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Late Ex-Minister Kenneth Gbagi’s Burial Set for July 12

 

By Sunday Apah

The late former Minister of Education (State), Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Oginibo, Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Drlta State on Friday, July 12, 2024.

According to a statement released by the Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Chief Emmanuel Avworo, the proceedings will commence with a Vigil Mass at his country home in Oginibo town on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 4 pm.

The burial ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, starting with the Liturgy of the Word at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oginibo, followed by the internment and entertainment of guests at his country home.

Chief Avworo has urged friends, family members, political and business associates, as well as members of the public, to attend the ceremonies and pay their respects to the late Gbagi, who was one of the finest figures of the Urhobo nation.

Delta LG Polls: Oborevwori Predicts Victory For PDP

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has predicted victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates in the July 13, 2024 Local Government Council elections in the state.

Governor Oborevwori gave the prediction at the grand finale and mega rally of the party held at the Cenotaph, Asaba on Wednesday.

He commended the party’s candidates for following his footsteps by campaigning from community to community, unit to unit and ward to ward.

He said that the mega rally has afforded him the opportunity to campaign for the party’s candidates in Asaba and thanked the party’s founding fathers for their continuous support.

The Governor at the event, took a swipe at a former Governorship candidate in the state, for going to a live television programme to allege that the election would be rigged.

According to the Governor, it was unfortunate that those who could not win their polling units in an election where they were candidates could allege rigging in an election that was yet to be conducted.

“I was watching Arise Television yesterday and Labour Party candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State, who couldn’t secure up to 50,000 votes in the last Governorship election is already cooking up allegations of rigging in the Saturday Local Government Council elections.

“A man who lost in his polling unit in the general election, went to Arise Television to allege rigging, but to the best of my knowledge, the electoral umpire has assured us that modalities have been put in place for the election  to be free and fair.

“You all voted for me in a free and fair contest, so, as you leave here today, use tomorrow which is the last day for the campaigns to do road show, tell the people to come out on Saturday with their Permanent Voters Card, PVC, to vote for all our party’s candidates.

“Don’t assume that they will write any result, because, any result that is not genuine, whether for Chairman or Councillor will not be accepted,” the governor said.

He thanked the chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Udu Local Government for decamping to the PDP, asserting, “this is good for democracy, if you assess your opponent and you know that you cannot beat him or her, don’t contest, support your opponent in the true spirit of democracy.

“We are doing well in the construction of roads, bridges and flyovers across the state, so,  Deltans are aware that we mean well as a government and as we go to polls on Saturday, there should be no form of violence, no fighting, just go there and cast your vote.”

He commended former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for joining in the campaigns at the Ward and Local Government in his area and pledged to continue sustainable development of the state in line with his MORE Agenda.

Speaking at the rally, Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism of landslide victory for the party candidates across the state.

He charged party faithful to turn out enmasss with their voter cards on Saturday to deliver all PDP candidates for the continuation of infrastructural and human capital development across the state.

Immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said that the PDP was adequately prepared for July 13 elections having campaigned throughout the 25 local governments and in all the wards in the state.

Okowa who expressed satisfaction with the level  of progress made in the state, said that the opposition was not prepared for the election and urged party faithful to remain united as one political family and told them to be wary of the antics of the opposition in the state.

State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kingsley Esiso, in his remarks, said the party was celebrating ahead of the elections believing that it had gone round the entire state for campaigns.

He said there was only one political party in the state and urged the people to continue to support the party in its quest for the advancement of the state.

Also at the rally, former prominent members of the All Progressives Congress, APC across the state defected to the ruling PDP and pledged to contribute their quota to the growth of the party and the state.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute Essien assured Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of victory in Isoko in subsequent elections, saying; “I am a political bulldozer in Isoko” and pledged to contribute his quota to the growth and development of the state.

The rally featured goodwill messages from Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Nicholas Mutu of the House of Representatives; Chief Nkem Okwuofu; Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo and Senator James Manager.

PRESS UNIT,
GOVT.HOUSE, ASABA

Council Election: Ughelli South DSIEC Ward 15 PDP Takes Campaign To Erhuwaren, Agbowhiame, Eyara, Otu-Jeremi

 

By Sunday Apah

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council of Ughelli South Local Government Area Ward 15, has visited four communities under it on Tuesday as part of their campaign efforts for the upcoming Local Government Council elections on July 13th.

The campaign council urged the residents to vote for the PDP to ensure the delivery of essential services and benefits of democracy to their communities.

