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Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Legacy and the Case for Regionalized Federalism in Contemporary Nigeria

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1 year ago

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“We have won the civil war. Yes, indeed. But to win the war for peace, we must recognise the real enemies. Otherwise, all our efforts would be totally misdirected and dissipated. As far as I can understand, the aggressors against peace and stability in Nigeria are abject poverty, hunger, disease, squalor and ignorance. They are more devastating in their ravages, more insidious, more thorough, and more resistant in their operations than armed rebellion. They are the enemies which must now be crushed, and crushed ruthlessly” – *Chief Obafemi Awolowo*

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered leader in Nigeria’s history, exemplified principles of progressive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice during his time. Imagining him as the president of Nigeria today prompts reflection on how his visionary leadership would shape sustainable solutions for the country’s challenges. One prominent lesson from Awolowo’s legacy is his advocacy for regionalized federalism, a concept that decentralizes power to the regions to promote equitable development and effective governance. As Nigeria grapples with pressing issues of national unity, economic growth, and social cohesion, the resurgence of regionalized federalism emerges as a compelling argument for fostering inclusive governance and addressing diverse societal needs.
These words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo remain as relevant today as they were when they were first spoken. To truly achieve lasting peace and stability in Nigeria, we must address the root causes of conflict and focus on eradicating poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance. These are the real enemies that threaten the well-being of our people and undermine our efforts for progress.
By prioritizing efforts to alleviate poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for economic growth, we can build a more just and equitable society where all Nigerians can thrive. It is only by tackling these underlying issues that we can truly achieve a lasting peace that benefits all members of our society.
Let us heed the wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and work together to crush these enemies of peace and stability. Only then can we build a brighter future for generations to come.
In today’s digital age, the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo resonate even more strongly as we grapple with new challenges and opportunities in our quest for peace and stability in a democratic society. The enemies of peace and stability that he identified – poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance – have taken on new forms and complexities in our increasingly interconnected world.
In the digital age, poverty is not just about lack of material resources but also about lack of access to digital technology and opportunities for economic advancement. The digital divide exacerbates inequalities and limits the ability of marginalized groups to fully participate in democratic processes. Addressing digital inclusion and ensuring equal access to technology is crucial for promoting peace and stability in a democracy.
Hunger and disease also remain pressing issues in a digital age where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly, affecting public health and exacerbating food insecurity. A lack of access to reliable information and healthcare services can undermine efforts to promote health and well-being, hindering democratic progress and stability.
Squalor, in the context of today’s digital age, can refer to the proliferation of online hate speech, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harassment that contribute to a toxic online environment. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity in a democratic society.
Ignorance, in the digital age, is not just about lack of education but also about the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and countering the influence of false information and propaganda.
The principles espoused by Chief Obafemi Awolowo remain as relevant today as they were in his time.
In conclusion, the principles espoused by Chief Obafemi Awolowo remain as relevant today as they were in his time. To win in a democracy in the digital age, we must continue to prioritize efforts to address the root causes of conflict and inequality, including poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance. By embracing the opportunities of the digital age while also addressing its challenges, we can build a more peaceful, stable, and inclusive society for all.
Furthering, in today’s digital age, the issue of poverty has taken on new dimensions as technology plays an increasingly central role in shaping economic opportunities and social mobility. The digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, exacerbates existing inequalities and limits the ability of marginalized groups to fully participate in democratic processes. Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals and communities are at a significant disadvantage in terms of accessing information, education, and economic opportunities. Addressing digital inclusion is crucial for promoting social equity, economic empowerment, and ultimately, peace and stability in a democracy.
Hunger and disease continue to be pressing issues in the digital age, with new challenges emerging in the form of online misinformation and disinformation. The rapid spread of false information online can have serious consequences for public health as well as exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition. In a world where online platforms play a central role in shaping public discourse and health outcomes, efforts to combat misinformation and promote access to accurate, evidence-based information are essential for safeguarding public well-being and promoting peace and stability in society.
Squalor in the digital age encompasses a range of online behaviours that contribute to a toxic and polarized online environment. From cyberbullying to the spread of hate speech and disinformation, the digital space can be a breeding ground for hostility and division. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to promote digital civility, respect, and responsible online behaviour. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy in the digital realm, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and peaceful society both online and offline.
Ignorance in the digital age poses a unique challenge as the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation online can undermine the integrity of democratic processes and erode public trust in institutions. Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. By empowering individuals to discern fact from fiction and make informed decisions online, we can mitigate the spread of false information and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth in a democratic society.
