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Category: Metro

  • FG vows to prosecute violators of disability rights 

    Prosecution

    By Ahmed Ubandoma

    Abuja, June. 2, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will not hesitate to prosecute any individual or organisation found in violation of the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the country.

    James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Lalu said relevant sections of the disability laws prohibited discrimination against PwDs, especially as contained in the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

    He said the Act prescribes penalties ranging from fines and, or imprisonment.

    Lalu, therefore, warned that the commission will not hesitate to sanction persons and organisations  in contravention of the law, no matter how highly placed.

    ”The commission has warned that it will not hesitate to drag any person to court to protect the right and dignity of Persons with Disabilities.

    “The time to stop discrimination against Persons with Disabilities is now.

    ”If you have any persons with disability around you, and they are being maltreated or discriminated against, the time to stop is now.

    ”If they fail to stop, they will surely face the wrath of the law,” he said.

    The executive secretary assured the over 35.5 million PwDs in the country of the commission’s determination to continue to promote and defend their dignity and rights as it was encapsulated in the disability law. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    AMU/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • FG approves 500% budget increase for disability commission

    Allocation

    By Ahmed Ubandoma

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has increased the 2024 budgetary allocation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
    (NCPWD) by 500 per cent of what it received in 2023.

    The Executive Secretary (ES) of the commission, Mr James Lalu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja

    Lalu was speaking on how the disability community had fared in the one year administration of President Bola Tinubu,

    “The administration of President Tinubu is truly committed to providing opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwDs).

    “The commission has continued to receive all the necessary support from the administration to ensure that PwDs are carried along.

    “Since the coming of the Renewed Hope administration, there are some deliberate initiatives the president put in place to improve access to governance and quality of service to persons with disabilities,” he said

    Lalu recalled that, as soon as the President assumed office on May 29, 2023, he made request on the instrument of reactivation of the African Union Protocol on Disability.

    “The president did not waste time, he went ahead to sign the instrument, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment towards improving the quality of lives of PwDs which is part of the international treaty.

    “As I am talking to you, Nigeria is a full-time member-state on issues of Disabilities as regarding African Protocol on Disability.,” he said.

    Lalu said Tinubu equally created the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Disability Affairs to ensure that PwDs are carried along in governance.

    “Just recently, there was approval from the President for the full enforcement of  Accessibility Law.

    “This is a policy document, created primarily to provide standardisation for accessibility facilities for PwDs in public buildings and all the build environments as well as transportation.

    “The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities at the moment, is setting all the structure that are required for the full enforcement of this accessibility regulations.

    “This is going to empower the Commission to monitor compliance, seal buildings and where necessary, invite erring party or organisations.

    “The commission is also empowered by the law to do investigation, prosecute and sanction, where appropriate,” he said

    Lalu said it was based on the approved law by the President that sanction was meted to a KFC outlet at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos over alleged discriminatory treatment against a Passenger with Reduced Mobility at the airport. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    AMU/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • MTN, Unilever others pledge 5% employment opportunity to PwDs

    Employment

    By Ahmed Ubandoma

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria business community has confirmed its commitment to comply with the provisions of the disability laws, especially in providing five per cent employment opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwDs)

    They made the commitment at a conference recently held in Lagos between members of the business community and the management of National Commission for Persons With Disabilities led by the commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr James Lalu.

    Briefing News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the outcome of the meeting on Sunday in Abuja, Lalu said the conference was attended by 57 top private business organisations including, KFC, MTN, Access Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever Nigeria PLC, Total Energy among others,

    He said the business entities equally agreed to provide easy accessibility of PwDs to their business environment as well as accommodation in their workplaces for the disability community.

    “Based on this commitment, I see a very cheering business community, committing themselves to making sure that they comply with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 as well as the regulations on accessibility for PwDs.

    ” I can boldly say that we are making progress on the issue of accessibility and we have created awareness on the need for the general public to embrace the disability community.

    This is very impressive and we also require the support of each and everybody to make this a success,” he said.

