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Mongolia to host next UN conference on sustainable land management 

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The Government of Mongolia and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have signed an agreement paving the way for the 17th session of the Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.

Odontuya Saldan
Odontuya Saldan, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change

COP17 will bring together UNCCD’s 197 Parties in a crucial global forum to accelerate action against desertification, land degradation and drought.

As one of the most affected countries by desertification, with nearly 77 per cent of its land degraded, Mongolia will leverage COP17 to drive solutions for land restoration, sustainable land management and resilience-building across the world.

At the signing ceremony in Bonn, Odontuya Saldan, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said: “Mongolia is committed to combating desertification and restoring degraded lands. Through initiatives like the ‘Billion Trees’ campaign, we are taking decisive steps to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw, said: “The urgency of addressing desertification and drought cannot be overstated. COP17 in Mongolia will build on the momentum from COP16 in Riyadh to enhance global commitments, strengthen financial mechanisms and foster cross-sector partnerships.”

According to UNCCD data, up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting nearly half of humanity and threatening climate stability, biodiversity and livelihoods. Addressing land degradation is essential for food security, water availability and resilience to climate change. 

COP17, set for 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) – declared by the United Nations General Assembly and championed by Mongolia – will build on efforts to promote the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands.

These vast grazing ecosystems are vital for the economy, food security, biodiversity and climate resilience, yet more than 50 per cent are facing alarming degradation. Rangelands not only support smallholder herders, farmers and indigenous communities but also play a crucial role in stabilizing soil, regulating water cycles, enhancing biodiversity and storing carbon. Strengthening their management is essential for the economy of the estimated 500 million pastoralists, making COP17 a key moment for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

With 60 percent of Central Asia and Mongolia’s land used as grazing rangelands, supporting nearly one-third of the region’s population, sustainable land management is a national priority. Despite their value, they have historically received less attention and funding than forests and wetlands. COP17 and the IYRP will provide a vital platform to advance sustainable land management and reinforce global commitments to rangeland restoration.

The two-week conference will feature a high-level segment, thematic dialogues and forums, including the Gender Caucus and the first-ever Indigenous Peoples Caucus. In addition, Youth Forum and the Business4Land Forum will engage youth and the private sector in sustainable land management solutions.

COP17 in Mongolia will serve as a global platform to address climate challenges, with a focus on desertification, drought and renewable energy transition. Strengthening international cooperation will be key to boosting climate investment, creating green jobs and fostering sustainable development. Mongolia faces serious environmental threats, including soil degradation, sand and dust storms and desertification, making environmental protection and green growth national priorities.

In line with its Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, Mongolia aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation to maintain forest cover at 9 per cent of the total area by 2030, promote sustainable grassland management to halt further degradation, increase agricultural yields and ensure no net loss of wetlands by 2030.

Building on the progress made at UNCCD COP16 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, nations will work towards finalising a comprehensive global drought regime to enhance preparedness and resilience against increasing drought risks. 

Govt to rebuild Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway with concrete

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The Federal Government has announced plans to rehabilitate an 18km section of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement.

Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway
Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway

Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday, February 20, 2025, when he toured the road to assess its condition and progress made in its rehabilitation.

He said that the government was committed to completing the project.

Umahi said that the 78km expressway, initially awarded to Julius Berger Plc. eight years ago, had faced numerous challenges.

According to him, while Julius Berger completed one carriageway, the project remained unfinished.

Umahi said: “We are here to look at the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway. The total kilometer is 78.

‘”It was awarded to Julius Berger about eight years ago.

“Berger has completed one carriageway fully. The Ogun State Government has taken off the section that is within Ogun State. That is about 60km; so we are left with 18km.”

“What we intend to do is to award this 18km on reinforced concrete pavements and then wait for Ogun State Government to finish its own.

“Then we take both over and then do it, operate and maintain it through a concession agreement.”

The minister emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that the Ogun State Government’s cooperation was crucial for the project’s overall success.

He said that the contract for the  rehabilitation of the 18km stretch would be awarded through bidding, adding that Julius Berger might be invited to participate.

“We want to encourage indigenous contractors.

