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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units

On the occasion of Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown’s second anniversary as Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown House and his proclamation as Amadabo of Finima, Kongo XVII has established the Finima Council of Chiefs and increased the Buoye Omuso Council of Wari-Alapu.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, Aseme Alabo Brown made these statements at a celebration marking his second year as Amadabo of Finima, Bonny LGA, Rivers State.

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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 9

He declared that, in addition to the Attoni and Tobin Minor Houses, the Abobo, Adum, Akpa, Cross, Dupuyo, Eli, Goni, Goro, Iyariari, Sughu, Owupele, Ogbulubim, Owari, and Papanye family units now form the Buoye Omuso Brown House Council of Chiefs.

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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 10

He proceeded to designate their present Heads as Chiefs of Minor Houses, which will functon when the Attoni and Tobin Houses has legitimate Chiefs. Due to legal disputes, the chieftaincy stools in both houses are contested. At the moment, each Council of Elders is in charge of both.

“As the Amadabo of Finima, I hereby upgrade and formally pronounce these sub-family units as Minor Chieftaincy Houses in the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House of Finima, with their subsisting Heads as Substantive Chiefs and Heads of their respective Houses, having done due consultation with my Council of Warialapu on the impactful contributions of these sub-family units to the growth of the House and Community since over a century ago.”
As a result, the Finima Council of Chiefs will henceforth be made up of all Chiefs and Heads of the Minor Chieftaincy Houses, as declared in Finima. They must submit within 14 days, lists of names of their respective sub-family units (Burusu) to the office of the Amadabo of Finima.”

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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 11

Noting that it was a misnomer for the Adum House to be abandoned for several years even when it was listed in Appendix B of the Adams Intelligence Report on administration of the Bonny Native Authority 1936 alongside Attoni House as category A Minor Houses, he also declared the upgrade of the Adum sub-family unit as well as her head as a substantive Chief and Head of Adum-Brown Chieftaincy House of Finima.

The ancient Sub-Chieftaincy Stool of Adum House was abandoned, which the Amadabo-in-Council saw as a grave injury that needed to be internally and sustainably revived first. This is because the complete eradication of this verified and documented account of our history would amount to self-inflicted denials and a permanent loss of heritage.

“Appendix B of the Adams Intelligence Report on administration of the Bonny Native Authority 1936” describes Adum and Attoni as Minor Houses in category A to the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House of Finima. These descriptions are striking. It is therefore extremely inaccurate and misleading to say that Adum sub Chieftaincy House is still without a modern Chief.
“Therefore, in accordance with Appendix B of the Adams Intelligence Report on Finima, I hereby reaffirm and pronounce the current Head of Adum (Tamunobere) sub-family unit as Substantive Chief and Head of Adum-Brown Chieftaincy House of Finima, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Amadabo of Finima, being the Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House of Finima, having had due consultation with my Council of Warialapu.

In addition to bolstering the leadership spectrum of the House and Community, he said that restructuring the BOBH family structure and Finima Community leadership structure also honours the priceless contributions of the corresponding ancestors and families of the upgraded sub-family units.

Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown has worked tirelessly to alleviate poverty in the community during his two years as Amadabo of Finima in Bonny Kingdom, according to Priye Kabaka-Ehuwa, president of the Finima Women Association.
“Simini famam,” which translates to “poverty is finished in Finima Community,” is what he stated in our local dialect as soon as he assumed office as the Amadabo of Finima. Indeed, if you stroll around Finima, you will notice the changes everywhere.”

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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 12

It is truly evident, and while I am aware that it takes time to effect change, he progressively improves all facets of his life, including his health and education.

Diepiri Fibereseima, the chairman of the 2nd Anniversary Organising Committee, also spoke during his speech. He shared his excitement for the Amadabo’s reign and how he has overcome the obstacles he has experienced thus far. “I’m glad that everyone here will correct me if I make a mistake, as it was thoroughly discussed during the occasion.” “Many big boys and girls from Finima, both locally in Nigeria, Rivers State, and abroad, have received scholarships from him.”

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Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 13

In the past two years, the Amadabo of Finima has been able to foster youth unity among the numerous Houses that make up Finima and also restore peace in the neighbourhood, according to Linda Martins-Brown, Secretary of the Finima Women Association (FIWA).
“He has been really good for the last two years. We are grateful to God that he has brought peace to our community and that we are living out his dream of having everyone together and having fun in the Brown and Tobin Houses.

“We recently had some physicians visiting from Save-A-Life to provide care for the residents of Finima Community. We have kids all around the country who receive their bursaries annually, and some of our children who were born outside of the nation have pursued master’s degrees.

The highlight of the celebration featured performances by several masquerade groups, special presentations, and words of goodwill from some notable guests. Among those in attendance were visiting traditional rulers and chiefs of the Buoye Omuso Brown House’s numerous sub-houses.