    Lalu said that in the public sector, the mandatory five per cent employment opportunity quota for PWDs is captured in section 28 and 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

    In achieving this, the executive secretary said the commission partnered with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

    He said a circular had been issued on inclusion of the provision in the public service rules to ensure its maximum compliance.

    Lalu said the commission recently secured over 200 employment for Persons with Disabilities in line with the Act

    The ES also disclosed that the commission was planning to launch a platform for employers and potential PwD employees, where organisations seeking recruitment can advertise.

    To prepare PwDs for competitive employment opportunities, Lalu said the commission signed Memorandum of Understanding with five Universities to establish Centre for Disability Studies.

    “Starting with the Nasarawa State University, Keffi the centre for disability studies is expected to run five different Degree programmes.

    “The first, is the Bachelor of Accessibility Engineering, which will be able to produce experts, independent consultants that will have the technical know-how on how to provide assistive facilities for PwDs.

    “All buildings from the start, is expected to engage the services of accessibility consultants, who will monitor the building from the design up to completion level to make sure these accessibility features are properly fitted into the building.

    “It is only after this conformity that the building will be qualified to be issued with the National Accessibility Compliance Certificate,” he said.

    The second programme, according to Lalu, is Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Management, expected to train intermediate rehabilitation experts that would provide rehabilitation services to PwDs at the community level.

    Another programme, according to the ES, is Bachelor of Art in Sign Language, which will be studied in Nigeria major languages.

    Lalu said, it is a deliberate policy to produce sign language experts in Nigerian Languages who would bridge the gap between the deaf community and the hearing ones.

    “Our mandate is to make sure we deploy sign language interpreters to all government offices and organisations where their services are needed,” he said.

    Lalu said the institutions would also run Degree programme on Assistive Technology, (B.A Tech on Assistive Technology) aimed to train PwDs or any interested persons on design, manufacturing, assessment and administration of assistive technology for PWD.

    “Assistive devices are supposed to be customised because a wheelchair for persons who have spinal cord injury is different from the wheelchair of survivors of polio.

    “So, the degree programme is expected to carry along all this to make sure that everything is fitted for PwDs,” he said.

    Lalu reiterated the commitment of the commission to providing opportunities for PwDs and stand in defence of their rights and dignity. (NAN) (www nannews.ng).

    AMU/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • FG secures N20bn FDI on local production of disability assistive devices 

    Investment

    By Ahmed Ubandoma

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it has secured Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune N20 billion towards facilitating local production of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

    Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Lalu said, the need to source for investors in the manufacturing of locally made assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) became necessary due to the high cost of the imported devices.

    ” Recently, we secured a foreign direct Investment to the tune of N20 billion and the organisation is committed to starting the local manufacturing of assistive devices as an MoU has already been signed.

    ”The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is going forward to make sure that we provide this opportunity to Nigeria for the manufacturing of local assistive devices.

    ”This is due to the fact that 99 per cent of our assistive devices are imported and the prices are higher and are now getting out of the reach of the poor.

    “Even, the budgetary allocation provided may not be able to provide assistive devices to the disability community across all states of the federation,” he said.

    Lalu added that promoting local contents in the manufacturing of assistive devices will go a long way to increase patronage and boost the nation’s economy.

    ”With the local manufacturing of assistive devices, it will encourage the state governments, local governments and other government agencies to procure and distribute them to the disability communities.

    ”The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is working already in the area of local manufacturing of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities.

    ”These include, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other devices for the blind and the deaf as well as persons with albinism,” he said

    The Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission was touting for talent in innovative and creative industry to improve in the production of assistive devices for PwDs.

    ”Just recently, we saw a video circulating on social media about one person in Kano, who was able to manufacture a digital eye-glass that can assist a blind person to walk around using sensors that will communicate to him through voice.

    ” When we saw this, we put an invitation to the innovator to come to our head office.

    “We are expecting him at our head office on Tuesday and we are going to review his invention, to see what we can do, to partner with the Bank of Industry and NASENI to bring the innovation to reality in Nigeria,” he said.

