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NSA cautions media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda
NSA cautions media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda
Terrorism
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda and ideologies through reportage of security issues.
Ribadu gave the advice at a 2-Day training on “Effective Reporting: Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideology”, on Tuesday in Abuja.
It was organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA
He was represented at the training by the National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
The NSA said the kind of information being processed and passed could be functional with positive expectations, or dysfunctional with negative and life threatening consequences.
He said that the media as a conveyor belt of information could influence either positively or negatively.
According to him, the press is capable of exercising power in favour of the state or in favour of the enemies of the state.
“Media practitioners must always be mindful of this in the discharge of their responsibilities in order to expose societal ills and suspicious characters and activities.
“Terrorist groups have continued to provide dysfunctional information through social media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda including mainstream and traditional mediums of communication.
“This is a situation that we must jointly combat to attain a safe and peaceful society that will guarantee sustainable socio-economic development.
“To achieve this, media practitioners must produce content that would counter or prevent the appeals of terrorism and other non-state armed groups.
“Indeed, there is the need for robust media campaigns against terrorism, violent extremism and all other forms of organised crime threatening our corporate existence as a country,” he said.
Ribadu said the training was part of efforts in response to the call by the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action for member states to develop and implement a national communication strategy.
This, according to him, is to ensure the dissemination of positive content across a wide range of media, both traditional and digital platforms to counter terrorist appeals and violent extremist narrative.
He said that media contents could change people’s perception and attitude; galvanise solidarity, mutual trust, patriotism and national cohesion.
“The media is also expected to mobilise support to government and national security efforts, and strongly help to dissipate ignorance that makes some persons vulnerable to terrorist appeals.
“This training is to build your capacity to be able to process and disseminate appropriate narratives (counter, alternative and positive) to address extremist ideologies.
“I urge you to avail yourselves of this opportunity to learn from the vast experiences of the resource persons drafted to interact with you.
“It is our hope to develop the capacity of a reasonable number of journalists and media practitioners in the country, in order to evolve a development and peace journalism orientation in the Nigeria media space,” he added.
The Director, National Peace Academy (NPA) in IPCR, Dr Bosede Awodola, said the IPCR believed that peace was an all-inclusive process, hence the need for partnership with NCTC to organise the workshop.
Awodola said that Nigeria’s democracy was being seriously challenged and her peace constantly threatened by the activities of terrorist groups.
She said the problem was increasingly pervasive with associated criminality that was heightening the fear and insecurity in the country.
“Realising the importance of the soft power approach, the IPCR understands the pivotal role of the media in this instance.
“We must take into cognisance that the media and its agencies are capable of reducing and transforming these conflicts through their reportage.
“The media in Nigeria and indeed globally, remains the most credible source of news and information for the majority of people.
“It is therefore essential that this training is conducted for media personnel working in relations with the NCTC to enable an improvement in the reportage of events.
Awodola expressed confidence that the engagement would upscale the skills of the media personnel in their techniques, on reporting that will change the way terrorism ideology and activities are reported. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 25, 2024
IPMAN strike in Adamawa: petrol price hit N2,000 per litre
IPMAN vow to continue strike as petrol hit N2,000 per liter in Adamawa
Strike
By Ibrahim Kado
Yola, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Adamawa/Taraba chapter, has expressed resolve to continue its ongoing strike even as petrol sells N2,000 per liter.
The IPMAN Chairman, Alhaji Dahiru Buba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Tuesday.
He said that the strike was occasioned by incessant harassment of its members and illegal seizures of their tankers carrying petrol by officers of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS).
He said, customs officers had abandoned their designated areas of operation at the borders and were now targeting legitimate businesses in metropolitan and local government areas.
According to him, these have lead to financial losses, artificial scarcity and hike in products’ prices and the strike is continue until NCS stop their activities.
NAN reports that the strike and attendant high cost of petrol has resulted in low vehicular movements on the roads.
Abubakar Muhammed, a resident, told NAN that workers and other commuters now find it difficult to get transport to their offices and destinations.
Muhammad explained that this was due to the sharp rise in transport fares as commuters now pay N700 instead of N300 for a drop.
NAN reports that most fuel stations in Yola are closed and motorists can only source petrol from black markets in some parts of the metropolis and state.
NAN recalls that on June 10, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, during a news briefing in Yola, solicited support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the fight against smuggling, especially of petrol.
He said that smuggling of petroleum products across the country’s borders was a sabotage of the Nigeria’s economy.
