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  • Lagos Water Corporation relaunches easy payment channels

    LWC

    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has relaunched Quickteller and Pay Direct channels for easy payments of water bills.

    The LWC Managing Director, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Tijani added that the corporation was going through reorganisation and rebranding process.

    He urged its customers to take full advantage of the payment channels for easy payments of water bills to enhance ease of doing business and improve payment efficiency.

    “This means water customers have varieties of payment channels, Quickteller and Pay Direct and can make payments at the comfort of their homes,” he said.(NAN)
    HOB/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Transform oncology care in Nigeria, FG urges prospective resident doctors

    Transform oncology care in Nigeria,  FG urges prospective resident doctors 

    Oncology

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The Federal Government  has called on prospective residents of the National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMC), and stakeholders in healthcare education, to shape the future of oncology care in Nigeria.

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja, when Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Co-Founder and CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, and her team paid him a courtesy visit.

    Alausa, who was represented by Dr Lolade Adeyemi, his Special Adviser on Research and Innovation,  congratulated Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital on their accreditation by the National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMC).

    The minister said that this initiative aimed to foster a new generation of specialists who would  contribute to improved patient outcomes and the overall advancement of medical education.

    “The collaboration between the Federal Government  and the  centre marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for specialised oncology care in Nigeria.

    “With the increasing incidence of cancer, it is crucial to develop a robust healthcare system equipped with skilled professionals dedicated to oncology,” he said.

    He said that the  programme offered an unparalleled opportunity for healthcare residents to gain advanced training and expertise in oncology.

    “By participating in this initiative, residents will not only enhance their skills but also play a vital role in transforming the landscape of cancer care in Nigeria.

    “Stakeholders in healthcare education are invited to support and contribute to this initiative, by ensuring its success and sustainability.

    “Together, we can make a lasting impact on oncology care in Nigeria, improving patient outcomes and advance medical education for future generations,” he said.

    Earlier, Elebute-Odunsi, expressed her joy at being the first private hospital in the country to achieve this accolade in the field of oncology.

    She announced the launch of a Postgraduate Clinical and Radiation Oncology Training Programme aimed at increasing the number of Oncology specialists within the country.

    “This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17, focusing on capacity building.

    “Gratitude is extended to the Minister of State for Health, Alausa, for his pivotal role in integrating the private sector into post-graduate training initiatives.

    “Appreciation is also given to Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and Prof. Fatiu  Arogundade, College Registrar of the National Postgraduate College of Nigeria, for their support in achieving accreditation,” she said.

    According to her, the partnership with LUTH ensures a high standard of training, bridging gaps and upholding excellence.

    She said that Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre aimed  to craft a curriculum that meets international benchmarks, providing comprehensive cancer care and professional development for new oncologists.

    She, however, said that prospective residents and stakeholders were encouraged to monitor the hospital’s website for updates on the selection criteria and application process.

    “Join us in shaping the future of oncology care in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/KAE /VIV

    ========

    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Vivian Ihechu

  • Bayelsa Govt mulls floating airline-Official

     

    Bayelsa Govt mulls floating airline -Official

    Airline

    By Shedrack Frank

    Amassoma (Bayelsa), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The newly appointed Managing Director, Bayelsa International Airport, AVM Nelson Calmday, rtd, has said that plans were on by the state government to float an airline.

    Calmday said this on Tuesday in Amassoma, Bayelsa during his maiden meeting with top management staff, regulatory bodies and service providers of the airport.

    The new MD said the state government had given a charge that the airport, henceforth, operate as a viable business entity.

    According to him, in terms of service delivery, the airport can hardly be rated high, considering that six years after, only one operator-The United Nigeria Airline, makes two regular landings in Yenagoa weekly.

    His words: “We need to collectively do better because the Governor, Duoye Diri, desires that this facility henceforth operates as a viable business entity due to a Bayelsa Air Carrier coming soon.

    “I am not unaware of the challenges associated with becoming a Base Station, some of which include the establishment of a modest hangar for minor aircraft maintenance.

    “Sufficient BFI’s for aviation fuel, provision of serviceable fire tenders and Crash Ambulances as well as Apron Hooks for mooring parked aircraft, to mention a few.

