Nigerian Observer, Thursday April 15, 2021

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 Facebook: facebook.com/nigerianobservernews Twitter: @nigerianobserve

C M Y K

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 43 • NO.305 • THURSDAY APRIL 15, 2021 • N200.00

Edo 2020: Defending Champions Team Delta Wins 20th National Sports Festival

•Host Edo Beat Bayelsa,Other Giants To 2nd Place ... Delta Is Next Host

By Kehinde Osagiede Defending champions Delta has emerged overall winners of the 20th National Sports Festival tagged ‘ Edo

2020’ Games having won the highest number of medals to retain the title they also won in Abuja games in 2018.

The Deltans harvested a

Take responsibility for your life Continues on page 2

total number of 384 medals, comprising 158 gold, 116 silver and 110 bronze, to emerge champions of the games ahead of the host

Edo who gave a good account of themselves by surpassing their record at the 2018 Abuja games with a total of 341 medals made up of 129 Gold,104 silver and

108 Bronze Delta will be keeping the giant Eagle gold cup,having won the title for a record third time consecutively; Lagos,Abuja and now Edo games. The

champions have also been awarded the hosting right of the 21st edition as announced by the minister of sports Sunday Dare at the Continues on page 2

COVID-19

Edo has successfully contained pandemic -Govt BENIN CITY- Edo State Government has declared that the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been contained, as Edo has only one active case that is being managed across its isolation and treatment facilities.

Andrew Obi, disclosed this The State COVID-19 during the daily virtual Incident Manager, Dr.

meeting of the State COVID19 Taskforce, chaired by the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Obi noted that the state has continued to record a progressive decline in active

cases, case positivity and fatality rates as well as an impressive rise in recovery rate, noting that the data is an indication that the Continues on page 2

EDO 2020: Team Delta hockey player (left) being challenged by his counterpart from Akwa Ibom in one of the matches played at the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival in Benin City.

GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI’S SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES •

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com

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Facebook: fb.com/ godwinobasekiofficial

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Twitter: @governorobaseki

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Instagram: @governorobaseki

World Art Day: Obaseki assures on progress on

EMOWAA, repatriation of Benin artifacts

BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured that his government will ensure

the realization of the proposed Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) and facilitate the return of

prized Benin heritage objects looted from Benin kingdom.

Governor Obaseki gave the assurance in

commemoration of World Art Day, a celebration to promote the development, diffusion Continues on page 2

Edo Govt seeks private sector partnership in Health Insurance Scheme BENIN CITY- Edo State Government has urged the Organised Private Sector in the state to take advantage

of the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) to provide quality and affordable healthcare services for their

employees.

Director General, Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Dr. Rock

Amegor, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the scheme has provision for Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Edo has...

Continues on page 2 outbreak has been significantly contained in the state.

He disclosed that Edo has so far collected 31,843 samples and recorded 2,197 confirmed cases, 2,123 recoveries and 73 deaths since December 01, 2020 when the state started tracking the second wave of the pandemic.

Noting that the state has not recorded any COVID-19 related death in the last 23 days, the Incident Manager said the government has intensified the vaccination campaign across all local

councils to protect citizens from the deadly virus.

Obi, who charged the elderly, health workers and other eligible members of the public to avail themselves of the opportunity and get inoculated, said Edo has vaccinated over 33, 400 persons in the first phase of the vaccination exercise.

W hile urging citizens to continue to comply with the state’s preventive protocols against the spread of the infectious disease, he further charged those with COVID19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.

Edo Govt seeks private employers of labour in the sector ...

Continues on page 2

organized private sector to offer effective, efficient, sustainable and quality healthcare services to their employees.

He explained that major areas of interventions for the scheme include primary care through which beneficiaries can access preventive health services, Outpatient Services, Internal Medicine, Pediatric care, Maternal and Neonatal Services, among others.

The Director General noted: “As Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration continues to attract investors who are in the state to set up their businesses, it only makes more sense that these employers in the organized private sector also take advantage of the state government’s health insurance scheme for the benefit of their employees, who can access quality and affordable healthcare.

“The scheme also provides

specialist care in the areas of pediatric medicine, physiotherapy, surgery, dental care and ENT,” Amegor added.

Dr. Osawe Ogunbowa, a member of Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) commended the state government for driving all-inclusive policies and for providing a conducive business environment for the organised private sector to operate.

“It is encouraging that the government is supporting us to ensure our workforce gets affordable healthcare services. This will reduce the burden for us. This is more important for us, because our businesses can only thrive in an environment where there are right incentives for the labour force to carry out their roles,” Ogunbowa added.

World Art Day: Obaseki...

Continues on page 2 and enjoyment of art, which was proclaimed at the 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019.

The Governor noted: “As we mark World Art Day, the significance and justification for the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) is brought to the fore.

“Aside the fact that we would be preserving our artifacts at the Museum, it will serve as a contact point to remind our people of the magnificence and sophistication of our forebears, as well as provide a rich experience of the cultural arts traditions of Benin people.

“We are making progress with the realization of the museum project as a renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye, who has been commissioned to design the museum, has produced the drawings that give us an idea on how visitors will interact with our arts heritage.”

The Governor said the state government is working assiduously with other stakeholders in running an independent trust fund, the Legacy Restoration Trust, to guarantee the completion of the world-class Museum.

Noting his administration’s

commitment to promote Arts, Culture and Tourism, Obaseki maintained that the museum will attract tourists from far and near to view Benin artefacts and have an experience of the history and rich cultural heritage of Edo people.

He added that the British Museum has already made a donation of $4 million for the archaeological project to involve urban regeneration, excavation and renewal initiatives, adding, “This will enable us to create a unique experience for visitors to attract people to enjoy our state and see our great reforms.”

According to Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, “Bringing people together, inspiring, soothing and sharing: these are the powers of art, the importance of which has been made emphatically obvious during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“W ith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.”

News Appeal Court reinstates Edo Commission 13 years after, orders completion of tenure

BENIN CITY- The Court of Appeal, Benin Division, on Tuesday set aside the dissolution of the Edo State Law Review Commission for the past 13 years, over failure to follow due process.

The Commission was dissolved in 2008 by the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

But the court, in a unanimous judgment, ordered that members of the Commission be reinstated and be allowed to complete their tenure, which should now run from March 25, 2021, the day the judgment was given, to August 25, 2025.

In the judgment delivered by the three-man panel and read by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, with Justices Oyebisi Omoleye

and Dr. Fredrick Oho as members, the appellate court held that the Adams O s h i o m h o l e - l e d administration did not follow the laid down procedure in dissolving the commission.

The appellants, in the suit No B/375/OS/2009, were identified as, Elder Jonathan Aghimien (SAN), T. E. Ogbeide-Ihama and Edward Aigbanbe, while the Governor of Edo State, the Attorney General and the State House of Assembly were the respondents.

Reports had it that the appellants challenged the ruling of Justice Nogi Aifuwa Imoukhuede of state High Court in which he dismissed the claims of the appellants for being statute barred.

In his ruling, Justice Georgewill declared, “the dissolution of the Edo State Law Review Commission and consequent termination of the appointments of the Appellants on 24/11/2008, without due compliance with the provisions of the Revised Edition Law of Edo State 2001, by the 1st Respondent, the then Executive Governor of Edo State is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

The court set aside the letter issued by the then Secretary to State Government (SSG) on behalf of the state Governor, saying it was issued without compliance with the provisions of the Revised

Edition Law of Edo State 2001.

He said: “An order is hereby given reinstating the Appellants to their aforesaid position as Chairman and members of the Edo State Law Review Commission to serve out the remainder of their five-year tenure.

He added that and thereafter from the date of this judgment being 25/3/2021 to 25/8/2025 totalling five year’s in line with Section 7 (1) of the Revised Edition Law 2001 of Edo State, excluding the period from 24/11/2008 to 25/3/2021, unless the Appellants are removed in line with the provision of the Revised Edition law of Edo State of Nigeria 2001"

Women group wants improved reading culture among girl-children

BENIN CITY A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), South South Professional W omen Association (SSPWA), has emphasised the importance of reading culture among the Nigerian children, especially the girl-children.

The group’s Coordinator in Edo, Dr Nosa Aladeselu, underscored the need for reading culture among the Nigerian children on Tuesday in Benin at the launch SSPWA’s Book Challenge programme.

The event was held at Idia College, Benin, ahead of this year’s W orld Book Day scheduled for April 23.

Aladeselu said books were a great source of knowledge that played very important

role in the lives of students, stressing that children should be helped to imbibe the reading culture early in life.

She said the group decided to organise the programme to revive the comatose reading culture in the country.

“You will agree with me that in Africa, especially in Nigeria, the reading culture has gone down among our children, hence our resolve to revive the culture among the girlchildren.

“With this programme we hope to develop in the southsouth children, especially our girl-children, the habit of reading and exploring the joy

of reading.

“It will also give our target beneficiaries the opportunity to appreciate the dynamism of books and how they can impact their lives for the better,” she said.

Aladeselu noted that the programme was the maiden edition, but said that its plan was on to make it an annual event across the south-south region.

“SSPWA hopes to make the girl-children understand the importance of books and reading and to arouse and sustain their interest in reading and writing.

“We also hope to organise various activities and events

Senate tasks IGP, Security Heads to End

By Caroline Ameh Killings in Nigeria ABUJA- The Nigerian Senate has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba, and other heads of security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, carry out comprehensive investigations into the recent killings of citizens in Ebonyi State by alleged herdsmen.

It also called for the Federal Government’s intervention to end the killings of citizens in the

state as well as across the country.

The resolutions were reached after Ebonyi North Senator, Sam Egwu, raised a point of order on the various attacks on a village in Ngbo community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by herdsmen.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, urged the

Edo 2020: Defending

Champions Team Delta Wins

closing ceremony.

Bayelsa came out in a distant third place with 56 gold, 55 silver and 58 bronze to have a total of 169 medals, while Rivers are in fourth place with 33 gold, 34 silver and 61 Bronze, totaling 128 medals, pushing Lagos to fifth place with 32 gold, 40 silver and 54 Bronze medals to have a total of 126 medals while Taraba state are leaders from the bottom with two silver medals

to show for their participation.

Meanwhile,Host Edo, on the final day of the games wrapped up their second place win with a gold medal in 4 by 4 Mixed Relay after returning in a time of 42.5 seconds,leaving the second and third positions for Lagos(42:08 Seconds) and Delta(42:95 sec). #

Federal Government and Ebonyi State government to put appropriate measures in place to forestall further attacks.

He also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately intervene through the provision of relief materials to the families of the victims and displaced persons in the affected communities.

