By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has urged the Federal Government and the government of Cross River to take over burial arrangements of late Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

The Director-General of Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wayas, a former Nigerian Senate President in the Second Republic, died in a London hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after a protracted illness.

He was 80 years old.

According to Benjamin, the National Leadership of Tinubu Vanguard, calls on both the Federal and Cross River governments to take over the burial arrangements of Wayas and give him a national burial were in order.

We deeply regret to identify many undisclosed factors that contributed to the death of this great man who spent a better part of his life serving his fatherland.

Wayas lived a worthy life devoid of abuse of power while serving this great nation in different capacities, especially as President of the Senate, he said.

Benjamin described the late politician as a shining star, who set a strong and positive model for the admiration and
emulation of the younger generation.

He said the neglect of his remains in a foreign hospital was a national embarrassment.

He lived a moderate life, such that he never saw the opportunity to serve
as an avenue to enrich himself, rather, he diligently rendered the desired service to the nation.

We, therefore, call on the government of Cross River and leadership of the National Assembly, to as a matter of utmost importance, ensure immediate settlement of all outstanding issues with the foreign hospital and return his body to be given a national burial.

We also call on the National Assembly to pass a resolution to name a national monument, preferably a library,
after the former Senate President, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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Source: NAN News

2023 Summit for Democracy

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqu issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africas Global Voice, held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqu stated that the leaders deliberated on Africas place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africas image, and interests, the leaders said in the communiqu.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations, the communiqu added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AUs multiple partnerships. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Ismail Abdulaziz

DD/Website

One of the participating artists, Zizah Okeugo

By Fabian Ekeruche

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundations annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, Akande said.

He said that the theme of this years event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum, Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated.

The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity, Okeugo said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vivian Ihechu

Source: NAN News

INEC ballot box

By Deborah Coker

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uhogua, near Benin, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a Polling unit in their camp.

The IDPs in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that this would protect them against thugs and allow them exercise their franchise.

They claimed they were attacked by suspected political thugs at Oronsanye Primary School polling unit where they had gone to vote during the March 18, House of Assembly election in the state.

The IDPs are mainly from Borno and Adamawa States, running from insecurity in the countrys north east region.

Some of them came from Chibok, Biu, Askira Uba and Gwoza.

Suleman Ayuba, one of the IDPs told NAN that, with what happened on March 18, they were already feeling insecure.

It was obvious that we were the target, because there were two polling units in the primary school, but the attack was carried out in ours.

Our people were injured, we lost our phones and other valuables, yet till now, nobody in the state have come to sympathise with us after the attack unleashed on us.

Majority of our people are still receiving treatment in health facilities outside the camp, even money to pay their hospital bills, we dont have and we are still looking for.

Similarly, Philemon Emmanuel, another IDPs, called for another election to be conducted for the IDPs who were de-enfranchised during the attack.

According to him, it is not good that many of us were de-enfranchised by political thugs in spite of having our PVCs and candidates we wanted to vote for.

We are Nigerians, though IDPs for no fault of ours. So politically, we have a right to join other Nigerians in deciding who we want to lead us.

Government have been carrying out rerun in other places, so they should also consider this camp, in view of what happened at the polling unit during the state assembly election, so that our vote can count.

Pastor Evelyn Omigie, Assistant Coordinator of the camp said that there was the urgent need for the federal government and INEC to create a polling unit in the camp.

According to her, we need a polling unit in line with the federal government directive, that polling units must be situated in all IDP camps across the country.

I dont know why this people should not be allowed to have their own polling unit. If we have one here I think we wouldnt have experienced what we did during the election.

Also in spite of what happened, and what we have expended on hospital bills, nobody has come to sympathise with either the victims or management of the camp.

She called on the federal government to investigate the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the attack on the IDPs polling unit.

We want them arrested, tried in court and jailed for their crime against the IDPs.

Imagine, all the trauma they went through before. The sound of guns that God delivered them from, resurfaced again that day.

So the government should try as much as possible to bring the perpetrators to book, she said.

Omigie also called on the government to support the camp financially so as to be able to treat the IDPs who sustained various degree of injuries and make them healthy again.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for peace and orderliness in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and its environs.