    “Besides these however, the crux of the matter is in the structure, training and discipline of available manpower. It’s my priority that training becomes a norm,” Calmday said.

    He said that unethical staff behaviour, such as absenteeism, disregard for employment and deployment rules, loitering and any other misconduct would no longer be tolerated.

    At the maiden meeting was the Manager of the Bayelsa International Airport, Elizabeth Akpama. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • OAU: ASUU protests over non-implementation of 2009 agreement by FG

    OAU: ASUU protests over non-implementation of 2009 agreement by FG

    Protest
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife(Osun), June 25, 2024(NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU) has expressed dismay over the continued refusal of the Federal Government to implement the negotiation it reached with the Union in 2009.

    The Union also expressed dissatisfaction over what it referred to as the neglect of the educational sector through undermining of the patriotic efforts of ASUU members.

    The Union made this known during a peaceful protest on Tuesday in Ile-Ife led by the OAU Branch Chairman, Prof. Anthony Odiwe.

    The Union members, during the protest, carried placards with different inscriptions as “IPPIS is a scam”, “Stop Brain Drain”, “Give proper remuneration to lecturers”, “A nation that values education is a nation that develops”, among others.

    Speaking, Odiwe said the protest was to draw the attention of Nigerians and students to the neglect of the educational sector by the government since 2009.

    According to him, there is urgent need for the funding of the Public Universities based on the FGN- ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013 and the MoA of 2017, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of the unpaid salaries of members on sabbatical.

    Others include payment of promotion arrears and Earned Academic Allowance, implementation of the reports of the visitation panels, illegal dissolution of Governing Councils in Federal and State, implementation of University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) in place of IPPIS, among others.

    The chairman noted that the refusal of government to implement the agreement, even partially, led to the 2022 strike.

    “We called off the strike because of the interest for the system and our students, but instead of the government to address those issues, they stated punishing us.

    “Our seven months salary was withheld, they claimed that they have paid four months salary, but what we received was two months salary.

    “Even the third party reduction that was removed from our salary was not remitted till date,” he stated.

    The chairman begged religious leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to implement the agreement.

    Also, Dr Adeola Egbedokun, the Coordinator, Akure Zone of ASUU, lamented that efforts by the Union to meet the with the Ministers of Education and Labour on the issues proved abortive.

    He said that the Union was always ready for roundtable dialogue with the Federal Government. (NAN)
    EDA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Water Resources: Groups seek support for FG

    Water Resources: Groups seek support for FG
    Water
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Empowerment for Unemployed Initiative and Society for Open Governance and Transparency, has urged development partners to support Federal Government’s efforts to transform the nation’s agriculture and water resources sector.
    Mr Igwe Umanta, for the groups said this during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
    He said the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had demonstrated commitment to transform the sector, ensure sustainable development and improve livelihoods for Nigerians.
    He also called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to address water challenges in the country.
    Umanta commended the minister’s dedication to improve access to safe water and food security, adding that the water sector had witnessed remarkable transformation under his leadership.
    He said that Utsev’s leadership in the sector had fostered efficient management and development in the water sector.
    He said his commitment to food security through irrigated agriculture had significantly boosted agricultural productivity.
    This, he said, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    He, therefore, urged development partners to collaborate with the government, while urging the citizenry to scale up support to achieve 100 per cent access to sustainable water and improved sanitation by 2030.
    He urged also governors to collaborate with the Federal Government by investing in water infrastructure. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/CHOM/KUA
    =============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Alia mourns Benue ex- military governor, Lawal

    Mourning
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 25, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has mourned the death of a former military governor of the state, AVM Adebayo Lawal (rtd).
    This is contained in a  statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Tersoo Kula in Makurdi.
    According to the governor , the late military sole administrator of the state died on Sunday, June 23 at the age of 83.
    He was the military governor of Benue from July 1978 to October, 1979. He hailed  from Kwara.
    Alia in a message of condolence, described the late military governor as someone, who played a huge role of overseeing the peaceful transition from military rule to democratic rule in Benue.
    “During his reign, he ensured a smooth handover to the Late  Aper Aku, the first civilian governor of the state.” It stated.
    The governor said, Late Lawal, who was also a former Minister of Youths and Sports, would be fondly remembered as a dedicated military officer, a great business man and a philanthropist.
    He prayed  God to give his immediate family, the  people of Benue and Kwara the fortitude to bear the loss.
    The governor disclosed that the state government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Mr Sam Odeh  has gone to Lagos, to physically condole with the family of the Late former governor, who, had already  been buried according to Islamic rites.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/CHOM/YGA
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Gabriel Yough