A minute silence was observed in honour of the victims of the various attacks in the community of Ebonyi State.

In a similar development, the Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang also cited order 43 of the Senate standing rules to inform the parliament on recent attacks and killings of citizens in Plateau North.

A minute silence was also observed in honour of the citizens of Nigeria who lost their lives to the gruesome attack.

such as essay writing competition, speech preparation and delivery competitions, debates on contemporary issues and quiz competitions.

She further said that the organisation planned to hold annual reading sessions and free book distribution, especially to brilliant but indigent children across the region.

“As the name suggests, the focus will be on books and writing and we want to institutionalise this as an annual event across the south-south region,” she added.

SSPWA’s Focal Person, Dr Margaret Abikwi, said the group decided to begin the launch with an examination for 60 Junior and Senior Secondary School students from three governmentowned schools within Benin.

“We had given each of them the same literature to read within the same specified period of time. Today, they are asked to write a summary and their impressions on the book.

“Our aim in what we have done here today is to celebrate the love for knowledge, promotion and enjoyment of books as well as reading among children in the south-south region of Nigeria,” she said.

According to her, the scripts will be handed to an independent assessor while the scores and awards will be announced on April 24, as part of SSPWA’s activities to mark the 2021 World Book Day. The participated students were drawn from Idia, Itohan and Iyoba Secondary Schools, all in Benin metropolis.

Choice Ufua and Jennifer Atiti, who spoke on behalf of other students, expressed delight over the examination, saying it was a pleasant experience.

The participants said the exercise would help them improve their vocabularies as well as their reading and writing skills.

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News News NAPTIP Reunites 5 Trafficked Children With Parents ABUJA- The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has reunited five children allegedly abducted at different times by a suspected trafficker, with their parents.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs. Stella Nezan, Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of

the agency, in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the 32-year-old suspect allegedly abducted and sold the children, ages between four to seven, to unsuspecting women in different parts of the country under the guise of adoption.

The statement quoted the agency’s Director-General (D-G), Mrs. Im aan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while

handing over the children, as calling on parents to ensure adequate protection of their children.

According to SulaimanIbrahim, parents must guard their children to avoid incidences of kidnapping, abduction, trafficking and other crim es against humanity.

She cautioned the parents on the need to watch their children closely and to avoid

that the suspect, a graduate of Economics from the University of Maiduguri, kidnaps children from Niger state and sells them to families across the country.

According to the D-G, the suspect who claimed to be a staff in charge child adoption matters in the Niger State Ministry of Social Development had been into the illicit business since 2016.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the suspect usually issue would-be parents with adoption papers purportedly from the Niger State Government.

She said the suspect, however, ran out of luck when a sting operation by the agency led to catching him red-handed while helping some ‘clients’ fill their adoption application forms and other papers.

The suspect, she said, confessed to have kidnapped and sold six

children under the guise of adoption, claiming all his victims were from Niger state.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that the suspect also confessed to have forged some adoption documents he issued to the people he sold the kidnapped children to.

According to her, the suspect further confessed that he collected the sum of N100, 000 for each of the children.

She, however, said that the suspect had been arraigned in court in accordance with the Traffick ing in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA), 2015.

While promising a diligent prosecution of the suspect, the D-G called on the general public to continue to assist the agency with useful information that could lead to the arrest of child traffickers in the country.

ADDITION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Anthony Imuentinyan am the same person as Ewemade Imuentinyan.

I now wish to be known and addressed as A n t h o n y Imuentinyan.

All form er docum ents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Christopher Stanley now wish to be known and addressed as Ihensekhien S t a n l e y Christopher. All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Udoette Charity IbifaA now wish to be known and addressed as Omorogbe Charity Ibifa-A. All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Miss Frances Agbons Oni now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Frances Agbons Izekor. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Godwin Osaro Godlives now wish to be known and addressed as Ewere Godwin Osaro. All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Okoro Mercy now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo Bola. All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formally known as Osemwengie Noruwa now wish to be known and addressed as . All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please note.

REMOVAL OF NAME

exposing them to the risk of being easily accessible to traffickers and other criminal minds.

Recounting how the children were rescued, the D-G explained that operatives of the agency had mounted surveillance on the suspect, a native of Nkonni Enagi, Edati, Niger state, for a while now.

The surveillance, she said, followed intelligence CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly known as Ozekhome Omoh Endurance now wish to be known and addressed as Ozekhome Favour Omo. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

Usman Alkali Baba, IGP

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Osahon Ugiagbe now wish to be known and addressed as Agho Osahon. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Esewi Precious Osagie now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esew i Precious GospelNw achukwu.

All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Nicky Nohunwan NosaOmoregie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. NICKY NOHUNWAN EVERGREEN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

Emordi- I, formerly called Miss. Mirian Chik a Emordi and Marian C. Emordi now wish to be called MRS. MIRIAN CHIKA OBOHSHEDRACK. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, formally known as Destiny Anthony now wish to be known and addressed as Destiny Atekha. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please note.

I, formally known as Favour Anthony now wish to be known and addressed as Favour Atekha. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please note.

This is to inform the general public that Okpako Felicia and Okpa Felicia are one and the same person.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Okpako Felicia. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please note.

I, formally known as Ighodaro Ehis Ehigie now wish to be known and addressed as Ighodaro Ehis. All former documents remain valid.

C o n c e r n e d authorities and the general public should please note.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

New Birthday: EDSOGPADEC Boss Restates Commitment To Service Of God And Humanity

By LUCKY EFESE BENIN CITY- Praises, yesterday, rained on the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, as he marked his birthday in grand style, just as he has restated his commitment to the service of God and humanity to achieve the God-gifted desired results for the people.

Osifo, who, was besieged by board members, management and staff of EDSOGPADEC, thanked God for his continued protection, guidance and mercy upon his life and families to witness another remarkable birthday, saying all power belongs to God, pointing out that but for God’s grace, he could not have attained his present status in the society The EDSOGPADEC boss, also thanked his parents, Pa Iroghama and Mrs Clara Osifo, for always encouraging and standing on the path of progress, through their ceaseless prayers for him and family, as well as board members, management and staff of his office for their continued support and commitment which culminated in the achievements so far recorded in the state since becoming the EDSOGPADEC’s boss.

He assured of his unwavering efforts, especially in collaborating with the relevant authorities in bringing justice to the people, through good governance, while harping

on honesty, humility and respect for constituted authorities, as the bedrock of success in life .

Speakers after speakers, who eulogized Pastor Kennedy Osifo, for impacting on people’s lives positively, however, described him as God-sent, while they prayed for God’s protection and

direction upon his life and families, to enable him pilot the humanitarian affairs of the people to a greater height, saying he has distinguished himself as an astute, humble, respected and God-fearing administrator, who is first among equals.

Ugbogbo Community Calls On Govt, Security Agencies To Unveil Culprits Murder:

By Lamai Cassius

IGARRA- Commercial activities were temporarily grounded yesterday as Residents of Ugbogbo Quarters in Igarra AkokoEdo Local Government Area of Edo State carried out a peaceful protest in the community seek ing for justice over the gruesome murder of their son late Mr. Dickson Emah.

The protesters who carried placards with various inscriptions moved round some major roads in the area calling for justice to prevail over the killing of one of their son, Mr. Dickson Emah who was allegedly murdered on the 18th of January this year.

Mr Kehinde Iteshidu, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said the killing of Dickson Emah is a violation of right to life and gross injustice.

Iteshidu said that Eziebe family and the entire

Ugbogbo Community is still in great shock and aggrieved over the killing of their illustrious son.

He, however, called on the state government; judiciary and the Inspector General of Police to institute high powered investigation into the murder to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying that doing this will lay to rest the grief over the death of their son Emah.

According to him, “We know the people responsible for the death of Emah. What we want is justice the death of our son.

“All we are seeking is proper investigation to unravel the killing of late Emah,” he said.

Meanwhile, some of the alleged suspects who were arrested over the killing of Dickson Emah have been remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre by a High Court in Auchi and are awaiting trial.

Ex-Edo HOS Son Takes Wife BENIN CITY - The solemnisation of marriage

between Miss Chioma Obianuju and Mr Donald

Mr Donald Osawaru and Miss Chioma Obianuju

Osawaru comes up on Saturday April 17, 2021 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Irhirhi Road, Off Airport Road, Benin beginning at 10am.

Reception follows immidiately at Da Civic Centre, Airport Road, Benin City.

Chioma is of the family of Late Joel C. and Mrs Malinda O. Ezim of Ezira, Orumba South Local Government Area, while Donald is the son of Mr Isaac Ebose Ehiozuwa, of Ugieghudu in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

Mr. Ehiozuwa is the immidiate past Head of Service, Edo State and member of the state Transition Committee

OBAGIE-NEVBUOSA COMMUNITY PUBLIC NOTICE This is to notify the general public that some persons have connived with themselves to mislead the general public by forwarding a wrong name to a highly respected institution in Benin Kingdom with the sole aim of giving recognition to this person whose name they have forwarded as the Okaighele of Obagie Nevbuosa to the aforementioned institution. Unfortunately however, their plans were discovered on time.

To put the records straight, the chosen, appointed and recognized Okaighele of Obagie Nevbuosa in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State is Mr. Festus Ekenaiye Edegbe. He was recommended by the Elders and have performed the required ceremonies in our Elders synagogue (Oguedion) and subsequently was installed by the Odionwere of Obagie Nevbuosa in our Oguedion on the 20th April, 2018.

Mr. Edegbe’s appointment was again re-affirmed by the Enogie H.R.H. Stephen Usiemwanta Imadomwinyi and our Odionwere in the presence of the elders on the 7th of February, 2021. Documentary evidence like video coverage, photograph and newspaper are all available for whoever that care.

Arising from the above development, any other person parading himself as the Okaighele of Obagie Nevbuosa other than Mr. Festus Ekenaiye Edegbe should be arrested and charged to court as an impostor. Members of the public particularly the Police, DSS and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) should please take note.

Oba-ghator Okpere Ise! PRO For: Enogie, Odionwere and Elders of Obagie Nevbuosa

NAPTIP Reunites 5 Trafficked Children With Parents

ABUJA- The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has reunited five children allegedly abducted at different times by a suspected trafficker, with their parents.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs. Stella Nezan, Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of the agency, in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the 32-year-old suspect allegedly abducted and sold the children, ages between four to seven, to unsuspecting women in different parts of the country under the guise of adoption.

The statement quoted the agency’s Director-General (D-G), Mrs. Imaan SulaimanIbrahim, while handing over the children, as calling on parents to ensure adequate protection of their children.