“If it is within the scope of indigenous contractors, we will not invite Berger; so, it depends on the outcome of the design and the cost,” Umahi said.

The minister was accompanied by key officials of the ministry, including permanent secretary,  director of design and deputy directors, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to fast-tracking implementation of the project.

Umahi said that a scoping exercise would be scheduled for Saturday, with procurement expected to begin after that.

He expressed confidence that work on the Lagos section of the expressway would commence within the next two months.

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Delta signs MoU with NIPCO for CNG vehicle conversion centre

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Delta Government and NIPCO Gas Limited on Thursday, February 20, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion centre in the state.

CNG station
A CNG station

At a brief ceremony in Asaba, the state capital, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, and the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, signed on behalf of the state government.

While Mr Sanjay Tarat signed on behalf of NIPCO Gas Limited.

The SSG, in his remarks, said it was a deliberate effort of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a place for residents of Asaba to convert their petrol-dependent vehicles to CNG-powered ones.

Emu charged the company to ensure that it made good use of the place provided for the take-off of the project and to maintain quality and standard in handling the project.

He said, “Gov. Oborevwori takes seriously the issue of timeliness and quality,” adding that the state would not hesitate to revoke the MoU if the company failed to perform accordingly.

“We have shown commitment by providing you with a 3,000 square meters facility in the heart of Asaba.

“The conversion to CNG is the way to go; the governor was among the very few governors who drove in  Electric Vehicles and CNG vehicles. Yes, planning takes a while and here we are with this engagement.

“It shows that we want to get the fundamentals right before we start getting the vehicles. Without the CNG stations in our environment, we can’t go anywhere.

“So, we like to welcome you to Delta state. This ceremony is important to us and the name chosen is a brand and NIPCO is one, especially as it concerns CNG; one of the foremost in the country.

“Timelines are very critical to us. Please, endeavour to keep to timelines. I am sure you have heard about His Excellency’s penchant for timelines and quality jobs on the social media space.

“We shall not hesitate to revoke this MoU on account of your inability to perform. We do know you can perform and your inability to perform, we have mitigated by providing the space, which is also what we owe you. Therefore, the ball is in your court,” Emu said.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, who took the team on a guarded tour of the site of the project on Summit Road by Inter Bau Roundabout, Asaba, for official handle over, said CNG was more cost-effective than petrol and called on citizens to embrace it.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the state had to do a feasibility study on the project before embarking on it.

Aniagwu said the project would be expanded to cover other parts of the state, though it had to start in Asaba, adding that the cost of transportation would crash overtime with the effective takeoff of the CNG busses in the state.

“You may want to ask why we are starting now, we had to do a good feasibility study. We felt that we cannot bring in CNG busses when there are no stations to fuel them.

“You must first and foremost have where you will fuel and refuel these vehicles before they can start running. And let me assure you that the fact that they are starting in Asaba does not mean they are stopping here.

“Once this is done, we will move to other major cities, starting with Warri, and, later, the various local government headquarters. So, we believe that once this is done, given the difference between the cost of CNG and PMS, the cost of transportation will definitely come down.

“The government has also assured that all that is needed for them to meet the deadline will be made available. And you heard them mention that this is the first time a governor is practically involved,” Aniagwu said.

The Chief Operating Officer, NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Sanjay Tarat, appreciated the governor and other top officials of the state for facilitating the process.

“I appreciate Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for this opportunity and the Commissioner for Transport. Delta state is the first state in Nigeria to have provided this kind of location for our CNG.

“We definitely promised the commissioner that we will need six months to complete it. But be  assured that this job will be completed before then and we will prove it.

“The only thing is that we have to follow all the laws and rules. We definitely know that this being the first station, will not be the last station. So, we are very thankful to the Gov. Oborevwori and Delta state government,” Tarat said.

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Helena Thybell emerges new Executive Director of SIWI

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) has announced the appointment of Helena Thybell as its new Executive Director. Thybell, who has previously held positions such as CEO of Save the Children Sweden, brings extensive experience in strategic organisational development and leadership.