  • FG reactivates water labs to curb cholera

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, says the ministry has reactivated its laboratories across the six geopolitical zones to curtail further spread of cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

    Utsev spoke  on Tuesday at the ongoing 5th Lagos International Water Conference with the theme “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos.’’

    He said the laboratory facilities would improve the detection and monitoring of cholera cases, aiding in quicker responses and more effective containment measures.

    “This action reflects a proactive approach to public health management and underscores the importance of robust infrastructure in tackling infectious diseases.”

    Utsev said that proactive measures were necessary for extensive public sensitisation on personal hygiene and ensuring the proper treatment or boiling of water and cooking of food and vegetables.

    He emphasised the importance of increased investment in the water and sanitation sector, particularly urging state governors, development partners, and the private sector to prioritise such efforts.

    He reassured that the Federal Government would continue to support states through various interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water and improved sanitation for all.

    The minister stressed the necessity of public-private partnerships, saying such collaborations would attract private investment, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainable service delivery.

    He said that the government would leverage private sector expertise and capital to upgrade existing water infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas.

    The minister also advocated for community-based organisations to mobilise resources and implement low-cost, decentralised solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in the areas of operation and maintenance.

    He underscored the significance of international development assistance in financing water and sanitation projects in Nigeria, saying their contribution to providing grants, loans, and technical assistance was timely.

    Utsev called on state governors and traditional and religious leaders to intensify campaigns against open defecation and to build more decent toilets to discourage the practice, aiming to achieve an open defecation-free status by next year.

    On his part, Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment over the past five years to addressing the water needs of Lagosians.

    He, however, acknowledged the significant gap that still existed in achieving access to clean and safe water.

    The governor called for more practical actions and support from the Federal Government, development partners, and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.

    The three-day International Conference featured presentations from notable figures, including Mrs Jette Bjerrum, the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos.

    Other representatives from USAID and development partners also discussed the role of partnerships and collaboration to change poor water governance in the country.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    TAK/CJ/

    ========

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. partner to train out-of-school children

    UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. partner to train out-of-school children

    Training
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 25, 2024 (NAN) UNICEF,  in collaboration with Sokoto State Government, has commenced skill acquisition training for vulnerable Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was initiated to promote the overall wellbeing of out-of-school children and adolescent girl drop-outs in the state.

    It was being supported by ELEVA Foundation.

    In a field visit to Sokoto on Tuesday, the UNICEF Child Protection Officer, Mr Ibrahim Sessay, said that the programme was being conducted in two established Community-Based Child Protection Multipurpose Centres in Kware and Dange/Shuni Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    Sessay said that at present no fewer than 4,700 Almajiri and out-of-school adolescent girls were registered for training to prepare them on livelihood skills for their  wellbeing.

    He said that the training would cover tailoring, soap making as well as antiseptic and shampoo production.

    According to him, 3,000 of the trainees were Almajiri children, 1,700 were out-of-school adolescent girls in eight LGAs.

    Sessay further said that at least 2,000 out-of-school children were also identified and referred back to schools in the covered LGAs.

    He said that the two multi-purpose centres would provide recreational facilities for children, safe space for counselling services, mental health support and psycho-social services, besides occupational training.

    He, therefore, appealed to the State Government to increase budgetary allocation to sectors impacting children’s education, health, sanitation and protection to ensure the expansion and sustainability of the interventions.

    Sessay underscored the importance of scaling up the initiative in other locations in the state to ensure that a larger number of vulnerable Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls had access to education.

    Earlier, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, Mr Michael Juma, said the initiative would reduce the vulnerability of children in the state.

    Juma said that the state Arabic and Islamic Education Board, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, supported by UNICEF, had identified and registered vulnerable children in the state.

    He also said that in a comprehensive survey by the office, 449,523 children were verified and registered, comprising 113,208 Almajiris and 136,315 out-of-school children and adolescent girls.