According to SulaimanIbrahim, parents must guard their children to avoid incidences of kidnapping, abduction, trafficking and other crimes against humanity.

She cautioned the parents on the need to watch their children closely and to avoid exposing them to the risk of being easily accessible to traffickers and other criminal

minds.

Recounting how the children were rescued, the DG explained that operatives of the agency had mounted surveillance on the suspect, a native of Nkonni Enagi, Edati, Niger state, for a while

now.

The surveillance, she said, followed intelligence that the suspect, a graduate of Economics from the University of Maiduguri, kidnaps children from Niger state and sells them to families across the country.

Burial Of Late Comfort Okunzuwa Commences BENIN CITY- The burial Today ceremony of late Comfort Okunzuwa.

(Nee Onaghinor) commences today Thursday April 15th 2021.

A statement signed by Mr. Henry Okunzuwa for the families disclosed that the body will leave Military Base Hospital Mortuary, Airport Road to her residence No 4 Agbonmwen Street, off Omorogbe street, (2+2) Eyaen Benin City for lying in state , and by 4:00 pm there will be service of song at the same venue.

On Friday, there will be family rite/interment and on Saturday, social dance and entertainment of guests at Pa. Okunzuwa’s compound, 7 Benin Auchi road, Eyaen, Benin City.

The thanksgiving service

will be at Christian Pentecostal Mission International, beside Bethel Faith School Uroro, Benin City on Sunday.

late Comfort Okunzuwa.

(Nee Onaghinor

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

News New News Lagos Govt To Incorporate Waste Management In School Curriculum

LAGOS- The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is collaborating with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) to incorporate waste management in primary school curriculum.

Speaking at the inaugural training of teachers, with the theme: “Waste Education in the 21st Century”, on Tuesday in Ikeja, the Managing Director, LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, said that it was a way of reorientating the younger generations for sustainable environment.

Odumboni said that incorporating waste management into the academic curriculum was the most creative way of reshaping the environmental consciousness of the younger generation.

He said that the initiative became necessary to mitigate reckless dumping of waste around Lagos, as it was not enough to keep sweeping the streets of Lagos to keep it clean, but to arrest indiscriminate dumping around the city.

“W e have decided to

change the narrative of waste management through the young ones, by catching them young and we understand that teachers are the best advocates and change agents whose impact cannot be shoved aside.

“W e are optimistic that incorporating waste management into primary school curriculum would not only be taught but put into practice, for the students and with time, become a tradition,” the LAWMA boss said.

He said that the LAWMA Academy, a knowledge hub of waste management operated by the agency, was borne out of the need to manage waste in a smart and modern way, and to instill sound understanding of waste management in the pupils to turn waste to wealth.

“The challenge of improper waste management among Lagos residents is as a result of not having proper understanding of waste management, and not being environment friendly.

“Therefore, we need to teach these children how to

understand sorting of waste and keeping their environment clean, while regional trainings will be

held in schools from time to time.

“This will no doubt help them develop a positive

attitude towards waste and in future, we would have proud waste managers and business experts among them,” Odumboni said.

In his address, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, appreciated LAW MA for coming up with the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa.

“At LASUBEB, our aim is to create an enabling

…provides Temporary Shelter For Amputee the tragic story of the Hawker amputee, who hawked pure

Gov. Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

LAGOS- The Lagos State Government says it has taken over the welfare of Mary Daniel, the 26-year-old amputee hawker and single mother.

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said in a statement on Tuesday that the state government had provided a temporary shelter for Daniel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that

Ex-Ondo Deputy Gov Agboola Dragged To Police For Allegedly Stealing Four Govt Vehicles

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS- The Ondo State Government has petitioned the Nigerian police over the refusal by immediate past Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi to release four official vehicles in his care back to

the office.

Ex deputy governor was accused of stealing the four vehicles which he used as official vehicles, months after his tenure ended in the state..

According to Senior Special Assistant to Governor

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, who signed the petition, the vehicles are: Land Cruiser SUV, New Toyota Hilux, New Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hilux.

The Ondo Government

said Agboola is unlawfully in possession of the vehicles.

Dr Odebowale said he has been mandated to recover all government properties still in the possession of former political office holders in the state, especially those who served in the immediate

Two Mothers Arrested For Allegedly Beating A 64 Year-Old Man To Death At Beer Parlour

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS- Two mothers are presently cooling their feet in Police cell in Lagos for allegedly beaten a 64 yearold man to death at beer parlour in Lagos over relationship.

According to eye witness, the deceased, identified as Osita Anwuanwu, who was a man friend to one of the suspects went to the bar at Arida area of Ikotun Lagos State, but met his untimely death after a hot argument.

Source disclosed that the deceased who was over ranged with anger insisted that his mistress must follow him met resistance from the two women who started punching him and the man fell down and died immediately.

Confirming the incident, the PPRO Lagos command, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that the Police operatives in the area immediately race to the bar and arrested the two suspects for the alleged murder.

Narrating that the incident

occurred on April 8, 2021, at around 8.45pm, CSP Adejobi said, “The daughter of the deceased, Linda Anwuanwu, resident of Temitope Street, off Governor’s Road, Ikotun, Lagos State, reported to the police at Ikotun Division that she was informed that her father, one Osita Anwuanwu, 64, was lying down in a bar at Arida after he had a misunderstanding with one Ngozi Emezue, 38 and Juliet Eguebor, 35.

“Police operatives at Ikotun Division raced to the scene and rescued the deceased to the General Hospital, Igando where he was certified dead.

“According to preliminary investigation by the Police, the deceased had gone to check his lady friend, Juliet, who he had not seen for some times, at Ngozi’s bar, where he engaged the duo in a hot argument and physical assault before he slumped.

‘The two suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba for proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding

environment for quality education for pupils, as well as improve quality of teaching and learning.

“Therefore, we will work together with LAWMA and instill environmental discipline in the pupils, to make them conscious of their actions and inactions towards the environment.

“We are thankful for this thoughtful and impactful initiative,” Alawiye-King said.

the death of Mr. Osita Anwuanwu”, Police spokesman said.

Similarly, the Police operatives attached to Ikorodu Division of the command have arrested one Wisdom Okoro, 50, from Orlu in Imo State, over the sudden death of his girlfriend, one Enobong Udoh, 38, on April

11, 2021, at around 10.45am.

“One Blessing Pius, of No 46, Adegboruwa Street, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, reported to the police that the deceased was found dead in her house, opposite Meras Hotel, along Igbogbo Road, Ikorodu, on April 11, 2021, at about 10.am.

past administration.

Dr. Odebowale revealed that all entreaties to Agboola to return the four vehicles for use of the incumbent Deputy Governor have been rebuffed.

According to the petition, “W e lodge this complaint believing that you will use your good offices to look into this brazen act of conversion, and this is being charitable.

“Any person who keeps/ detains the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner, permanently, of the usufruct right conferred therefrom, has committed an offence known in law as STEALING. “This office undertakes to assist the Command with regard to the necessary logistics to recover the converted properties.”

water in Oshodi area, trended on social media platforms over the weekend.

Adebowale said that Daniel was on temporary protective custody pending when further plans would be concluded by the government to get her an apartment and empower her.

The special adviser said that the move became necessary in order to protect the physically challenged woman from abuse and risk.

According to her, Daniel, an indigene of Ayingba, Kogi, who just moved to Lagos two weeks ago, hawked table water in traffic in Oshodi to earn a living.

“The case of Mary (Daniel) was brought to my attention by the Managing Director, Lagos State Lotteries Board and two politicians from Oshodi who expressed concern about her safety, as some kind-hearted individuals have started sending money to her account to assist her,” she said.

Adebowale said that after her interaction with Daniel, it was agreed that the present administration should take over the case to ensure her personal safety, hence the involvement of the state government.

The special adviser said that she would personally look over Daniel as a guardian and make sure that she was properly settled in Lagos and become a responsible citizen.

Suspected Armed Robbers Apprehended With Dummy Beretta Pistol, Charms

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS- Two suspected armed robbers who usually attack their victims with dummy beretta pistol have been apprehended by the Police operatives in Lagos while on the way for another robbery operation.

Authoritative source revealed that the suspects who are on the way for another robbery operation were accosted by the Police operatives attached to Sagamu Road Division.

The two suspects,

identified as Awosika Kehinde, 24 and Olatilewa Ayomide, 18, were said to have been arrested on a motorcycle on 12th April, 2021, at about 12. 45pm, at Sabo Area of Ikorodu with the dummy gun during stop and search by the operatives who suspected them.

The bandits are presently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos The Police Public Relations officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who confirmed the

arrest, said the suspects have giving useful information to assist the Police in the course of its investigation.

According to him, “The police operatives attached to Sagamu Road Division of Ikorodu, Lagos, on 12th April, 2021, at about 1245pm, accosted and arrested two suspects, Awosika Kehinde, m, 24 and Olatilewa Ayomide, m, 18, on a motorcycle at Sabo Area of Ikorodu.

“After preliminary investigation, it was revealed

that the suspects were using the dummy gun to scare their victims anytime they were on robbery operation, particularly in the traffic.

“They are giving useful information to assist the police in the course of their investigation.

Items recovered form them include one dummy beretta pistol and some assorted charms.

PPRO added, “The Commissioner of Police has also directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command Special Squad for thorough investigation”.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

News JAMB Reiterates Use Of CAPS, Cautions Universities Against Illegal Admissions

BWARI (ABUJA)-The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated that only admission through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) was valid and not otherwise.

The board made this known in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bayelsa INEC Resident Commissioner Loses Father.

BENIN CITY-The death has occurred in Benin City, Edo State, of Major Matthew Igbinakenzua Omorogbe Rtd., father of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bayelsa State, Dr. Cyril A. Omorogbe.

He passed on at the age of 88 on Wednesday 31st March, 2021.

Major Mattew omorogbe rtd was until his death an Ex-officio of RANAO, a body of retired Nigerian Army officers, an ardent sports enthusiast particularly as a Squash player and Shooting where he Chaired Edo State Shooting Association. Late Major Omorogbe was a former Director of the Nigerian Army, school of Physical Training, Zaria.

He is survived by children, grandchildren led by the eldest, Dr. Cyril A. Omorogbe, Resident Electoral Commissioner Bayelsa State.

A statement by the family says funeral programme shall be made public in due course.

