A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the steps taken so far in reviving the party.

Eze hailed the PDP over the expulsion of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and others, saying that the rebirth of the main opposition party is a big blow President Bola Tinubu’s alleged one-party-state  agenda.

The APC chieftain urged former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, and Prof Jerry Gana to reject Wike, saying that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, portends danger to Nigeria’s democracy

Eze ccommended the National Chairman of PDP, Kabiru Turaki, SAN for the steps he has taken so far in repositioning the party and urged him to liaise with the ADC leadership and join forces to ease out Tinubu before he turns the country into a one party State.

He noted that in spite of concerted efforts by anti democratic forces to frustrate the conduct of the exercise of the November national convention of the PDP, genuine founding members and party leaders fought tooth and nail to ensure that the national convention held peacefully and as planned.

Eze, a founding member of the PDP right from 1998, said in his statement on Monday, “I congratulate genuine leaders of PDP for the successful conduct of the Ibadan elective convention.

“In spite of the unpatriotic efforts of anti-party forces and undemocratic elements led by Minister Nyesom Wike to thwart the convention, the will of God prevailed.

“Wike and his foot soldiers, apparently on a mission for the APC to annihilate the PDP and other opposition parties, forgot it was the same party that moulded and shaped their political portfolio and relevance in contemporary Nigeria.

“Will history be kind and fair to Wike and his loyalists, as they work round the clock to bring down a party that made them what they are today. Certainly, the answer is capital NO.”

Chief Eze was reacting on the conduct of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, where the party in what many Nigerians described as “bold and timely” the decision to expel Wike and others from the PDP over anti party activities.

“Not minding that we are no longer members of the party we laboured to float, however,  as a democrat and patriotic Nigerian, it will be stupid of me to stand aloof and allow evil forces to obliterate a party they didn’t know how it was formed, Eze stated.

“Therefore, I am fully in support of the expulsion of Wike, Ayo Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austine Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih, for anti-party activities and fostering disunity with series of litigation against the interests of the party.”

For issuing the expulsion certificates to Wike and Ayodele Fayose and nine others Eze described the excerise as truly a decisive move to sanitise its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections.

Eze submitted that the recent PDP national convention is a perfect 2025 Christmas gift to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly to late Dr Alex Ekweme, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief Tony Anenih, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, late Chief Solomon Lar, late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, late Bola Ige, late Alhaji Adamu Ciroma amongst others who were all the foundation Fathers of PDP.

The politician asked Nigerians to be thankful to the current leadership of the PDP that defied all devilish plots, nefarious activities and unlawful grand design of Wike and the APC to exterminate the PDP.

According to Eze, the success recorded at the Ibadan convention unsettled, rattled Wike and his co-undemocratic forces.

“They don’t want any strong opposition, they want to kill and bury PDP in the Mediterranean gulf, just to actualize President Tinubu’s grand plot of foisting a one party state on Nigerians.

“But I thank God, who in his infinite mercy, heard the supplications of Nigerians and ensured that the PDP National Convention held as scheduled despite legal impediments posed by some enemies of progress.

“The emergence of new national executive committee members signals rebirth of a new political order and PDP.

“Certainly, their selfish plot has failed and will continue to scatter like a pack of cards. The resurgence of PDP has dealt a heavy blow on the Tinubu-led APC government’s frantic but subtle moves and heinous agenda to make Nigeria, a one-party State” Eze posited.

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President Bola Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja.

The high-level security meeting is taking place amid rising concerns over the country’s internal security situation.

Checks at the Villa confirmed that the security chiefs arrived at the forecourt early in the evening and were promptly ushered into the President’s office.

The meeting reportedly began at about 6:01pm local time, with tight security around the area.

This is the first time President Tinubu is meeting with the military high command since the recent changes in the nation’s defence leadership.

The engagement follows the swearing-in of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence on December 4, a move that signalled a fresh approach to Nigeria’s security architecture.