Ooni, who spoke through his Second-in-Command, Obalufe of Ifeland, Oba Idowu Adediwura, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ile-Ife.

He said as the royal father of Christians, Muslims and traditionalists and as a leader who championed peaceful coexistence globally, there was no reason why his home should be in turmoil.

He said that as a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba race who also preached peaceful coexistence, he believed there was no reason why people of different faiths should not live peacefully in tolerance.

He noted that the two major faiths and traditional worshippers had coexisted peaceful in ages past and that there should not be hostilities between them now.

Four persons were reportedly injured when traditional religion worshippers attacked worshippers in a mosque in Ile-Ile on Thursday.

Traditionalists in the town had announced on Wednesday that the Oro cult would perform some rituals in some parts of Ife between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., advising residents to avoid the areas.

According to one of those in the mosque, Mr Abdulazeez Bashir, Oro adherents broke through the fence and began flogging worshippers with canes, instructing them to leave the ablution area.

One of them even attacked the Imam, Alhaji Abdullateef Adesiyan while coming into the mosque. He was beaten with a cane and hit on the face with a rod.

When I discovered that about five persons had been injured, apart from the Imam of the mosque, I had to call the Ife Chief Imam, Alhaji AbdulSemiu AbdulHammed to intimate him with the happenings.

The situation could have escalated into a big crisis when other Muslims began to gather around, but the traditionalists eventually left. The victims were later taken to a hospital for treatment, Bashir said.

When contacted, Osun Police Command spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation into the mosque invasion had been launched.

Oba Ogunwusi promised to renovate the mosque that was affected as well as pay the hospital bill of the Imam of the mosque.

The Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji AbdulHammed, told NAN on Friday that the trouble had been settled.

He confirmed that the traditional religion worshippers assaulted the Imam of Idiomo Mosque, Ilare, Alfa Adesiyan, inside the mosque.

AbdulHammed called for maintenance of fundamental rights of religion, speech and peace among others.

There is no family throughout Africa that practices one religion.

There should be freedom for individuals to practice whatever religion they choose without coercion, he said.

The Chief Imam appealed to indigenes to ensure that they maintained peace and orderliness during each festival in the town, stressing that there is no profit in violence. (NAN)()

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Akin Olateru, Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has urged journalists to promote transportation safety network and development through proper reportage of occurrences across the country.

A statement from Mr Tunji Oketunbi, NSIM General Manager of Public Affairs on Friday in Abuja stated that Olateru gave the advice when new executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) paid him a courtesy visit.

According to him, such move will help to properly educate the society to quickly understand occurrences in the transportation sector.

Olateru commended the critical role journalists played in the dissemination of accurate information derived from investigations and final reports of occurrence.

The NSIB boss stated that journalists reportage had greatly improved the image and the general well-being of the Bureau and the country as a whole.

He further commended the media for the critical role played in the actualisation of the establishment of the NSIB.

Olateru called for the continuous support of the media and other stakeholders in the fulfilment of the Bureaus new mandate of investigating accident and serious incident that occurred in the air, rail, marine and other modes of transportation in Nigeria.

Nigeria as a country should move in line with the world by separating the regulatory body from the investigating body, so as to avoid conflict of interest, and ensure objectivity in what we do.

According to him, this is unlike in the past when there was no investigation into the cause of transportation mishaps and the authorities were more focused on punishing the offenders.

The new NSIB will carry out independent investigations of transportation occurrences, determine the causal factor and proffer safety recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.

The bureau is at the critical level of the bills implementation and this is the time we need your assistance, cooperation commitment, understanding and professionalism, in pursuing the noble objective, he said.

Speaking, the new Chairman of the ATACA, Mr Oru Leonard, expressed appreciation for the support and assistance the Bureau had shown toward ATACA members, especially in the area of training on accident investigation reportage.

The chairman said the recent training really informed the members about the processes and procedures of accident investigations.

He further said the training impacted on how to better inform the public about accidents and incident occurrences in a more professional and concise manner that would not instil fear or cause havoc.

Oru, however, called for more of such gesture and support of ATACAs activities by the bureau.

He said a deeper collaboration and partnership between the two organisations would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bureau, in collaboration with Southern California Safety Institute (SCSI) organised a week-long training titled: Investigation Management- Media Relations for the Abuja correspondents.