Late Major Omorogbe rtd

Football Fans Set For Onolememen Cup Finals

by Ahmed Aigbona The 2021 maiden edition of Hon Mike Onolememen football tournament finals coming up on Saturday 17 of April 2021 at Uromi public field, The football Championship is being sponsored by Hon MikeOnolememen former Minister for work the tournament is aim at developing grassroots football talents, discover hidden ones that will be groom to represent Edo State Nigeria and do the entire Africa continent proud both now and the nearest future. The Coodinator of the football competition Pastor Freeborn Agbi member Edo State football Association (EFA) why speaking with sports writers he said that the Unity cup championship is organized for teams in Edo Central and is environs the Coodinatior noted that the tournament was being organized financial support from the cup donor an illustraous Sons of Esan land, the Adolor of Uromi of Kingdom has shown great interest in the unity of ESAN people, especially as demonstrated in our cultural and Traditions has Edo people, the final match will be play on Saturday 17 of April 2021 at UROMI public field in Esan North Local Government of Edo State by 3pm. the coach Osebome James of Jofel 11 football club

thanked the Organizers of the Championship he said it was an opportunity to expose players from the Area to active football competition for the fourth coming Edo State league and the FA cup, the National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN Comrade Ahmed Aigbona said that the Association was happy and willing to support every football competition, especially the one that provides opportunity for young players in the grassroots level in the country to be exposed to league clubs where they would gain experience as much that would assist them to do better in advancing both skills and wisdom in their football career

Hon Mike Onolememen

While warning universities against issuing illegal admission letters, JAMB also advised candidates not to accept admissions not processed through CAPS. “The attention of the Board has been drawn to illegitimate admissions purported being conducted by some universities, including the University of Abuja.

“These universities have been reported to be issuing admission letters to candidates without recourse to the board.

“It is therefore, pertinent to state that such admissions that have not been processed, approved and accepted on the CAPS are null and void.

“As such, asking hapless candidates to pay acceptance fees for such admis-

sions that have not been processed through CAPS amounts to illegality. Consequently, such admissions are illegal, therefore remain null and void.

“They are unacceptable and offensive to extant rules and regulations guiding admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria as approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and provided on CAPS,” the board said.

Franco-Nigeria Bilateral Trade Drops By $2.2b Dollar In 2020 — Minister ABUJA- France, on Tuesday, announced that its volume of trade with Nigeria in year 2020 dropped to $2.3 billion dollars, from $4.5 billion in 2019, as a result of COVID-19.

The French Minister in charge of Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, Mr. Frank Riester, disclosed this at a meeting he held with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in Abuja, as part of his two-day official visit to Nigeria.

“We are optimistic of the future, when the crisis will be ending, because we have many companies that have settled here. We want a win-win partnership between our two countries.

“We have 100 companies that are settled in Nigeria, representing 10,000 people

working in these companies and we want to increase our investments in Nigeria”, he said.

Riester added that the French Government wanted to help in the development of different states, by investing in both the private and public sectors, so as to deepen the relationship between the two countries.

He said that as the largest economy in Africa and the economic engine room of West Africa, Nigeria is indeed a major partner for France.

The minister said that the French Government was also putting in place measures that would allow more Nigerian companies to operate and invest in France.

“Tomorrow, I will meet some Nigeria companies that have already invested in France, as

others are willing to invest in the country.

“These companies will be invited to a specific meeting in Paris in June, where President Emmanuel Macron will welcome many companies all over the world, and some of the companies will be from Nigeria, because we want more Nigerian investments in France.”

Riester added that the government was also putting in place policies that would encourage more Nigerian investment in France, while the French government was also willing to assist Nigeria to tackle insecurity.

The Chairman of the NGF, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, commended the French government for its interest in Nigeria, especially in the states of the Federation.

The board recalled that it instituted CAPS in 2017 as an automated platform, designed to ensure that admissions were transparently done to protect the interest of all Nigerians desirous of tertiary education.

“JAMB, therefore, advised candidates to be alert and refuse to accept any admissions not processed, approved and accepted on CAPS. “By implication, any candidate who has not accepted and printed his or her admissions letter on CAPS should not pay any acceptance fee.

“It should be noted that admission guidelines stipulate that institutions recommend qualified candidates through CAPS in accordance with laid-down criteria to the board for approval.

“As such, any such admission not approved by the board is an exercise in futility.

It stated any institution violating this well-intentioned guideline had much to hide and the board would not shy away from its responsibility of ensuring compliance to laid-down admission guidelines.

“The Board will not relent in its efforts to ensure that no institution violates the extant admission guidelines,” it said.

Osinbajo Presides As FEC Honours ABUJA- Vice President Late Mahmud Tukur Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari is in London for a

routine medical check-up.

Before the proceedings, a minute silence was observed in honor of Mahmud Tukur, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, who passed away recently.

Ministers who attending the meeting are Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Information and Culture, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, Finance, Budget and National Planning Others are Abubakar

Policeman Dies In Gun Battle With Suspected Kidnappers ABUJA- The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has lost one Insp. Ambi John, attached to Operation Puff Adder, during a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the FCT, ASP Mariam Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said a joint team of operatives from the Command and Operation Puff Adder in response to a distress call, had engaged the heavily armed hoodlums in a gun battle.

Yusuf said that the late of-

ficer, after sustaining gunshot injuries during the operation, was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

She said that the operatives had repelled multiple attacks by the suspected kidnappers in the wee hours of Tuesday along Dankusa, AngwanZegele-Zuba axis of the territory.

The PPRO said the Command had launched a strategic operation to rescue four persons abducted from Dankusa by the hoodlums who escaped into the forest bordering the FCT and Niger.

According to her, operatives from the Command’s AntiKidnapping Squad have, however, made some arrests in connection with the abduction.

She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, Mr. Bala Ciroma had commiserated with the family of the officer who paid the supreme price in the service to the nation.

Yusuf pledged the commitment of the CP to ensure the security of lives and property within the FCT. She, therefore, implored residents of the FCT to report all suspicious movements,

Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba while other ministers joined virtually from their offices.

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Funds Office, Mrs. Habiba Lawal.

The National Security Adviser, rtd Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno and the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, were also present at the meeting.

At its last meeting on March 31 FEC approved over N19billion for various projects for the Ministries of Transportation, Aviation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

NIGERIA is classified globally as a potentially rich country, given the enormous human and mineral resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat.

Additionally. Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, if harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation.

Although its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological know-how, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off if we put our acts together.

FAITHFULLY, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development.

THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country. Literally, economies is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society. Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations.

LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics of the Nigerian elite have shown quite clearly that effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nige-

THE NIGERIAN

COVID-19 And Nigeria’s Leadership Question ria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio— cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises.

Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure is determined to place the blame for the unstable situation, the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders.

THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After over good decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary.

HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer be- dismissed as mere cynicism AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and to fulfill what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream of human and technological

civilisation. REGRETABLY, theNigerian economy has hit an all time low. There is massive under utilisation of resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely. Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed.

The country has all it takes to become a super power.

Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However, we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership. Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in.

Nigeria.

WE believe that problems such as corruption and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled if we .sit down and decide how this country is to be governed.

AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically miobiilize our resources for political, socio economic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is today regarded globally as a sleeping giant, indeed. But the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world should be able to spur our leaders to be more patriotic.

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Vox Pop

Edo-2020 NSF: Athletes and Sports lovers from across Nigeria have expressed mixed feelings over what they described as lukewarm attitude of the Federal Government towards organization and management of the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Edo 2020” Some of the respondents in their views expressed dismay over FG poor financial support to the state government in hosting the biennial Sporting ritual.

Others commended the Edo state Government for hosting the best NSF in recent times.

Excerpts: Treasure Ibtoye: So far I have witnessed three sports festival but this is actually one of least captivating sports Festival I have ever seen.it is not as interesting as I thought it would be. Am very disappointed about it.

Moses Suleman: Everything seems to be going smoothly, all

Gov Godwin Obaseki

athletes are participating in all fairness of the sports. Although at some point the Edo state government and the federal government had some issues but everything was resolved amicable.

Faruk Bello (Media officer of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria) The sport Festival despite all odds is a success, The performance of the athletes so far has been good and am impressed.

Due to the covid 19 pandemic a lot of games have been postponed, so hosting it alone is a success. There are some hitches which requires attention, like the traditional sport there are some gadget need to record our games so we can review the matches and check accordingly.

Feeding is still an issue which is poorly organized, we have members complaining about not being able to get a meal to eat even when they have there meal ticket. So am

Nigerians Reacts

By FESTUS SANDRA, ONI SANDRA, DIORU STEPHANIE, JULIET LONGE, MBAKA GLORIA, AGHO SHEDRACK calling on the minister of sport to provide food bender for each state.

Idris Musa: So far so good, I will like to commend the Edo state government for

suppose to be. There are problems that we are facing one way or the other, accommodation wise, water and many other things. Although there are no problems in

the NSF to provide more accommodation next time.

Patience: My observation so far about the sports Festival has been impressive, we are picking up and getting the gold. There are hardly any challenges, the advantages is more

been some issues about venues in which we hold the events being scattered around but other than that it’s all going well.

Olaremi The government have really out done themselves this time and am very impressed. The

NSF: Edo Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu jubilating with team Edo after winning Gold in Football

what they have been able to do but for the part of the national and the M.O.C there are alot of technicalities that have not been put in place. It has hampered with the success of this sports Festival, I believe with proper collaboration between the L.O.C and the M.O.C things would be better.

Jibrin Fateh: This sports Festival, as far as am concerned it is not well arranged as it’s

terms of transportation as there are buses moving up and down, but in terms of accommodation there is a problem.

Magaji Muhammad: The sport Festival is going well, Edo state governor has done splendidly there is no match challenges and Edo state is very hospitable. Although there is a challenge of accommodation, I would advise the organizers of

than the disadvantage because the Edo state governor is a sport lover and he has provided so many items, empowered us and encourage us as a father.

Abdulahi Ahmed LibataNational secretary traditional sports federation.

The sports festival is going well, all the proposed sports that were to commence are all in place. There have

only problem I can see is the weather but otherwise it’s all good.

Franca So far everything have been going fine, it has been peaceful and calm.

The athletes are doing really good and so far there has been no injury recorded among our athletes. I commend the governor and the deputy for all their efforts to improve the sport this time and Security.

“The sport Festival despite all odds is a success, The performance of the athletes so far has been good and am impressed. Due to the covid 19 pandemic a lot of games have been postponed, so hosting it alone is a success.”

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Man And Nature The Divine Laws Are Your True Friend The Divine Laws are true friends in everything, they are helpful blessings from the will of God, who thus, opens the paths to salvation for everyone who strives towards it.

There is not a single other road to this than the one clearly shown by the laws of God in creation. The whole of creation is the language of God, which you must earnest ly strive to read and which is by no means as difficult as you may think.