Adeniyi therefore solicited the cooperation and support of all Nigerians with security agencies to curb the menace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IMK/AOS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

June 25, 2024
NGO trains 40 women journalists on mediation, gender sensitive reportage
NGO trains 40 women journalists on mediation, gender sensitive reporting
Training
By Zainab Oyekan
Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, has organised a two-day training for 40 women journalists in Jos to help shape narratives, influence public perception, and contribute to mediation of conflicts and gender sensitive reportage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, which opened on Tuesday, was co-organised by UNWomen.
Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, said the workshop would enable journalists to understand the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism and mediation.
He said journalists, as frontline practitioners, are faced with challenges on conflict reporting.
Peter added that media practitioners must come up with unique perspectives and invaluable insights on conflict reporting.
He stressed the need for such reports to not only be accurate and responsible, but empathetic and inclusive.
He said that as journalists and media practitioners, stories should not just be about delivering news but about shaping narratives, influencing public perception, and ultimately contributing to the resolution and mediation of conflicts.
The CLEEN Foundation boss said the training would also emphasise the unique challenges and opportunities faced, especially by women, in the field of journalism.
According to him, the workshop will provide a unique opportunity to build a network of peers who share commitment to responsible journalism.
He added that “understanding the intricate dynamics of conflicts will help journalists to report in a manner that will promote peace and empathy.
“Through interactive sessions, practical exercises and real-world case studies, journalists will be equipped with the skills needed for responsible and effective conflict reportage.
“Experiences and best practices with fellow journalists will strengthen their ability to navigate the challenges of conflict reporting and enhance professional growth.”
He noted that responsible journalism would also promote profound impact and urged women in the media industry to report professionally.
“Your reporting can shape narratives, influence public opinion, and contribute significantly to conflict resolution and peace building,” he added.
The director, therefore, urged the selected journalists to use the workshop to enhance professional capabilities and make positive difference through their work. (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)
OIZ/CEO/HA
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 25, 2024
Man, 30, docked for alleged theft of N1.1m

Man, 30, docked for alleged theft of N1.1m

Theft
By Adepote Arowojobe
Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) A 30-year-old man, Apeh Christian, was on Tuesday docked in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, for allegedly stealing N1.17 million.
Christian is facing a one-count charge of stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecution Counsel, ASP Christian Okonofua, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between Jan. 2 and June 13, at Oasis Hotel located at No. 6, Ewe-Ala Street Ebute area of Ikorodu.
Okonofua alleged that the defendant stole the sum of N 1.17 million belonging to Oasis Hotel.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate O.A. Onalaja admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Onalaja adjourned the case until July 11, for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ADEX/CEO/BRM
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Bashir Rabe Mani
June 25, 2024
Editors seek unified action against sexual harassment in varsities
Editors seek unified action against sexual harassment in varsities
Meeting
By Hussaina Yakubu
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Media experts have called for a unified effort to eradicate sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
This appeal was made in a communique issued at the end of a one-day ‘Residential Consultation with Media Editors in Nigeria’.
It was held in partnership with Alliances for Africa (AfA) and Co-Impact, from June 23 to 25, 2024, at Bolton White Hotel, Abuja.
The communique, signed by 30 participants from various media organizations, highlights the need for governmental agencies and relevant bodies to provide support and resources for implementing the meeting’s resolutions.
The recommendations include: Validating gender unit heads’ suitability, promoting women’s leadership, involving media in reporting harassment, and launching annual documentation of harassment cases.
The communique also called for active participation from all stakeholders to eradicate sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
It also called for collaboration with the media by engaging specific mainstream media houses through courtesy visits and continuous interactions.
”Tip-off and progressively involve the media when civil society organizations (CSOs) receive reports of sexual. harassment.
”Establish relationships between media houses and tertiary institutions to share story ideas,”the communique continued.
The meeting also encouraged the active participation of men who champion women’s rights in sexual harassment advocacy ‘#HeforShe’.
It added, “Women’s inclusivity by promoting women’s leadership roles in tertiary institutions.”
The communique wanted the conduct of campaigns which would include traditional commercials and social media efforts, to push for the assent of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.
It also urged media houses to support the campaign by holding them accountable to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments.
It also sought for the launch and annual documentation of reported cases of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions to create scorecards and benchmarks.
The communique further recommend the training and support for journalists on uncovering, documenting, reporting, and following up on sexual harassment cases.
The meeting also observed that sexual harassment was prevalent and under-reported in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The communique said,” Heads of gender units often lack the necessary knowledge to address harassment effectively.
”Survivors and stakeholders who report harassment are not adequately protected from retaliation.
”Committees addressing harassment cases are predominantly male and often fail to submit reports.
”Media houses frequently lack the resources needed for thorough investigations.
