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DICON At 60: Tinubu, Matawalle Lauds Achievement Calls for more Partnerships For Defence Equipment, Technology Innovations

Victor Obabunmi
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DICON At 60: Tinubu, Matawalle Lauds Achievement Calls for more Partnerships For Defence Equipment, Technology Innovations

In a colourful event to mark the 60th anniversary of DICON and the maiden African Defence Industries Conference, H.E Bello Matawalle leads delegation to celebrate the agency achievement and chart the course forward to take the agency forward.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Sen George Akume, in his address commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), celebrating six decades of resilience and innovation. Stating that DICON remains a cornerstone of the nation’s military-industrial complex, providing essential support to the Armed Forces and Security Agencies.

President Tinubu also shared his commitment to advancing DICON’s growth, emphasizing that within his first six months in office, he signed the DICON Act 2023 into law. This move has created the right environment for modernizing DICON’s production capabilities, including the development of automated production lines for unmanned aerial and land vehicles. These advancements, Tinubu believes, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.

In his conclusion he said The signing of the DICON Act 2023 marks a new era, positioning DICON as the arrowhead of the Military Industrial Complex, driving strategic objectives in defence manufacturing and technology, and modernising the Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges. This aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the DICON Evolution Strategy and Road Map 2030, launched today, aiming to bridge performance gaps and reposition DICON as a global player, realising the vision of our founding fathers.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, In his address praised DICON’s journey since its establishment in 1964, noting how it has become a crucial part of Nigeria’s national security by supplying the Armed Forces with vital equipment. Matawalle expressed pride in the legacy of resilience and innovation that DICON represents for the country.

Matawalle highlighted that theDICON ACTS 2023 allows DICON to operate with more independence and efficiency, which is essential as Nigeria looks to strengthen its defence capabilities in the coming years.

In his closing remarks, Matawalle expressed enthusiasm for the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference and the Defence Innovation Challenge, initiatives stating that it will bring together experts and young talents from across Africa to drive advancements in defence technology. He called for collaboration across all sectors to achieve the goals set out in the Vision and Strategy Road Map 2030.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, The Director General Of DICON, Maj.Gen A.E Edet, stated that the Event was to celebrate the achievement so far of the agency and also to chart a way forward saying they are committed to partnerships, investing in human resources and development of Defence technologies.

The event had in attendance Members Of the National Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Service Chiefs, DICON partners amongst others.

Goodwill messages were received From Minister of steel development, Prince shuaibu Audu Abubakar, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Presentations were also received from Epail Nigeria, National Radio Telecom, Pakistan and Arab Organization for Industrialization, Egypt.

The highlights of the event was the unveiling of the new DICON logo, Book launch, Defence Exhibition amongst others

Matawalle Lauds Governor Dapo Abiodun For Land Donation To Nigerian Navy

Victor Obabunmi
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Matawalle Lauds Governor Dapo Abiodun For Land Donation To Nigerian Navy

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H. E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, for the recent generous donation of 100,000 hectares of land to the Nigerian Navy.

This land, situated within the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State along the Bight of Benin, will serve as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Navy, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities in the region.

According to Dr. Matawalle , he appreciated Governor Abiodun for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that the donation reflects a deep commitment to the security and development of Nigeria. He emphasized that this gesture is not only a strategic boost to the Nigerian Navy but also a crucial step towards fortifying national security infrastructure in the South-West region.

The Minister called on other State Governments across the country to emulate the laudable example set by the Governor of Ogun State. He urged them to collaborate with and support the Armed Forces in their ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, thereby ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe and secure nation for all its citizens.

Dr. Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to working with State Governments and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace and security across the country.

AFNIS HERALDS NEW VISTA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA’S NATURAL RESOURCES

Toyin Adebayo
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AFNIS HERALDS NEW VISTA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA’S NATURAL RESOURCES

By Segun Tomori

The 3rd edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) hosted by Nigeria has come and gone, but its potential for sustainable development of the continent’s natural resources can not be overemphasised. Being the first hosted by Nigeria after the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake emerged as chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), this year’s AFNIS achieved far-reaching milestones catalysed by the AMSG-led advocacy.