Abd-ru-shin opines that you belong to this creation as a part of it and therefore,

happiness. In the living language which God speaks to you. And to understand this language, to learn it and to sense inwardly the Will of God in it, that is your goal during your journey through creation.

In creation itself, to which you belong, lies the explanation of the purpose of your existence and at the same time also, the recognition of your goal. In no other way can you find either.

This demands of you that

never adjust himself, nor would he ever be able to mature and work on earth, but, he would remain a hindrance, a burden to others and would finally, have to be segregated to prevent him from causing harm.

Can you expect anything else then? You have of course, inescapably to fulfil such a duty of the child

With

O.C. Madu

prove it.

His free will lies solely in the decision, of which he may make many every hour.

In the independent weaving of the laws of creation, however, he is unswerving subject to the consequences of everyone of his personal decisions.

There in lies his responsibility, which is inseparably connected with the gift of free will to make, decisions, which is peculiar to and absolute part of the

purpose unless he makes it purposeless.

In any case, he deems himself too important. And yet, there are only a few men on earth capable of laboriously detaching themselves from their spiritual indolence, so far as

is of God. Unless you devote all your strength to severing yourselves from the old, you will not learn to comprehend this justice either . But you will then likewise not be able to become new within.

And only the new man, who

human spirit.

Otherwise, what would become of Divine justice, which is firmly anchored in creation as support, balance and maintenance of all the working therein?

In its effect, however, it doesn’t always take account of the short span of only one earth-life for a human spirit, but here there are entirely different conditions, as readers of the message know.

Men have often brought harm upon themselves and sometimes force it upon their children, through many superficial decisions.

You should not seek to force the consequences of your indolence also, upon your children, whom you thus flunge into- misfortune.

It is the sacred duty of the human spirit to investigate why it is living on earth or in general in this creation, in which it is suspended as if by a thousand threads. No man considers himself so insignificant as to imagine that his existence is without

seriously to concern themselves with the investigation of their task on earth.

Again, it is solely indolence of the spirit that makes them willing to accept the firmly established doctrines of others. And it is indolence that lies in the reassurance that comes from thinking that it is great to adhere to the faith of their parents, without submitting its underlying principles to keen, careful and independent examination.

Weakness brings harm to yourselves as well as to those who you imagine you are pleasing by it. In time you will be judged by a Higher one with the kind of justice that has become strange to you for a long time through yourselves, for you have withdrawn from it.

It is te Divine justice, unchangeable from eternity to eternity and independent of the opinions of men, free of their partiality, of their hate and their malice, their power. It is Almighty, for it

stands in the Word of Life and strives toward the light, will receive the help that he needs to pass through the judgment of God. Man according to Abd-rushin must help himself through the Word, which shows him t he ways he must follow. Only thus, can he find redemption, otherwise it will not fall to his lot. He must grow strong in the battle that he wages for himself or he must perish in it.

Awake and present a fighting front to all Darkness, then you will also, be given strength to help you. W eaklings, however, will lose even what strength they still possess, because they do not know how to use it properly. The little they have will thereby, be taken away from them because, according to the law of attraction of Homogeneous species, it flows to those who use this strength with zeal and in the right manner. Thus ancient promise is fulfilled.

GSM: 08056379608

“Among all creatures in creation the human spirit is the only one to have free will, which until today he could not explain and did not understand, because within the narrow bounds of his intellectual pondering he found no essential facts to prove it.” you must swing with it, work in it and thus, through gaining in understanding you must rise ever higher, from one step to the next, drawing along through the radiation in order to enable everything that comes in contact with you on your way.

There will then spontaneously develop around you one beautiful miracle after another, which through reciprocal action will raise you ever higher.

Learn to recognize your path in creation and you will also know the purpose of your existence. Then you will be filled with grateful rejoicing and the greatest happiness a human spirit is able to bear which lies solely in recognition of God. The supreme bliss of the true recognition of God, however, can never grow out of an acquire blind faith, much less come to flower, but conviction knowledge, know conviction, alone gives to the spirit what is necessary for this.

Earthman are in this creation to find supreme

you live creation. But you are only able to live or experience it when you really know it.

With the Message of the Lord, the Book of creation is opened for you. The message clearly shows you the language of God in creation; which you must learn to understand so that you ca make it completely your own.

Imagine a child on earth who cannot understand his father or mother because, he has never learned the language they speak to him. Indeed, what is to become of such a child?

He does not even know what is expected of him and will thus fall into one difficulty after the other, draw upon himself one sorrow after another and probably end up utterly useless for any purpose or enjoyment on earth.

If he is to amount to anything, must not every child personally learn the language of his parents for himself? Nobody can do it for him.

Otherwise, he would

towards your God, whose language you must learn to understand as soon as you desire His help.

God, however, speaks to you in creation. If you want to advance it , you must first recognize this His language. Should you neglect it, you will be cut off from those who know the language and adjust themselves to it, because, you would otherwise, cause harm and obstruction, without necessarily wishing to do so (Abd-ru-shin).

You must therefore, do it.

Do not forget this and that it is done now, otherwise, you will be helplessly abandoned to whatever, threatens you.

The message of the Lord will be a faithful helper to you.

Among all creatures in creation the human spirit is the only one to have free will, which until today he could not explain and did not understand, because within the narrow bounds of his intellectual pondering he found no essential facts to

THE NIGERIAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Opinion Why Do Some Married Women Engage In Extra Marital Affairs?

NO doubt the issue of cheating in a relationship has become worrisome globally as this scourge is not limited to Nigeria alone .However the local point of this writer is why do some married women involved in extra marital affair?

The respondents in their separate reaction blamed distancing, poverty, insatiable quest for sex amongst others.

Below is excerpts from their reactions: Mrs. Jessica Ikwabe: The reason why some women cheat is one, because of finance in the sense that when the man can’t meet up with the demands of the family so the woman next option most especially when she doesn’t have anything doing her next option is to cheat on the husband.

Long Distance, in some relationship when a man will have everything e.g (cars, houses, money) and yet the man isn’t available for instance a married man who lives abroad and has his wife in Nigeria and the man comes into the country once in three four years because of the society she finds herself it will prompt

By GLORIA MBAKA her to cheat except if she has the fear of God and she knows comparing the other men don’t do that it is a sin to cheat . man to her husband. and it may lead to Some women are When a man the woman cheating

A married woman who makes up her mind that she won’t cheat on the husband no matter

doesn’t meet up to when she see his expectations as another man doing there are some that for her. responsibilities men Some women are

the distance or finance that the lady won’t cheat. And if the woman is God

not patient ,because if the woman has patience and endurance she won’t think of cheating on her husband .

Mr. Ebuka Ochuba: Some married women cheat and some women like attention ,care, affection.

The problem isn’t that they want to cheat, some women when they see a young man who gives them the attention and care that is supposed to be given to them by their husband the woman may start

saying for instance a man who she suffered with, gave the man some of her income,provide for the house and treat the man like her second lord at the end , when the man finally got the big money he forgot his family and the woman that suffered with him for so many years it may prompt the woman to go and cheat on the man.

Mrs. Love Adedege : Most women that cheat in their marriages are due to home training that if a young lady when growing up sees her own mum cheating on the dad ,when she grows up she might want to do the same in her marriage if her husband is not there.she also said

“Mrs. Jessica Ikwabe: The reason why some women cheat is one, because of finance in the sense that when the man can’t meet up with the demands of the family so the woman next option most especially when she doesn’t have anything doing her next option is to cheat on the husband.” are supposed to live up to, like a man buying his woman c l o t h e s , appreciating her, taking her out to make her feel special, but some

never satisfied with one man in the sense that they generally wants to taste from different men.

Mr. Daniel chukwuma:

fearing she won’t think of cheating on her husband no matter the circumstances.

Mrs. Joy: some men push their wife’s to cheat

that some women are found of cheating on their husband no matter what the man does their eyes will still be outside their marriage.

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International China IS Top Threat To U.S. Global Influence Intelligence Agencies:

WASHINGTON — A 27page report released ahead of testimony by the president’s top intelligence officials identifies China as the biggest threat to U.S. global influence.

The annual threat assessment report, which summarizes the best assessments of intelligence analysts from across the 18 different agencies within the intelligence community, “focuses on the most direct, serious threats to the United States during the next year,” looking at everything from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and climate change to cyberattacks and technological competitiveness.

Senior intelligence officials, including Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, are expected to answer questions about the report this week in front of the House and Senate intelligence committees. Those hearings were temporarily suspended under President Donald Trump after intelligence officials testified about facts that contradicted Trump’s public statements, angering him and leading him to fire his director of national intelligence, Dan Coats.

In contrast, President Biden has told his senior intelligence officials he expects them to speak truthfully, regardless of how those assessments affect his political goals.

According to the new assessment, released Tuesday morning, Beijing will continue its push to “undercut” Washington’s global influence, despite the intelligence officials’ prediction that Chinese leaders may “seek tactical opportunities to reduce tensions with W ashington when such opportunities suit their interests.”

While senior Biden officials, including Secretary of State Tony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, have already met with their Chinese counterparts in Alaska, and climate envoy John Kerry plans to travel to China to address climate change, Beijing has not hesitated to engage in public saber-rattling when confronted with U.S. challenges.

In the near term, intelligence officials expect China to continue to try to establish global influence through “vaccine diplomacy,” as well as touting its success in responding to the pandemic, though public news reporting indicates Chinese vaccines are far less successful than U.S.-made versions.

Intelligence officials also expect Beijing to continue to ratchet up tensions with its neighbors in India, “intimidate rival claimants” in the South China Sea, increase military activity around Taiwan and cooperate with Russia in areas such as the economy and defense. According to the assessment, China will also

“continue the most rapid expansion and platform diversification of its nuclear arsenal,” ignoring attempts at international arms control treaties.

In the realm of technology, space and digital espionage and attacks, the intelligence community expects Beijing to remain a top competitor, perhaps even surpassing the U.S. Perhaps most troublingly, beyond Beijing’s use of technology for surveillance and espionage, the intelligence community determined that Beijing “can launch cyber-attacks that, at minimum, can cause temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure within the United States.”

The intelligence community also says Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang would continue to provoke and threaten Washington, each posing unique and evolving threats.

As for Moscow, the community assessed that Russian officials will continue to attempt to “undermine U.S. influence” through ongoing influence and cyber operations, though the analysts concluded Moscow likely “does not want a direct conflict with U.S. forces.”

Among the threats Russia poses are its ongoing “military modernization” efforts, information warfare, involvement in Syria and Ukraine, expanding and stockpiling its nuclear and other weapons, and continuing to target critical infrastructure through cyber operations, including “underwater cables and industrial control systems” in both the U.S. and allied countries.

