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Former Vice President Atiku Officially Joins ADC

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Atiku Joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the coalition party, the African Democratic Party (ADC), just 17 months to the 2027 general elections.

The 78-year-old politician disclosed this in a short post on his official X handle on Monday, attaching pictures of him holding the party’s membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.”

Prior to him joining the coalition, the former VP had been a high-profile member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He, however, resigned from the opposition party on July 16, citing irreconcilable differences that have emerged within the former ruling party.

Atiku explained that he found it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which, according to him, diverges from the foundational principles it stood for.

Though Atiku, in July, led the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, he and other prominent opposition figures, such as Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, had delayed their formal registration with the party.

Atiku and some other coalition leaders were conspicuously absent at the unveiling of the ADC National Secretariat in the Wuse area of Abuja.

Their absence had fuelled speculation, suggesting the unseriousness of the coalition leaders to sack the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its political platform on July 2, 2025, to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027.

The coalition said it was set to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy. Credit: channelstv.com

Abductions: Zamfara Rules Out School Closure, Introduces Security Measures

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal

The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across parts of the country.

Instead, the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital.

Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State that saw about 315 students and staff abducted.

These attacks have led some northern states to announce mass school closures, but Zamfara says it will not follow suit. Instead, authorities are strengthening security in and around schools to deter bandit attacks.

“We have already done what we are supposed to do, and when you talk about security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.

“We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance. We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” Madawaki said.

Madawaki explained that states embarking on mass closures largely operate boarding schools, whereas Zamfara currently runs mainly day schools due to insecurity.

“As of now, most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day,” he said.

Credit: channelstv.com

US To Provide Intelligence Support, Defence Equipment To Nigeria -Presidency

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US President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu

The Presidency says the United States Government has affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including the provision of enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and articles to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country.

This follows discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials, aimed at strengthening security partnerships between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation.

The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during the engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.

The delegation also rejected the wrongful framing of the situation, saying such a portrayal would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.

“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms,” he said.

Credit: channelstv.com

Ghana on Track to Meeting 2030 SDG Targets

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Officials at the launch in a group picture

The Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Isaac Fraikue, has expressed strong optimism that Ghana will meet its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030, insisting that SDG tracking has now become an integral part of government’s budgeting and implementation processes.

Mr.Fraikue said the annual SDG Budget and Expenditure Report had become a powerful accountability tool that ensured timely corrective measures across sectors, enabling the country to stay on course.

“We will definitely meet the targets by the time they are due because we are working so hard as a country,” he said, during the launch of the 2023 SDG Budget and Expenditure Report.

According to him, the developmentof the report was more than just tagging and tracking budgetary applications and expenditures and that it tells the story of Ghana’s development journey and reflects herresolve to ensure that no one had been left behind.

He added that government’s next priority was to localise SDG budget reporting, deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen transparency to improve how data is used for financial decision-making.

UNICEF, which partnered government in producing the report, commended Ghana’s commitment, describing the country as a global frontrunner in transparent SDG investment tracking.

At the event, the Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion at UNICEF Ghana, Ms. Paulina Sarvilahti, praised the Ministry of Finance for adopting an accountability system used by only a handful of countries worldwide.

“There are very few countries that have been brave enough to take this step. It’s laudable that the Ministry of Finance is a frontrunner in this,” she said.

The 2023 budget execution analysis showed Ghana increasing its SDG-related spending from GHS 83 billion in 2022 to GHS 180 billion in 2023, signalling a strengthened commitment to targets in health, education, social protection and human capital development.

Although the global Sustainable Development Report currently ranks Ghana 120th out of 193 UN Member States, Ms.Sarvilahti said the country’s data-driven approach provided a firm basis to speed up progress.

“Overall, it’s great that we have this strong commitment from government and that there is really a strong push towards that,” she noted.

She stressed that global challenges such as climate change, economic pressures and post-pandemic disruptions had made SDG attainment more difficult everywhere.

However, Ghana’s focus on monitoring whether resources reached the intended beneficiaries, she said, was a catalyst for improved results.

The UNICEF official further highlighted Ghana’s gains in education, gender-related investments and poverty-reduction interventions, and welcomed the inclusion of child-specific indicators in the report for the first time.

She urged more integrated planning, efficient resource allocation and stronger collaboration between government and development partners.

“We cannot stop. This is the time we need to put in more effort, be more decisive and more targeted,” she said.

UNICEF Country Representative, Mr. Osama MakiawiKhogali, also praised Ghana’s longstanding commitment to children’s welfare, recalling that Ghana was the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990.

However, he cautioned that more effort was needed to tackle child poverty, revealing that 73 per cent of Ghanaian children were affected by multidimensional poverty, while 28 per cent faced monetary poverty.