AFNIS is conceptualised to be a platform for African countries to articulate ideas, cross-fertilise opinions, and reach logically deductive conclusions on how to harness the vast mineral and natural resources for development of the continent’s economy. “The 2024 summit is another platform to further consolidate ideas and put them into motion towards achieving our overall stated objectives. “I hope that at the end of our deliberations, Africans will know and recognise our seriousness through the buy-in of ministers here present. Consequently, we want the world to know that Africa can no longer be exploited at will to the detriment of development of the continent”, Dr. Alake asserted while giving the opening remarks at the summit’s ministerial roundtable.

The AMSG, a forum of African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mineral Resource, galvanised this year’s AFNIS, making value addition the rallying point of the conference. It will be recalled that Dr. Alake as chairman of AMSG has championed value addition, which entails the processing of minerals before exports, as the fulcrum of the forum’s agenda.

Buttressing this stance at the ministerial roundtable, Dr. Alake emphasised that increased revenue derivable from value-added products from mineral resources will be deployed to providing infrastructure and social services for citizens. “For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has the largest deposit of cobalt and some critical metals in the world, but how much has Congo recovered in terms of returns, ditto for Nigeria? We must consciously change this through fora like this, through concerted efforts and tenacity of purpose that will ensure value addition is entrenched in Africa”, he added.

The ministerial parley convened under the theme “Sustainable Development for Africa’s Natural Resources” also featured submissions by AMSG Secretary-General, Moses Engadu, a cross-section of ministers and private sector players. The transition to cleaner energy sources in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Access to finance; Generation of big data through exploration; Intra-Africa exchange of trade and knowledge dominated deliberations at the roundtable.

AFNIS 2024 has already started yielding fruits with the launch of the “Africans for Africa “on the heels of the conference. The initiative, a brainchild of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), is designed to harness economic capital within the African continent to drive its structural development. A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with a consortium of partners, including Motimose Metals Ltd (MML) and Core International (CL).

While AMSG will secure buy-in from member nations, provide necessary governmental support, MML will handle technical aspects of mining development, including geological reviews, drilling alongside ensuring projects provide value to shareholders. On its part, Core International will leverage its platform I-MINE to host the projects that will allow shareholders to purchase shares and track investments. They will also develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract partners and investors.

Plans are also afoot to float an Africa Minerals Development Fund (AMDF) patterned after Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). “This fund inspired by Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), will be championed by Nigeria and structured to assist local miners access required funds across the continent”, said Engadu, AMSG Secretary-General.

Highlights of the summit include the resolve to strengthen intra-Africa trade based on member-countries’ area of comparative advantage, a consensus forged prohibiting approval of mining license applications without requisite plans for value addition. Also, plans for innovative funding mechanisms for exploration to attract big players formed part of resolutions reached at the ministerial roundtable.

With the rash of forward-looking initiatives conceived at AFNIS 2024, it is apparent that a new dawn beckons for sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources. Dr. Alake as chairperson of Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) is leading this continental renaissance with Nigeria playing a pivotal role. Africa is set to dominate the solid minerals sector, not only as a destination for extraction of raw materials but as a major processing hub, with the new-found unity of purpose bolstered by Nigeria-led AMSG.

Segun Tomori _is the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

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Delta: PDP Chieftain, Agbomah commends Oshimili North LG Boss for Construction of Ebu Market

Toyin Adebayo
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Delta: PDP Chieftain, Agbomah commends Oshimili North LG Boss for Construction of Ebu Market

A former House of Assembly aspirant and top political leader in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Kenneth Ekitu Agbomah, has commended the Council Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Esewezie Innocent for the construction of a 30 units open market stalls in Ebu community in the area.

Chief Agbomah, a grassroot politician under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party in the state, gave the commendation while speaking with Journalists in Asaba on Monday.

