of Biafra”, the statement reads.

The Source also reports that the Ekpa led Autopilots militia is generally seen as  the main  driver of the Monday sit-at-home order which has long been disowned and discarded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB.

The Ekpa-backed Autopilots remain the most single force behind the enforcement of the sit-at-home order which have so far dragged the economy of the South East many years backwards,with  hundreds killed and several billions of properties destroyed.

His arrest has, in the main, been welcomed as a good development by not a few of the residents of the beleaguered South East region.

IPOB Says Ekpa On A Lonely Journey

By
The Source
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Simon Ekpa

By Gideon Njoku

The leadership of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has distanced the organisation from Simon Ekpa and whatever he is going through in the hands of the Finnish Police.

IPOB in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, distanced the Group from the activities of Ekpa and his Autopilots.

It also insisted that Ekpa’s Group is not, and was never affiliated to IPOB.

Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained Leader of IPOB, suddenly fell out with IPOB/EAS  over organizational structure and operations. He quickly distanced himself from the main IPOB, and founded a rather violent Group known as Autopilots.

The Finland-based Ekpa later declared himself the Prime Minister of the Republic of Biafra in Exile. From Finland, Ekpa waged a relentless, bloody war against his Igbo people, a tribe he claimed to be protecting. Not only did he destroy the economy of the Zone by his constant declaration of sit-at-home order, hundreds of people lost their lives to “the struggle.”

But on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Police arrested Ekpa and four others on suspicion of waging terrorism against Nigeria and, especially, the South-east. He is in Police custody.

Reacting to Ekpa’s arrest, and the constant reference to him as an IPOB member, Powerful issued a strongly worded statement to the effect that Ekpa “is on his own

Part of the statement reads: “We are not interested in his (Ekpa’s) arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.

“We have reiterated on several occasions that  Ekpa has no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he has nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.

“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB.

“More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.

“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”

On his part, spokesman of IPOB’s Political Wing, Nwachukwu Emereonye, called for the immediate extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.

He said:  “We in IPOB Political Wing welcome the arrest of Simon Ekpa. His actions are unbecoming. Scores of people have been killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

“He should be handed over to the Nigerian government for immediate prosecution.”

Ekpa’s arrest sparked celebrations in parts of the South-East and reactions from a number of high profile Nigerians, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

Ekpa’s arrest has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians demanding his extradition to Nigeria.

Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode lauded the arrest, describing Ekpa as a “psychopath” whose rhetoric caused the deaths of many innocent Nigerians.

Meanwhile, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad suggested that Ekpa should face justice in Nigeria after serving his sentence in Finland.

Violence in South-East Nigeria

Ekpa has been linked to the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South-East, leading to violence, deaths, and economic paralysis.

Recent attacks attributed to ESN operatives include the killing of vigilantes and civilians in Anambrva State.

IPOB denies involvement in these acts, accusing Ekpa of exploiting the Biafran struggle for personal gain.

Kano Floats N25 Billion For Entrepreneurs As Loan

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Small scale businesses in Kano state are soon to enjoy incentives from the State Government to boost their trade.

The State Government has flagged off plan to support small scale entrepreneurs in the state with N25 billion loan.

Commissioner of Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Adamu Kibiya at a press conference on Friday in Kano, explained that the loan scheme is part of the state government’s efforts to restore Kano’s reputation as a center of commerce.

Kibiya , stated that the scheme designed to promote entrepreneurship and job creation, would be launched soon.

“We are committed to supporting small business owners, youths, women, and everyone else looking to grow their enterprises and contribute to the state’s economic development.”

According to him, the loan scheme is aimed at providing financial support to small and medium-scale enterprises, which are the backbone of the state’s economy.

He noted that the scheme would further provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, enabling them to expand their businesses and create jobs.

Kibiya disclosed that to be eligible for the loan, “business owners must register with the Ministry of Commerce.”

He emphasized the importance of registration, stating that it enables the ministry to identify genuine business owners and provide them with the necessary support.

In addition to the loan scheme, the Ministry of Commerce is introducing a new system to provide capital for women with small and petty businesses in the state.

The ministry is currently collecting data to support this initiative and provide women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to develop their businesses.

Kibiya noted that the state government is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, who play a vital role in the state’s economy.

He emphasized that the new system will provide women with access to capital, training, and mentorship, enabling them to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development.

“The government is committed to providing support to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and women, who are critical to the state’s economic development.”

Rivers: Accountant General Confirms Seizure Of October FAAC Allocation; Says Decision Based On Court Order

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

The federal government has stopped the monthly financial allocation to Rivers state from the federation Account.

This was confirmed by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation on Friday, saying the decision was in line with the federal high court order.

The court made the ruling in October in a matter brought before it by the Martin Amaewhule led Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to those watching what’s going on in the oil rich state, the FAAC decision has further highlighted the brinkmanship and struggle for the soul of the state by Governor Simi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, a former governor of the state and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Fubara and Wike are divided over the LGA election recently conducted in the state, and the Wike’s faction has challenged the validity of the election, including getting a court order to stop the monthly FAAC allocation to the state.

But on Thursday, a court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, upheld the LGA elections conducted by the state government.

Speaking on the FAAC allocation, spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, said the Office took the decision was in line with the court order.

Since there’s no other contrary ruling from any court in the country, Mokwa stated that the October allocation has been withheld from the state.

Mokwa said, “What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation.

“We are going to follow due diligence as long as there is no contrary order. In case there is a contrary, the status will remain.”

He added, “The process of disbursement of the October 2024 monthly allocation is going.”

Meanwhile, analysts insist that the Supreme Court had in a landmark judgment between the federal and Lagos state government ruled that the federal government has no power to seize the monthly allocations to state.

2027:  “At 81, You Should  Calm Down, Ditch Presidential Ambition” – Bode George  To Atiku

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bode George and Atiku Abubakar

By Akinwale Kasali

Come  2027 Presidential Election, Chief Bode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has a piece of advice for  former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.  “Calm down. Quash your 31-year-long bid to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At 81 years then, you will be too old to run”.

George noted that Atiku’s bid to be President dated back to 1993, and it’s high time he retired from the contest, especially in the 2027 election.

According to George  Atiku should retire and assume the position of an elder in the nation and leave his bid to posterity.

Chief George said this at a Press Conference held in Ikoyi,  Lagos State.

George: “To Atiku, my advice is this, you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for the presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder.

“We are where we are today because of a self-inflicted crisis; we should bury our individual ambitions now and not allow the PDP to crumble, please. Elders of the party should tell some of these funny characters to cool off and think of our national interest instead of their personal interest.

“Nigerians are angry and hungry. Instead of telling the APC the truth, some divisive, arrogant and haughty members are busy romancing the ruling party and they are quick to refer to themselves as elder statesmen.

“Instead of instigating a crisis in our party, why are they not bold enough to defect to the APC? Do they really fear God at all? No member is big enough to hold the party to ransom,” George added.

Speculations are that Atiku is ready to throw his hat in the ring for the 2027 Presidential Election, as his ambition to become Nigeria’s President continues.

Court Halts Rivers APC Congresses

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress APC, Rivers State Chapter’s State Congresses earlier scheduled to hold from November 23 to 30 ,2024 have been paused.

Ruling on an ex-parte motion brought before it by OkwJoebrown-Ndike and two others, on behalf of  aggrieved members of the party on Tuesday, Justice G V Obomanu of the Rivers state High Court restrained the APC, as well as its National Chairman, from going ahead with the planned Congresses without including the applicants in the process.

The applicants had approached the court seeking an order to compel the  respondents to halt all processes relating to the Congresses until the hearing and determination of a motion on notice challenging their exclusion from the said Congresses.

The applicants contended that they were not availed nomination forms for the Congresses after they had made payments for same.

The Presiding Judge also barred the widely perceived Pro-Wike faction of the Rivers state APC from conducting Congresses on  the  date of between November 23 and 30, 2024, or any other dates until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The Court similarly halted any further processes towards the conduct of the Congresses, as well as declaring null and void the outcome of the November 16, 2024 Ward Congresses held across the state .

Justice Obomanu has fixed December, 3, 2024 for the hearing of the motion on notice .

The restraining order is the second in the series of court rulings in the last few days generally seen as a serious set back for the Tony Okocha led pro-Wike faction of Rivers state APC.

A Special Court  of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, had on Thursday, dismissed the ruling of a Federal High Court Abuja which declared the Rivers Local Government Area Election illegal and stopped the Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from participation.

IPOB: What’s Next After Ekpa’s Finland Arrest?

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Simon Ekpa Arrest

Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile had planned to declare the Independence of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria on December 2.

But few days before what would have been a historic event for the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafa, IPOB faction led by Ekpa, the man who has been accused of causing the wanton killings and abduction in the south east has landed in Finland Prison.

On Thursday, the Finish police arrested Ekpa alongside other four accomplices on the allegations of promoting and financing terrorism in ‘south east Nigeria’. he will be charged to court soon, the Finish police said in a statement.

In the statement published on its website, the Central Criminal Police in Finland said it arrested five persons on suspicion of terrorist crimes.

The police said the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime”.

The statement read: “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

“The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

Ekpa’s arrest yesterday would be the second time  in Finland. In the earlier arrest months ago, over issues, allegedly, unrelated to Terrorism, he was released hours later.

His arrest, according to those watching what’s happening in the south east, could not have come at a better  time, considering the jubilation in the region since yesterday.

Others however said, his arrest has been followed by an uneasy calm in the region, particularly among his supporters who are apprehensive of what will happen to him next and the future of IPOB as a whole.

Reacting to his arrest, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa welcome the development by calling on the Finish government to repatriate him to face trail.

Analysts however insist that he can only be sent back home to face trial, if Nigeria and Finland have signed a repatriation treaty.

Scores of people, including soldiers and policemen have been killed in the region by IPOB militants since Ekpa surreptitiously took over the leadership of the secessionist group following the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the defacto leader of IPOB, by the federal government.

Kanu is currently facing trial on terrorism related charges following his arrest in Kenya in 2021. Diplomatic efforts by well meaning Nigerians to get him released from custody, including a court order to that effect has been widely rebuffed by the government which insist that he must face trial.

IPOB has however denied that Ekpa is a member of the group. “Simon Ekpa has never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB,”  Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman said in a statement on Friday.

Amidst the jubilation that has greeted Ekpa’s arrest, not a few believe that calm will return to the region, at least for the moment, considering that the group is expected to lack coordination in the absence of their leader.

For instance, some say it will be impossible to issue the weekly stay-at-home in the region now that Ekpa is in detention, and nobody is clearly taking up his role.

Recall that Kanu had in a July 2023 letter  instructed Ekpa to end the sit-at-home, following the anger from leaders in the region that the order was hurting the south east economically aside the attendant loss of lives.

Ekpa had vowed, last week, not to obey Kanu’s directive to him.

“I won’t listen to Nnamdi Kanu’s instructions to end sit-at-home. “I will only listen to him not just when he becomes a freeman, but he has to come to Finland to tell me face to face,” the pro-Biafra leader said.

Ekpa entered into national consciousness in Nigeria after the rendition of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested. That was when he introduced himself as a disciple of the detained IPOB Leader, and gave the impression that he had become the leader with Kanu in the custody of the Nigerian Government and being prosecuted in Court.

He soon fell out with the IPOB Leadership over his conduct which IPOB said ran contrary to their ideals. He has disagreed with IPOB on a couple of issues, including the cancellation by IPOB, of the weakly sit-at-home order which has brought the economy of the South-east to its knees. While IPOB said stop, Ekpa said continue, and atimes, imposed it for days on end.

IPOB has since expelled him from the organisation, and holds him responsible for the inexplicable and unprecedented blood bath and mindless destructions in the South-east.

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