Essentially, the principles articulated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo provide a timeless and invaluable framework for addressing the root causes of conflict and instability in the digital age. By acknowledging and confronting the challenges of poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance in today’s interconnected world, we can forge a path towards a more equitable, informed, and peaceful society. Embracing the transformative potential of technology while also acknowledging its pitfalls, we can harness the power of the digital age to foster a more inclusive and prosperous democracy for all.
Sustainingly, to develop sustainable solutions for addressing the complex challenges of poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance in the digital age, it is essential to adopt a holistic and multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these issues. The following thought processes can guide the development of effective and lasting solutions:
1. Collaborative and Inclusive Problem-solving: Recognizing that no single entity or sector can address these challenges alone, it is crucial to foster collaboration and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and communities. By engaging diverse stakeholders in the problem-solving process, we can leverage collective expertise, resources, and perspectives to develop comprehensive and inclusive solutions.
2. Data-driven Decision-making: In the digital age, data plays a critical role in informing policy decisions and monitoring progress towards sustainable development goals. By collecting and analyzing relevant data on poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance, we can better understand the underlying causes of these issues and identify targeted interventions that are most effective in addressing them.
3. Technology and Innovation: Harnessing the power of technology and innovation can provide new opportunities for addressing long-standing challenges. From mobile applications that deliver healthcare services in remote areas to online education platforms that expand access to learning opportunities, technology can facilitate more efficient and scalable solutions for combating poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance.
4. Capacity-building and Empowerment: Empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their own development is key to ensuring sustainable and lasting impact. By investing in education, skills training, and entrepreneurship programs, we can equip people with the tools they need to improve their livelihoods, access healthcare services, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of interventions are crucial for measuring progress, identifying challenges, and adapting strategies as needed. By establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, we can ensure that resources are effectively allocated, outcomes are achieved, and lessons learned are incorporated into future programming.
6. Long-term Vision and Commitment: Achieving sustainable solutions for addressing poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance requires a long-term vision and commitment to positive change. By setting clear goals, timelines, and benchmarks for progress, we can maintain momentum, inspire collective action, and drive towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
By adopting a strategic and forward-thinking approach that integrates these thought processes into our development efforts, we can pave the way for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of conflict and instability in the digital age. Building on the wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and embracing the transformative potential of technology, we can work towards a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful society for generations to come.
Nonetheless, if Chief Obafemi Awolowo were the president of Nigeria today, it is likely that he would prioritize policies and initiatives that promote national unity, economic development, and social welfare. As a visionary leader, he was known for his commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice.
One of the key lessons that can be drawn from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership style is his emphasis on regional development and decentralized governance. He championed the concept of regionalized federalism, which advocates for greater autonomy and decision-making power at the regional level. By devolving certain powers and resources to the regions, this approach aims to promote equitable development, local accountability, and effective service delivery.
In the current context of Nigeria, there is a growing argument for a return to regionalized federalism as a means to address the country’s diverse socio-economic challenges and foster greater political stability. By allowing the regions to have more control over their resources, governance structures, and development priorities, regionalized federalism can empower local communities, promote healthy competition among regions, and drive inclusive growth.
Furthermore, regionalized federalism can help to address longstanding issues of marginalization, inequality, and ethnic tensions by allowing each region to tailor its policies and programs to meet the specific needs of its population. This approach can foster a sense of ownership, accountability, and inclusivity among citizens, as they have a greater say in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
In adopting regionalized federalism, Nigeria can draw inspiration from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to social progress. By embracing this model of governance, the country can tap into the unique strengths and capabilities of its diverse regions, unlock their full potential, and build a more cohesive and prosperous nation for all.
In conclusion, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s hypothetical presidency in contemporary Nigeria underscores the importance of embracing regionalized federalism as a viable path towards sustainable development and national unity. By drawing on Awolowo’s principles of progressive governance and decentralization, the country can chart a course towards empowering regions, fostering local accountability, and addressing deep-rooted challenges through tailored policies and programs. As Nigeria navigates complex socio-economic dynamics and calls for a return to regional autonomy amplify, the principles and lessons from Awolowo’s leadership provide valuable insights for shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous future for the nation. Embracing regionalized federalism stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s journey towards holistic and sustainable solutions that benefit all citizens and regions alike.

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute.

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

When Air Power Becomes a Christmas Performance: The Illusion of Success in Trump’s Nigerian Strike

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2 weeks ago

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December 28, 2025

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“Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

When President Trump announced his authorized United States air strike against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, there was an immediate burst of celebration on Nigerian social media. For a country exhausted by years of kidnappings, massacres, and territorial insecurity, the announcement sounded like long-awaited international support. Memes circulated, praise poured in, and some Nigerians hailed Trump as a decisive global sheriff finally willing to act where others hesitated.

But after the initial euphoria settled, a sobering assessment emerged: the strike appeared less like a strategic military intervention and more like a made-for-television spectacle designed to burnish Trump’s international strongman image.

This was not the first time the United States has launched air strikes in Africa or the Sahel under the banner of counterterrorism. From Libya to Somalia, from Syria to Yemen, U.S. “precision strikes” have often been announced with confidence and celebrated with press briefings—only for the targeted groups to regroup, mutate, and, in some cases, expand their reach. In Nigeria itself, years of foreign-backed security assistance have failed to decisively neutralize Boko Haram or its ISIS-affiliated offshoots. Instead, violence has fragmented, spread, and grown more complex.

No verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated

The Nigerian strike followed a familiar pattern. U.S. officials framed it as a blow against ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group aligned with the global ISIS network. Trump’s language suggested a decisive intervention—an act of muscular diplomacy signaling that America still projects power where it chooses. Yet no verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated, leadership structures dismantled, or operational capacity degraded.

What followed was a digital smokescreen. Social media accounts, many anonymous and unverified, began circulating gruesome images of dead bodies and destroyed villages—photos long associated with banditry in Nigeria’s northwest. These images were quickly repurposed to “prove” the success of Trump’s strike. However, this is where the narrative falls apart under scrutiny.

Trump’s mission, as publicly stated, was to target ISIS. Not bandits. Not kidnappers. Not rural criminal gangs. ISIS is a transnational terrorist organization with ideological, financial, and operational links across continents. Bandits, by contrast, are primarily armed criminal groups—motivated by ransom, cattle theft, and territorial control, not global jihad. Conflating the two may be politically convenient, but it is analytically dishonest.

Killing or displacing bandits does not equate to dismantling ISIS. In fact, indiscriminate or poorly targeted air strikes often worsen the situation, pushing criminal groups to radicalize, splinter, or align with extremist factions for protection and legitimacy. This pattern has been observed repeatedly in conflict zones where military force substitutes for intelligence-driven strategy.

A truly successful counterterrorism raid is not measured by dramatic announcements or viral images. It is measured by clear, verifiable outcomes, including the confirmed elimination of high-ranking commanders, disruption of recruitment and financing networks, seizure of weapons caches, and—most importantly—sustained reductions in civilian attacks. None of these benchmarks has been credibly demonstrated in the aftermath of Trump’s Nigerian air strike.

Instead, Nigeria wakes up to the same grim reality: villages remain vulnerable, highways unsafe, and communities terrorized. The strike did not change the security equation. It did not empower Nigerian forces. It did not restore civilian confidence. And it certainly did not neutralize ISIS as a strategic threat.

This air strike offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

In that sense, the air strike was not merely ineffective—it was a failure dressed in the language of strength, executed for optics, and amplified for political gain. It offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

If the goal is truly to eliminate ISIS and its affiliates in West Africa, the path is neither theatrical nor unilateral. It requires robust intelligence sharing, sustained training, and real-time coordination with Nigerian and regional forces. It demands targeted arms assistance, logistical support, and investments in surveillance capabilities that allow local militaries to act decisively and lawfully. Above all, it requires a long-term commitment to strengthening state capacity—not fleeting air shows announced from afar.

Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise. And celebration without results is self-deception. Trump’s Nigerian air strike may have produced headlines, but history will remember it for what it was: a failed mission masquerading as success.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Trump’s Nigeria Strike: Bombs, Boasts, and the Illusion of Victory

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2 weeks ago

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December 26, 2025

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“With Obama, Al-Qaeda was not eliminated by noise; it was suffocated by intelligence.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

It has now been confirmed that the United States acted in collaboration with Nigeria in the recent strike on Islamic State elements in northwest Nigeria. That cooperation deserves recognition. Intelligence-sharing between Washington and Abuja is necessary, overdue, and welcome. Terrorism is transnational; defeating it requires allies, not isolation.

But let us be clear: bombs alone do not defeat terror. And Donald Trump’s strike—trumpeted loudly on social media before facts, casualties, or strategy were disclosed—was less a turning point than a performance.

Trump’s announcement was a classic spectacle: “powerful,” “deadly,” “perfect strikes.” No numbers. No clarity. No accountability. Just noise. It was the same choreography America has deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia—places where U.S. airpower landed hard, headlines screamed victory, and instability deepened afterward. Violence escalated. Militancy adapted. Civilians paid the price.

History is unkind to airstrikes sold as solutions.

Nigeria knows this better than anyone. Long before Trump’s tweet, the Nigerian military had already conducted multiple operations in the same terror corridor. At least five major strikes and offensives stand out:

  • First, Operation Hadarin Daji, launched to dismantle bandit and terror camps across Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, involving sustained air and ground assaults.
  • Second, Operation Tsaftan Daji, which targeted terrorist hideouts in the Kamuku and Sububu forests—precisely the terrain now in the headlines.
  • Third, repeated Nigerian Air Force precision strikes in the Zurmi–Shinkafi axis, neutralizing commanders and destroying logistics hubs.
  • Fourth, joint operations with Nigerien forces, disrupting cross-border supply routes used by ISIS-linked groups.
  • Fifth, recent coordinated offensives involving intelligence-led raids, special forces insertions, and follow-up ground clearing in the northwest.

These were not symbolic gestures. They were Nigerian-led, Nigerian-funded, Nigerian-executed. And yet, there were no fireworks on social media. No flag-waving hysteria. No intoxicated praise of Nigerian commanders as saviors of civilization.

Why? Because there is a dangerous segment of Nigerians who suffer from what can only be called the American Wonder mentality—a colonial hangover that applauds anything louder simply because it comes from Washington. The same Nigerians who ignore their own soldiers dying in silence suddenly abandon Christmas meals to celebrate Trump’s tweets, typing incoherent praise, mangling grammar, and mistaking spectacle for substance.

It is embarrassing. And it is intellectually lazy.

Terrorism is not defeated by volume or virality. It is defeated by intelligence—quiet, patient, unglamorous work. The United States knows this. Barack Obama understood it. Al-Qaeda was not dismantled through social media theatrics or chest-thumping declarations. It was weakened through intelligence fusion, financial disruption, targeted operations, local partnerships, and relentless pressure on leadership networks—mostly without fanfare.

Obama did not tweet. He acted. So what actually works against groups like ISIS in Nigeria?

First, intelligence supremacy. Human intelligence from local communities, defectors, and infiltrators matters more than bombs. Terror groups survive on secrecy. Break that, and they collapse.

Second, financial and logistical strangulation. Terrorists run on money, fuel, arms, and food. Cut access to smuggling routes, illicit mining, ransom flows, and cross-border trade, and their operational capacity withers.

Third, community stabilization and governance. Terrorism thrives where the state is absent. Roads, schools, policing, and justice systems matter. People who trust the state do not shelter terrorists.

Fourth, regional coordination, not episodic strikes. Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso must sustain joint pressure, not reactive operations driven by headlines.

Airstrikes can support these strategies—but only as tools, never as substitutes.

Trump’s strike may have killed militants. It may have disrupted camps. That is commendable. But it is not a solution. It is a moment. And moments, without strategy, fade.

If Nigerians truly want terror defeated, they should stop worshiping foreign loudness and start demanding disciplined intelligence, consistent policy, and respect for the men and women already fighting on the ground.

Real victories are quiet. Real security is built, not tweeted.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Texas’ 18th Congressional District Runoff: Amanda Edwards Deserves This Seat

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3 weeks ago

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December 18, 2025

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“Her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

In the special election to fill Texas’s 18th Congressional District, no candidate won a majority on November 4, 2025, leading to a January 31, 2026, runoff between Democratic frontrunners Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards. Menefee, Harris County Attorney, led the field with roughly 29% of the vote, while former Houston City Council member Edwards finished second with about 26%. Both are vying to represent a district left vacant after the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.

The 18th Congressional District is far more than a geographic area. Anchored in Houston’s historic Black communities, it is a political and cultural stronghold shaped by civil rights history, faith institutions, and grassroots activism. Sheila Jackson Lee represented this district for nearly three decades (1995–2024), becoming more than a legislator—she was a constant presence at churches, funerals, protests, and community milestones. For residents, her leadership carried spiritual weight, reflecting stewardship, protection, and a deep, almost pastoral guardianship of the district. Her tenure symbolized continuity, cultural pride, and a profound connection with the people she served.

Houstonians watched as Jackson Lee entered the 2023 Houston mayoral race, attempting to transition from Congress to city leadership. Despite high-profile endorsements, including outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and national Democratic figures, she lost the December 9, 2023, runoff to State Senator John Whitmire by a wide margin. Following that defeat, Jackson Lee filed to run for re-election to her U.S. House seat, even as Edwards—who had briefly joined the mayoral race before withdrawing—remained in the congressional primary.

At that time, Jackson Lee’s health was visibly declining, yet voters still supported her, honoring decades of service. She defeated Edwards in the 2024 Democratic primary before announcing her battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing in July 2024 left the seat vacant.

Edwards, already a candidate, sought to fill the seat, but timing and party rules intervened. Because Jackson Lee died too late for a regular primary, Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs selected a replacement nominee. Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a retired but widely respected figure, narrowly edged out Edwards for the nomination, effectively blocking her despite her prior campaigning efforts. Turner won the general election but died in March 2025, triggering a special election in 2025, in which Edwards advanced to a runoff.

The January 31, 2026, runoff will hinge on turnout, coalition-building, and key endorsements. Both candidates led a crowded November field but fell short of a majority, with Menefee narrowly ahead. Endorsements such as State Rep. Jolanda Jones’ support for Edwards could consolidate key Democratic blocs, particularly among Black women and progressive voters. In a heavily Democratic district where voter confusion and turnout patterns have been inconsistent, the candidate who best mobilizes supporters and unites constituencies is likely to prevail.

Amanda Edwards’ case is compelling. Although both candidates share similar values and qualifications, her claim rests on dedication, consistency, and timing that have been repeatedly denied. She pursued this seat with focus and purpose, maintaining a steady commitment to the district and its future. Her path was interrupted by the prolonged political ambitions of Jackson Lee and Turner—figures whose stature reshaped the race but delayed generational transition. Edwards did not step aside; she remained visible, engaged, and prepared. In a moment demanding both continuity and renewal, her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.

This race comes down to trust, perseverance, and demonstrated commitment. Amanda Edwards has consistently shown up for the district, even when political circumstances repeatedly delayed her chance. Her dedication reflects readiness, respect for the electorate, and an unwavering commitment to service. Voting for Amanda Edwards is not only justified—it is the right choice for Houston’s 18th Congressional District.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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