According to him, the Oshimili North LGA Chairman had proven beyond every reasonable doubts that he was ready to serve his people following the construction and rehabilitation of several projects scattered across the length and breathe of the LGA.

Chief Agbomah who is an indigene of Ebu, further expressed his gratitude to the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for giving the Council Chairman (Hon. Esewezie) the enabling environment and moral support to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the area.

He said, “I really cannot express how happy I am over the good deeds which had been done to the people of Ebu over the years by the Council Chairman, Hon. Esewezie Innocent.

“For a very long time, our women and men who are into trading have been looking forward to have a befitting market where they can carryout their daily activities without any hitches.

“We took our complains to the Oshimili North Council Chairman who carefully looked into the matter and saw the need to build a 30 units open market stalls for us.

“On behalf of all Ebu sons and daughters both home and in diaspora, I want to sincerely thank Hon. Esewezie Innocent for listening to us and providing a beautiful place for our people to trade.

“As a community, we are aware of the numerous giant strides he had recorded since his emergence of office. He should be assured of our continuous support as he continues with his good works across the Local Government Area.

“We are also grateful to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for giving all Local Government Chairmen the platform to operate. I will say that we are lucky to have him as Governor of our dear state. He is a father and leader to all Deltans, and we will continue to pray for the success of his administration.”

Meanwhile, it would be recalled that during the commissioning of the 30 units open market stalls in Ebu, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, commended Hon. Esewezie Innocent for executing people-oriented projects in the LGA.

The Governor while explaining that the activities of his administration were hinged on the M.O.R.E. Agenda, said, “What we are witnessing in Oshimili North under the leadership of Hon. Esewezie is meaningful development. The execution of projects that would impact positively in the lives of our people, and we are proud of him.

“I am aware that within the last few years, the administration of Hon. Esewezie has rebuilt and equipped the only primary school owned by the local government and that project has been inaugurated, the administration has also built markets, town halls, office complex, among others, and we have just commissioned a 30 units open market stalls, cum fencing of Ebu Market.

“We also commissioned the Akwukwu-Igbo modern town hall and inspected the Ugbolu market which is undergoing construction.

“It is important that you (residents) ensure that the projects that government executes in your area are well maintained, take them like your personal property, protect them from vandals and do not allow them to waste, put them into meaningful use.

“I implore all Deltans to be peaceful, encourage development activities, engage in actions that will always project our state, Delta in good light, and I most sincerely thank you for supporting the MORE Agenda of my administration.”

Dangote Group Responds to NUPRC’s Claim on Crude Allocation, Urges Direct Domestic Supply

Toyin Adebayo
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Dangote Group Responds to NUPRC’s Claim on Crude Allocation, Urges Direct Domestic Supply

The Dangote Group has responded to claims by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) regarding the facilitation of crude oil allocation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a statement released on Friday and signed by Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief, Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Group acknowledged the NUPRC’s efforts but clarified that it has yet to receive the said cargoes.

While expressing gratitude for the allocation, the company pointed out that aside from a single crude cargo facilitated by the NUPRC from a domestic producer, most of the crude processed at the refinery so far has been purchased from international traders through bilateral negotiations with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The statement highlighted Dangote Group’s call for refineries in Nigeria to have the ability to purchase crude directly from domestic producers, rather than relying on international middlemen—a practice in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Unfortunately, the NUPRC has effectively admitted in their statement that they will be unable to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as specified in the PIA, citing ‘sanctity of contracts’ as an excuse,” the statement concluded.

This response from Dangote Group underscores the ongoing challenges in securing direct domestic crude supply, a critical factor for the efficient operation of Nigeria’s refineries and the broader petroleum industry.

Dangote Refinery Sets the Record Straight: No Backtracking on Crude Supply Dispute

Toyin Adebayo
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Dangote Refinery Sets the Record Straight: No Backtracking on Crude Supply Dispute

Contrary to media reports, Dangote Refinery has not backtracked on its claims regarding crude oil supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief, Branding and Communications Officer, clarified the company’s position in a statement on Friday.