    Lalu noted that Nigeria is a land of great opportunities ,adding the the commission will scout for the opportunities in other to bring the disability community into technological era. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    AMU/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Shettima tasks lawyers on rule of law, Judicial autonomy

    Lawyers

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Ilorin (Kwarai State) , June 1, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian lawyers to be unwavering in their defense of the rule of law, justice and judicial autonomy.

    Shettima made the call on Saturday in Ilorin at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co, law firm owned by renowned legal luminary, Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN).

    While delivering his keynote address titled, “Justice, Truth and Our Divergent Pursuits of the Ideal Political System,” he applauded President Bola Tinubu’s non-interference in election exercises.

    The Vice-President also commended Tinubu for his refusal to weaponise state instruments to protect perceived allies on trial.

    “This commitment to the principle of separation of powers binds us. We shall continue to adhere to it.

    “We shall trust you (lawyers), to do your part in the service of the nation,” he said.

    Shettima noted that President Tinubu’s hands-off approach had strengthened Nigeria’s democracy, setting a precedent for future administrations to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

    He urged legal practitioners to emulate such ethos, asserting that true lawyers are those who meticulously prepare for court, argue based on facts and legal principles, and courageously challenge injustice wherever it exists.”

    The VP extolled the virtues of Yusuf Ali & Co., lauding its unwavering commitment to the principles of justice over the past three decades.

    He described the firm as “a bastion of excellence, resisting compromise under both military and democratic regimes.

    “Malam Yusuf O. Ali and his esteemed partners have stood firm because of their unyielding commitment to the lofty ideals of justice.”

    He also highlighted the Federal Government’s recent legal action to ensure full financial autonomy for local governments.

    He referred to it as a convergence that should be prioritised in realising an ideal federal system.

    He urged lawyers to be ethically committed to the pursuit of justice, deeming it crucial for a functional tripartite system.

    “Without that sacrifice, we are all bound for doom from which we may never recover.”

    He praised Yusuf Ali & Co.’s enduring legacy as a testament to the immortality of truth and justice.

    Earlier, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwola, had praised the celebrant, Prof. Yusuf Ali, for excelling in his chosen profession, and for defending the less privileged in the society.

    Also, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the celebrant for contributing a lot to the legal profession in Nigeria.

    He commended Prof Ali’s hard work and show of integrity.

    Similarly, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, applauded President Tinubu for introducing his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    According to him, the agenda is improving the lives of Nigerians.

    Represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, AbdulRazaq called on all Nigerians to support Tinubu, who is ready to improve the quality of life through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The governor further thanked the President for promoting separation of powers and judicial reforms.

    Guest Speaker at the event, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, advocated for the continuation of Nigeria’s presidential system of government.

    He said those calling for the return of parliamentary rule in Nigeria had no reason to do so because it had failed Nigerians in the past.

    “I, therefore, express my strong support for a Presidential system, with the current federal structure that we have.

    “Any democracy, be it parliamentary or presidential, needs an educated society to thrive. That will also help the people to know the rules of the game.” (NAN)

    SSI/ETS

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  • Labour strike ill-timed, unnecessary – NECA

    Strike
    By Esenvosa Izah
    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has urged organised labour to shelve its planned indefinite strike as it could reverse the recent marginal gains on the economy.

    NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who made the call in a statement on Saturday, said the strike could incapacitate the private sector.

    Oyerinde said that the call for strike was ill-timed and ill-advised, and would not only impoverish Nigerians, “but also escalate the already worrisome unemployment situation”.

    “The call for an indefinite strike even when the Tripartite Committee has not completed its proceedings, is ill-advised.

    “The committee, being a tripartite committee, with equal right and privileges, was to consult extensively and make recommendations to the President and Commander-in-Chief.

    “The president’s final approval will, thereafter, be passed to the National Assembly for legislative action before the president will give assent.

    “Aggrieved parties are at liberty to make representations and freely express their views at the National Assembly before a new National Minimum Wage Bill will be passed into law.

    “While it is normal for parties to have divergent opinion, the President and Commander-in-Chief has the final authority.