Igbo (Eagle) Masquerade display
Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 14
Igbo (Eagle) Masquerade display
Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 15
Igbo (Eagle) Masquerade display
Second Coronation Anniversary: Amadabo Constitutes Finima Council of Chiefs, Upgrades Family Units 16

finima opu ogbo fungu miine festival 1

Finima Opu Ogbo Fongu Miine Festival

The Finima Opu Ogbo Fungu Miine Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration that takes place annually in the Finima community of Bonny Island, Nigeria. This festival is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of the Finima people, who have been celebrating it for generations. It is a time of great joy and unity, as the entire community comes together to honour their ancestors and showcase their rich cultural heritage through various activities such as traditional masquerades and dances, music performances, and colourful parades. The festival also includes competitions and games that test the skills and strength of the participants. It is a truly immersive experience that not only highlights the cultural pride of the Finima people but also fosters a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among attendees.

Finima Mgbele Masquerade Display
Finima Siki Masquerade Display

Egbelegbe Masguerade

Finima Owuogbo Maquerade

Nama Awo Opu Ogbo Masguerade Finima
Nama Awo (Opu-Ogbo) Masquerade Finima

Unveiling the Charisma of Finima Owuogbo

Nigeria is a land of intriguing cultural heritage, and the Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a prime example. This festival is a significant part of the Ijaw tribe’s traditional customs and beliefs, and it is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm. The Finima Owuogbo festival is a blend of music, dance, and spirituality, and it is believed to summon the spirits of the dead to bless the living. In this article, we will explore the magic of Finima Owuogbo and discover why it is a must-see event.

 

Unmasking the Magic of Finima Owuogbo

The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a colorful and vibrant festival with a unique charm. It is celebrated in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, particularly in the towns of Bonny and Finima. The festival features a procession of masquerades, dancers, and drummers who put on colorful and intricate costumes to thrill the audience. The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade symbolizes the transition from the world of the living to the afterlife, and it is believed to summon the spirits of the dead depicting restlessness, especially in the form of Agidi Owu (Masquerade with cutlass)  to create a ying-yang betweeen the dead and the living.

The highlight of the festival is the Finima Owuogbo masquerade. The masquerade is a massive figure covered in colourful fabrics, feathers, and bells. The mask is a representation of the spirits of the dead, and as it moves through the town, people believe that it is blessing them with good fortune, health, and prosperity. The Finima Owuogbo is an awe-inspiring sight to behold, and its performance is a stunning display of artistry, dance, and spirituality.

From Dance to Deity: The Story of Finima Owuogbo

The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade has a rich history that dates back centuries. According to legend, the festival originated from a man named Owuogbo, who was said to have died and returned to life. When he came back to life, he decided to create a festival to celebrate his resurrection. The festival evolved over time, and it became a way to honor the dead and ask for their blessings.

The Finima Owuogbo festival is now an essential part of Ijaw culture, and it has become a symbol of their heritage. The festival is a celebration of life, death, and the afterlife, and it is a reminder that death is not the end. The Finima Owuogbo is a representation of the spirits of the dead, and it is believed that when it moves through the town, it is a sign that the ancestors are watching over the people.

Join the Festivities: Experience Finima Owuogbo in Person!

The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a festival that is not to be missed. If you are planning a trip to Nigeria, make sure you visit Bonny or Finima during the festival. The festival typically takes place in November or December, and it lasts for several days. During the festival, you can expect to see colorful costumes, traditional dances, and hear the sounds of drums and trumpets.

Visitors to the festival are welcome to join in the festivities. You can try on the colourful costumes and dance alongside the masquerades. You can also sample traditional Ijaw cuisine, including delicious seafood like prawns and oysters. The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

A Festive Celebration of Life and Death

The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a celebration of life, death, and the afterlife. It is a festival that honors the dead and asks for their blessings. It is also a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The Finima Owuogbo Maquerade is a must-see event, and we hope that our article has inspired you to experience it for yourself. So, pack your bags, head to Nigeria, and join in the festivities!

Conclusion

The Finima Owuogbo masquerade is a unique and powerful tradition that has been celebrated in Nigeria for generations. The masquerade symbolizes protection and strength, and is deeply embedded in Nigerian culture. Its power is so strong that it is believed to be able to protect communities and ward off evil spirits. The masquerade is also a representation of unity and togetherness, and it is something that communities come together to celebrate each year. It is a beautiful display of Nigerian culture, and a reminder of the importance of celebrating our unique traditions. Finima Owuogbo masquerade is a reminder that we can take strength from our past to build a better future.

finima annual marathon

The Ancient Nigerian City of Finima and Its Unforgettable Culture

The Ancient Nigerian City of Finima and Its Unforgettable Culture

Introduction

The ancient city of Finima is located on Bonny Island in the Niger River Delta of Nigeria. The city is home to a number of notable landmarks, comprising of the Bonny Brown Major House, the Adum (Tamunobere) House, the Tobin House, and the Attoni House. The city is also known for its unique culture, which is a blend of Nigerian, Portuguese, and British influences.