Dangote Refinery emphasized that it has never accused NNPC of failing to supply crude oil.

Instead, the company has consistently expressed concerns about the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) reluctance to enforce domestic crude supply obligations.

The statement explained that Dangote Refinery requires 15 cargoes of crude oil for September, but NNPC only allocated six.

Despite appeals to NUPRC, the company has been unable to secure the remaining cargoes from NNPC or International Oil Companies (IOCs) producing in Nigeria.

As a result, Dangote Refinery is forced to purchase Nigerian crude from international traders at a premium of $3-$4 per barrel, translating to an additional $3-$4 million per cargo.

The company reiterated its call for NUPRC to fully enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Badaru Calls for Increased ECOWAS Swcurity Cooperation For Enhanced Defence Capabilities

Victor Obabunmi
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Badaru Calls for Increased ECOWAS Swcurity Cooperation For Enhanced Defence Capabilities

The Honourble Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has called on the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to strengthen their security cooperation inorder to enhance their defence capabilities against any security threat.The Minister made the call during the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja. This was made available in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director ( Information and Public Relations)The meeting which started today brought together top military leaders from West Africa to address the region’s pressing security concerns.Badaru emphasized the significance of collective efforts in combating terrorism, cross-border crimes, and hybrid threats, stressing the need for enhanced regional security cooperation to safeguard nations and promote sustainable development.According to him, the meeting will focus on critical issues, including the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, ongoing peace operations, and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force.The Minister encouraged open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen security cooperation and enhance regional defence capabilities.While he reaffirmed the commitment to achieving peace and security in West Africa, the Minister said the security landscape of West Africa is presently marked by both complex challenges and called for joint efforts towards countering terrorism, managing cross- border crimes amongst others in the region.

Position of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Over Viral Video on Social Media

Toyin Adebayo
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Position of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Over Viral Video on Social Media

The attention of the Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has been drawn to an unfortunate, malicious, scandalous, and untrue viral video circulating on social media. In the video, a man claiming to be a Keke Napep driver alleges that he was given five thousand naira by the AMAC Chairman to avoid participating in the protest in Abuja.

In light of this, it is essential to set the record straight for those who may be misled by such false information. On July 30, 2024, the day the purported video was released, the Executive Chairman of AMAC was engaged in a crucial security meeting with security agencies and preparing for the presentation ceremony of staff office to the newly inaugurated traditional rulers of Karu Chiefdom.

This clarification is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Kingsley Madaki, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman of AMAC.

We are surprised and disappointed that the creators of this video and the enemies of the Council are attempting to tarnish the good image of the AMAC Chairman. Their goal seems to be to instigate protesters and residents against the Chairman through targeted misinformation.

This dangerous act of blackmail is unwarranted and must stop. We demand that security agencies bring the perpetrators of this hate video to justice in line with the Cybercrimes Act.

We also urge residents and readers to scrutinize any information on social media to avoid being misled by false and misleading content.

We firmly state that the claims made in the recorded video are false. The Executive Chairman of AMAC did not attend any event or give any Keke Napep driver five thousand naira as claimed.

On behalf of the management of Abuja Municipal Area Council, we acknowledge the frustrations and concerns that led to the protests. We are committed to addressing the challenges our nation faces today.

The Council Chairman appreciates that the protesters have expressed their grievances through peaceful means and not through riots or criminal activities. We commend their conduct in not destroying public and private properties. The government has heard your voices and promises to address your demands one by one.

It is crucial to note that the government discourages continued protests, as they may lead to further trouble in our society. Violence and vandalism will undermine our collective progress. We cannot allow the destruction of our shared property and disruption of public order. Destroying government properties is not the solution. Let us work together to solve our problems and build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

On behalf of the Management of the Council, the Council Chairman sympathizes with the victims of this protest and calls for dialogue with the government to resolve our collective issues.

FCTA Launches Groundbreaking Medical Palliatives Program for Vulnerable Populations

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Launches Groundbreaking Medical Palliatives Program for Vulnerable Populations

In a pioneering move to improve healthcare access for the most vulnerable populations, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a Medical Palliatives Program, providing free medications to those in need.