During the visit, Hon. Umudi Ferere, the PDP Candidate for DISEC 15 in Ughelli South Local Government Area, emphasized the importance of supporting the PDP in the upcoming local government elections.

He expressed his commitment to collaborating with the newly elected LGA Chairman, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, to address the needs of the communities in his constituency.

Hon. Ferere encouraged all residents to vote for PDP candidates on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, highlighting the significance of Dr. Lucky Avweromre’s leadership in facilitating effective governance.

The Director General of the ward Campaign Council, Rt Hon Sunny Apah, and Chairman of the PDP, Jeremi Ward 3, Comrade Onoriode Akpojiyovwi, also urged the community members to support Dr. Lucky Avweromre for Chairman and Hon. Ferere Umudi for Councillor of Jeremi 3, DISEC 15 in the upcoming elections.

They expressed concerns about the challenges such as hardship, insecurity, high living costs, and other impediments to development that have been exacerbated by the current federal government led by the APC.

During the period when the PDP held the federal government from 1999 to 2015, essential commodities like rice and petrol were affordable for the common man. However, the APC-led federal government’s mismanagement has led Nigeria to become the world capital of poverty.

Hon Oghenegueke Michael, a former councilor in the ward and the immediate past President General of Otu-Jeremi community, praised Dr. Lucky Avweromre as a seasoned academician and politician with a strong track record in both fields. He believes Dr. Avweromre is capable of providing good governance to the people of Ughelli South.

Olorogun Victor Yafugborhi, Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Ughelli South Branch, asserts that Ward 3 and Ughelli South Council area strongly support the PDP. He affirms their commitment to delivering a hundred percent for the party in the upcoming local government elections on July 13th, 2024.

Prince Solo Ugen advocates that voting for the PDP translates to supporting human, capital, and infrastructural development, along with socio-economic growth.

Comr. Vera Okpemu, the Delta Central Female Youth Leader, stresses the importance of women voting in large numbers for the PDP in the upcoming LGA elections. She highlights the PDP as a party that offers women opportunities for political and economic growth.

Chairmen of Erhuwaren, Agbowhiame, Eyara and Otu-Jeremi, thanked Hon. Ferere Umudi and the campaign council led by Olorogun Sunday Apah for the campaign visit, saying that they don’t have any other candidate or party than Dr. Lucky Avweromre as Chairman and Hon. Ferere Umudi of PDP.

They noted that the developmental projects in their communities are brought by PDP. However, there are requesting for more projects and employments to come to their communities.

Hon. Christy Umukoro, Mr. Godfrey Ideh, Comrade Francis Apah, Elder Eddy Kpawhaire, Mr. James Aghwarive, Comr. Maxwell Oyinbe, Comr, Onoriode Utuama Comr, Akpevwe Newyear , Comr. Emmanuel Situ, Mr. Apah Oyovwenvotu Kenneth , Comrade Obaro Mukoro ,Comr. Meshack Djele, Mr. Peter Egodomroren, Ms. Endurance Orubu, Mr. Oke Emuesiri Ogah , Mrs. Rita Gometi, Mr. Michael Situ, Mr. John Ogoro, Mr. Stanley Koyor, and many others where among those that accompanied the Director general for the campaign visit to the communities.

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My Candid Opinion On David Adeleke vs Sophia Momodu

 

By Dele Momodu

Last night, I received a distressing message from Mr David Adeleke (aka Davido). He was obviously devastated by the counter-affidavit submitted in court, earlier in the day, in response to his affidavit seeking a joint custody of his daughter with my niece Sophia Momodu.

I had seen David’s affidavit about two weeks ago and I was very surprised as David and I had spoken on a video call days earlier, with him and Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, and he never told me he had any custody issues with my niece. So you can imagine my confusion to find out via social media and subsequently confirmed by my niece that he had filed an action in court seeking joint custody of their daughter.

During the referenced video call, we were all very excited about his forthcoming wedding ceremony, an event our family congratulated him about. Prior to this, David had told me he eventually spoke to their daughter, after a long lull of about two years.

He was very happy and excited. So I thought everything was settled and he and Sophia would now have the opportunity of taking maximum care of their daughter. I had offered special thanks to David’s Dad, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, for his kindness and support for our daughter during the period of David’s absence.