The report warns that in the coming year, Iran may take risks and escalate tensions, depending on its own assessments of U.S. willingness to respond to attacks and concessions it believes the U.S. might negotiate away in exchange for its return to the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran nuclear deal. “Iran remains committed to countering US pressure, although Tehran is also wary of becoming involved in a fullblown conflict,” the report says.

The report says Iran may not “currently” be undertaking key nuclear weapons development projects, but it is possible that it will continue to ratchet up those activities, particularly “if Tehran does not receive sanctions relief.”

Presciently, the report predicts that Iranian officials would consider options including “further enriching uranium up to 60 percent.” The report’s release coincided with an announcement made Tuesday by Iran’s deputy foreign minister, just days after an Israeli-linked attack on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, that the country would be starting 60 percent enrichment of uranium.

The analysts also concluded that Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has not changed his view that nuclear weapons are the “ultimate deterrent against foreign intervention,” a long-held conclusion that Trump refused to accept, due to his confidence in his diplomatic outreach with Pyongyang.

W hile global terrorism was consistently listed as a top threat in intelligence assessments following the 9/ 11 attacks and al-Qaida’s global growth, the intelligence community assesses that groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida now have degraded capabilities based on ongoing U.S. and allied counterterrorism operations.

The intelligence community noted that domestic violent extremists within the U.S. as well as similar groups in Europe, from white nationalists to neo-Nazis, present “an elevated threat to the United States” that has “ebbed and flowed for decades but has increased since 2015.”

Avril Haines at her confirmation hearing as director of national intelligence before the Senate Intelligence Committee. (Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images)

US Army Building Up force in Europe With Two New Units

W ASHINGTON — The U.S. Army is sending two new units to Europe — a Multidomain Task Force and a Theater Fires Command — in a much anticipated move The two formations, making up about 500 soldiers, will arrive “in the coming months,” according to a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa released April 13.

This will bring 750 family members to U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden in Germany.

The MDTF unit is set up to activate on Sept. 16 this year and the Theater Fires Command will activate a month later, the statement notes.

The Army has long talked about bringing an MDTF unit to Europe after the first of its kind continues to prove its utility in the Indo-Pacific theater and has been active in high profile exercises there. The first MDTF was set up to experiment with the Army’s warfighting concept Multidomain Operations and now the Army has determined such units will be useful in an operational capacity and has plans to set up an MDTF in the Arctic, a second one in the Pacific and a third one that will deploy where necessary.

Overmatch is fleeting: How the US Army’s multidomain task force will help the military remain dominant Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa called earlier this year for such a unit as well as a Theater Fires Command.

“The Multi-Domain Task Force-Europe will be comprised of field artillery; composite air and missile defense; intelligence, cyberspace, electronic warfare and space; aviation and a brigade support element.

The Theater Fires Command will improve readiness and multi-national interoperability by integrating joint and multinational fires in exercises and operations, in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa,” the statement reads.

“The Theater Fires Command and Multi-Domain Task Force in Europe will enable U.S. Army Europe and Africa to synchronize joint fires and effects, control future long range fires across all domains and will create more space, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities in Europe,” Col. Joe Scrocca, the spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, said.

The Army in Europe will also retain three sites “previ-

ously scheduled to be returned to the German government due to growing operational requirements in the European theater.”

President Trump had plans to drawdown U.S. troop presence in Europe against the advisement of military leaders, lawmakers and defense and national security experts.

The sites that will be retained are Mainz Kastel Station and Mainz Kastel Housing in Mainz-Kastel, and Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, according to the statement.

“Our operational requirements are outpacing facility construction and renovations as we continue to work through setting facility condi-

tions for the new units we expect to receive as Army approves the structure. We are thankful for all of our host nation employees, without whom we could not accomplish our important mission,” the statement says.

“New strategies and a continuously changing operations environment requires more capacity to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure for increased capabilities to support our Allies and partners,” Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general for 21st Theater Sustainment Command, said.

“We’ve worked closely with German officials to come to an agreement on retaining these sites and are very appreciative of their continued support.”

Former Burkina Faso Leader Compaore Charged In Predecessor Sankara’s Murder OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - A Burkina Faso court charged former President Blaise Compaore in absentia on Tuesday in connection with the 1987 murder of then-President Thomas Sankara, one of the most infamous killings in Africa’s post-independence history.

Sankara, a charismatic Marxist revolutionary often called “Africa’s Che Guevara”, was assassinated during a coup led by his former friend Compaore.

Compaore went on to rule Burkina Faso for 27 years before being ousted in a 2014 uprising and fleeing to Ivory Coast, where he is believed still to live. He has previously denied any involvement in Sankara’s death.

A military tribunal on Tuesday charged Compaore with complicity in the assassina-

tion, undermining state security and receiving cadavers, a court document seen by Reuters showed.

Compaore’s former righthand man, General Gilbert Diendere, was also charged with several crimes related to Sankara’s killing, including complicity in the assassination.

Diendere, who has been in prison since a failed coup in 2015, was in court to hear the charges. He will enter a plea later.

Burkina Faso issued an arrest warrant for Compaore in 2015, but Ivory Coast has declined to hand him over.

Sankara, who seized power in a 1983 coup at the age of 33, was known for his trademark military fatigues and red beret and rejection of a lavish lifestyle.

In four years as president,

he became the first African leader to denounce the menace of AIDS, took a stand against the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and promoted women’s rights by opposing female genital mutilation and polygamy.

President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York

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International Biden Raises Concerns With Putin About Ukraine Confrontation der with eastern Ukraine and

BRUSSELS (AP) — President Joe Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to “de-escalate tensions” following a Russian military buildup on Ukraine’s border in their second tense call of Biden’s young presidency.

Biden also told Putin the U.S. would “act firmly in defense of its national interests” regarding Russian cyber intrusions and election interference, according to the White House. Biden proposed a summit in a third country “in the coming months” to discuss the full range of U.S.Russia issues, the W hite House said.

The Biden-Putin relationship has been rocky in the early going of the new U.S. administration. Biden is weighing action against Russia for the SolarWinds hacking campaign, Russian interference in the 2020 presidential election, reports of Russian bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and the poisoning and jailing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

There is growing concern in the West about a surge of cease-fire violations in eastern Ukraine, where Russiaba?ked separatists and Ukrainian forces have been locked in a conflict since Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. Biden’s call with Putin came as the top U.S. diplomat and the leader of NATO condemned the recent massing of thousands of Russian troops.

“President Biden emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the White House said in a statement.

The White House added that Biden made clear that Russia must “de-escalate tensions.”

More than 14,000 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine, and efforts to negotiate a political settlement have stalled. Over the past week, there have been daily reports of Ukrainian military casualties and rebels also have reported losses.

Ukraine has said Russia has 41,000 troops at its bor-

President Joe Biden participates virtually in the CEO Summit on Semiconductor and Supply Chain Resilience in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, April 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

42,000 more in Crimea. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday the military buildup of the past three weeks was part of readiness drills in response to what he described as threats from NATO. He added the maneuvers in western Russia would last for two more weeks.

“The troops have shown their full readiness to fulfill tasks to ensure the country’s security,” Shoigu said.

The Kremlin in a statement said “during an exchange of opinions on Ukraine’s internal political crisis,” Putin told Biden about “approaches to a political settlement” based on the 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany and signed in Minsk, Belarus.

The W hite House provided no details on the timing or location of Biden’s proposed summit.

Shortly after talking to Biden, Putin called Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, according to the Kremlin.

Finland was the venue for several meetings of Russian and U.S. leaders. It hosted a summit between Leonid Brezhnev and Gerald Ford in 1975, a meeting of Mikhail Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush in 1990, talks between Boris Yeltsin and Bill Clinton in 1997, and, most recently, a summit between Trump and Putin in July 2018.

Austria also is ready to serve as a summit venue, according to a spokesperson for the Austrian Foreign Ministry quoted by Russian news agencies.

Putin has repeatedly brushed off calls by U.S. officials to cease provocations on Ukraine’s border and on

other issues. Still, the White House said that holding talks can be useful.

“When it comes to diplomacy you don’t stop calling for what are the right actions and the appropriate actions and the actions the global community believes are right just because you see a hesitation,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

Earlier Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Brussels for meetings with NATO allies and Ukraine’s foreign minister, accused Russia of taking “very provocative” actions with the massing of troops.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also called the Russian movements “unjustified, unexplained and deeply concerning.” He said the Russian deployment was the largest concentration of troops near the Ukrainian border since 2014.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Western countries to make clear to Moscow that it would pay a price for its “aggression.”

“The U.S. stands firmly behind the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Blinken told Kuleba at the start of their meeting at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, a post once held by Blinken’s uncle.

“That’s particularly important at a time when we’re seeing, unfortunately, Russia take very provocative actions when it comes to Ukraine.”

Kuleba replied that Ukraine was grateful for the support of the U.S. and NATO, an alliance that Kyiv is looking to join over fierce Russian objections.

Leonid Slutsky, a senior Russian lawmaker who chairs the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of parliament, said Biden’s call marked “a step away from confrontation to dialogue.”

Pope Asks US Bishop To Resign After abused a 16-year-old boy in Cover-up Investigation the early 1970s. The victim,

ROME (AP) — A bishop in Minnesota resigned Tuesday at the request of Pope Francis after he was investigated by the Vatican for allegedly interfering with past investigations into clergy sexual abuse, officials said.

The Vatican said Francis accepted the resignation of Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner and named a temporary replacement to run the diocese. Hoeppner is 71, four years shy of the normal retirement age for bishops.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston said the pontiff asked Hoeppner to resign following the Vatican probe, which it said arose from reports that the bishop “had at times failed to observe applicable norms when presented with allegations of sexual abuse involving

clergy.”

The Vatican and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops simultaneously announced Hoeppner’s resignation and the appointment of the Most Rev. Richard E. Pate, the retired bishop of Des Moines, as a temporary administrator without commenting on the reason for the change.

The diocese of Crookston counts nearly 35,000 Catholics in northern Minnesota.

The Vatican had tasked St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop Bernard Hebda with conducting a preliminary investigation. Last year, Hebda’s office announced that the Holy See had authorized a more indepth probe.

Hoeppner is accused of stating that a priest was fit for ministry despite allegedly knowing the priest had

Ron Vasek, later sued the diocese, alleging that Hoeppner blackmailed him into retracting his allegations against Monsignor Roger Grundhaus. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed sum in 2017.

Hoeppner was the first bishop known to be investigated by the Vatican under a 2019 law that Francis approved laying out the procedures to conduct preliminary investigations against bishops accused of sex abuse or cover-up.

He has said in sworn testimony that he was trying to protect the victim’s confidentiality by stating that Grundhaus was fit for ministry. He has said Grundhaus continues to deny Vasek’s allegations.

In this Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 file photo, Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner of Crookston, Minn. prays during a semi-annual meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in Baltimore. A Minnesota bishop who was investigated by the Vatican for allegedly interfering with past investigations into clergy sexual abuse has resigned.

The Vatican said Tuesday, April 13, 2021 that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner and named a temporary replacement to run the dioceses. (AP Photo/ Steve Ruark, File)

Ex-officer Appeals 20-year Sentence For Killing Black Man COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A white former police officer serving 20 years in prison for killing an unarmed Black man in South Carolina who ran from a traffic stop said his lawyer never told him about a plea offer from prosecutors that could have cut years off his sentence.

Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager is requesting a new sentence in federal court this week, saying he would have taken the deal and that his lawyer was grossly incompetent for not telling him about it.

Andy Savage is one of South Carolina’s most accomplished attorneys and at the time was also representing a Black church member whose life was spared in a racist massacre that killed nine people in a Charleston church in 2015, two months after Slager’s arrest.

Prosecutors said Savage’s mistake didn’t rise above the very high bar of tossing out Slager’s sentence and added that the

attorney’s defense was excellent in almost every other way.

Slager’s sentence is one of the longest given for an onduty shooting in recent years.

Slager pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights charge in 2017 for shooting Walter Scott in the back five times on April 4, 2015. Slager had pulled over the 50-year-old Black motorist for a broken brake light when their confrontation was captured on a bystander’s cellphone video that later spread worldwide on social media.

In the encounter, the two could be seen tumbling to the ground after Slager hit Scott with a Taser. Authorities said their investigation found Scott got back up and was shot five times in the back from a distance of about 15 feet (5 meters) as he ran from the officer.

The shooting itself was captured on video, something Slager didn’t know when he initially told investigators that Scott had charged at him after stealing his Taser.

Slager’s new lawyers aren’t questioning his guilt, just a sentence that according to federal prison records will keep him behind bars until 2033.

The two-day virtual federal appeals hearing that started Monday focuses on Slager’s former attorney Andy Savage and whether he did his job on a defense that cost nearly $100,000 in taxpayer money.

W hile Slager pleaded guilty to a civil rights offense, the length of his sentence depended on how federal judge David Norton interpreted the shooting. If it was voluntary manslaughter committed in the heat of passion, sentencing guidelines meant Slager might have faced as little as seven years.

But Norton ruled the shooting amounted to second-degree murder because Slager fired nine shots total and lied about Scott stealing his Taser.

Savage said in court papers he did not tell Slager about the potential plea deal

offered eight months before because of a conversation he had with federal judge David Norton during a private meeting about public funding for Slager’s defense where the judge said this “is not a murder case.”

Savage took it to believe Norton was going to rule it was a manslaughter case where the upper end of the sentencing guidelines were eight years in prison, nearly four years less than the lower end of the prosecution’s offer. He recommended Slager plead guilty without the deal.

Savage never asked Norton for clarity. In court papers in Slager’s appeal, Norton said he was discussing Slager’s state trial on murder charges which had already taken place and ended in a mistrial.

Slager said he first heard about the prosecution’s plea deal when Savage visited him in the federal prison in Colorado where he is serving his sentence.

Slager’s state murder charge was dropped as part of the federal plea deal. He could have faced life in prison if convicted of that charge.

Savage has been a lawyer since 1975. He is well known in Charleston for taking on some of the area’s toughest cases — a policeman charged in the death of a city jail inmate or a 17-yearold girl facing the death penalty in the slaying of a smalltown police chief.

Savage testified Monday during the virtual hearing held by federal judge Richard Gergel, saying he gave the defense of Slager all he had and he thought Norton considered all the facts before handing down his sentence.

Savage said his regret was misreading the case. “I had misinterpreted signals that I received, one of which was from Judge Norton. I wanted Michael to get the best possible outcome, and he didn’t,” Savage said, according to The State newspaper’s coverage of Monday’s hearing.

Gergel told Savage that sometimes “people want to blame lawyers for outcomes, but lawyers are advocates, they are not magicians are they?”

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CAFCC: Enyimba’s Opponent Drag Orlando Pirates To CAF Over Covid 19 Results Ahead of the next game against Nigeria’s representative Enyimba international Enyimba international, Libya’s side Ahly Benghazi have filed complaints to Africa soccer governing body over the covid 19 results of their players against South Africa’s Orlando P i r a t e s , BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Josef Zinnbauer’s Orlando Pirates side thumped the Libyan giants 3-0 at the Orlando stadium on Sunday evening and took charge Group A in the CAF Confederation Cup in the process.

Al Ahli Benghazi were without six players as well as Serbian coach Dejan Arsov after they were infected with COVID-19.

It has since been claimed that a number

of players have tested negative at alternate testing laboratories and the club are filing a complaint to CAF. Benghazi who is placed last with 4 points will host Enyimba international next Wednesday in the match day 5 of the competition.

NSF: Edo Cricketers end Games In Grand Style As Male, Female Emerge Overall Champions

Enyinba Squad

20th NSF: Delta Dominate Golf’s Medals Table With 5 Gold Team Delta on Tuesday towered above other participating states during the medals’ presentation ceremony for the golf competition at the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players from 18 states participated in the

competition, but Team Delta clinched five gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

Team Bayelsa claimed three gold, five silver and two bronze medals to place second, while Plateau won three gold, two silver and one bronze medals to place third on the table.

20th NSF: Delta Dominate Golf’s Medals Table With 5 Gold Team Delta on Tuesday towered above other participating states during the medals’ presentation ceremony for the golf competition at the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players from 18 states participated in the competition, but Team Delta

clinched five gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

Team Bayelsa claimed three gold, five silver and two bronze medals to place second, while Plateau won three gold, two silver and one bronze medals to place third on the table.

Addressing journalists shortly after presenting the medals to their winners, Edo Deputy Governor,

Stephanie Onusiriuka, a karate expert at the Edo 2020 NSF

Philip Shaibu, commended all participants for showing a strong zeal during the competition.

“For us in Edo, we have the governor, Godwin Obaseki, as a golfer, myself the deputy governor a golfer, and the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, as a golfer too,” he said.

Shaibu who is the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman added that hosting the festival’s 20th edition would help to return sports to “Edo the home of sports”.

“When we were given the hosting rights, we promised to set a template for other states willing to host the next edition, about how the festival should be hosted.

“Now we have set a standard which any other state will copy,” he said.

Addressing journalists shortly after presenting the medals to their winners, Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, commended all participants for showing a strong zeal during the competition.

“For us in Edo, we have the governor, Godwin Obaseki, as a golfer, myself the deputy governor a golfer, and the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, as a golfer too,” he said.

Shaibu who is the

festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman added that hosting the festival’s 20th edition would help to return sports to “Edo the home of sports”.

“When we were given the hosting rights, we promised to set a template for other states willing to host the next edition, about how the festival should be hosted.

“Now we have set a standard which any other state will copy,” he said.

Edo cricket teams on Tuesday distinguished themselves in the field of play to emerge overrall champions on eve of closing ceremony of the 20th National Sports Festival ‘Edo 2020’ games.

The female side of the Host state raked in three gold while their male counterparts won one gold,one silver and one Bronze to amass four gold,one silver and Bronze to emerge overall champions.

In the female category of the game, Team Akwa Ibom won 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.Team Ebonyi: 1 Silver.Team Lagos: 1 Silver andTeam Kaduna left with 1 Bronze.

Other results in the men category have Team Kaduna in the second spot with 1 Gold and 1 Silver. Team Lagos followed with 1 Gold and 2 Bronze while Team Kwara were rewarded with 1 Silver for participating.

Meanwhile, the chairman Edo state Cricket Association and Vice President National Cricket Association Mr UYI AKPATA has made EDO 2020 FESTIVAL memorable for Edo Cricketers as he officially commissioned the newly constructed changing Rooms at IYOBA COLLEGE . Akpata also organised Medal presentation ceremony for the team at EDO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, Benin City. #

NSF: 10-year-old Gold Medalist Appeals For Support To Realise Olympic Dream Stephanie Onusiriuka, a 10-yearold gold medalist in Gymnastics has appealed for support to enable her to realise her dream of participating in the Olympics.

The gymnast, who represented Anambra at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin, won a gold medal in Aerobics, a silver medal each in Floor and Best-AllRound category and a bronze medal on Beam exercise.

Onusiriuka, who is also participating in the

National Sports Festival for the first time, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on W ednesday that she was excited about the victory.

“I feel very happy because this is my first National Sports Festival.

“Though I was scared of the other opponents at some point because they were doing ‘double back’, ‘double Arabian’ and ‘falling’.

“In the next 10 years, I see myself in the Olympics but I ask the government to give us

better equipment so that I can be able to do my ‘double back’ myself,” she said.

Amaka Onusiriuka, Stephanie’s mum who has been present with her daughter for over a week at the event, appealed for financial support to help the gymnast realise her dreams.

On his part, her coach Tony Asuquo promised that any investment on the gymnast would not go to waste.

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“Delta Will Host A Befitting National Sports Festival In With 139 gold, 98 silver 2022” – Okowa and 92 bronze medals already in their kitty at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival in Edo State, athletes, coaches and officials of Delta Sports Commission are sure of retaining their top position at the end of the fiesta on Wednesday.

Perhaps, what seems to be of concern to them at the moment is the state’s bid to host the 2022 edition of the sports festival. Two other states, including Kaduna and Oyo are also in the race for the hosting right.

Delta State Sports Commission boss, Tony Okowa, has submitted his state’s bid to the Sports ministry, hoping that Delta will be considered going by the determination of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to stage a befitting National Sports Festival in 2022.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, Delta has won the National Sports Festival six times in eight appearances. Delta won at Bauchi 2000, Abuja 2004 and Gateway 2006 under Chief James Ibori’s tenure, as well as Kada 2009 and Ek o 2012 under Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s regime. The Abuja 2018 was the first sports festival under Governor Okowa, though his regime has produced three consecutive vic-

tories at the National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State. And it stands, another win awaits Delta as the 20th National Sports Festival ends on Wednesday.

Speaking with BSN Sports at the mainbowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Tuesday, Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa confirmed that they have submitted the bid and the state is waiting to be announced as the host of the next National Sports Festival.

