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Economy

DPR lauds marketers’ compliance with industry rules in Anambra

DPR lauds marketers’ compliance with industry rules in Anambra
Marketers
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Dec. 28, 2020 (NAN) The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has lauded marketers in Anambra for their eagerness to abide by the rules of the industry.
Mr Okiemute Akpomudjere, Operations Controller of DPR in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Monday in Awka that marketers complied with price and standard metering.
Akpomudjere said that the number of applications for new and renewal of licenses were impressive in the outgoing year.
“The downstream sector in Anambra is commendable in terms of compliance.
“Operators are eager to get their licenses and those of them whose license have not been renewed for a long time applied for renewal, even during the pandemic.
“There was a lot of improvement in 2020 compared to last year and I expect that 2021 will be more inspiring because applications for it have started coming in,” he said.
Akpomudjere said the department had been interfacing with petroleum marketers, engine oil and gas dealers on how to do business within Standard Operations Procedure.
He gave the assurance that DPR would continue to ensure that only quality and certified lubricants were in circulation in the state.
He also expressed delight that petroleum products related fire accidents were not prevalent as in the past years, attributing it to effective safety awareness and stronger government regulations.
“Part of our responsibility is to ensure that quality of lubricants in our markets are up to standard and we have taken a position that only the people that are licensed to operate Lube oil blending plants are those that bring in Base oil into Nigeria.
“Illegal blending plants are in the processes of being licensed so that they won’t be illegal anymore.
“I am sure the awareness on fire safety is helping drastically in reducing fire incidents related to petroleum,” he said. (NAN)
APC/ENN/IAA
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Isaac Aregbesola

Economy

Economy: Nigeria should avoid another COVID-19 lockdown in 2021… ANSAA boss

Economy
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Dec. 27, 2020(NAN) Nigerians should do all to avoid another round of lockdown in 2021 that could impact more adversely on the economy, Chief Jude Emecheta, the Managing Director, Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) has said.

Emecheta said in Awka on Sunday that ANSAA could only realise 15 per cent of its revenue projection of  N1 billion in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and EndSARS protest.

He said that the agency could not enforce revenue collection or prosecute defaulters because businesses and government institutions could not operate for about six months.

According to him, the pandemic had serious negative impact on the ANSAA component of Anambra revenue projections in 2020.

“For six months we did not step into the field to work; you know normally people don’t want to pay, so we need to go and remind them, if possible force them to pay.

“When we wanted to go out the young boys came with EndSARS and after one month of the protest, the Police which provide protection for citizens did not work for another one month. In all we lost eight of the 12 months in the year.

“Government also announced reliefs for Nigerians including tax and levy holiday for businesses, so for ANSAA it was a serious revenue shock, we fell far short of our projections.

“We targeted one billion naira, but I am afraid if we actually made N100 million,” he said.

Emecheta said the economic recovery path of Nigeria should not be interrupted with another lockdown, adding that this could eventually lead to long term recession.

He said that the authorities should view the COVID-19 era as a reality and brace up for effective management of the pandemic while keeping the economy running.

“My honest view is that there should be no lockdown in 2021, people should be allowed to go about their normal businesses and anybody who falls sick of COVID-19 should go to hospital and be treated like every other patient.

“They should leave the economy open. With more lockdown, people would not be able to pay for COVID-19 treatment. Those who are sound in the family should go and fend for those who are down,” the signage agency’s boss said.(NAN)
APC/AOS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

General news

Include private medical practitioners in containment, management of COVID-19 –NMA Chair

Include private medical practitioners in containment, management of COVID-19 –NMA Chair

NMA
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Dec. 25, 2020 (NAN) Dr Jide Onyekwelu , Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra chapter, has called for inclusion of private medical practitioners in the national strategy for containment and management of COVID-19.

In his Christmas message made available on Friday, in Awka, Onyekwelu said private practitioners needed medical logistics, like their government-owned counterparts, because they were the healthcare providers with the deepest reach to the people and most times provide the primary services on undifferentiated patients.

He said this was the reason why the NMA in the state ensured that members of Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) benefitted from medical supplies and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) it distributed during the year.

“The spectrum of involvement of the private sector in health is often not appreciated in health intervention programs and logistics.

“The doctor in the private consulting clinic attends to the undifferentiated patient. Before he suspects that his patient has COVID-19, he must have interacted with him, his facility and staff must have been exposed.