I had also taken Sophia and their daughter to my very dear friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking his intervention. To the best of my knowledge, there was never a problem of joint custody. The issues were: non-payment of school fees for several sessions; non-payment of accommodation and salaries of a nanny. There was no car dedicated to David’s daughter. And so on. Mercifully, I mentioned all to Dr Adedeji Adeleke and he responded positively, like a true grandfather. On the issue of non-payment of school fees, David’s Dad cleared everything and also set up payments of future bills. He gave his grand daughter a car to take her to school. The remaining issue was on accommodation.

David’s Dad verbally offered, in his discussions with me, one of their family apartments in Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, however, maybe due to miscommunication, David’s lawyers had communicated otherwise. After Sophia clarified from me, she politely declined the offer, and her reason was tenable in my view, because, since she’s not married to David, she can’t be comfortable living in a place swarming with David’s family members.

She and her daughter had been living in Ikoyi before David and Sophia started their latest quarrels. Sophia’s request was that David should pay half of the accommodation while she would pay the other half. David said he could only contribute N5million annually.

My opinion is that the absence of camaraderie between David and Sophia has caused this debacle. I have cautioned repeatedly that their daughter must not be allowed to suffer or be treated like a second class child. David’s global status makes this imperative.

Sophia allowed David access to their daughter provided she has her nanny around 24/7. The 9-year old herself made this request and I believe this should be favorably considered and accepted. My grand niece had been released to go out with her cousins on several occasions.

The Governor’s daughter, Nike, was at Sophia’s house with the Governor’s grandson last Christmas Day, despite the fact that there wasn’t ample notice & she still granted access.

Two months ago, the Governor’s son, Sina Rambo, requested a play date between the kids & Sophia rented out a children’s place in Victoria Island for them to spend hours together. The only time she couldn’t join her father’s family was when her grandfather requested to go on vacation with her for three weeks last year, as the notice was too short, and Sophia had already paid for their own trips, due to lack of communication between the parents…

Okada Ban Has Reduced Crime in Delta – Oborevwori

 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said the ban on motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, for commercial transportation, had led to a noticeable reduction in crime rate in Asaba and its environs.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this when he received on courtesy call, the Forum of Female Permanent Secretaries in the state, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr (Mrs) Mininie Oseji.

He said he was impressed with the performance of the Permanent Secretaries in their offices and charged them to continue to put in their best in helping to drive his MORE agenda.

Governor Oborevwori said no effort would be spared in creating a conducive work environment for civil servants to operate, apart from giving them platforms to be trained and retrained for maximum productivity.

He said the state had done well in creating a balance in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, pointing out that, so far the state has 23 male and 17 female Permanent Secretaries, and assured them of continued synergy in the realisation of set goals.

He said: “We are trying our best to ensure that our civil servants live a very good life even after retirement. On the issue of mass transit in Asaba and Warri, we actually need it now that people are clamouring that there should be no Okada in Asaba.

“Since the ban on Okada in Asaba and its environs, the crime rate has reduced. Initially, I was reluctant, but, today, we thank God for the decision because it is paying off.

“We will think of the best solution to provide mass transportation for Deltans, especially the civil servants, to go to work.” He, however, said they were being careful to avoid wasting the state’s funds.

On the request for trainings, Governor Oborevwori said he believed in training and retraining, adding that once it was justified, he would approve it.

Earlier, Mrs Oseji said the forum was established in October 2021 to provide a platform for female Permanent Secretaries to discuss matters of common concern and interests among, others.

She commended Governor Oborevwori for his people-centred projects executed across the state, including provision of official cars for serving Permanent Secretaries in the state.

Mrs Oseji described Oborevwori as a role model for his evident transparent and prudent management of funds, and pledged that they would follow his footsteps.

She appealed to the Governor to revisit the plan for the provision of accommodation for serving Permanent Secretaries, adding that what they have currently was inadequate for the number of Permanent Secretaries.

Delta Reiterates Commitment to Curbing Cholera outbreak

 

 

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Government has assured residents that it will give nothing to chance as it collaborates with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to curb the spread of cholera outbreak in the State.

The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme gave the assurance yesterday when responding to questions on efforts the State Government has made in curbing the spread of Cholera in the State recently.

He disclosed that from the three out breaks which occurred in February, March and June, 2024, a total of 118 cases were recorded in the State and added that from the outbreak no death was recorded.

“Cholera is basically a water borne disease, and that is why it is common in riverine area environment. We have some Local Government Areas that we call hotspot areas but fortunately we have not recorded any cases there such as Ughelli South, Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North but we are currently having it only in Warri South West and in only three Wards in the Council Area.