Helena Thybell
Helena Thybell

She will assume her new role on March 17, 2025.

“I am truly excited to join such a renowned and influential organisation as SIWI,” says Thybell. “Water and climate are among the most pressing issues of our time, and I look forward to leading SIWI’s important work in these areas. I am equally excited to help shaping SIWI’s path forward as an organisation, to make it fit for future challenges and opportunities.”

With a strong background in senior leadership roles across international organisations, Thybell has worked extensively in sustainability, business development, societal challenges, leadership, and human rights. Her core expertise includes driving organisational capability, fostering leadership, and delivering strong business results in complex and uncertain environments.

“I am eager to contribute my experience in organisational development, strategy, and positioning,” she adds. “I am passionate about fostering engagement and energy, and I look forward to working alongside SIWI’s dedicated and knowledgeable team and the new SIWI Board as we take the next steps together for the organisation.”

Tom Panella, Chair of SIWI, describes Thybell as a competent and experienced leader and says that together with the rest of the board, he looks forward to working with her.

“I am pleased that SIWI will have a new ED with such an extensive background in developing organisations and identifying opportunities in a complex landscape,” says Panella.

Thybell will replace Caroline Andersson who has served as Acting ED for SIWI since September 2024.

Nigeria consumes 50m litres of petrol daily, imports fill significant gap – NMDPRA

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has revealed that despite the country’s three operational refineries boasting a combined refining capacity of 985,000 barrels per day, less than 50% of the daily petrol demand is met locally. This shortfall is being compensated by the importation of refined petroleum products.

Farouk Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed

Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, who made the disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, February 20, 2025, said that Nigerians are consuming approximately 50 million litres of petrol every day, which is a significant decrease from the previous average of 66 million litres per day. The drop in consumption followed the government’s removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023.

“Let me speak a little bit about supply. All of us experienced a Yuletide free of petrol scarcity. From year to year, we saw an increase in demand for petrol, but following the subsidy removal, consumption reduced significantly,” said Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution System, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, who represented Ahmed at the briefing.

Despite the operational refineries, including the Port Harcourt refinery (210,000 bpd) and the Warri refinery (125,000 bpd), which resumed production after years of dormancy, the country continues to rely heavily on imported petrol. Ukoha confirmed that local refineries contribute less than half of the 50 million litres consumed daily.

“The contribution of local refineries towards sufficiency is less than 50% of what we require daily,” Ukoha stated. “This shortfall is sourced through imports. Even though none of the domestic refinery owners have imported petrol this year, the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have stepped in to bridge the gap.”

Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel is a pressing issue, especially since the Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has started operations, raising hopes for local production. However, Ukoha emphasized that without the importation of refined products, fuel shortages would be inevitable.

He also reassured the public that all imported petroleum products meet the required standards.

“The NMDPRA insists that all imported products meet the specifications of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said, adding that claims of substandard products circulating on social media were baseless and misleading.

Ukoha concluded by reaffirming the NMDPRA’s commitment to ensuring a steady and quality fuel supply across Nigeria. “If necessary, we will utilise the supplier of last resort to fill any gaps to avoid a potential scarcity,” he stated.

Group alerts NOSDRA, Shell on fresh Bayelsa oil spill

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Environment watchdog, the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), has called the attention of the National Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA) and Shell to a crude oil spill from a Shell pipeline along Obololi Creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Obololi
Obololi Creek oil spill site

The current oil spill reportedly occurred on the night of Sunday, February 16, breaking Monday, February 17, 2025. It is said to be the very first spill happening on the community river or Creek, the people’s only source of water for everything.

Obololi community is where pipelines belonging to Oando and Shell traversed. Shell, according to community folks, laid this pipeline since 1973 and has not replaced it since then.

“The people urgently need drinking water. Shell should immediately mobilise for JIV and follow up with cleanup, remediation and compensation,” said the group.

Meanwhile, following EDEN’s advocacy efforts, the Deputy Executive Director of the group, Alalgoa Morris, will be leading the Southern Ijaw Local Government Chairman and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment to visit the impacted area on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Climate crisis is a human rights emergency, says UN official

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The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Fall, has described the climate crisis as a human rights emergency, raising concerns over the future conditions in Sub-Sahara African countries.