He said targeted SDG investments remained essential, especially as Ghana marked World Children’s Day, which coincided with the report launch.

UNICEF reaffirmed its partnership with government, noting that Ghana’s transparent SDG budget tracking positioned it as a leader in accountability and a model for other countries.

 

 

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BoG signals possible policy easing as inflation falls faster than expected

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of BoG

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has indicated that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may consider a gradual reduction in the policy rate as inflation continues to decline faster than the Bank projected.

He made the remarks in his opening address at the 127th MPC meeting.  Dr. Johnson Asiama said inflation has dropped to 8.0 percent, now within the Central Bank’s target band, while core inflation stands between 5 and 7 percent, with expectations firmly anchored.

He noted that the pace of disinflation has pushed real interest rates sharply higher, creating room for a carefully calibrated easing cycle, one of the main issues the Committee is expected to examine.

According to the Governor, the Committee’s initial conditions are the strongest in several years. The exchange rate has remained stable throughout 2025, supported by improved confidence and reforms in foreign exchange operations.

Ghana’s gross reserves have risen to US$11.41 billion, equivalent to 4.8 months of import cover, and are projected to reach five months by year-end.

He added that the real sector has shown broad improvement, with GDP growing 6.3 percent in the first half of the year and non-oil GDP rising 7.8 percent.

High-frequency indicators also point to stronger economic activity and improved sentiment among households and businesses.

Despite these gains, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana said the MPC’s rate decision must be made carefully to preserve credibility.

“As inflation declines faster than projected, real interest rates have risen sharply. Staff analysis shows scope for gradual easing, but the balance must preserve credibility and avoid undermining the disinflation gains,” he said.

Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama listed three key areas for the MPC’s assessment: the pace of disinflation and the appropriate real interest rate path, the performance of the FX market and reserve diversification strategy and emerging risks in the financial sector, including asset-quality concerns and recapitalisation needs in a few institutions.

Dr. Johnson Asiama said Ghana may be entering a sustained period of price stability, with inflation expected to settle between 4 and 6 percent by the end of the year and remain within target through 2026.

Money supply growth has moderated and credit conditions are beginning to ease, adding to the case for a future policy adjustment.

The Governor emphasised that the MPC’s task is to support the ongoing recovery while safeguarding stability.

“Our decisions today must reinforce confidence, signal predictability and keep the economy on its path toward higher and job-rich growth,” he said.

 

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Jospong Group sponsors Journalists to COP30 in Brazil

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Jospong Group officials and the sponsored journalists in a group photograph

In its ongoing effort to boost Ghanaian journalists’ climate change reporting capabilities, the Jospong Group provided twenty journalists with the opportunity to participate in the 30th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP30).

The global climate talks took place in Belém, Brasil, from November 10 to 21, 2025 with the central theme: “Delivering on the Paris Promise”, focusing on speeding up climate action and turning commitments into concrete results.

While in Belém, the 20 journalists, selected from various media outlets, covered Jospong Group’s activities, a Ghana Day event and gained valuable insights into key areas including Adaptation, Cities, Infrastructure, Water, Waste, Local Governance, Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Tourism, followed by sessions on Health, Sustainable Jobs, Education, Culture, Justice, Human Rights and Information Integrity.

The journalists also explored Systems Transformation across Energy, Industry, Transport, Trade, Financeand Carbon Markets and delved into Forests, Oceans and Biodiversity, which Indigenous Peoples and local communities were central.

Additionally, they addressed Agriculture, Food Systems, Food Security and the crucial role of Women and Gender Groups in climate action.

This marks the third time Jospong Group has sponsored Ghanaian journalists numbering in total about 100 to attend the global summit, following from COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Baku.

The General Manager of the Jospong Green Transition Office, Ing. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah (PhD) stressed the critical nature of this media collaboration, highlighting the influential role journalists play in shaping public understanding.

“Journalists need to understand climate change and its impacts to effectively share this knowledge with the public,” he stated.

He further stressed that as the reality of climate change becomes more apparent, the media’s voice is indispensable in the global conversation. Such conferences, he added, equip media practitioners with the knowledge needed to better educate the populace.

The beneficiary journalists lauded the Jospong Group for its consistent backing of best media practice in Ghana especially in the area of climate change, climate resilience and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG).

A senior journalist at the Daily Graphic, Timothy Ngnenbe, described the sponsorship the JGC gave to journalists to cover COP30 as a step in the right direction.

The environment and climate change journalist said the participation of journalists at the COP was a golden opportunity for them to gain practical experience in the field to enhance their reportage.

“Scientists and experts use jargons and technical language that make it difficult for the ordinary person to understand.

“Journalists who get opportunity to participate in COP activities will be able to understand these technicalities and break down the complex concepts to the understanding of the masses,” he said.

He underscored the need for the government to design a special programme to support more journalists to participate in future COPs.

A News Editor at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Television, Alex Adi, expressed gratitude, saying “As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for Jospong’s sponsorship to COP29 and COP30. This opportunity has given me valuable insights into climate change’s global impact and world leaders’ efforts to mobilize resources for mitigation and adaptation.”

According to him, climate financing is the lifeblood of climate action, while commending Jospong Group’s commitment to mitigating climate change through waste management and green transition collaborations is inspiring.

“Their efforts show that with determination and collaboration, we can drive change,” he stressed.

The Editor of Business Week, Kofi Ahovi, said, “The opportunity granted by Jospong Group to journalists to attend COP29 and 30 has indeed been a game-changer for many journalists, including myself.”

He said the experience has ignited a stronger passion for climate-related topics and motivated him to pursue additional studies in the area.

“My experience is a testament to the impact that such opportunities can have on individuals and the country as a whole. By empowering journalists with knowledge and exposure to global climate discussions, Jospong is contributing to a more informed and engaged community,” he noted.

For his part, the Assignment Editor and Producer at Metro TV, Derick Adottey, praised the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph SiawAgyepong, for equipping journalists with knowledge on climate change.

“That he is not only equipping his staff members but also journalists in the country to understand the climate space, we must commend him for that,” he expressed.

Mr.Adottey emphasised the importance of journalists understanding climate change issues, stating, “Because when journalists understand the issues of climate change at the global level, they are able to better appreciate and inculcate that understanding in their stories. Which will also equip the public so that there is a concerted effort to tackle climate change.”

He further urged businesses to emulate Jospong Group’s initiative, saying, “This is a laudable initiative and I urge all businesses in the space to emulate same.”

He expressed his personal gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Personally, I’ve gained so much experience and understanding by attending this conference and I thank Jospong Group for the opportunity.”

The Jospong Group’s initiative to sponsor Ghanaian journalists for COP30 has proven to be a significant investment in strengthening climate journalism.

By providing direct access to global climate negotiations and a wide array of critical topics, the programme has successfully equipped media professionals with the essential knowledge and context needed for accurate and impactful reporting.

 

This third initiative underscores a sustained commitment to fostering an informed public dialogue on climate change in Ghana.

The overwhelming appreciation from the journalists and the call for other businesses to follow this example highlight the programme’s vital role in building a collaborative effort between industry and media to address the pressing global climate crisis.

 

Mahama Commissions state-of-the-art smart electronic classroom block for GHANASCO

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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The President commissioning the school block

Government’s renewed focus on digital transformation in education got a major push with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art smart electronic classroom block at the Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale, at the weekend.

GHANASCO Smart Classroom Block

The facility, a two-storey digital learning block, powered by the Katon360 ecosystem, houses 10 smart classrooms, a technical room, lecture hall, charging room, repairs room and other auxiliary spaces.

It is designed to transform teaching and learning and drive digital education transformation.

Every classroom has a smart screen, each student receives a tablet, charging cabinets are installed and everything is solar powered.

The facility is fully air-conditioned and connected to the internet, providing a comprehensive environment that prepares students to compete globally.

The smart block is fully equipped with modern digital tools and runs on solar power to provide uninterrupted electricity for teaching and learning.

Students having a feel of the Katon360 facility

As part of the initiative, every student receives a tablet preloaded with academic materials designed to last for three years to support continuous digital learning.

The Katon360 facility at GHANASCO is the second in the country and the first in northern Ghana, and it is expected to expand nationwide to give more students access to a modern, technology-enhanced learning environment and enable schools to adopt interactive, technology-driven teaching methods.

Commissioning the facility on Saturday during GHANASCO’s 65th anniversary celebration, President John Dramani Mahama described it as a preview of Ghana’s educational future.

He noted that the country’s education sector is undergoing a crucial reset anchored on innovation, technology and future-ready instruction.

He further emphasised that as the national curriculum undergoes review, a central priority is strengthening digital education to ensure every learner acquires essential technological skills.

“This is already taking shape as GHANASCO benefits from a modern smart classroom, an early indication of the broader digital transformation intended to be rolled out nationwide,” he stated.

The President also urged students to use the tablets responsibly and avoid accessing inappropriate online content that may distract from their studies.

Lawrence Hornovo, Ghana Smart School project Lead

Mr. Lawrence Hornovo, Ghana Smart School Project Lead for KATON360, described the project as “a school of the future” and a major step in digitalising Ghana’s education system.

“This is a full 21st-century learning experience,” he said.

Addressing concerns by some parents about potential access to unauthorised online content, Mr.Hornovo assured that every device has a tracker and all unauthorised sites, including social media are restricted, emphasising that the system is designed purely for academic work.

He added that Katon360 has established a nationwide maintenance framework to keep devices functional.

“We have technicians assigned to every district and issues can be reported through our digital support platform,” he noted, adding that “each tablet comes with a one-year warranty for factory defects.

“User-caused damage such as broken screens must be paid for, but our technicians still handle all repairs onsite.”

Teachers and students at GHANASCO have attested that the platform is already transforming their work and transformed their academic experience, and thanked the President and the government for the opportunity.

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies, aged 81

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, one of the most prominent and beloved proponents of reggae music, has died at the age of 81.

A star since the 1960s, he helped to bring the sound of Jamaica to a global audience through hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

His lead role as a gun-toting rebel in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come is a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, and was attributed as the movie that brought reggae to America.

Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death via a statement on Instagram.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”

Her message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Born James Chambers in 1948, Cliff grew up as the eighth of nine children in abject poverty in the parish of St. James, Jamaica.

Blessed with a sweet, mellifluous voice, he began singing at his local church at the age of six.

By the time he was 14, he’d moved to Kingston and adopted the surname Cliff to express the heights he intended on reaching.

He recorded several singles before topping the Jamaican charts with his own composition, Hurricane Hattie.

In 1965, he relocated to London to work with Island Records – later the home of Bob Marley – but the label’s attempts to make his sound palatable to rock audiences weren’t entirely successful at first.

He struck gold with the 1969 single Wonderful World, Beautiful People – an upbeat, feelgood anthem; and the more politically-charged Vietnam, which Bob Dylan called “the best protest song ever written”.

But Cliff became an international star with The Harder They Come, expressly written for the movie of the same name, in which he played Ivan Martin, a young man trying to break into Jamaica’s corrupt music industry.

“The film opened the door for Jamaica,” Cliff recalled. “It said, ‘This is where this music comes from.'”

His other recordings included the Grammy Award-winning albums Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012); and Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Source: BBC

Davido announces sixth studio album at 33rd birthday party

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Davido

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido turned 33 on November 21, 2025, and marked the milestone with a warm, intimate celebration in Atlanta, announcing his sixth studio album.

The birthday gathering brought together his family, including his father, Adedeji Adeleke; his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; his wife, Chioma Rowland Adeleke; and manager Asa Asika, along with key members of his 30BG crew.

In a heartfelt video shared during the party, Davido reflected on his journey from dropping his first song at 17 to becoming a global Afrobeats icon.

“I dropped my first song when I was 17, and now I’m 33. This year is one of my best years ever; I got married to the most beautiful woman and we had our babies,” he said, referencing his wedding to Chioma and the birth of their twins.

The moment offered fans a glimpse into both his personal and professional growth, highlighting how far the singer has come in a little over a decade in the industry.

His fifth studio album, ‘5ive,’ released on April 18, 2025, featured hit tracks that dominated streaming platforms and radio charts across Africa and beyond. Now, with the announcement of his sixth studio album, fans have even more reason to celebrate.

Davido’s impact on Afrobeats is undeniable. Since his breakthrough hit ‘Dami Duro’ in 2011, he has become a household name, blending infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics that resonate globally.

Reggie Rockstone reveals real cause of Rockz Waakye’s fire incident

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Reggie Rockstone

Hiplife pioneer cum entrepreneur, Reggie Rockstone has disclosed the circumstances surrounding the recent fire outbreak at one of his establishments, dismissing circulating rumours and attributing the incident to a simple yet dangerous oversight.

In an interview on Joy Prime, Reggie explained that the fire was triggered when a member of staff who had been frying plantain fell asleep, leaving the food unattended on the stove.

Reggie addressed the widespread speculation, saying: “There were all kinds of rumours about how my place caught fire and what happened. It was human error. Someone was frying plantain and went to sleep. She left it on the fire and slept off. Human error can happen to anybody.”

According to him, disaster was narrowly avoided thanks to the quick action of a young girl present at the scene, who managed to contain the situation before it escalated into something far worse.

He recounted: “It’s a young sister who saved the situation. We would have been arranging a funeral. It started from my kitchen. We have a main place we cook from in Achimota. It wasn’t even on a busy day.”

Reggie, visibly shaken as he narrated the incident, described it as one of the most distressing experiences of his life. He recalled receiving the call while enjoying a quiet Sunday at home.

He added: “It has to be one of the most traumatic things I’ve experienced. It happened on a calm Sunday when my wife and I were home. My phone rang, and they told me the place was on fire.”

He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and emphasised the importance of vigilance, especially in kitchens, where a moment’s lapse can lead to tragedy.

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