“We have actually curtailed it in the State and we are working closely with the NCDC to provide commodities for the patients, and also doing a lot of advocacy and I use this medium to enjoin the media to help spread the message that the disease is preventable” the Commissioner explained.

On her part, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Mildred Okowa said the State Government is using multi-sectoral and multi-partner response to address the spread of the disease.

“It is important to note that it is not just the Ministry of Health but we are also working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Water Resources, and we have had several meetings. We are working closely with community leaders who are helping to spread the message to our people” the State Epidemiologist explained.

She said that Cholera is a waterborne disease transmitted by contaminated food and water but can be prevented through practicing of personal hygiene such as washing the hands with soap and running water and ensuring the environment is kept clean at all times.

Dr. Okowa condemned any form of open defecation practice and scenarios where people tend to defecate in the open and even into the water bodies that people drink from propagates the disease.

Explaining further on efforts being made to curb the spread of the disease, Dr. Mildred Okowa disclosed that in Warri South West LGA, health promotion officer who are also part of the community are talking to the residence there in the language they can understand, speaking to them on what cholera is, the dangers and how they can prevent it.

On other sensitization efforts, she said that health promotion officers are visiting schools, markets, places of worship and other public places while the social mobilization unit in the Ministry of Health has also drawn roaster to meet with the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria and traditional rulers.

The Unit is also leveraging on the community radio to disseminate information on cholera preventive measures, Town hall meetings, community dialogues/engagements and also in each sensitization outreach carry the Ward Development Committee (WDC) members along.

She said that Cholera is treatable but it is very important that in the event of one having watery diahorea, that person must report to the nearest health facility immediately as it can lead to severe dehydration that can lead to death.

Hundreds of APC, LP Members Defect to PDP in Orhuwhorun

By Sunday Apah

In a significant political shift, hundreds of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have crossed over to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 09 of Udu Local Government Area.

They expressed disillusionment with parties lacking good intentions for the country.

The defectors, largely residents of DSC Steel Town Orhuwhorun in Ward 09 of Udu LGA, were warmly welcomed by the Vice Chairman of the PDP in Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Saturday Mofoye, and the PDP Ward 09 Chairman, Mr. Efete Okolosi.

Addressing the gathering during an enlarged meeting of Orhuwhorun Ward 09, where party leaders were present, Mofoye emphasized that the PDP’s umbrella is broad enough to accommodate all. He commended the defectors for their decision to leave their former parties and join forces with the PDP to ensure resounding victories in future elections in Orhuwhorun Ward 09.

Hon. Mofoye, a former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Political Matters, underscored how this wave of defections will greatly bolster the PDP’s electoral prospects.

He urged the defectors to demonstrate their commitment by engaging with the community to bring more supporters into the PDP fold, thereby extinguishing opposition in Orhuwhorun Ward 09.

Some prominent party leaders including the Special Adviser to the Delta state Governor on Political Affairs, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, a former Chairman of the party in Udu, Prince Sam Ugwujowhowo, the PDP vice chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming local Government elections, Mrs Omojevwe Oputu and the ward nine chairman Mr. Efete Okolosi, stressed the need for members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Orhuwhorun ward nine to remain united and work for the victory of the party in any given elections.

They disclosed that with the wide acceptance of the party’s Chairmanship candidate, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode the people of Orhuwhorun ward are more than ready to change the voting narrative in the ward.

The party leaders however cautioned members against backbiting and pull him down syndrome in Orhuwhorun ward nine.

Hon Uviejitobor, Prince Ugwujowhowo, Mrs Omojevwe Onajite Oputu and Okolosi all pledged the unwavering support of the Orhuwhorun ward people to the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led administration.

Hon. Oyibo Dile and Mr. Tanno Bruno who spoke on behalf of the decampees, promised to work for the advancement of ward nine and also canvass more of their followers to join the PDP.

Utuama Congratulates Okowa On His 65th Birthday

By Sunday Apah

The member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Utuama, has congratulated a former governor of the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a courageous and pragmatic leader.

Utuama noted that Okowa had contributed to state and nation building, adding that the latter had painstakingly invested efforts and God-given wisdom over the years into making a difference through the various public offices he had occupied.

The lawmaker’s congratulatory message, which he personally signed, read in part, “On this day, I congratulate a former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as he marks his 65th birthday.

Okowa is a man of grace and great significance. As he turns a new age today, I join friends, family and well-wishers to share in the joy that comes with the moment.