”National and sub-national policies on sexual harassment are inconsistently applied.”
According to the communique, sexual harassment negatively impacts not only survivors but also the institutions’ reputation and society at large.
The communique called on all the stakeholders, including media houses, government agencies, and CSOs to join in the collective effort to eradicate sexual harassment from Nigerian tertiary institutions.
”Government agencies and other bodies must provide the necessary support and resources to implement these resolutions successfully,” it further urged. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HUM/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 25, 2024
Exercise patience over hike in food prices, FCCPC tells Nigerians
Exercise patience over hike in food prices, FCCPC tells Nigerians
Prices
By Ramatu Garba
Kano, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has advised Nigerians to exercise patience over the increase in food prices across the nation.
The commission said that the Federal Government is making appropriate efforts to address the problem.
The acting Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr Adamu Ahmed-Abdullahi, gave the assurance during an interactive session with traders at Dawanau and Galadima Markets in Kano on Tuesday.
He said the visit to the markets was to interact with traders to ascertain factors responsible for the continuous hike in food prices.
He added that “the hike in food prices has been a major worry to the present administration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and government is making efforts to ensure things get better for Nigerians.
“After our interactions with traders, we have been able to gather some facts that will guide the commission in advising Federal Government, in line with Section 17(b) of the FCCPC Act.
“The commission’s concern is to tackle issues affecting consumers, especially prices of commodities to ensure fair market practices.”
On their parts, some market union leaders and consumers attributed the continuous hike in food commodities to cost of transportation and insecurity.
Malam Abdullahi Kasarkabasu, the Chairman of Yam Sellers in Galadima Market, Kano, said the high cost of diesel resulted to rise in transportation, which affected yam price and other food items.
He also blamed the activities of cattle rustlers and insecurity, which discourages farming activities as other factors fuelling hike in food prices.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Umar, the Chairman, Rice Dealers Association, Dawanau Market in Kano, said paddy rice source from villages to rice mills now cost more due to the problem of insecurity.
He said that the hike in the cost of procurement and processing of rice resulted to low patronage as a `mudu’ (measurement plate) of rice is now sold for between N3,900 and N4,200, which is getting expensive for most consumers.
He urged government to invest more in farming, especially by providing enough fertilizer and other inputs, as well as ensure adequate provision of security to farmers.
A consumer, Mrs Justina Ogedo, appealed to government to act fast to save Nigerians from hunger, saying that “most consumers can no longer afford a tuber of yam due to the high price.
“Before now, a tuber of yam was sold for between N500 and N800, but now, it is as high as N4,000 and because of the situation, we now eat twice daily.”
Another consumer, Tunji Oyedotun, called on government to come up with fixed prices of commodities to control food prices in the country.
“Things are becoming unbearable, government should urgently take action to save the lives of ordinary Nigerians,’’ Oyedotun appealed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RG/FEO/HA
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 25, 2024
Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – says Dermatologist

Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – Dermatologist
Albinism
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, says fake and ineffective sunscreens in the Nigerian markets are contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases.
Cole-Adeife of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertion at a Stakeholders Advocacy for Skin Cancer Prevention in the Albinism Community, organised by La Roche-Posay, from L’Oreal International.
The programme had the theme: “Introducing Anthelios for People with Albinism and Mela B3 Serum for Sub Saharan Africa”.
Anthelios has the most efficient Ultraviolet (UV) filter against the most insidious UV rays and offers ultimate protection against deep skin cell damage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that people with albinism are advised to use sunscreens labeled SPF(sun protection factor) of 20 to 30, hence Anthelios and Mela B3 Serum come highly recommended.
Cole-Adeife described albinism as a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, which affect both male and female of all races as well as plants and animals.
According to her, albinos in sub-Saharan Africa are a thousand times more likely to develop skin cancer due to partial or complete absence of melanin, than a person with normal dark skin colour.
“Since their skin has no melanin to protect them from the sun, they develop sunburn easily and the most dreadful is their increase risk of having several types of skin cancers.
“This is why they are always in need of sun protection in the form of sun hats, sunglasses, sun protective clothings, umbrellas, and sunscreen lotions to prevent sun damage.
“But a major problem is lack or limited access to sunscreens. There is the need for access to effective skin care product that is affordable.
“Fake, low-cost and ineffective sunscreens that are prevalent in our environment is contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases we see in our clinics.
“There was this cheap, fake and ineffective sunscreen in the market. Everybody especially persons with albinism were using it.
“They ended up with burns and early skin cancers,” she said.
Cole-Adeife urged persons with albinism to go for regular health and skin check, use effective sunscreens in addition to sun protection clothings, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas to prevent skin cancers.