Mohamed Mallick Fall
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria

Fall stated this at a-three-day 2025 Regional Africa Human Rights Academic Network Conference on environmental degradation and climate change justice on human rights in Abuja.

The conference is organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the University of Nsukka (UNN) Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI).

The Regional African Human Rights Academic Network comprises institutions across the African continent, under the African Regional Programme of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI).

It was first preceded in Harare, Zimbabwe October 2022, the second in Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa in September 2023, the third, Abuja, Nigeria on February, 2025.

Fall said the gathering which is under the theme of Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change, Access to environment and climate justice within the regional and sub-regional human rights system in Africa, is apt.

“The climate crisis is more than environmental issues. It is a human rights emergency.

“Across our continent, rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation is proportionally impacting those who are the most vulnerable.

“I mention the women, the elderly, the children, the youth and the persons with disabilities. Those who contribute least to the greenhouse emission are those who pay the heaviest price.

“This to us is an injustice,” he said.

Sub-Saharan Africa, he said, produces less than four per cent of the greenhouse emission, yet it suffers the worst effect of climate change.

This, he said, is more than an environmental injustice.

“It is a moral failure. The children of tomorrow will grow up in a climate, in a world, in an environment which is already damaged. This is a choice they have never made.

“They will bear the cost of the crisis that they did not create. And this is not only unfair, but this is a deep betrayal for the future generation.

“Land loss, food insecurity, water scarcity and displacement resulting from climate change are daily realities for millions, including in Nigeria,” Fall said.

He added that this human rights crisis ripples inequality, exacerbates poverty and threatens peace and stability.

He noted that while environmental degradation denies people access to clean water, food and livelihood, it violates the fundamental right, right to life, the right to health and the right to dignity.

”Recognising this, the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 adopted a landmark resolution, affirming that the right to clean water, healthy and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right.

“This resolution reinforces global commitment to environmental justice, stating unequivocally that climate change and environmental degradation are among the most pressing threats to humanity’s future.

“It is also emphasised that achieving this right requires the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements under international environmental law.

“This framework underscores both the urgency of action and the legal basis for protecting it.”

Fall said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and economic powerhouse, stands at a critical crossroads.

Nigeria, he said, was in the front line of climate change, facing severe desertification in the north, erosion and rising sea levels in the south, and a dramatic weather pattern disrupting agriculture and livelihood.

“In 2024, flooding in the northeas left hundreds of people dead or unaccounted for, and thousands displaced in addition to severely damaged vital infrastructure.

“If unaddressed, this challenge would escalate conflict over land, over resources, increase displacement, and strain governance and security.

“Yet, Nigeria is also a nation of resilience and innovation with great potential.

“Nigeria has a unique opportunity to champion environmental justice and climate action as a fundamental human right by integrating climate justice into the legal and policy framework in a manner consistent with Nigeria’s human rights obligations, development, sustainability, justice, inclusiveness, and rights-based approach” he said.

Fall said the UN stands firmly with Nigeria in addressing these challenges.

Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, he said, solutions are being driven in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“SDG 30 on climate action, SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and the Sixth Transition Pathway for acceleration of the SDG for 2030.

“Efforts including strengthening climate resilience in communities must also be supported to be resilient to environmental shock, ensuring adaptation policy, and prioritising the most vulnerable communities.

“Legislative and institutional reform are being supported to uphold environmental justice, ensuring that environmental human rights defenders are empowered, that polluters are held accountable, and that affected communities have access to justice and effective remedies,” he said.

According to Fall, investment in the youth and climate innovation recognises that Nigeria young people are not just leaders of tomorrow but also change makers of today.

He noted that, globally, the United Nations Secretary-General has been vocal in calling for climate justice.

He added, urging world leaders to move beyond pledge and move towards tangible actions grounded in equity, accountability, and the principle of leaving no one behind.

“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the world we have ahead of us demands bold leadership, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

“As we exchange perspectives during this day, let’s remember that the fight for climate justice is a fight for dignity, equalities, and the future of our planet.