“The doctor attending to COVID-19 patient in an isolation center already knows what he is up against and prepares with appropriate PPE. It is not so with the private practitioner, that is the primary care physician.

“This private practitioner is most vulnerable and needs the most protection, NMA Anambra State appreciates the dilemma of the private medical practitioner, which informed the donation of the PPEs to AGPMPN,” he said.

According to him, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical Center, Awka got supplies of the equipment.

He said that the association, through the International Society of the Red Cross, attracted PPE worth N2.5 million and training of 25 doctors, who would in turn trained others in the state.

The NMA chairman said 2020 was a challenging year for Nigeria, especially in the health sector, adding that COVID-19 exposed the challenges and inadequacies in the nation’s health sector.

He however applauded the Anambra government for putting in place medical facilities that eased the process of sample collection and testing in the state.

“On Feb. 27, COVID-19 hit Nigeria, it brought in its trail sequences of devastation on our economy. At various stages, schools shutdown, hospitality industry shutdown, travels were banned, social gatherings stopped, churches closed their doors to worshippers.

“Medical tourism came to an abrupt halt and the inadequacies of our healthcare delivery system were exposed, it revealed the gaps that would have been filled if past governments were serious with healthcare provision in the country,” he said.

Onyekwelu advised that threats of a second wave of COVID-19 should be taken seriously and that all preventive protocols should be observed as Nigerians celebrate Christmas and new year festivities.

He stressed that the greatest protection we all needed was to strictly obey the COVID-19 protocol: wash your hands regularly and sanitize as necessary; wear face mask always and correctly and maintain social distancing.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us have our eyes wide open, gatherings are inevitable. We must as much as possible, in areas where we have jurisdiction, ensure that gatherings are in the open space where social distancing can be maintained.

“For the healthcare providers, we additionally need to maintain standard precautions always, use appropriate PPEs always and believe in God,” he said.(NAN)
APC/MMA

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Edited by Mouktar Adamu

Metro

Cleric remembers indigent persons at Christmas

Cleric remembers indigent persons at Christmas
Donation
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Dec. 23, 2020 (NAN) The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, on Wednesday donated food items, clothing and cash to at least 300 indigent widows and other vulnerable persons in Awka, the Anambra capital.
In a remark while handing over the items to the beneficiaries at St. Patricks Cathedral, Awka, Ezeokafor said that the gesture was meant to cushion their hardship during the Yuletide.
He described Christmas as a season of love and sharing, adding that many Nigerians were going through hardship as a result of COVID-19.
He appealed to wealthy Nigerians and political leaders to use the period of the Yuletide to touch lives, especially the under-privileged.
The cleric thanked supporters of the church, who contributed the items, for their generosity.
“Giving is not because somebody has so much. It is the ability and willingness to give from the little one has.
“We are here to celebrate Christmas with the poor and this programme is non-denominational. “This is what we do every Holy Saturday prior to Easter but the COVID-19 crisis prevented us this year.
“This is a time of sharing gifts and showing love. Showing love to one another is the highest thing to share.
“Just like God sent his son, Jesus Christ, so, we too have gathered in the same spirit to show love to the poor among us.
“Our leaders need to be up and doing to improve the conditions of the citizenry.
“This will help to reduce the number of the poor in society and take beggars off the street,” he said.
Ezeokafor also called on Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols, considering the confirmation of the emergence of the second wave of the pandemic across the world.
According to him, the Church is watching the intensity of the second wave.
“We will not hesitate to apply the protocols to stem the spread of the pandemic in the church.
“COVID-19 is real. Ensure you observe all the precautionary measures to stay protected.
“Take responsibility, do anything to save your life because self preservation is the most important,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donated items included 200 bags of rice, noodles and plantain, amongst others. (NAN)
APC/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

 

 

 

 

 

 

General news

Yuletide: DPR, IPMAN promise petrol availability in South East

Yuletide: DPR, IPMAN promise petrol availability in South East

Petrol

Chimezie Anaso

Awka, Dec. 22, 2020 (NAN) Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the South East, on Tuesday, assured customers in the zone of sufficient products supply during the Yuletide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filling stations in Awka sell fuel between N163 and N167 per litre.

Officials of the DPR and IPMAN advised customers against panic-buying of the products as there was enough quantity to serve the state during the Christmas and New Year period.

Mr Okiemute Akpomudjere, the DPR Operations Controller, Anambra office, told NAN that there was no need for panic-buying by customers or hoarding by marketers during the period.