    He said that the initiative was targeted at other vulnerable groups, such as survivors of Gender-Based Violence, Victims of Violence against Children and others.

    In a remark, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Tukur Alkali, thanked UNICEF and ELEVA Foundation for the gesture.

    Alkali said that Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s administration was poised to reduce the number.of the out-of-school children through deliberate policies targeted toward massive enrollment of children in school.

    Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the District Head of Kware, Alhaji Muhammad Dan’Iya, thanked UNICEF and ELEVA Foundation for building and equipping the multi-purpose centres.

    Dan’Iya gave assurance that the community would provide more support to the project for maximum success. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    HMH/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Sahara Energy targets zero carbon emissions by 2060

     

    Emission

    By Yunus Yusuf

    Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Sahara Energy has unveiled its target of achieving zero carbon emissions from its oil and gas operations by 2060.

     

    The company, along with its sister companies in the energy value chain, has commenced arrangements to reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits for a sustainable future.

     

    The agenda was disclosed at a news conference, tagged, “Carbon Footprint and the African Narrative”,  held by Sahara Group and Asharami Square in Lagos on Tuesday.

     

    Mr Wole Ajeigbe, Group Project Manager, Asharami Energy,  while speaking on “Decarbonisation of Africa’s Upstream Operations”, said Sahara Energy was building a sustainable energy future with an ambitious but pragmatic approach to its upstream carbon net zero journey.

     

    According to him, efforts are ongoing at its seven oil-producing assets across Nigeria to ensure that operations at the sites are considerate of global warming.

     

    Ajeigbe said that the net zero plan would be achieved gradually by reducing and minimising carbon emissions on a yearly basis.

     

    He said that the company had some gas commercialisation projects which were expected to be completed by 2025 to 2026.

     

    He listed the strategies to include; elimination of gas flare across its upstream operations; reduction in freshwater usage during operation; and making use of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) among others.

     

    Emphasiaing its determination, he said that the company had already joined the global group of CCUS, emerging as the first African company in the forum.

     

    Ajeigbe said, to ensure oil and gas continue to be used to meet Africa’s energy demands, the sector needed to decarbonise its operations quickly.

     

    He noted that the energy demand and usage in Africa would increase significantly in coming years,

     

    Ajeigbe stressed the need for the government to create an enabling environment that would stimulate investments and grant fiscal incentives on gas projects such as tax holidays, funding recurities, risk mitigation among others.

     

    The government and stakeholders, according to him, also need to encourage availability of capital pools; improve bankability of gas projects; give support to projects that have taken decarbonisation seriously; and attract skills and develop the capabilities needed for the energy future.

     

    Regional Director, West Africa, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, said although Africa was contributing about  four per cent to global warming, the continent has been severely affected by the phenomenon.

     

    She said the fact that Africa holds up to 17 per cent of the global population, yet contributes just four per cent to global carbon emissions.

     

    This, he noted, means that the continent could do more for a sustainable environment through careful and strategic planning.

     

    Aniagolu-Okoye said that Africa must focus not only on challenges, but also on opportunities that global warming presents.

     

    “There are numerous opportunities to place Africa firmly at the forefront of climate debate and the media should lead the campaign,” she said.

     

    The Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ms Ejiro Gray, spoke on most viable solutions for mitigating carbon emissions and meeting Africa’s development.

     

    According to her, these solutions include natural gas development; increase in use of renewables; protection and rehabilitation of African natural carbon sinks.

     

    Gray said that other were innovation in low cost/low emissions clean energy solutions; carbon culture storage/carbon capture and re-utilisation and utilisation of domestic knowledge.

     

    She said that Sahara had continued to make improvements to its operations, to reduce the carbon footprint and by extension, the continent footprint.

     

    Gray listed some of the strategies to include; increase use of renewables; gas commercialisation; research and development and sustainable energy and carbon sinks.

     

    Others are Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS); tree planting initiatives; and awareness campaigns for youths, among others.

     

    The Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the Asharami Square has come to stay and would be having training and mentorship for journalists.

     

    Obioma said that it would also be having Asharami Awards to appreciate those works that had contributed to building sustainability in Africa.