While the agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, it is coming at a critical time. Over 100 students abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November are still being held by their captors, sparking nationwide concern and renewed calls for decisive government action.

The meeting also follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency last month.
At the time, he ordered the immediate recruitment of new personnel into the nation’s security agencies.

He also directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs as part of efforts to strengthen internal security operations.

In addition, the closed-door talks are taking place just days after the Senate approved the President’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Benin Republic.

The deployment was linked to an attempted coup in the neighbouring country, raising regional security concerns.

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Dangote Group has announced the appointment of renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Dr Hassan Mahmud, as its Group Chief Economist, reinforcing the conglomerate’s economic advisory capacity at a time of heightened global and domestic market uncertainty.

The appointment announced in an emailed release on Monday positions Dr. Mahmud as the Group’s principal adviser on economic strategy, macroeconomic trends and policy implications, with direct reporting responsibility to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote.

His role is expected to play a critical part in shaping strategic decisions across Dangote Industries Limited’s expansive operations, which span cement, sugar, fertiliser, petrochemicals and energy.

Strategic role at a critical Time 

Dangote Group said the appointment reflects its growing emphasis on rigorous economic analysis and policy intelligence as it navigates volatile commodity markets, exchange rate pressures and shifting monetary conditions in Nigeria and across Africa.

With major capital-intensive investments, including the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex, the Group’s leadership is increasingly reliant on forward-looking economic insights to manage risks, optimise financing structures and align long-term strategy with evolving policy environments.

Three decades at the heart of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy 

Dr Mahmud brings more than 30 years of experience in economic policy formulation, central banking and financial sector regulation. During his long career at the CBN, he held several senior positions, including Director of the Trade and Exchange Department and Director of the Monetary Policy Department.

He also served as Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), placing him at the centre of Nigeria’s interest rate and monetary policy decisions for years. In addition, he worked as Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to the CBN Governor, further deepening his exposure to high-level macroeconomic management and policy coordination.

Regional and continental economic expertise 

Beyond Nigeria, Dr Mahmud has contributed significantly to regional economic integration efforts across Africa. He worked as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade integration initiatives and played a role in the establishment of the African Monetary Fund.

This continental experience is expected to support Dangote Group’s pan-African expansion strategy, as the company continues to scale its footprint across multiple African markets amid the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Strong academic and professional credentials 

Academically, Dr Mahmud holds a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, as well as a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and holds professional certifications as a Bank Examiner and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Analyst.

He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Statistical Association, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Compliance Institute of Nigeria. A prolific researcher, Dr Mahmud has published extensively in macroeconomics, monetary policy, energy economics and financial engineering.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he remains active in academia as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities and currently serves as President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics.

Deepening economic insight

The appointment underscores Dangote Industries Limited’s strategic focus on deep economic insight and policy foresight as it positions itself for sustained growth amid evolving market dynamics across Nigeria, Africa and the global economy.

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has disclosed that its registration portal for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ remobilisation exercise will be accessible from December 16 to December 23, 2025.

The move is aimed at corps members who did not complete their service year, providing them with an opportunity to regularise their status and participate in the scheme.

NYSC opens portal for absconded Corps members’ remobilisation

In a notice circulated via the organisation’s official social media accounts, NYSC Management confirmed that the remobilisation exercise is strictly for those who absconded previously.

Officials emphasised that the programme is part of efforts to ensure all corps members fulfil their obligations during the service year.

A statement from NYSC reads, “The Management wishes to remind all corps members who absconded during service that the registration portal for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Remobilisation exercise will be available from 16th to 23rd December, 2025.”

Refunds and re-registration required for previous absconders

Corps members who need to return any monthly allowances received during their initial service period are advised to make refunds directly through the portal dashboard.

Additionally, absconded members who had previously attempted to register during the 2025 Batch ‘B’ remobilisation exercise but failed to complete documentation at the state level must register anew for the Batch ‘C’ programme.