    “It is, therefore, worrisome that Organised Labour would call for an indefinite strike when these processes are yet to be concluded,“ he said.

    The director-general, however, said that the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria(OPSN), would do all that was necessary, within extant legislation, to protect its interest and survival, should the strike commence.

    He said that OPSN remains committed to a new national minimum wage.

    He observed, however, that in the current macro-economic circumstances, the odds were greatly stacked against organised businesses with consequential effects on job security.

    “It is our strong view that any amount beyond what the OPSN offered, could further escalate the already worsened health of many businesses, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises, and drive others to the precipice.

    “That situation could potentially compound the bad unemployment rate and worsen the insecurity situation in the country,” he said.

    Oyerinde also called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of reliefs for Nigerians, while reversing, without delay, the recent hike in electricity tariff. (NAN)

    EEI/ETS
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  • Archbishop Martins clocks 65, counsels nation’s leaders, followers

    Archbishop Martins clocks 65, counsels nation’s leaders, followers

    Leadership

    By Uchenna Eletuo

    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most. Rev. Adewale Martins, on Saturday clocked 65, with a call on Nigerians to demand better governance from their leaders.

    Martins, at media conference to commemorate the anniversary in Lagos, said that such action was necessary to ensure quality service.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Martins, at the conference, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral focused on the state of the nation.

    He said that leaders have an obligation to give the people quality representation that would have positive bearing on the people.

    The archbishop said that the best of polices should be implemented to give succour to the people.

    According to him, the present administration since inception has instituted various policies: some laudable, but some with negative bearing on the life of the people.

    “The manner and timing of the removal of the petroleum subsidy has adversely affected the life of the common man with its attendant high cost of staple foods, transport fare and poor medication because of increase in pharmaceutical products.

    “The multiple taxes question the sensitivity of government toward the hunger the people are faced with.

    “For the government to continue to ask people to sacrifice for a better tomorrow, the government should be seen to do likewise by cutting down the cost of running government, without which the government will be portrayed in a bad light.”

    He urged the government to make drugs cheap by reduction of taxes to firms, noting that many of them were relocating to neighbouring countries because of high cost of doing business.

    “Ensure constant electricity power supply to encourage small and medium enterprises to function for many idle youths to be employed,” he also advised government.

    Martins regretted the mass failure in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, but noted that most candidates from Catholic schools, from his inquiry, scored above 200 marks.

    He said that more funding was needed in the education sector to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

    The archbishop called on the government to implement people-oriented policies that would not be too difficult for the populace to bear.

    He also urged Nigerians to make their leaders accountable.

    Martins thanked God for the gift of life and His direction in the leadership of the church.

    Some Christian faithful, in an expression of joy for the archbishop’s milestone of 65 years, presented him with gifts.(NAN)

    EUC/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Hajj: Flynas transports 13,112 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 32 flights

    Transportation

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Flynas, a Saudi designated air carrier, says it has so far transported no fewer than 13,112 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Managing Director, First Planet Travels and General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas, Alhaji Umar Kaila, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said, ” This represents 68.4 per cent of the airline’s total allocation, according to its official data.

    ” The airline has so far operated 32 flights from Lagos, Birnin Kebbi, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Minna airports. ”

    Kaila assured all the pilgrims of a seamless transportation to the holy land and back to Nigeria.

    He explained that the airline was the official Hajj carrier of state pilgrims from Kebbi, Lagos, Borno, Osun, Ogun, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara for the 2024 Hajj operation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flynas is one of the three airlines approved by the Federal Government to transport 51,000 state pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

    The two other airlines are Max Air and Air Peace.

    NAN reports that a total of 32,222 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported to Madinah and Jeddah so far, according to the Command and Control Centre of NAHCON. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • LASPA to hospitality sector: Comply with Lagos Parking Policy

    LASPA to hospitality sector: Comply with Lagos Parking Policy

    Parking

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has urged stakeholders in the hospitality industry to comply with Lagos state parking policy.

    It called on those in the industry to make adequate arrangements to meet customers’ parking needs.