     

    He said that the body was already in partnership with University of Lagos and Pan Atlantic University in the quest to upscale skill on sustainability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YO/AWA

    =======

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Court dismisses Lawyer’s N20bn suit against Garki Hospital, 2 others

    Court dismisses Lawyer’s N20bn suit against Garki Hospital, 2 others

    Dismissal

    By Edith Nwapi

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory,( FCT) High Court, Nyanya has dismissed a N20 billion suit instituted by a legal practitioner, Ejumejowo Anthony against Garki Hospital and two others.

    Others are NISAPremier Hospital and the FCT Minister for alleged negligence which he claimed led to his wife’s death.

    Justice Edward Okpe dismissed the suit for lack of merit and substance.

    Anthony who claimed to be a human rights activist had slammed the N20bn suit marked FCT/HC/CV/2866/2021 against Garki Hospital, NISA as 1st to 3rd defendants.

    He accused them jointly of negligence in the manner his wife, Eloho died on Oct. 5, 2019, 21 days after childbirth.

    He sued the three defendants on behalf of himself and his three children, Eru-Oghene, David and Evawere.

    Among others, they jointly demanded a N20 billion from the defendants as compensation and damages for the death of his wife due to alleged gross negligence by Garki Hospital, Abuja.

    The claimants prayed the court for declarations as follows:

    “That the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants are vicariously liable for the negligence of the doctors of the 1st defendant, an order directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to them the sum of ten billion naira only as general damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.

    “An order of court directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to the claimants the sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (five billion naira) only as special damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.

    “An order of court directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to the claimants the sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (five billion naira) only as exemplary damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.”

    However, after reviewing evidence of the claimants and the defendants, Justice Okpe agreed with Nekabari Annah, counsel for Garki Hospital that the claimants failed woefully to discharge the burden of proof of their allegations to be entitled to the huge sums they claimed.

    The Judge held that while Garki Hospital (1st) defendant, called three medical experts who testified and gave vivid account of how the deceased was managed till she delivered her baby, the lawyer gave a layman’s evidence that has no probate value.

    Okpe held that while the hospital established that the deceased visited the hospital 23 times for antenatal care that led to her successful baby delivery, the claimants did not dispute or call medical experts to refute the robust evidence of the hospital.

    The judge held that the failure by the claimants to call medical personnel to give evidence to help their case was a costly one adding that they played into the hands of the three defendants.

    He also held that the report of a 14-man panel of consultants set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN), which did not establish a prima facie case against Garki Hospital was not challenged by the claimants thereby making their case to be unreliable.

    The judge held that the 28 days opportunity opened to the claimants to challenge the clean bill of health issued by MDCN to Garki Hospital was also not explored at the Court of Appeal to prove their allegation of negligence.

    Justice Okpe therefore agreed with Garki Hospital’s counsel that the evidence of Dr Adamu Onu, the Medical Director was cogent and reliable.

    He added to the effect that the deceased was professionally managed till she delivered her baby and that the hospital has facilities and personnel competent to manage the deceased.

    IThe Judge further held that the allegations of negligence by the lawyer was to harass and intimidate the hospital which he said acted in line with the best practice in the medical profession.

    He also dismissed another allegation that the deceased was induced to deliver through the virginal instead of a caesarean operation adding that all the claimants adduced before him were mere sentiments that have no place in law.

    He subsequently dismissed the suit in its entirety and discharged both Nisa Premier Hospital and the Minister of the FCT because they were wrongly joined as parties in the suit.

    Justice Okpe also dismissed the counter claim of the Garki Hospital that it was defamed through false media reports allegedly instigated by the claimants.

    The N250M demanded as compensation for the defamation was rejected by the Judge on the ground that the defamation was not properly established as required by law.

    Anthony had filed a civil action of negligence for the death of his wife at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory against Nisa Garki Hospital, Abuja and the two other parties after the death of his wife shortly after child birth in 2019.

    Elohim died on Oct. 5, 2019, at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, due to what the husband described as “gross negligence” on the part of doctors and management of Garki Hospital.

    The issue was earlier entertained by a panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, sometimes in September 2023 in Abuja.

    The findings of the panel did not go down well with Anthony. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng )

    NEO/SH
    =========