“We know we have submitted the bid and we are waiting for the outcome for government to give us green light to host the next National Sports Festival.”

Some athletes who spoke with BSN Sports yesterday believed that the 2022 edition of the fiesta will be better staged in Asaba, a city where people love to watch sporting activities.

“Since Okowa’s government completed the Stephen Keshi’s Stadium, the people of Asaba have shown to the rest of the world that they are the best in sports spectatorship.

They did it during the Africa Athletics championship and the Federations Cup. We have won virtu-

NPFL: Rangers Players Get One Week Break After an hectic first round the management of Nigeria Professional Football League Club Rangers international of Enugu has given the players a week break, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The League Management Company (LMC) few days back announced that the league will observe a midseason break after march day 19.

The management of the Flying Antelope announced the one week break on

Rangers Players

Tuesday evening which take effect almost immediately.

The players are expected to return on April 20th while the training will resume on 21st April, according to the club.

Rangers finished the first round in 4th place with 30 points in 18 matches and will resume the second round with away game to Adamawa United.

ally all editions of the sports festival, and it will be nice for Delta to host the 2022 edition for our people to see Nigerian athletes in action,” one of the athletes said.

To some of the athletes, it will be unwise to give the hosting right to any other state because Delta has the facilities to host a befitting sports festival.

Cameroon Players

2020 Olympic Qualifier : Chile Dumps Cameroon Out Tokyo Olympics In the men football event, Hope of Indomitable Lion- to turned the table on Tuesess of Cameroon to be the day as they could only play second Africa representa- out a goalless draw with the tive in upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic games has been extinguished, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

By Akpobaro Edesiri After becoming best placed women Africa team FINALLY, the much behind Zambia, Cameroon awaited National Sports were scheduled to have a Festival, otherwise known play off game with their as Edo 2020 NSF, clicounterpart from South maxed yesterday and this America, Chile but it was a is even as athletes from across the country have day to forget.

The qualifier supposed to proven themselves and displayed their very best so as be a two-legged affair but to be selected to represent was agreed to be played Nigeria in the forthcoming twice at the same venue in in Tokyo 2020 Olympics Turkey due to covid 19 re- games scheduled to commence Friday, July 23, strictions.

Chile won the first leg 1-2 2021 and ends Sunday, which was Cameroon’s August 8, 2021.

The Olympics which was home but the Africans failed

Chileans in the second leg.

South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire Zambia will therefore be and Egypt will represent the the sole African represencontinent. tative in the women’s event.

EDO 2020 NSF: Springboard For Achieving Greatness in Tokyo Olympics

Kano Pillars Agree To Sign Musa On Short Term Deal Kano Pillars Football Club have agreed to sign on Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa for the rest of the season.

Idris Malikawa, the club’s Media Officer, in a statement on Tuesday in Kano disclosed that the club’s chairman, Surajo Shuaibu, announced the deal.

“Shuaibu said the club management has agreed to sign Ahmed Musa for the rest of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

“He said the club agreed to sign the player after consultations with him and the League Management Company (LMC) which stands as mediator of the deal,” the Media Officer said.

He added that Kano Pillars received a letter in that respect from the LMC, signed by its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salihu Abubakar.

It stated that the club would take on Musa as an Elite Player of the league for the season’s second half.

meant to hold last year in Tokyo, Japan was shifted to this year owing to the advent of the novel Coronavirus Pandemic, popularly known as COVID19 19.

Nigeria had hosted a numbers of competition this year as way of testing the performance of athletes and finding athletes that would represent the nation in the upcoming Olympic games.

Ranging from Athletes Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Allcomers to Making of Champions (MOC) Grand Prix in Lagos to the National Sports Festival.

Nigeria is expected to present at least 3 athletes for each event for the Olympics.

From the outcome of the previous Olympics games, Nigeria Athletes should bear it in mind on what they are to face during this competition.

The country would be facing the very best in the

world of sports and would need to be effectively ready for the battle ahead.

Some of Nigeria athletes had been able to make time range for the Olympics.

One of the male athlet is ‘Raymond Ekevwo’.

Raymond Ekevwo being the 10th male Sprinter to run under 10s in the 100m.

Raymond has risen to being the fastest man in Africa sprinting wise. He currently runs a 9s as at 2019.

He was a semifinalist at the 2019 world athletics championship in Doha and despite the cut down in 2020 covid 19 pandemic, he ran a 6.53s over 60m and secure the SEC indoor title in February.

Also, Grace Nwokocha had qualified for the 100m and 200m in the Tokyo 2020.

Minister Assures Of Support To States Directors Of Sports The Ministry of Youth and sports Development has assured that it would continue to collaborate with State Directors of Sports to ensure sports development in the country as well as to empower the Youths in line with the policy thrust of *President Muhammadu Buhari*.

This assurance was given by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development *Chief Sunday Dare* when he met with the new executive of the Forum of Direc-

tors of Sports in Benin. *Chief Dare* said Government was determined to empower the Youth through sports for the economic growth of the country.

While commending the State Directors of Sports for conducting a peaceful, free and fair election, *Chief Dare* assured that the Ministry would sustain the existing cordial relationship with the Directors to identify talents that would represent the country at international competitions. The

Minister said the State Directors of Sports from the 36 states and FCT deserve commendation for their maturity and unity of purpose which culminated into a peaceful and fair election .

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Nebeolisa Anako acknowledged the State Directors of Sports/ Zonal Chairmen as a formidable team that had always added value to sports development in the country.

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

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Staff of the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, during a walk to mark the International Day for Street Children, in Benin City recently

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Dino Ebarakumo, an alleged Kenyan LONG-DISTANCE Runner Mercenary hired by Bayelsa State during the just concluded Edo State 2020 National Sports.

Deepening Electricity Supply Via FG’s Solar Power Naija Programme Improving access to electricity has remained a key focus of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s interventions in the power sector.

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have over the years steered the plan to provide offgrid solutions to the country’s energy challenges.

With the adoption and implementation of the E c o n o m i c Sustainability Plan (ESP)’s Solar Power Naija Programme, the Federal Government is taking its off-grid initiative to another level.

The programme will provide electricity access to five million households, serving about 25 million Nigerians in rural areas and under-served urban communities nationwide.

On April 9, the solar power scheme was launched in Jangefe, a small community in the Kazaure Emirate, Roni Local Government Area of Jigawa.

With the commencement of the administration’s solar power scheme, the community will get 1,000 Solar Home Systems connections for its about 5,000 population.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who inaugurated the scheme at Jangefe, said that the rollout would continue across the six geo-political zones.

“Other solar companies are also in the pipeline for the Solar Power Naija facility to continue the march to five million connections during the life of this administration.

“From Jangefe, the scheme will then go to the entire 36 states and the FCT covering 25 million Nigerians in the end.

“This will further improve access to electricity nationwide, especially as available statistics (World Bank 2020 Report) indicate that 97 million people or 47 per cent of Nigeria’s population do not get electricity from the national grid.

“Indeed, the commencement of the ESP Solar Power Naija Programme marks a significant leap from what, in the past decade, had seemed like an impossible task of expanding electricity access, especially to rural communities.’’

NDPHC and REA, have the responsibility of implementing the ESP’s five million solar connections initiative.

At the end of the implementation of the scheme, NDPHC and REA, leading other private sector partners would have provided access to 25 million Nigerians across the country and in the process, creating over 250,

000 jobs in solar power assembling, servicing, maintenance and payment systems.

In the same vein, since January 2017, when the administration, through NDPHC, launched the first phase of its off-grid initiative, known as “Beyond the Grid Project,” providing 20,000 solar units to off-grid communities across the country, the plan to electrify all Nigerian communities has progressed steadily.

On the other hand, REA, as an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria provides electricity to rural and underserved communities.

The agency is currently working on 197 capital projects in the six geopolitical zones.

It also supports off-grid development projects which have proven to be more cost-effective than connecting to the grid in remote areas of the country.

The Solar Power Naija Implementation Blueprint spells out the role of REA in the programme.

“REA will drive the implementation, while private companies will install and manage the home systems, drawing funding from a low-cost loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Through a World Bank and REA programme

called the Nigerian Electrification Programme (NEP), each connection under the Solar Power Naija Programme will receive a 20 per cent rebate for the developer, thus allowing the rates charged to consumers to be reduced by the same amount.”

Osinbajo gave more insights on the role of the REA, while inaugurating the solar power scheme in Jigawa.

He said that structures had been put in place to make the connections cost affordable for all.

“In addition to the concessionary lending rates, the government has provided subsidies and rebates for private developers to the tune of over 200 million dollars under REA and World Bank Nigeria Electrification Programme. “ The programme incorporates several innovative solutions to increase affordability for the citizens, while also providing sufficient comfort to investors and financiers alike.

“The Solar Power Naija Programme, designed by the Rural Electrification Agency, is an ambitious initiative that aims to create five million connections through a N140 billion financing programme that will support private developers to provide power for five million households, which means providing electricity for up to 25 million Nigerians,’’ he said.

MATTERS IN FOCUS

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO The role of the REA in this regard is to provide the regulatory framework for the implementation of the scheme, serving as the link between the consumers and the service providers on one hand, and the service providers and government, on the other hand.

The NDPHC, on its part, will leverage its track record and expertise in providing off-grid solutions to the country’s energy challenge.

The company had in 2017 launched 20,000 units of solar home system for rural communities not connected to the grid.

Building on this background, the agency’s target is to provide 100,000 units in the first phase of the five million connections.

It was incorporated with the mandate to manage the power projects tagged ‘National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP)’ and in the past few years got involved in off-grid initiatives, all in a bid to improve power generation and distribution especially to rural communities.

On his part, the Managing Director of NDPHC, Mr Chiedu Ugbo, said the company had creditably acquitted itself in solar power projects.

“We have a track record in implementing solar

power project; we have done 20,000 units already, that is being enjoyed by communities across the country.

“Here today, we are kickstarting the 100,000 Solar Home System, and we are taking this as phase 2 of our Beyond the Grid project at the NDPHC. “From this community, we will be going to other communities across the country and we are starting this phase with 100,000 units.

“It is an economic programme of government as well; what that means is that it is beyond providing electricity.

“We have job creation as part of the benefits of this scheme. We are targeting about 250,000 jobs from the entire programme; the first phase we did which was just 20,000 units created about 500 jobs,” he said.

Partnering with A-SOLAR, a local solar power company implementing aspects of the Solar Power Naija scheme, delivering 1,000 units in Jangefe community, the NDPHC is poised to deliver 100,000 units across the country in the first phase of the project.

Observers say the solar power scheme is capable of turning around Nigeria’s perennial electricity challenges.

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