”We have enough supply for Anambra; there is no need for panic-buying by customers or hoarding by marketers”, Akpomudjere said.

He warned marketers against hoarding as the department would not condone artificial scarcity.

He said the market had been deregulated and that customers now have the options of buying in filling stations which sold at cheaper rate.

“On our part, we will continue with our monitoring to ensure that marketers give the right dispensing by ensuring that the gauge is within the tolerance limit.

“Government has removed five naira per litre, it is our duty to ensure that it is enforced but we advise customers to be sensitive to price differences and patronise the ones that give them greater value,” he said.

He promised that the DPR would continue to ensure that customers got value for their money.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, IPMAN Chairman, Enugu Depot, also told NAN that allocation to the zone which include Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states was sufficient.

Anyaso blamed the price differences on how individual stations sourced their products and the cost of transport.

He, however, stressed the need for the marketers to sell competitively.

He noted that five naira per litre reduction had not been effective because marketers had not been loading at the NNPC depots.

“The zone is ‘wet’ , we hope to have a seamless distribution this period but the only challenge is that we are relying on private depots and that has affected our pump price.

“We want to be lifting product from the NNPC depots. The one in Enugu should be revitalised, this will reduce our landing cost and help us sell at the cheapest possible rate,” he said.(NAN)
APC/CHIN/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Sport

Ex Falcon player, Maureen Madu, trains 100 budding female footballers in Anambra

Training
By Chimezie Anaso

Awka, Dec. 20, 2020 (NAN) No fewer than 100 aspiring female football stars are taking part in the 5-day training programme organised by Maureen Madu, former Nigeria international female football star.
The training holding at Anglican Girls Grammar School, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra also has former female football players and referees in the team of trainers.
The girls were between the ages of 10 and 15 years.
Speaking to journalists, Madu said the kids would learn the basic football tips in two sessions each day with fitness drills and dance to make it fun.
She said though she made provision for 300 kids as initially planned, she was impressed with the number of participants that turned out adding that she was still expecting more to join the camp as the number of forms sold had not been exhausted.
“Some of them are still on the way, we sold more forms than those here; again, some parents thought it was not going to be this serious.
“Others considered that Christmas was close, but I am impressed with the outcome in this first edition,” she said.
The former Olympic and World Cup star said her vision was to expose young girls to the opportunities that abound in football as a career choice just as their male counterparts.
She said the trainees with best prospects would be mentored to become potential signings for local and international clubs.
She said the girls would also be encouraged to pursue excellence in their education while playing football.
Victor Nwangwu, a veteran football administrator, who was in the camp said it was emotional to him seeing such number of aspiring female footballers.
Nwangwu commended Madu for giving back to the society that made her while urging the girls to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Time is past when they said football is not for girls, everywhere there is male football, there is also female version, that is why female league is everywhere, I thank Maureen for the opportunity she is giving to these kids,” he said.
Mr Raymond Odenigbo, one of the parents said he was happy his daughter was part of the programme as he had wanted to take sports seriously.
Odenigbo said sports helped to build the complete child adding that nothing was lost even if she did not take it to professional level.
“I am happy she is here, if she was in the house she would not have been doing anything, so she is at the best place at this time,” he said.

Maureen Madu is a coach and former midfielder. As a player, she most recently represented Avaldsnes IL, a first Division team based in Norway’s west coast.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden Anambra Football Kiddies Camp would end on Dec. 23. (NAN)
APC/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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Metro

Gov. Obiano dethrones 3 traditional rulers, reinstates 5 others

Dethronement
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, Dec. 18, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has withdrawn the certificates of appointment of three traditional rulers in the state and also reinstated five others.

Chief Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs announced this on Friday in Awka.

Obi in a statement dated Dec. 17 and entitled:  “Update on Suspension of Igwes in Anambra’’ said the governor acted according to the powers vested on him by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, 2007.

He gave the names of the traditional rulers who had their certificates withdrawn as,   Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia Town, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G. B. C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

The governor announced the lifting of suspension on five traditional rulers including , Igwe Simon Chidibem of Umumbo, Igwe A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Obiora of Ezira.

Obi said the withdrawal and reinstatement of the certificates were with immediate effect.

According to the statement, the government is also reviewing the suspension slammed on Igwe Kelly Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu.