This initiative, spearheaded by FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, aims to provide free medications to those in need, ensuring better health outcomes and alleviating the financial burden of healthcare.

Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the program’s launch at Gwarimpa General Hospital, highlighting its potential to create a more equitable healthcare system.

“I am happy to announce that the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has approved the concept of medical palliatives, and she is eagerly awaiting to see its impact,” Dr. Fasawe stated.

He emphasized that the program is not a medical outreach but a highly controlled initiative managed by doctors in FCT hospitals. “Doctors will use scientific guidelines and their discretion to determine who qualifies for medical palliatives. These medications will be given out for free,” he explained.

The program is part of a pilot scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Fasawe stressed the importance of sustainability and the need for thorough testing before rolling out the program nationwide. “We are doctors and scientists. We like to pilot tests, see how it works before making it a project or program,” she said.

Addressing concerns about funding, Dr. Fasawe highlighted the role of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). “To qualify for medical palliatives, individuals will register on the NHIS for free, which has a provision for vulnerable people,” she noted. The program will leverage community leaders to identify the poorest residents who will benefit from free treatment under the scheme.

The Minister of the FCT, often called “Mr. Projects,” is not only focused on infrastructure but also on building sustainable systems to improve health outcomes. “This is a selfless project. The doctors and nurses involved will not receive extra pay for their participation,” Dr. Fasawe added.

Dr. Fasawe also addressed the issue of medication wastage, explaining that the program will use medications that are nearing their expiration date but are still effective. “We are not giving out expired drugs. We are providing medications that have excess stock to those in need,” she clarified.

The program will start with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, providing a one-month dose for free to patients. “This will help patients use their funds for other necessities, contributing to financial stability and improved health,” Dr. Fasawe said.

Dr. Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development said: “The health and well-being of Nigerians is central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We’ve worked hard to improve healthcare, and today’s medical palliatives launch with the FCTA is another step towards delivering better health outcomes. We’re supporting pregnant women with essential items for self-delivery, malaria protection, and micronutrient supplements to build their bodies and their unborn children’s strength.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Baba Gana Adam, the package also includes institutional support and financial assistance for those in need. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a comprehensive welfare package to support residents, including free medical tests and distribution of foodstuffs such as rice, garri, and tom brown for children.

A significant benefit of the package is the free enrollment of pregnant women into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for one year, including coverage for newborns. This ensures that mothers and their babies receive essential healthcare services without financial burden.

To facilitate registration, a desk officer has been designated for FCT Health Insurance, and residents can inquire about the registration process at their local hospital. The administration’s commitment to residents’ welfare is evident in these measures, which aim to provide access to essential health services and support during challenging times.

Defence Minister Commends Nigeria, China Bilateral Relations

Victor Obabunmi
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0
Defence Minister Commends Nigeria, China Bilateral Relations

…Says it is profound and has endured over the years

The Honourble Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, has commended the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China pointing out that it is profound and enduring relationship that has grown significantly over the years with both nation’s working together to pursue common interests in addressing common challenges.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr
Director ( Information and Public Relations), The Minister made the commendation during the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army at
Chinese Embassy, Abuja.

He commended the PLA’s enduring resilience, strength, discipline, and dedication, which have transformed into a formidable force of safeguarding China’s sovereignty and development.

He said: “In the realm of defence and security, our cooperation has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing our collective capacity to tackle regional and global threats.”

Badaru also emphasized the robust partnership particularly in defence and military cooperation in areas of experience/ knowledge sharing and training/ technology transfers saying they have been a cornerstone of both nations’ shared efforts to build a stronger and more capable military institution.

He highlighted the significant milestone in the history of the People’s Republic of China and praised the PLA’s evolution into a modern and technologically advanced military force.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation, particularly in defence and military cooperation, and called for collective action to address contemporary hybrid challenges.

The Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the PLA on its significant anniversary and expressed gratitude for the friendship gesture.

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