“If the skin is well managed, people with Albinism can live a comfortable, healthy and beautiful life,” she said.
Cole-Adeife appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the Albinism community by providing free umbrellas, hats, skin cancer creams, sunscreens and free skin cancer surgeries.
She urged other state governments to emulate the gesture to make the albinism community feel a sense of relief and belonging.
Also speaking, Mrs Beatrice Eneh, La Roche-Posay representative in Nigeria, said the organisation had been partnering Nigerian dermatologists to promote skin care and health of the albinism community.
“We work and carry our researches with dermatologists in Nigeria to come up with medications that will prevent skin cancers, especially in the Albinism community,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation (TAF), said persons with albinism in Nigeria always have to contend with some health challenges due to the genetic condition they have.
He appreciated La Roche-Posay and Nigerian dermatologists for prioritising the health of persons with albinism. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
LCO/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 25, 2024
Naira abuse: Court strikes out charge against Cubana Chief Priest
Charge
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday struck out a charge against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 17, arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the last adjourned date on May 2, the Defence Counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court.
Ojukwu noted that the parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Following the position, he applied for a withdrawal of a preliminary objection filed by defence, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.
On June 5, the case could not go on following the absence of the defence counsel who had reportedly written to the court praying for an adjournment.
The court had adjourned the case until June 25, for report of settlement.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), appeared for the defence.
Bilikisu informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of settlement dated June 24 and adopted same.
In response, the defence counsel said he agreed with what the prosecutor said and equally adopted same.
He thanked the court for its indulgence adding that part of the obligations contained in the said terms had been performed.
He urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case.
In a short ruling, the court held that: “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned,” he said.
Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows:
“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
“The defendant shall enter into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.
“The defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act as legal tender.
“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of Naira and sundry offences.
“The defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution af this agreement,” he said.
In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko Hotel.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007.(NAN)
UNS/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 25, 2024
Australia offers assistance as Assange trial drags on
Australia offers assistance as Assange trial drags on
Trial
Sydney, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said his country was providing assistance to Julian Assange following the news that the Wikileaks founder agreed to plead guilty.
He agreed to plead guilty in a deal with the U.S. and that he has left the UK.
“The government is certainly aware that Australian citizen Assange has legal proceedings scheduled in the United States,’’ Albanese told Australia’s parliament during Question Time, calling the news a welcomed development.”
According to court documents filed earlier on Monday, Assange was set to plead guilty to one charge of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. national defence documents.
This was in return for being spared further imprisonment in the U.S., in a deal with the Justice Department.
Assange is expected to attend a hearing on the Pacific island of Saipan on Wednesday before returning to Australia, the court documents state.
Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean south of Japan, is under U.S. administration.
The deal is still to be approved by a U.S. federal judge.
Albanese said that he would not provide “further detailed comment as the proceedings were ongoing, but did confirmed that UK High Commissioner Steven Smith travelled with Mr Assange.
He said they travelled when he left the United Kingdom, while Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd was also providing assistance.
“The case has dragged on for too long. There is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration and we want him brought home to Australia,’’ Albanese said.
“I will have more to say when these legal proceedings have concluded, which I hope will be very soon, and I will report as appropriate at that time,’’ the prime minister said.
Wikileaks said Assange left the high-security Belmarsh prison in London on bail on Monday morning and departed the UK from Stansted Airport at 5 p.m. local time (1600 GMT).
Assange was accused of having stolen and published secret material from U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan together with whistleblower Chelsea Manning, putting the lives of U.S. informants in danger.
His supporters saw the Wikileaks founder as a journalist who brought war crimes to light.
British police arrested Assange in 2019 at the Ecuadorian embassy, where he had taken refuge for seven years, for failing to surrender to an earlier warrant linked to Swedish charges that were eventually dropped.
The police swooped in after Quito revoked Assange’s asylum status. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/HS
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

June 25, 2024
Woman, 41, docked over alleged assault

Woman, 41, docked over alleged assault
Assault
By Adepote Arowojobe
Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) A 41-year-old woman, Saidat Bankole was on Tuesday arraigned in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, for allegedly assaulting her neighbour.
Bankole is charged with felony to wit assault to which she pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecution Counsel, ASP Christian Okonofua, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 19, at No 8, Lamikan street, Anibaba area of Ikorodu.
Okonofua said that the defendant unlawfully assaulted Mrs Taiwo Sodiq by inflicting injury on her mouth with gust blow.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 411 and 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate O.A. Onalaja admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Onalaja adjourned the case until July 11, for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ADEX/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 25, 2024