Obi said all the affected traditional rulers have one month to submit the certificates of recognition to the Secretary of the Local Government of their communities from the day of the announcement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Anambra government on Aug. 11, 2020 suspended 12 traditional rulers for alleged gross misconduct.

According to  Obi who announced the suspension, during the sanction period, the suspended traditional rulers are required to stop holding court as traditional rulers and to desist from discharging traditional rulers’ functions in their  communities or anywhere in the state and beyond.

“This sanction may be lifted at the end of one year or renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of your conduct.

“By this sanction, membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council is hereby revoked, also, any appointment in other government committee is hereby rescinded,” he said. (NAN)
APC/CHOM/JIE
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

 

 

Metro

Resident doctors partner FMBN on housing to curb members’ migration

Resident doctors partner FMBN on housing to curb members’ migration

Doctors

By Chimezie Anaso

Awka, Dec. 14, 2020 (NAN) The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has started an affordable housing scheme for 4,000 members across the country to curb emigration in the sector.

Dr Uyilawa Okhuaibesuyi, NARD’s National President said at a ceremony to launch the scheme in Isiagu layout, Anambra on Monday.

Okhuaibesuyi said leadership of the association had realised that improving working conditions of workers was not only through salary increment, but also ensuring that their basic needs were met.

He identified one of such needs as accommodation, which he said had become a major challenge to members.

Okhuaibesuyi said that the scheme was in partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and estate development company, Daniel-Bob Nigeria Ltd.

The NARD leader, who expressed worry about the “high rate of brain drain among Nigerian doctors”, hoped that the scheme would help members access the FMBN housing fund, and also tackle some of the challenges bedeviling the medical practitioners.

“For the first phase, we are targeting people who have indicated interest in the six zones of Nigeria. The dream of this leadership is to improve the welfare of members and check brain drain.

“We have a competent developer, Daniel-Bob Ltd, which will help us because the company has done similar verifiable projects,’’ he said.

Dr Collins Iyelobu Chairman, NARD’s Housing Committee, said the national body was trying to replicate the success recorded at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where a similar scheme was used to secure accommodation for 65 staff.

He assured the 16, 000 doctors in the association that their housing needs would be taken care of as they keyed into the scheme.

He urged doctors and other health workers to take advantage of the scheme, as the project would be delivered as agreed because of the credibility and track record of the developer.

“We have about 1,800 doctors in the South East and that constitutes a large chunk of our membership, so that is why we decided to kick it off here.

“We are of the view that this affordable housing opportunity will make doctors planning to leave the country to have a rethink.

“The prototypes are in four variants, including; three bedroom terrace, three-bedroom semi detached duplex, four-bedroom semi detached and four-bedroom fully detached.

“All the detached houses are with boys’ quarters and the area, with beautiful environment, measures about 15 hectares,’’ he said.

Iyelobu said that the second phase of estate in Anambra, set to begin in the second quarter of 2021, was intended for about 525 members.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Daniel-Bob Ltd, Chief Daniel Orji, said the ceremony was a milestone in the partnership, describing it as the beginning of good things to come the way of doctors in Nigeria.

Orji explained that the estate, when completed, would be equipped with basic facilities such as access roads, water supply, police post, creche and schools, as well as a medical post.

“We all know there is housing deficit in Nigeria; group efforts such as this will help to address the shortage, and that is what Daniel-Bob is working at across the country,’’ he said.

While pledging that the project would be executed in line with best practices, Orji lauded NARD for the initiative, which according to him will go a long way in addressing its members’ housing deficits.

He said his company’s mission was to ensure a smooth collaboration with the FMBN in helping civil servants and other government workers access the NHF to get decent and affordable accommodation. (NAN)

APC/CHIN/DOR
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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Politics

PDP urges NASS to jettison Social Media Bill

Bill

By Chimezie Anaso

Awka, Dec. 11, 2020 (NAN) Prince Uche Secondus, National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to kill the Social Media Bill before it.

He said that passing the bill would  kill the innovativeness and energy of Nigerian youths.

Secondus said this in his address at the PDP National Youth Summit for the South East geopolitical zone, held in Anambra on Friday.

He said the world had advanced and that only those that were Information and Technology driven, would compete adding that Nigeria had mass of innovative and energetic youths that could make the country one of the most competitive in the world.

According to him, soon, Nigerian  youths will develop alternative source for electricity for Nigeria to have constant power for its industries, including other ideas that will create jobs.