“In the words of Nelson Mandela, to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity,” he quoted.

He, therefore, urged participants to “affirm our shared humanity by ensuring that environmental justice is not just an aspiration but a reality for everyone”.

By Edith Nwapi

EU partially on track with environmental, climate targets – EAA

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The European Union says its partially on track to achieve its climate, environment and sustainability objectives, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report.

Leena Ylä-Mononen
EEA Executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen

In a publication on Thursday, February 20, 2025, the EEA said that more decisive measures were needed to boost a circular economy, reverse the declining trend in biodiversity and reduce the EU’s consumption footprint.

“The EU is not yet on track to meet the many targets of the so-called 8th Environment Action Programme (8EAP), with limited progress overall, compared to the last report from 2023.”

EEA Executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen, said that good progress had been made in reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and boosting green finance.

“But decisive action is needed to put the EU on track elsewhere.

“This means bolder implementation of existing legislation, additional measures where needed and ensuring there is sufficient financing to deliver our climate, environment and sustainability objectives,’’ she said in a statement.

Four 2030 targets were deemed to be “totally ‘off track’’ including greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry, doubling circular material use.

“It will ensure 25 per cent of farm fields are organically farmed, and significantly decreasing the EU’s consumption footprint,” EEA said.

Reducing energy consumption and boosting consumption of renewable energy were also off track.

The 8EAP sets out the EU’s long-term vision to 2050 of living well and within planetary boundaries and includes priority objectives for 2030 and the conditions needed to achieve these.

Oyo seals industrial facility over environmental regulation violation

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The Oyo State Government has sealed Fountain Manufacturing Company Ltd., an industrial facility in Oluyole, Ibadan, for violating environmental laws.

Seyi Makinde
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Ibadan, the state capital.

“The sealing was done on the heels of several complaints and petitions received on the health hazard incured by the residents around the facility.

“Reports indicate that the harmful fumes emitted from the facility have caused significant unrest in the area.

“We have intervened in the matter for years, seeking an amicable resolution among residents, but the facility owner has consistently failed to comply with state environmental laws,” Mogbonjubola said.

He added that the ministry also sealed Casta De Lounge along Akala Road for dumping waste on the highway median.

The commissioner alleged that the lounge had refused to patronise the government-assigned waste collectors and was guilty of multiple environmental offences.

By David Adeoye

Japan to provide $3m assistance to Nigeria toward combating cholera epidemic – Envoy

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The Japanese government on Thursday, February 20, 2025, pledged assistance of $3 million to Nigeria to combat the cholera epidemic in the country.

Hideo Suzuki
Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria

Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, said this at the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception held in Abuja.

He revealed that the assistance was funded by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

Japan has indeed been a steady partner in providing humanitarian and development support to Nigeria, following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of 108 million dollars to support Nigeria.

He added that there was also a grant of $5.4 million to enhance the country’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.

Japan’s government has been working with international organisations to assist Nigeria.

In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated two million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast  Nigeria, and disaster prevention efforts using Japanese expertise.

The envoy said that since the birth of the Emperor in 1960 which also coincided with when Nigeria gained independence; this marked the beginning of a diplomatic bilateral relation that has continued to deepen over the years.

According to him, at the Lagos international trade fair organised by Japan’s external trade organisation (JETRO) held in November 2024, a record of 40 companies exhibited at the Japan Pavillion, this is a clear indication of the high expectations Japanese companies have for the  Nigerian market.

“It is true that Japanese companies in Nigeria are facing various business challenges. I hope that under the strong leadership of the Nigerian government, the business environment will continue to improve.

“I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian economy. I visited the Dangote refinery which has garnered global attention, and I was impressed by the groundbreaking vision, skill, and cutting-edge technology on display, this experience gave me a profound sense of the huge potential for future development in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the envoy, this year marks a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations and in expectation of TICAD 9 which will hold in August 2025 in Yokohama.

Hideo, however, said that he is looking forward to seeing the participation of the Nigerian government from the highest level in TICAD 9 2025.

By Chinenye Offor

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