NAN further reports that a similar training has been previously organised by the bureau for aviation correspondents in Lagos. (NAN)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

Illustration for digital economy

By Justina Auta

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has inaugurated a Digital Economy Community of Practice (DECoP) to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in Nigeria digital ecosystem.

The event held in Abuja, Thursday, is in partnership with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to identify and boost the capacity of key digital players, and engender inclusive public-private sector collaboration.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said the 2020-2030 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy was built on eight implementing pillars.

Pantami said the pillars were geared towards expanding the scope of the digital economy and make it more flexible to accommodate the needs of all citizens.

This is just an effort to ensure total inclusion, we are trying to cascade digital economy to reach our states.

When it comes to digital skills, we have so many initiatives including skills for women, persons with disability including our children, he said.

Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, Chief Executive Officer, NESG, said the growth achieved by the digital economy offered great opportunities however; it posed the risk of exclusion especially for women and girls who were mostly affected.

Access to and use of digital devices and services are neither universal nor equitable with women and girls disproportionately affected, leaving the most vulnerable digitally excluded.

The absence of a robust collaboration framework between the regulatory agencies, the private sector and development partners is an area within the digital sector that requires attention, he said.

Also, Mr Jonathan Bacon, Political Director, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and United Kingdom, said Nigerias digital economy had the potential to benefit all citizen, stressing the need to ensure inclusivity.

We have been trying to support digital inclusion.

And, I would like to particularly recognise the efforts of Nigerian government in deepening digital inclusion through various policies and one good example of these is the gender digital inclusion framework, he said.

Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director, PIC, emphasised the need to bridge digital divide through cross-sectoral collaborations amongst digital stakeholders.

Dirisu said the collaboration would support an enabling environment for innovation, digital inclusion and expansion of the digital economy in critical sectors.

She said: At the PIC, we prioritise inclusivity and diversity, hence our partnership with the FCDO to implement this project.

Without focused collaboration amongst stakeholders, the unintended consequences of digital economy growth will be the widening of existing income gaps, exacerbation of inequalities and deepening poverty.

We firmly believe the DECoP will support an enabling environment for innovation, digital inclusion and expansion of the digital economy in critical sectors.

Ms. Maryam Gwadabe, member, DECoP, said the community would provide platforms to encourage the inclusivity of women in the Nigeria digital economy.

Having me there will have a representation of women. We will actually engage and share our Knowledge, experience, and expertise on how to involve women to become digitally inclusive, she said.

The DECoP is to be implemented in five pilot states to identify and accommodate digital initiatives at the sub-national level and identify, boost the capacity of key digital players.

They are expected to engender inclusive public-private sector collaboration to enable digital growth and capabilities especially for underserved groups at the sub-national levels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

Birthday

By Femi Ogunshola
A Group, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, FCT Chapter, on Friday celebrated the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubus 71st birthday with orphanage and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja.
Barr Rilwan Okpanachi, Director-General of the group, led other members to visit the orphanage, Halal Children Home and the IDPs camp, all in Abuja.

He said it was the desire of the President-elect that his 71st birthday should be celebrated with the less privileged, adding that the group also came to cut the birthday cake with the orphanage.

He said though the President-elect was not at the orphanage, the group had his instruction and permission to celebrate with the vulnerable.

According to him, the information the President-elect passed to us in celebration of his birthday was that everybody should pray for Nigeria and take care of the less privileged.

We have come to identify with them and give goodwill message that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is with them, he belongs to everybody and that is the message we have brought here.

He said that Tinubu, once sworn-in as the President, would ensure free education for the children and everybody, irrespective of strata would benefit from the gesture.

He assured the children that Tinubu would not abandon them, adding that the President-elect regarded them as priority and would do everything needed to ensure they got the best from the country.

Hajia Ramat Abubakar, President, Halal Home, said the orphanage started as a response to the IDPs crisis in the country, adding that so many children had been left vulnerable.

According to her, the orphanage started eigth years ago as a response to the IDP crisis.

We realised there were so many children who were vulnerable, we started with a small house and from there we continue to increase.

We have two branches in Abuja, one in Lagos and Kaduna. Our moto is: every child deserves a brighter future.