“I believe in the youths, the capacity of the youths, the intellectual capacity of the youths, the PDP believe that it is only the youths that can sit  to create wealth and millions of jobs, using new technology, that is the way to go.

“We rely on youths across this nation, that is why our policy as a party is that all the states controlled by the PDP must include youths in their structures and provide a platform for them to research and innovate.

“The social media bill before the national assembly must be killed, our leaders in NASS are here, if they go ahead to tamper with what is already existing, it means that our youths cannot make progress like their counterparts in other countries including Kenya,” he said.

He however, urged Nigerian youths to be law abiding.

South East Zonal Chairman of the party, Ali Odefa, said PDP youths were among the most refined youths in Nigeria, and that the party remained the most youth-friendly party in view of the number of offices they occupied in its structures.

He said South East still belonged to the PDP in spite of defection of Ebonyi  governor, Chief Dave Umahi.

“Despite what has happened (defection) the South East remains in PDP. What has happened recently is just a temporary setback. Ebonyi remains a PDP state and we will correct that very soon.

“We will demonstrate that South East is for PDP by taking Anambra in 2021. See the number of national assembly members we have in Anambra, how come we are unable to win the governorship seat? That is the mathematics we will solve very soon,” he said.

Mr Udeh Okoye, National Youth Leader of the party,  said youths had better opportunities under PDP government.

Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, Chairman of PDP in Anambra,  thanked the youths for their commitment and resolve to support the party to victory in spite the challenges.

Nwobu said the youths were crucial to the success of PDP in Anambra 2021 governorship election and assured that the party would reclaim the Anambra Government House with their positive contributions.

The summit was attended by youths from all the states in the South east, and also leaders of the party in the zone.

Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman of the party, Sen. Walid Jibril, Enugu State governor, Mr  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Vice presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi, Senate minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe were among those who attended the summit. (NAN)
APC/CHOM/MNA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

 

 

General news

Obiano pledges to complete all ongoing road projects before leaving office in 2022

Roads
By Chimezie Anaso
Nsugbe(Anambra), Dec.7, 2020 (NAN) Anambra State Government says all the ongoing road projects being executed by Gov. Willie Obiano-led administration will be completed before the end of his tenure in March 17, 2022.
The State Commissioner for Works, Chief Marcel Ifejiofor, made the disclosure on Monday during the inspection of Nsugbe/Akpaka road project in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
Ifejiofor said the government regarded road projects as very important way of developing the state, saying, “our concern is not to count the number of kilometers of roads we constructed, but the positive impact the roads make on a people.”
According to him, we hope and believe that this dry season, people living in Nsugbe area will smile because government will encourage the company handling this project to ensure it completed the work on this very important road.

“We are impressed with the contractor and others handling our road projects because they are working according to specifications,” he said.

Ifejiofor said that most of the road projects being done by the state recorded slow progress in 2020 due to the effects of Coronavirus and other environmental challenges this year.
“All that we are assuring the people of the state is that no ongoing road project would be left uncompleted before the end of this government.
“As soon as the 2021 budget is passed into law, we will add more roads and ensure that every road we started would be delivered,” he said.
Ifejiofor however, called on the federal government to step up action towards fixing failed federal roads in the state, saying that bad state of federal roads in the state was putting pressure on state roads.
Chief Neville Sunny-Uchendu, Managing Director of Nevclinton Nigeria limited handling the 4.7 kilometers Nsugbe/Akpaka road said his firm was committed to delivering quality job to the state.
“I lived almost 20 years in the United States of America and it is a serious crime to do substandard jobs over there.
“My interest is not to make excess profit and expose the masses to undue sufferings, but to ensure that this very important road is executed well,” he said.
The Nsugbe/Akpaka road is meant to decongest traffic on ’33 area’ in Onitsha for travellers to Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum local government areas as well as those coming from Nsukka/Benue axis to Onitsha.
Chief Owelle Mbaso, Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Obiano on Political Matters, said the quality and number of roads done by the administration was a plus for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party.
Mrs Faith Ndife, a resident of Nsugbe area thanked Obiano for embarking on the Nsugbe/Akpaka road project, but appealed to him to step up action on the project to ensure its completion.
“We are happy that government is doing this Nsugbe/Akpaka road, but we will be happier if the project is completed because it would bring more development to our area,” she said. (NAN)
APC/FEO/MNA
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Maureen Atuonwu