“I pray that Almighty God will bless Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa with more celebrations, and he will enjoy more years in good health and sound mind to continue contributing to the growth and development of Delta State.”

IIPS Trains 91 Nigeria Police Officers On Criminal Profiling In Lagos

Nigeria Police
Nigeria Police

The International Institute of Professional Security, IIPS, held a two-day criminal profiling training session for 91 police officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti Lagos, over the weekend.

Since taking office in March 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Ahmed Lateef, has organised two events, including the training.

According to DCP Lateef, training police officers has always been my greatest ambition. “For officers to excel in their various departments, training is unavoidable. This is why I always go above and beyond to bring in experts to train my men because it has always been my greatest desire.”

Speaking to reporters about the training, State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Public Relations Officer, ASP Uthman Mogaji, stated that the training included 91 police officers as well as Industrial Training, and IT, students.

She explained, “We had training with people from the International Institute of Professional Security. The total number of officers involved was 91, including the Area Commander from Area D and all Divisional Police Officers (DPO) under his supervision.

“Six IT students also participated in the training. During the two-day lecture, the first trainer, Mr. Gbon Thomas, explained the difference between criminal profiling and the police investigation to the best of his abilities.

“After that, Mrs. Folashade gave us a lecture on social skills. She emphasised the skills needed to be a successful investigator, such as effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Her presentation made a significant impact. Dr. Tunji then took the stage to speak about leadership in the security department, covering topics like leadership laws, wisdom, humility, and decision-making. Every officer who attended the training gained valuable experience. Dr. Tunji also spoke about diplomacy and other relevant topics.

Mogaji added, “It was a two-day training with facilitators from the International Institute of Professional Security.” Dr. Tunji spent the first part of the day teaching us the fundamentals of pathfinding. He spoke about the goals and objectives of investigations, the characteristics of pathfinding, and the importance of impartiality and honesty. He also discussed the gathering of physical evidence.

“Another lecturer spoke about criminal profiling, citing Otega 1999 and emphasising the importance of relying on facts rather than assumptions. The lecture was informative and covered topics such as victimology.

Mogaji explained that the criteria for participation were open to all. There were no restrictions. Since DCP returned to office in March 2024, he has consistently scheduled training for us.”

Heritage Energy Bags FUPRE 2024 Award For Impactful Educational Support

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (Heritage Energy), Operator of the OML 30 Joint Venture between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL) has bagged the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE)/ African Child Foundation’s award as the Best Education Support Oil & Gas Company of the year.

At the event held at FUPRE sports ground on 4th July 2024, Heritage Energy and her Joint Venture Partners were presented with the award, for actively supporting education through its OML 30 scholarships and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said the awardees were picked through a competitive and diligent nomination process.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Mrs. Doris Ogoleka said the awardees have made noticeable impacts in the society, hence the awards. Congratulating them, she stated that, “This should be a wake-up call for the awardees to do more” and requested that more FUPRE graduands should be engaged by the awardees in the future.

Highlighting Heritage Energy’s huge support for education over the years, it was disclosed that more than eleven thousand (11,000) scholarship payments of over six hundred and twenty million (N620,000,000) Naira have been made to host community scholars between 2019 and 2023.

Additionally, a total of 495 Nigerian university students have benefited from industrial training opportunities, receiving stipends over sixty-five million (NGN65,000,000) cumulatively for the same period. This is a testament to the dedication of Heritage Energy to the well-being of its host communities.

In receiving the award on behalf of HEOSL, Mr. Adesola Adebawo, General Manager, Government, Joint Ventures and External Relations, thanked the award governing council for finding the company worthy of the recognition.

Speaking to newsmen after receiving the Award, Mr. Adebawo said, “It is very gratifying for Heritage Energy to be recognized by FUPRE for the noble roles we have played both in the communities and in the educational institutions”.

Likewise, Barrister Chisa Otokpa, General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary; Lon Mahan, Director Operations and Prince Jeremiah Oharisi, Head Community Relations said; “We as an organization (Heritage Energy) feel honoured, appreciated and it is an endorsement of the quality of our leadership and the recognition of the caring heart our organization has”.

He added that Heritage Energy is always ready for collaboration with its host communities for development; pointing out that there is no development that can take place in a chaotic environment.

The epoch-making event, which was witnessed by principal officers and staff of FUPRE and the team from African Child Foundation, also witnessed the presentation of awards in different categories to Tantita Security, First Hydrocarbon (FHN), Librod Energy, Well Fluid Energy Services, International Energy Services among others.

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