NYSC officials highlighted the importance of compliance, stressing that absconded members who fail to register within the given timeframe will not be accommodated in the current batch.

A follow-up statement concluded, “All absconded corps members must complete the registration process within the stipulated dates to participate in the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Remobilisation exercise. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from this exercise.”

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The Enugu State Government has earmarked the sum of N30 billion in the 2026 budget estimates to feed about 260,000 pupils every school day in the 260 Smart Green Schools built by the Governor Peter Mbah Administration across the 260 electoral wards of the state.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, while presenting a breakdown of the N1.62 trillion 2026 budget estimates proposed by Governor Mbah to the Enugu State House of Assembly.

Ozongwu explained that the N30 billion school feeding programme would ensure that every child gets one balanced meal each school day as part of the administration’s strategy to actualise zero child malnourishment in Enugu State.

“This initiative is designed not only to promote the wellbeing of our children, but also to strengthen their nutritional health, ensuring that every child receives balanced meals that support growth and learning.

“By prioritising nutrition, the programme serves as a critical measure in the fight against childhood malnutrition within our state, laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient future generations,” he stated.

The Commissioner also said that the allocation of 32.27 per cent of the N1.62 trillion budget estimates to education was in line with Mbah’s commitment to investing in the sectors that most directly shape human development and long-term economic growth.

According to him, education remained the most reliable pathway for lifting people out of poverty, expanding opportunity, and preparing Enugu for a knowledge-driven future.

“Education sits at the heart of this budget because it remains the most reliable pathway for lifting our people out of poverty and preparing Enugu for a knowledge-driven future. Governor Mbah has made it clear that development must first impact lives before it can reflect on the economy.”

Meanwhile, he said that the government planned to spend N158 billion on the construction of 16 Smart Senior Secondary Schools, modern, technology-enhanced institutions that will redefine how learning takes place in the state.

N68 billion has also been proposed for the building of 10 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools across Enugu. He said that each of the schools would be equipped with workshops, science laboratories, modern classrooms, hostel facilities, and industry-grade tools intended to produce a skilled and job-ready generation of young people.

To sustain the technical education pipeline, the state is also devoting N30 billion to the equipping and furnishing of existing Technical Colleges.

Furthermore, N15 billion was earmarked for upgrading the existing 106 public secondary schools into Model Senior Secondary Schools, two in each of the six education zones in the first phase, to ensure access to quality learning facilities across urban and rural communities.

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun is firmly united behind its 2026 governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji.

Oyetola in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said party members were strongly behind Oyebamiji, for the Aug. 8, 2026.

The statement said the minister who is the APC Leader in Osun, stated this during a courtesy visit by the APC 2026 Osun Governorship Primary Committee.

Oyetola said the APC in Osun was more cohesive than ever before.

He described the party as a united family working with a shared purpose to reclaim the state from what he called “bad governance.”

“The APC in Osun State is fully united and solidly behind our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.

“Our collective resolve is to rescue Osun State and return it to the path of purposeful, people-oriented governance,” he added.

Oyetola attributed the party’s current strength and unity to sustained leadership, and strategic engagement across the state.

He said that under his leadership, APC in Osun had witnessed transformational growth.

According to him, the party has attracted hundreds of new members from other political parties across the state.

He said the wave of defections included prominent political figures and serving federal lawmakers.

Oyetola said the defectors had aligned with the APC’s vision for development and progress in the state.

The minister expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity to provide effective leadership if elected governor.

He said the choice of Oyebamiji reflected the party’s commitment to competence, integrity and development-driven leadership.

Oyetola also commended the APC national leadership for constituting a credible and experienced governorship primary committee. 

The post Osun 2026: APC strongly united behind Oyebamiji – Oyetola appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Delta State House of Assembly on Monday approved a ₦1.73 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, increasing the budget beyond Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s original proposal by ₦65.6 billion. This move has reignited discussion over legislative amendments, fiscal discipline, and the credibility of the budget in the state.

The budget was increased from the ₦1.664 trillion initially presented to the lawmakers about two weeks earlier by the governor.

A breakdown of the approved estimates reveals ₦500 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.229 trillion is designated for capital projects, reaffirming the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure and development under its “MORE Agenda.”

The bill passed the third reading and was approved following the presentation of the report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, led by its chairman, Hon. Marylin Okowa-Daramola (Ika North-East), during the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor (Warri South-West).

The motion for the final passage was moved by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East), before being unanimously adopted.

Addressing lawmakers after passage, Speaker Guwor described the budget’s approval as a “landmark achievement,” stressing that the Assembly had fulfilled one of its most critical constitutional responsibilities under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said the ₦1.73 trillion budget reflected a shared vision between the legislature and the executive to build a “just, fair and equitable” Delta State.

“Through the process of deliberation and scrutiny, this House has ensured that the budget is people-centred and sustainable,” Guwor said, adding that the Assembly had provided the necessary legislative framework to enable the governor to deliver on his programmes in 2026.

In other news, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, popularly known as Onos, has dedicated his 3rd Nigeria-France Sports Award in Paros to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Fielding questions from reporters recently, Onoriode maintained that the success story would not have been possible had Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, not supported him and given him the enabling environment.

Speaking after receiving his award, Onoriode said: “I’m so happy to win this award. I was not expecting it, but I was shocked. I want to thank God Almighty for this award. I dedicate this award to my family, to my elder brother, the Governor of Delta State, and the special people of Delta State, especially my athletes. They are the ones who made it possible for me to be here today. I appreciate. God bless you all.”

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The convener of the Alternative Movement, Chief Segun Showunmi, has dismissed the claim that the nation’s democracy is being threatened based on investigation (s) of corrupt practices against public office holders.

Showunmi in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, in Abeokuta, said the nation could only be under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.

He noted that the Nigerian constitution did not exempt former political office holders, opposition leaders and political coalitions from being investigated for corrupt practices.

“What truly threatens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the growing attempt to intimidate, delegitimise, or blackmail anti-corruption institutions whenever investigations touch politically exposed persons.

“Democracy does not mean freedom from scrutiny. It means submission to the law, especially by those who once held public trust.

“The argument that ‘others are also corrupt’ is unknown to Nigerian law. Courts have consistently held that the alleged wrongdoing of others does not excuse or absolve an accused person.

“Accountability is personal. Justice is individual. Guilt is not suspended because someone else has not yet been charged,” he added.

Showunmi explained that anti-corruption is not anti-opposition and that investigation is not persecution.

“Accountability is not authoritarianism. Those with clean hands have nothing to fear.

“No one was forced to misappropriate public funds. No one was compelled to abuse office. No one was instructed to breach financial regulations.

“Public office is a trust. When that trust is breached, consequences follow.

“The appropriate response to investigation is not alarmism, not international lobbying, and not political noise. It is competent legal defence and respect for due process,” the Alternative Movement convener said.

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las approved the construction of the perimeter fencing of the Kwara State Polytechnic to put a permanent end to encroachment on the institution’s vast land.

This is disclosed by the Polytechnic Rector, Engr. Dr Abdul Jimoh, on Monday, at a media parley organised by the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies of the Polytechnic.

The Rector lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for the unwavering support the Polytechnic has contacted to enjoy from the state government, pledging the unalloyed support of the Polytechnic to his administration.

The Guest Speaker at the event, Counsellor and Senior Adviser to the Governor, Mallam Saadu Salahu, noted that the Polytechnic has emerged from years of neglect to become a modern institution ready for the digital age under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, while highlighting the transformation of the institution.

He, however, described the current efforts of the state government as “redefining the future of the Polytechnic through purposeful governance.