    The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, said these in a statement on Saturday, in Lagos.

    Adelabu said it was the duty of those who own and operate facilities such as hotels, bars and events centres to make adequate parking provision for their customers/clients.

    “If you have an event centre, hotel or restaurant, ideally, you should make sure you have enough parking,” she said.

    The LASPA general manager said that the authority was not quick to take punitive measures, but rather sought voluntary compliance.

    “The authority usually explores all available options to sensitise the public before commencement of any enforcement exercise.

    “We, as an agency, are not here to disrupt your businesss; what we ask is that you don’t make your businesses an infringement to the rights of others, ensure you comply with the dictates of the parking policy,” she said.

    Adelabu urged event centres to ensure ample parking provision for their guests right from the outset of constructing their facilities.

    She emphasised that according to the law, anyone planning to build a structure for social gatherings must conduct a traffic impact assessment prior to construction, and the approved designs must be strictly followed.

    She also assured some event centres and corporate entities grappling with inadequate parking spaces of the authority’s preparedness to assist them in establishing alternative arrangements whenever necessary.

    Adelabu affirmed that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was making significant investments in an intermodal transport system to reduce reliance on car travel.

    “Lagos residents now have access to trains and boats as well as options like LAGRIDE or the first and last mile buses to complete their journeys,” she said.

    The LASPA boss appealed to corporate entities, car park operators and others in the sector on timely payment of their rates, to avoid enforcement measures.

    She also called on Lagos residents to cooperate with LASPA to keep the roads clear of illegal parking, urging anyone with parking related issues to contact the agency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Hajj: NAHCON tasks pilgrims on use of NUSUK card

    Card

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged pilgrims to ensure the use of NUSUK card ( identification and access card) to avoid being arrested by the Saudi  Arabian Authority.

    Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Saturday in Abuja.

    She said, ” The commission wishes to address the recent concerns and complaints regarding pilgrims being arrested or prevented from accessing the Masjidul Haram in Makkah for not being in possession of their NUSUK ID cards.

    ” NAHCON had at different fora with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators in Nigeria before the commencement of transportation of pilgrims stressed the importance of the card.

    ” The card is a crucial document required for identification and access to the masha’er during the hajj exercise.

    ” The highest religious body of Saudi Arabia has issued a fatwa in this regard making it mandatory for every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the wellbeing of all.”

    Snda-Usara quoted Arabi as reminding all the Nigerian pilgrims of the mandatory possession of Nusuk ID cards, adding that all the pilgrims must collect their cards on arrival in Makkah from officials at designated distribution points.

    He said that pilgrims could inquire about collection procedures from the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards or Tour Operators they registered with.

    Arabi said, ” It is imperative to always carry these cards, as they are the recognised means of identifying pilgrims and for having access to key areas during hajj.

    ” Pilgrims with smartphones can download the card app from play store or itunes stores. They can use their passport and visa numbers to activate and access digital copies of their cards.”

    He enjoined pilgrims to be vigilant and aware of the presence of illegal pilgrims attempting to steal and use the cards to gain access to the Masha’er.

    The chairman added, ” Guard your cards carefully and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities.”

    He also urged all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Tour Operators to emphasise the importance of the cards to registered pilgrims during their pre-departure briefings and periodic engagements with pilgrims.

    ” Assist pilgrims in collecting their NUSUK cards if needed and Liaise with their respective field offices for this purpose.

    ” There are severe penalties for anyone caught performing or aiding others to perform hajj illegally. The penalties include a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.

    ” Six months imprisonment, immediate deportation and banning from Saudi Arabia for 10 years.

    ” We understand that some pilgrims may have misplaced their NUSUK cards. In such cases, pilgrims should contact their respective state pilgrims’ officials or NAHCON’s operational office in Makkah for assistance,” he said.

    Arabi urged all the pilgrims to adhere strictly to the guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or disruption in their spiritual journey.

    Similarly, he warned them against harbouring or aiding any illegal pilgrim, reiterating that NAHCON was committed to ensuring a smooth and safe hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani