Author: Sumaila Ogbaje

11 governors bag ISSS Security Excellence Awards

Awards

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Eleven governors have been selected for the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies (ISSS)’s Excellence Award.

The Registrar of the Institute, Dr Sunday Idakwoji, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the award would be presented to the governors on Nov. 23.

The award for Best Governor on Security and Humanitarian Services of the Year, he said, will be bestowed on Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for his exceptional leadership and innovative strategies in improving security and providing humanitarian aid in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions.

According to him, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa will be honoured for his dedication to maintaining peace and security while implementing comprehensive humanitarian initiatives to support vulnerable communities.

Idakwoji said that Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State would be recognised as the Best Governor on Collective Security Advocate of the Year for his proactive stance on collective security measures and his efforts to foster collaboration among various security agencies to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.

Other governors to receive the award are; Governors Ahmad Aliu of Sokoto State, BabaJide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Dapo Abiodun, of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of  Ekiti State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Siminilaye Fubara of Rivers.

Idakwoji said the institute had in 10 years of its existence been at the forefront of providing robust academic and practical education, fostering excellence in security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the African region and globally.

He said the mission was to prepare students for the complex challenges of today’s world through meticulous training and innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, as well as forging lasting security partnerships across nations and cultures.

The registrar said the awards were aimed at recognising, honor individuals and organisations that had made significant contributions towards building a robust security architecture and strategic development in Nigeria and beyond.

He added that some serving ministers would also be recognised for their outstanding performance among other several individuals, defense and security services and corporate entities.

“Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to enhancing security and strategic development in Nigeria.

“The awards ceremony promises to be a night of recognition, celebration, and inspiration,” the registrar said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza

Scholarship

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umar Bago of Niger, has called for reactivation of government scholarship programme for public schools to give hope to the less privileged children in the society.

Bago made the call at the inauguration of General Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that many of the leaders of the country today passed through public schools with scholarships, adding that he enjoyed free education from primary to secondary school.

The governor promised to support the foundation’s scholarship programme, with additional 50 beneficiaries to make up the initial 100 beneficiaries for the maiden scholarship programme, into any Nigerian Federal University.

“As Bago, I have a foundation and I will collaborate with you and I am raising the number from 50 to 100 because we value education.

“It means our school and scholarship system must be reactivated to give people hope,” he said.

Bago, who charged the youths to have dreams, added that it was the dream of the late Attahiru that made the family to keep his legacy moving by supporting the needy.

According to him, it is not enough to come and just live like that, make your mark that you would want to be remembered for.

He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for agreeing to collaborate with the noble initiative, assuring that the Nigerian Governors Forum would also support the initiative.

“So, we will continue to collaborate with these kinds of initiatives not just Nigerian army but even beyond.

“We must give the children of the deceased and retired military officers’ reason to live,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scholarship scheme is an initiative of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash on May 21, 2021.

The scheme is to assist children of serving and veterans of the Nigerian Army in their quest for education.

Already 50 students drawn from the Command Secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones have been offered scholarship at the inaugural launch foundation on Thursday in Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru

Anti-Corruption: EFCC, ICPC secure 3,412 convictions, forfeiture of N366.9bn

Anti-Corruption

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) secured 3,412 convictions, forfeiture of N366.97 billion through judicial process and recovered N161.6 billion within one year.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during the joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba, while reading the text of the brief, said the anti-corruption agencies played a significant role in maintaining law and order through their anti-corruption initiatives.

He said that the money recovered by the agencies within the period included N161.6 billion, 43.8 million dollars, 25,365.00 pounds, 186,947.10 Euros, 51,360.00 Rupees, 3,750.00 Canadian Dollars, 740.00 U.S dollars, 74,754.00 Yen and 35,000.00 Rands.

Others according to him are 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals, and 21.5 million Crypto Currency Units.

Buba said the EFCC secured 50 convictions in the fight against internet fraudsters and currency racketeers.

According to him, the ICPC also in the period under review recovered N66 billion in cash and rent on forfeited assets.

“Meanwhile, the ICPC in the period under review the recovered N66 billion in cash and rent on forfeited assets.

“The commission also secured restraining order on assets worth N5.8 billion, while N366.9 million was forfeited through judicial processes.

“Furthermore, the ICPC secured 18 convictions.

“Investigations and prosecutions saw 131 investigations and 18 convictions,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Head of Strategic Communications, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, said that robust interagency collaboration had been pivotal to the successes recorded so far by the Security, Defence and Response Agencies in Nigeria.

Mijinyawa said the achievements were the result of the coordinated efforts to enhance national security and protect the lives and property of citizens.

He said that ONSA had facilitated the UK-Nigeria security and defence dialogue, bringing together security and defence chiefs from both countries.

According to him, ONSA had in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, initiated a series of economic security measures against currency manipulators and speculators.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Attacks
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Ayudantes Empowerment Initiative (AEI), a civil society advocacy group, has called on Nigerians to stop deliberate attacks on and killing of military personnel.

The Executive Director of AEI, Mr Amechi Oyema, made the call at news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Oyema extended condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and families of the personnel who had in recent time, paid the supreme price while defending the nation.

He said that the group had strongly condemned what he described as  gradually becoming a norm, noting that attacks on members of the armed forces by citizens must stop.

According to him, it has been going on, but it is time Nigerians speak out against this barbaric attitude of some of our citizens towards members of the armed forces.

“Just recently, a commanding officer, two majors, a captain and 13 others, were ambushed and murdered on March 14 while responding to the crisis between Okoloba and Okuama communities which had allegedly been engaged in an aged-long land dispute.

“On May 18, there was a mob attack on personnel of the military at Banex Plaza in Abuja and we saw on national television how soldiers were being manhandled.

“Just last week, terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia, killed five personnel at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area.

“Troops of Operation UDO KA were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

“Also, on June 4, reports had it that suspected phone snatchers murdered a soldier, identified as Lt. IM Abubakar in the Unguwan Sarki area of Kaduna State.

“We are here to say today that this is unfortunate, inhuman and undeserving for people that have laid their lives for our country,” he said.

Oyema said it was wrong for citizens to continue to engage in demoralising activities, especially against troops that had been making sacrifices for the peace and stability of the country.

He quoted Maya Angelou as saying, “How important it is for us to recognise and celebrate our heroes and she-roes”.

He also quoted Gen. George S. Patton (Jr.), as saying, “The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen.

“In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country,” he said.

Oyema commended the nation’s military for showing restraint in the face of blatant provocations by not embarking on reprisal in the senseless killings of its personnel in different parts of the country.

“We, however, call on the military authority to go to whatever length possible within the ambit of the law to ensure that those who committed these heinous crimes do not go unpunished.

“Nigerians must learn to respect and honour men and women in uniform especially military personnel.

“This because there is no higher honour than serving in the military.

“These are men and women that sacrifice their lives in defence of our territorial integrity. An attack on them is an attack on Nigeria,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

50 students benefit from maiden Gen. Attahiru education scholarship scheme

Scholarship

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation (GIAF), on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated an education scholarship scheme to sponsor 50 students annually in any Federal University in the country.a

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scholarship scheme is an initiative of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

Attahiru had died in a plane crash on May 21, 2021.

The scheme is to assist children of serving and veterans of the Nigerian Army in their quest for education.

Already, 50 students drawn from the Command Secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones have been offered scholarship, at the inauguration of the foundation on Thursday in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the scholarship would be ran in partnership with the Nigerian Army.

Lagbaja said the inauguration of the GIAF Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme, was another commendable initiative that would benefit the army community, which was the late General’s primary constituency.

He said that this was in spite of the army having an established scholarship scheme for the children of its deceased personnel.

According to him, collaborating with the foundation is considered a viable option to complements the existing efforts of the army by covering a gap in its scholarship and welfare schemes.

”Our existing scholarship scheme focuses on children of deceased personnel only and not those of serving and retired personnel, as is the case with the Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation’s scheme being inaugurated today.

”While the Army Headquarters is aware that funding is not a challenge for the foundation, we have chosen to help with the funding of this inaugural scholarship scheme for 50 carefully selected beneficiaries as a mark of respect for the late General.

”We believe that this gesture will assist the foundation in properly taking off for subsequent scholarship awards.

”As part of our commitment, the Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration and the Nigerian Army Education Corps will continue to assist the Foundation in identifying and screening suitably qualified candidates to benefit from this noble gesture,” he said.

Lagbaja, however, charged the beneficiaries of the maiden scholarship to reciprocate the noble gesture by focusing on their studies and shying away from societal ills.

He noted that the tertiary institution environment was filled with vices that could derail them and truncate their life aspirations.

He, therefore, challenged them to take the gesture as a challenge to becoming the best in whatever career path they chose to follow and ultimately give back to the foundation and the larger Nigerian society in the future.

The army chief also said that the late COAS implemented significant policies that had a profound and lasting impact on army’s counter-terrorism operations; particularly in the North East within the short time he held sway.

He thanked Mrs Fati Attahiru, wife of the late COAS for her wisdom, courage, and doggedness to pull resources together to celebrate the late General’s life, bravery, energy, and most importantly, his identity as a detribalised Nigerian.

According to him, this aspect of his character is a testament to his belief in the unity and inclusivity of our great nation.

”I once again most sincerely, thank Mrs Attahiru and the Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation, for this scholarship initiative and for keeping the name and legacy alive and shining brighter and brighter,” he said.

The founder of the GIAF and wife of the late COAS, Mrs Attahiru, said her late husband’s background propelled him to work hard and had big dreams.

Attahiru disclosed that her husband shared with her his dream to become the army chief when he was a Lieutenant Colonel, urging the beneficiaries never to stop dreaming and look beyond the challenges they would face in life.

She urged them to develop the will power to respond to the happenings around them so as to be able to control what happened in life.

According to her, there are challenges we face, the trials, the tragedies and so on, but what we can control is how we react.

”Only you have the power to choose to be a victim or to rise above the tides, to maintain your composure, and to keep moving forward with unwavering commitments and determination.

”Telling you a bit about my late husband and his background, is to challenge you to choose not to be a victim of your circumstances, but to build the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge that comes your way,”she said.

She added that the scholarship programme would not only sponsor their education, but would also provide mentorship and roommate scholars to think big, overcome their challenges, and hopefully make a difference in the world.

She expressed happiness that the foundation started with the Nigerian Army through the command secondary schools.

”It is also great that the scholars will be drawn from six geopolitical zones, making sure people benefit strictly on merit, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or creed.

”It is great that there will be an alumni association. So we will hopefully see future doctors, engineers, pilots, tech gurus as alumni of the foundation’s scholarship programme” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

9,303 terrorists killed, 9562 fighters surrender in 1 Year – SCIPC

Terrorists

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 9,303 have been killed,  6,998 arrested and 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatant fighters and their families surrendered to security forces in the last one year.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during the joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also rescued no fewer than 4,641 hostages, while 1,437 suspected oil thieves were apprehended within the period under review.

According to him, troops killed 363 criminals and rescued 245 kidnap hostages in the Niger Delta Region within the period.

Buba said the the Nigerian Police Force within the year apprehended 4,796-armed robbery suspects, 3,068 kidnap suspects and 2,474 suspects for rape/sexual crimes.

He added that 1,213 suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms, 3,523 suspected cultists, 3,381 suspects for murder/homicide, and 13,382 suspects for other offences.

According to him, the Police rescued 1,713 kidnap victims and recovered 1,465 vehicles/motorcycles, 2,566 firearms and 19,310 rounds of ammunition.

Buba said the Police prosecuted 29,052  cases within the year and secured conviction of 16,200 suspects.

He gave the breakdown of prosecuted cases as “7,675 cases conclusively dispensed, 11,376 suspects are currently undergoing trial, 51 cases are under appeal in appellate courts, and 16,200 cases resulted in the conviction of suspects who have received various punishments for their criminal acts.

Buba said the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on the other hand foiled 48 attacks/kidnap attempts on schools and dismantled over 1,975 illegal mining sites across the country.

He added that 165 illegal local refineries were uncovered and dismantled within the period under review.

“Relatedly, the Nigeria Customs Service generated exceptional revenue of about N4 trillion.

“National security and anti-smuggling efforts led to significant seizures of contraband goods, illegal arms, and narcotics.

“The agencies recovered over 21,000 pump action cartridges, 440 pump action rifles, and 228,741 rounds of ammunition and, prevented potential attacks by recovering suicide jackets and lethal weapons.

“Criminal activities involving illicit petroleum products were disrupted, with 50,000 illicit liters impounded,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Allegation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army (NA) has denied  allegation of mass killing in the South Eastern Nigeria, as alleged by Simon Ekpa, a self acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said that Ekpa, one of the  leaders of the IPOB terrorists had been carrying out  mischievous and systematic campaign of calumny against the  army.

He said that Ekpa had through spurious and unfounded claims, raised alarm in a viral video alleging that troops of Nigerian army were carrying out mass killing of innocent Igbos and dumping them in the river.

According to him, the report also contained some unimaginable and not well couched falsehood targeted at whipping-up negative sentiments against troops and inciting anarchy in the South East region.

“Contrary to the falsehood being spread from the devious propaganda machinery of the desperate and self-serving terrorists’ leader, the army wishes to state that it has conducted a comprehensive investigation on the allegations made by the devious infamous leader and his associates.

“Accordingly,  we wish to  categorically refute these baseless claims by throwing more light on the occurrence.

“In the first  instance, the troops in the video footage are not personnel of the Nigerian Army as the  insignia visible on their berets clearly identifies them as personnel of the Nigerian Navy, who were engaged in a routine test firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle.

“In order to ensure safety of other road users and commuters, the troops took precautionary measures by halting vehicular movement along the road, until the test firing was safely concluded.

“Observers were also kept at a safe distance, maintaining transparency and prioritizing the safety of all involved,” he explained.

Nwachukwu said that preliminary findings also indicated that the occurrence took place in the South West region of the country and not the South East as advertently portrayed by the alarmist propagandists.

He added that there was no evidence to support the assertion that individuals were being shot at in the river, nor had there been any report from local communities regarding the discovery of corpses in the area.

“Consequently,  the army wishes to enjoin the public to disregard the unfounded claims and irredeemable falsehood  being propagated by Simon Ekpa and his associates, whose apparent objective is to disseminate misinformation and incite unrest,” he added.

Nwachukwu said the army and indeed,  sister services and other security agencies  remained steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring safety and security of all citizens in the country.

According to him, the Nigerian army is vigilant and prepared to counter any attempt to destabilize the southeast region.

“We reaffirm our dedication to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold peace and order.

“We encourage the public to seek verified information and not be misled by those who aim to incite violence and disorder.

“We salute the courage and patriotism of well-meaning and law-abiding ndigbo, domiciled in the South East and across the nation.

“Despite the brazen atrocities and threats being perpetrated by Ekpa and his terrorists group, these patriotic Igbos have  continued to build bridges of peace and harmony across the country and promoting our national ideal of a united Nigeria.

“The Nigerian army remains a pillar of stability and security, committed to the well-being of the nation and her people,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

Lagbaja inaugurates NAOWA multipurpose complex in Abuja

Inauguration

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The President, Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Maria Lagbaja, on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art multipurpose complex built by the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison Chapter, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complex which serves as the Secretariat for the NAOWA AHQ Garrison chapter comprises offices, a conference hall, and a vocational training centre.

The edifice was named after the NAOWA President, the wife of Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as Maria Lagbaja Skills Acquisition Centre.

Lagbaja, in her remarks, said that the complex marked another significant milestone in the advancement of NAOWA.

She said it was also a testament of hard work, dedication and in line with her vision of unwavering commitment to unity and service for the betterment of humanity.

She said the facility would provide the much needed conducive environment, for meetings and gatherings of NAOWA members under the AHQ Garrison.

Lagbaja appreciated the Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, the chapter coordinator and members for their consistent support to the association.

She called on NAOWA members to come up with innovative projects and initiatives that would contribute positively to the growth and development of the association.

The Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Isoni, commended NAOWA for the centre and for their commitment to the growth and wellbeing of the widows of fallen heroes, youths and the vulnerable in the Balak community.

He urged them to continue to collaborate with other relevant non-governmental organisations to further develop and enhance capacity building in the barracks and surrounding communities.

“It is our hope and desire that this centre will fulfil the purpose for which it has been established.

“In the light of the above, I wish to reiterate that the AHQ garrison will continue to support the activities and programmes of this noble association that has continued to make us proud, both nationally and internationally,” he said.

The Coordinator of Chapter, Mrs Pearl Isoni, said that the complex was possible because of hard work and the unwavering commitment to the betterment of the barracks community.

She said the centre, as a hub for innovation and creativity, would foster growth, unity, connections, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

“More importantly, this building will act as a catalyst for positive change, providing resources, support and inspiration to all who walk through this door.

“As we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, collaboration, and determination that brought us to this moment.

“In commissioning this centre, we are not just opening a door, we are opening endless possibilities for the future of the youths and women, who come here to learn skills to better their lives and our barrack community,” Isoni said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidi Opara and Abiemwense Moru

We must work together to flush out criminals – CAS

Criminals

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stressed the need for concerted efforts by all to flush out criminal elements from Delta and environs.

Abubakar said this on Wednesday in Asaba, while interfacing with Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta during a courtesy visit to the governor.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abubakar also emphasised the need to also emplace effective civil-military cooperation where all parties could work as peace and security stakeholders.

He said that meaningful development would be difficult to attain without a peaceful environment, with negative consequences on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The CAS called on residents of the state to continue to cooperate with security agencies in their concerted efforts to rid Delta of all criminal elements.

He thanked the governor for his disposition and firm support to the Armed Forces and the NAF in particular.

According to him, the priority the governor has been giving to security in Delta, especially in the last 12 months has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socio-economic activities.

The Air Chief also thanked the governor for the allocation of a large expanse of land with Certificate of Occupancy to the NAF, at Osubi, measuring about 66.6 hectares.

According to him, this is for the development of a full-fledged NAF Base which signifies a landmark event in the history of Delta and NAF relations.

Responding, Oborevwori commended Abubakar for the commitment of the NAF in fighting the scourge of insecurity bedeviling the nation.

He said that the visit was a testimony to the strong bond and partnership between the state and the NAF.

The governor assured the CAS that his administration would soon commence the construction of the road leading to the 66.6 hectares of land allocated to the NAF.

He promised to allocate another parcel of land for the construction of Post-Service Housing Scheme for retiring NAF personnel in the state.

Oborevwori condemned in its entirety, the unfortunate incident of March 14, which resulted in the loss of lives of some personnel of the Nigerian Army at Okuama Village.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the 66.6 hectares of land at Osubi by the Governor to the CAS. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh