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400 Indigent Kaduna Students Secure Scholarships 

Oluwasola Akintonde
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400 Indigent Kaduna Students Secure Scholarships 

Four hundred indigent students from Southern Kaduna have been awarded scholarships of 100,000 naira each under the Marshall Katung Foundation in a bid to promote inclusive education and youth empowerment.

The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, is aimed at supporting underprivileged students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria to enable them to achieve their academic aspirations.

Speaking on behalf of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who is the founder of the foundation, the Chairman, Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Elder Bature Likoro said the initiative was borne out of the Senator’s genuine desire to support students whose educational dreams are threatened by financial challenges.

Elder Likoro explained that Senator Katung believes education remains the strongest tool for social change and human capital development, stressing that empowering young people through education would reduce poverty, crime, and unemployment in the region.

He reaffirmed the Senator’s commitment to sustaining the scholarship scheme annually and expanding its reach to cover more students across Southern Kaduna.

He also appealed to those who applied but were not shortlisted to remain patient, assuring them that their turn would come in subsequent editions.

The Chairperson of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, Barr. Gloria Ballason said that “a total of 3,125 students applied, out of which 400 were carefully selected after a rigorous screening process.”

She commended the transparency of the selection exercise and applauded the dedication of the team in ensuring that only genuinely indigent students benefited from the support.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Mr. Edward Pama Auta, urged government and well meaning individuals to invest more in scholarship and educational support programmes to reduce the burden on struggling families and promote equal learning opportunities for all.

The Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Professors Forum, Prof. John La’ah delivering a keynote paper on Mainstreaming STEM Education for National Development.

He spoke extensively on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He said for Nigeria to fully harness the potential of innovation, the teaching of STEM subjects must begin from the primary school level.

La’ah noted that early exposure would inspire creativity and prepare young minds to solve real life problems in science and technology.

He further emphasised that the progress of any society is directly tied to the quality of education it provides, calling for stronger partnerships between government, private organizations, and individuals to build a culture that prioritizes learning, research, and innovation as the foundation for sustainable development.

Two of the beneficiaries, Zingina Precious Samuel and Omega Enoch Alajibi, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanked Senator Katung for what they described as a lifeline intervention that came at a critical time.

They however, pledged to make judicious use of the opportunity and prayed for God’s blessings and continued strength for the Senator and the Foundation.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Defence Minister Inspects Production Of Helicopters, Fighter Jets

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Defence Minister Inspects Production Of Helicopters, Fighter Jets

Nigeria’s air power push took a decisive step forward as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, inspected the production of advanced helicopters and fighter jets at Leonardo S.p.A. facilities in Italy.

The move reinforces the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and strengthening international defence partnerships.

The Minister, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s high-level delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited two key sites: the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono.

These sites are assembling AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and M-346 Fighter Attack Jets for the Nigerian Air Force.

At the helicopter division, Badaru inspected the production line of ten AW109 Trekker helicopters. Three units are fully completed and ready for delivery, three more will follow before the end of 2025, and the final four are expected in early 2026.

The visit then moved to the fighter jet division, where six out of twenty-four M-346 jets are in advanced production stages, with three already undergoing flight tests. Full delivery will come in four tranches of six aircraft each, including armaments, support equipment, spare parts, and training.

Badaru praised the progress and quality of work, commending Leonardo’s technical team.

“These aircraft are critical to boosting the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability. This investment is not just about equipment, but about projecting Nigeria’s readiness and resilience,” he stated.

The visit reflects the Tinubu administration’s focus on strategic defence acquisitions, joint training, and international partnerships to secure Nigeria’s airspace and deepen the capabilities of its armed forces.

 

 

NYSC Reaffirms Equality in National Service Deployment Policy

Oluwasola Akintonde
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NYSC Reaffirms Equality in National Service Deployment Policy

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has said that the Scheme’s deployment policy makes all Nigerian graduates mobilised for National Service equal, regardless of their social, economic, regional, ethnic and/or religious backgrounds.

He made the disclosure when he addressed Corps members deployed to Kwara State for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Service Year, who are currently undergoing their three week Orientation Course at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, South West, Nigeria.

The Director General reminded the Corps Members that some of them graduated from higher institutions within Nigeria while others attended foreign schools; some attended public schools while others went to private ones. Yet he said that in NYSC they were given similar bed spaces in the same hostels, same uniform, same food, equal allowances etc; and urged them to see themselves as members of the same family.

He reiterated that the rationale behind the establishment of NYSC 52 years ago, was for the promotion of unity and integration among the citizenry. He therefore enjoined them to establish friendships that would last a lifetime during the service year, noting that a network of good friends is the currency that reigns in today’s world.

General Nafiu equally called on the Corps Members to embrace the cultures and traditions of their host communities; emphasizing that doing so would give them an insight into the plight of the people, and place them in a better position to proffer solutions when saddled with leadership responsibilities, especially at the national level in future.

The NYSC helmsman encouraged the Corps Members to endure the regimented life pattern in camp, and explained that the essence of the exercise was to toughen them for the challenges they might encounter during and beyond the service year.

He also admonished them to grab the opportunity availed to them and take both the in-camp and post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training seriously. He said that the training was meant to mold and mentor them to become self-reliant, business moguls and employers of labour, who would in turn contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

General Nafiu went ahead to warn the Corps Members against negative use of the social media, and advised them to channel their energy, intellect and ingenuity to making positive use of the new media, by creating contents that would impact lives.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the NYSC Kwara State Coordinator, Mr Joshua Onifade reported that a total of 1,304 Corps Members were registered in the State for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course. This comprised 767 female and 537 male.

The State Coordinator equally reported that the Corps Members had maintained high level of discipline and massive participation in all camp activities.

He equally commended camp officials for their commitment and dedication to their duties, which had made it possible to record successes in every activity.

Mr Onifade used the occasion to express gratitude to Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahaman Abulrazak for not just approving Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, for NYSC to use as venue of the Orientation Course, but also for ensuring that all facilities required for the smooth conduct of the exercise were put in place. He revealed that part of such facilities were the 250 double bunk beds supplied by the State Government specifically for Corps Members.

He concluded his remarks by thanking the management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, for releasing the institution’s facilities to NYSC to host the Orientation Exercise.

 

 

Former PDP Chairman Resigns, Defects to ADC

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Former PDP Chairman Resigns, Defects to ADC

By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin

The immediate-past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, Babatunde Mohammed, has resigned from the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This was stated in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Agunjin Ward, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

He noted that while others, including leaders of the PDP in the state, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past, he chose to remain in the PDP on account of his loyalty to the party.

“Even though the reasons I dumped the PDP were personal, I have been in the PDP for the past 22 years. When PDP leaders in the state left for APC, I remained in PDP. I didn’t leave like others did.

“As I speak to you, I’m now in ADC. I have joined ADC. Like I said earlier, the reasons why I dumped the PDP remain personal. There is no hope in the PDP again. But you can be rest assured that I have left for the ADC, which is now my party,” the former Kwara Speaker said.

Mohammed said,  “I joined PDP in 2002, precisely 23 years ago, without leaving the party even for a day. But the reason for my resignation is purely personal.

“I sincerely thank the leadership of the party, the stakeholders and members for their support and co-operation, most especially when I served as the State Chairman of the party.”

Mohammed also served as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly between 2009 and 2011 on the platform of the PDP.

Nigeria, China Partner to Boost Women’s Participation in Gas Sector

Victoria Ibanga
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Nigeria, China Partner to Boost Women’s Participation in Gas Sector

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has co-hosted the first-ever Nigeria–China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum in Beijing.

The forum is a landmark platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation on gender-responsive infrastructure, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive development.

At the ceremony, jointly hosted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Mutual Commitment Group, the China Chamber of Commerce for the Petroleum Industry (CCCPI), and the Nigeria–China Friendship Association, were senior government officials, investors, development partners, and private-sector leaders from both nations.

The forum is a defining step in advancing Nigeria–China collaboration and mobilizing investment towards women-led and community-driven growth initiatives.

Held under the theme “Investing in Nigeria’s Future: Harnessing Gender-Responsive Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth and Social Resilience,” the forum highlighted the growing synergy between Nigeria and China in promoting women’s participation in strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, and trade.

During the forum, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim led Nigeria’s delegation in signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Enhancing the Participation of Women in Nigeria’s Gas Sector.”

The agreement represents a major step towards accelerating the transition to clean cooking and expanding sustainable energy access for women-led enterprises and households across the country.

The Minister stated that this new MoU complements earlier strategic agreements signed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR — including the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme and the framework establishing Safe Spaces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) nationwide.

Together, these initiatives form an integrated blueprint to empower women and strengthen social protection systems across Nigeria.

Speaking at the forum, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the engagements as “a decisive shift from policy dialogue to measurable action,” noting that they reflect the administration’s clear vision to empower women, strengthen families, and drive inclusive prosperity.

“Through partnerships like these, we are moving from advocacy to execution.

The Renewed Hope Agenda is clear — empower women, strengthen families, and create shared prosperity,” she said.

Unity of purpose 

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of the Mutual Commitment Group, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, commended the forum for fostering unity of purpose among partners.

“From clients, partners, and ourselves, all stakeholders are united by shared commitment. Our cooperation means that wherever we work, we will honour our promises.

This agreement gives us great hope and confidence for long-term partnership,” he said.

On her part, the  Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara commended the Minister for her outstanding efforts. She also reiterated the commitment of the legislative arm of government to protecting and advancing women and children.

She assured that through the historic bill for the Reserved Seats for Women, Nigerian women continue to drive the needed change in narrative of participation and inclusion.

“My presence here today is a  testament to the seamless collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of our government.

“We are here to offer the structural assurance that every project discussed today is guided by a strong, supportive, and progressive legal framework”.

The forum also highlighted Nigerian private-sector partners, including Newbury Energy Ltd and Easy Sales Export, who shared experiences on empowering women as key drivers of productivity and innovation.

Both organisations continue to support the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII 774) — the Ministry’s flagship initiative targeting 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through programmes in agriculture, energy, digital inclusion, and family infrastructure.

Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Government and the people of China for their partnership and hospitality, and to all co-hosts and stakeholders for their shared commitment to advancing inclusive growth.
She reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will commence immediate implementation of the new agreement, working closely with its partners to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

 

FCT Minister Hails President Tinubu for Steering Nigeria Forward

Oluwasola Akintonde
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FCT Minister Hails President Tinubu for Steering Nigeria Forward

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pragmatic approach toward steering Nigeria into lasting progress.

The Minister stated this while flagging off the collector road CO1 in the institutions and Research District, linking the body of Bencher to Nile and Base Universities in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

Wike said Tinubu’s leadership is laying a strong foundation for long term national growth.

Wike noted that the road project extends beyond the legal body, emphasizing that Nile University and Baze University will be the greatest beneficiaries due to the high volume of daily traffic from the two private institutions.

The Minister said, “The greatest beneficiaries of this project is not just the Body of Benchers but these two private institutions that are here. “I hope these private institutions… also recognise that the government is also doing something that has positively affected our universities. If you begin to say that, then you are a good citizen”.

He pledged to ensure the timely completion of the road within a six-month schedule, guaranteeing that necessary funding will be made available to the contractor.

Wike, who also used the event to emphasize the importance of constructive criticism, commended the Body of Benchers for its approach in requesting the project, contrasting it with those who use social media to castigate the government for political purposes.

He cited the recently commissioned roads in Mabushi District, which were fixed simply because a Life Bencher and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Damien Dodo, called his attention to the problem rather than criticizing the government publicly.

According to him, “Now see what the Body of Benchers has done. You did not go to social media and criticize government over the state of this road. You made your request humbly, and the President granted it and see where we are today.

“So, good citizens should be able to carry out their own responsibilities by calling government attention. It is not everything you go to the social media with”, the Minister said.

Wike while also emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the judiciary

He said that the access road to the Body of Benchers, along with other interventions for the legal community, were not initially in the budget but were approved by the President under emergency procurement to support the legal profession.

He noted the President’s swift approval of the Body of Benchers’ requests for an annex office project and a fire service station, as well as the forthcoming flag-off of a 600-bed hostel for the Nigerian Law School, describing these as clear evidence that the President honours his commitments.

He said, “That is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Minister disclosed that the FCTA was in the process of beginning the construction of a fire service building for the institution, while the construction of a 600-bed hostel for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari would also be flagged off by Monday next week.

Earlier, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud described the road initiative as a strategic infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, ease movement. He said it will also stimulate economic development of the area, while also supporting the academic and legal institutions around the axis.

She thanked the FCT Minister for his strategic vision in transforming the entire FCT.

Presenting an over view of the project, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, said the construction of Collector C01 Road in the Institution and Research District situated in Phase Three was in accordance with the Abuja Master Plan.

Dauda stressed that the Administration had embarked on the project as part of its mandate to provide infrastructure to the District, pointing out that the project will further open up the District to development, enhance general traffic circulation, and provide direct and indirect employment to residents of the Territory in the course of construction.

He specified the scope of work to include site clearance, earthworks, underground storm water drainage, box and pipe culvert, asphalt paved roads, a three-span river bridge, as well as solar street lighting.

The Managing Director of CCECC, the contractor entrusted with the project, Guan Shuai, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for the widespread development he had observed in the FCT in recent times, admitting that in October alone, so many landmark projects had been flagged off.

Mr Shuai pledged that the road project would be completed within the six-month timeframe and would be of high standards.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Galaxy Backbone Bags International Standard Excellence Award

Victoria Ibanga
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Galaxy Backbone Bags International Standard Excellence Award

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has been honoured with the “International Standard Excellence Award for Best IT Service Provider Company of the Year 2025,” recognising its leadership in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.

The award was presented by the WQA Standards Panel and the Editorial Team of the Quality Standard Journal Media Ltd during the World Standards Day Celebration in Abuja.

This recognition celebrates Galaxy Backbone’s unflinching  commitment to international best practices, adherence to globally recognized standards, and its critical role in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, was Abisola Umeri, Head, Information Security & Business Continuity.

Professor Adeyanju stated that “the achievement underscores GBB’s dedication to operational excellence, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery.”

“This award is a strong endorsement of our operational excellence, professionalism, and innovative spirit.

“It reflects the confidence that our partners, stakeholders, and clients have in Galaxy Backbone’s capacity to drive secure and sustainable digital transformation in Nigeria and beyond,” Professor Adeyanju said.

This latest recognition further seals Galaxy Backbone’s reputation as a pioneer in building a digitally empowered Nigeria, supporting government institutions, businesses, and communities through secure, efficient, and scalable technology solutions

 

 

Victoria Ibanga

Reps Committee Pledges Legislative Support for Local Content

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Reps Committee Pledges Legislative Support for Local Content

A parliamentary committee has pledged to strengthen legislative protections for local manufacturers, identifying them as crucial to the nation’s economic transformation.

The commitment was made during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to a leading indigenous electrical cable manufacturer in Anambra State.

The Committee which was headed by Mrs Boma Goodhead praised the facility’s advanced technology, high manufacturing standards, and adherence to local content principles.

“From what we have witnessed today, it’s clear that Nigeria has the capacity to produce world-class industrial materials locally,” said Committee Chairperson Mrs. Boma Goodhead. “This facility is a shining example of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience. Its commitment to value addition and import substitution sets a benchmark for industrial growth.”

The delegation toured the manufacturing plant to assess its production capabilities and alignment with national goals for industrial transformation and job creation. The visit is part of a broader initiative by the National Assembly to support high-performing local industries.

Chairperson Goodhead emphasised that the legislature is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directives for government agencies to prioritise locally manufactured goods, particularly in critical sectors like oil and gas, power, and infrastructure.

“We are sending a clear message: the era of over-dependence on imported cables and electrical components is coming to an end,” she declared. “With the right policy support, indigenous manufacturers can compete globally.”

Other committee members echoed this sentiment, assuring manufacturers of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary legislative frameworks to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

The visit received backing from the Anambra State Government. The State Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, said the event aligned with the state’s industrial development policies aimed at expanding the manufacturing base and attracting investment.

A chief executive at the facility, Mr John Ezeobi, described the lawmakers’ tour as “special and historic,” noting that it provides a platform for deeper engagement between indigenous manufacturers and major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

He highlighted efforts to keep cable prices competitive to discourage substandard imports but called for stronger financial support and greater visibility in federal procurement systems. “To truly scale and meet national demand, we need facilitated access to funding,” he stated, adding that such support would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign goods.

The visit underscores a renewed momentum in Nigeria’s push for economic self-reliance and technological advancement through local enterprise.

“Together, we envision a future where Nigeria’s industrial capacity defines our economic strength, ”Goodhead concluded.

President Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Aqaba Summit

Oluwasola Akintonde
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0
President Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Aqaba Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in Abuja on Saturday after attending the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting in Rome, Italy,.

President Tinubu, whose aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 7:30pm, had participated in the closed door meeting aimed at strengthening regional and international collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism, with special focus on West Africa.

The Aqaba Process is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy.

The Rome edition focused on strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with particular attention to West Africa.

The high level meeting held behind closed doors was held on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome.

Many heads of State and Government attended, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, special envoys, and security experts were also in attendance.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings at various levels, from Heads of State summits to technical expert sessions. It is built on three core pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts

Bilateral Meetings

On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that President Tinubu also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony in Nigeria.

The meeting addressed the widespread disinformation campaigns that falsely portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity.

President Tinubu was received on arrival by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike

 

 

Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Nnadozie Nominated for CAF Awards

chidi igwe
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Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Nnadozie Nominated for CAF Awards

The Super Falcons of Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and star forward Esther Okoronkwo, have been nominated for the coveted CAF African Women Player of The Year Award.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards – Women’s Categories on Wednesday.

The award celebrates the standout performers in African women’s football over the past year.

Ajibade and Okoronkwo were both instrumental in Nigeria winning its 10th WAFCON title in July.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who ranked 4th for the Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, is nominated for the goalkeeper of the year award.

The announcement marks the build-up to the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony, which will honour players, coaches, and teams that have made significant contributions between 6 January and 15 October 2025.

CAF stated that the shortlist reflects performances across domestic, continental, and international competitions, with 10 nominees selected in each category.

The nominees were chosen by a panel of experts comprising members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, experienced coaches, CAF Legends, and select media representatives.

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