He recalled that the Polytechnic, established in 1971 by the then Military Governor, Colonel David Bamigboye (rtd) of blessed memory, was intended to provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to indigenes of the state. However, before 2019, the institution faced severe challenges, including decaying infrastructure, poor funding, and low staff morale. “The Polytechnic was like a vehicle with deflated tyres and a knocked engine,” Salahu said.

According to him, the AbdulRazaq administration has placed education at the centre of its development agenda. “Salaries are now paid promptly, staff welfare has improved, and billions of naira have been invested in sustainable development rather than temporary fixes,” he stated.

Salahu noted that over 600 schools have been constructed or renovated across the 193 wards of the state, alongside the establishment of a University of Education to strengthen teacher training.

He also highlighted innovations such as the KwaraLEARN initiative, smart schools, and investments in digital literacy and artificial intelligence as avenues preparing the state’s youths for the global digital economy. “These are deliberate policies to mainstream our young people into the future,” he said.

“KWARAPOLY is now more affordable, safer, and more conducive for learning. Staff morale has improved, and the institution is reclaiming its place as an incubator of technical and academic excellence,” Salahu said.

He also celebrated the global achievements of the Polytechnic’s alumni, including Professor J.O. Amupitan (SAN), Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mrs. Maryam Masud Oniye, a UN-recognised Green Innovator, and Daudu Olabode, an internationally recognised student content creator. He described KWARAPOLY as “a breeding ground for talent across creative industries, public service, business, and media.”

Addressing students of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Salahu urged them to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct, emphasising their role in shaping public perception. “You are definers of reality. What people wear, drive, buy, and even who wins elections are largely influenced by strategic communication,” he said. He further advised students to avoid cultism, cybercrime, and drug abuse to safeguard their future careers.

Salahu called on alumni to support the Polytechnic through investments in infrastructure and digital advancement, adding that sustained backing is essential for the institution’s transformation.

“The journey we have started is not an endpoint. It is a foundation,” he said. He expressed optimism that KWARAPOLY’s elevation to a University of Technology is now within reach.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, represented by the Director of Special Services, Mrs Rodihat Yahaya, praised the initiative for equipping students for greater opportunities and commended their contributions to the institution’s development.

Dr Ghali Alaya, Chairman of the occasion and former Non-Executive Director of NNPC, commended the Polytechnic’s management for safeguarding its facilities and urged students to leverage their education for a purposeful life.

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…procures mine-resistant vehicles, new armoured fleet for armed forces modernisation
…charges troops on discipline, professionalism, adherence to constitutional order

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm resolve to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to crush security threats and protect the lives of all citizens of Nigeria.

Accordingly, he announced the procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and a new armoured fleet for the military, as well as the refurbishment of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles for return to active service.

Tinubu disclosed this in Ojuelegba, Lagos State, on Monday when he declared open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.

Speaking at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, venue of the conference, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed that security remains a central pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

The Nigerian leader noted that his administration was firmly committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved training, modern equipment and enhanced operational capacity.

He said beyond the recent induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, the government has advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles and Patrol Vehicles to boost troop protection and battlefield effectiveness.

His words: “Following the induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, and Patrol Vehicles.

“We have also refurbished over one hundred Armoured Fighting Vehicles, now returned to active service. These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.”

He added that the Federal Government was deepening partnerships with friendly nations to promote research, innovation and indigenous defence production, with the long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence and security.

Commending the Nigerian Army for what he described as impressive gains in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges, the President said reports from various theatres of operation point to improved outcomes driven by professionalism, courage and effective joint operations with sister services and security agencies.

“The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operation are encouraging and stand as testimony to your resilience and professionalism,” he said.

He assured the military of the government’s unwavering support in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that security is one of the eight priority areas of his administration.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, describing the apolitical posture of the Armed Forces as critical to sustaining public trust.

He further praised the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, noting that security efforts must also focus on winning hearts, restoring dignity and supporting development at the grassroots.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, the President said their sacrifices remained permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government would continue to support their families and improve the welfare of serving personnel in recognition of their service to the nation.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in strengthening civil

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