We pray that the president-elect will get the needed wisdom to lead us alright.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed included 100 cartoons of indomie, 100 cartoons of spaghetti, 15 bags of 50 kg rice, flour, sugar, beverages, dustbin, vegetable oil water, among others.
NAN also reports that the group visited the IDP camp at Kuchingoro, along airport road, Abuja, where food and water were shared to the people to break their fast. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to create a ministry with the responsibility of addressing the plights of retirees in the country.

The South-West zone of NUP made the call after its quarterly meetingin Abeokuta on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by chairmen and secretaries of NUP from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti states.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the Zonal Public Relations Officer of NUP, Olusegun Abatan, said that the creation of the ministry would turn the fortunes of pensioners around in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has done quite a lot for pensioners. He really helped them and so we are appealing to Tinubu to please give the matter of pensioners serious attention.

We want a separate ministry that will be solely addressing matters that have to do with pensioners under the administration of Tinubu, he said.

Abatan alleged that governors of South-West states were owing pensioners in the zone huge sums as gratuities and pensions.

He urged all the governors in the zone to implement the consequential adjustment and the 35 per cent increment in pensions without further delay.

Abatan particularly cited Ogun, Ekiti and Osun states where he claimed that the gratuities of pensioners were paid last in 2012.

They are owing arrears of pensions, gratuities and other entitlements, including gratuities and entitlements to the next of kin of some deceased pensioners.

We want to appeal to our governors to step up their interests in the affairs of pensioners, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Iziama and Wale Sadeeq

DD/Website

The D-G Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere (2nd L), the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora (3rd L),UN Environment Programme expert (UNEP), Mr Brian Hojul (4th L) and others at the National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr Adeleke Mamora, has lamented that Air conditioners (ACs) utilised in the country had less energy efficiency ratio (EER).

Mamora said this at the National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The one-day workshop was organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

He also said that it was below internationally acceptable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), adding that the importance of the workshop on scaling up energy- efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria could not be over-emphasised.

It is a fact that Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and this applies to the cooling sector also.

With the current growing population, combined with improving lifestyle, urbanisation and rising global warming, Nigeria will continue to experience growing demand for ACs, refrigerators and other cooling devices.

Thus, becoming one of the fastest growing ACs and refrigerators market in the world.

Unfortunately, most of the ACs utilised in the country have energy efficiency ratio (EER) below internationally acceptable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), Mamora said.

He said that Nigeria, through its National Energy Policy and Climate Protocols had joined the rest of the world to recognise energy efficiency as one of the most cost-effective means of providing energy security.

The minister said it would also increase economic productivity, reduce local air pollution, and help mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

According to him, its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), an unconditional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 20 per cent and a conditional reduction target of 47 per cent below the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 were set.

Mamora said: To achieve this, energy efficiency best practices across all sectors, as one of the climate change mitigating priority measures, has set conditional target of 2.5 per cent per year reduction in energy intensity.

The Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Prof. Eli Jidere says 80 per cent of electricity supplied in Nigeria is from fossil energy, the greatest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO) emissions.

He said ECN with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), had in 2017 conducted an energy audit of selected public buildings in Abuja.

According to him, the study showed that over 60 per cent of electricity consumed in public buildings was from space cooling.

Jidere said: It should also be noted that 80 per cent of electricity supply in Nigeria is from fossil energy. the greatest emitter of CO emissions.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is also anchored on the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency as key pillars.

Mr Brian Hojul, a United Nations Environment Programme expert (UNEP), said this served as an opportunity to improve lives of every family save money on utility bills.

I view this as an opportunity for us not only to improve the lives of everyday families to help a family save money on their utility bills.

It will make your businesses more competitive. It will save public resources instead of the ECN and others spending so much on electricity bills free up those resources for other investments, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister inaugurated a National Technical Committee on Sustainable Cooling in Nigeria.

The committee comprises Energy Commission of Nigeria, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Ministry of Environment (Dept. of Climate Change (DCC) and National Ozone Office (NOO}).

Others were Nigerian Customs and representative of the organised private sector.

The committee is expected to provide general guidance to the projects implementation with focus on data collection, data analysis for updating MEPS, the ACs market monitoring and verification training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News