The people of Finima are proud of their city’s history and culture. They are warm and welcoming, and they enjoy sharing their culture with visitors. If you are looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, then you should definitely consider visiting the city of Finima!

History of the City of Finima: The city of Finima has a vibrant history that dates back to the 11th century. During this time, the region was a thriving trading port, where merchants would exchange goods, such as ivory and palm oil. It was during this period that the first settlers arrived in Finima, and the city began to grow and develop, and later in the 15th century with European traders. The Portuguese were the first to colonize the city of Finima in the 14th century, and their influence can still be seen today. The architecture, the cuisine, and even the language is spoken by the native inhabitants of Finima all bear the mark of the Portuguese colonists. Additionally, during this period, the Portuguese built forts and trading posts in and around Finima, which aided in strengthening the city’s economy and culture.

The Culture of the People of Finima: The people of Finima are proud of their cultural heritage, which has been shaped by several different influences. The native language spoken by the people of Finima is Ibani, which is a dialect of the Ijaw language. Additionally, the people of Finima have a unique musical style that is characterized by drums, bells, and metal percussion instruments. Finima’s cuisine is also a blend of various cultures and customs and features both savoury and sweet dishes. Popular dishes include jollof rice, palm oil rice, ogbono soup, native fish soup, opopo (pounded yam and ripe plantain) and pulo-so-ngi soup. The city is also well-known for its traditional art, which includes sculpture, textiles, and pottery from ancient times, which have been lost to modernization. The city’s artisans are highly respected and celebrated for their skill and creativity.

The Importance of the City of Finima to Nigeria: The city of Finima is of great cultural and economic importance to Nigeria. As a major port, the city is an important gateway for the country’s goods and services. Additionally, the city has been a central hub for the international shipping industry for many years and is home to several oil production facilities. Beyond its economic importance, Finima is also an important centre for cultural development. The city has long been a centre for music and art and has produced several renowned musicians and artists. Furthermore, the city is home to many educational institutions, which have helped to cultivate a strong sense of pride and identity within the city.

Conclusion

The city of Finima is an important part of Nigeria’s rich culture and history. Its blend of international and traditional influences has helped to create a culture that is both unique and diverse. From its traditional art to its cuisine, the city of Finima remains a vibrant and unforgettable cultural experience for visitors.

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INSTALLATION OF CHIEF OF BUOYE-OMUSO BROWN MAJOR HOUSE & AMADABO OF FINIMA

GOODWILL ADDRESS BY
ASEME ALABO, HRH, ENGR DAGOGO LAMBERT BROWN
TO MEMBERS OF BUOYE OMUSO BROWN MAJOR HOUSE OF FINIMA DURING HIS FORMAL INSTALLATION AS
CHIEF & HEAD OF BUOYE OMUSO BROWN MAJOR HOUSE &
AMADABO OF FINIMA Kongo XVII, Omoni-ye-Sughu I
on Wednesday 12 January 2022

I am indeed very grateful and still remain indebted to God Almighty for the undeniable demonstration of His mercy and love towards us in Buoye Omuso Brown Major House and Finima in general; considering the turbulent journey of life we have experienced, since the exodus from our revered ancient Community in 1991. It is highly desirable to always appreciate God’s timely interventions in the affairs of the House, in rescuing and preserving her from total collapse and disintegration.

I still acknowledge the grace of God that has preserved and secured us as a family to this point in life where we can still breathe to sustain, as well as enable us to organize and provide for ourselves an all-embracing Constitution to properly direct and prudently manage the affairs of the House. It is by the provisions of this Constitution that the exercise of producing the Aseme Alabo for the House was duly conducted and emerged with Amadabo-elect, fully backed by preponderant majority support, including well-meaning and prominent members of the House.

Let me pause here and look at the much matured faces of all the accredited members of Council of Warialapu and applaud their courage and resilience in executing this assiduous exercise of producing the Aseme Alabo for the House through an obvious stormy weather of obnoxious and futile litigation missiles. Yet you are able to surmount and silence all the opposing voices of error; for the will of God to prevail.

Today is a memorable milestone in our history as one of the aboriginal and founding Houses of Bonny Kingdom in the Ibani nation; being honoured to address this great ancestral founding House and the entire Community in the capacity as Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House and Amadabo Of Finima; I am indeed most humbled as a chief servant to administer the will of Almighty God for my people.

My emergence as Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House and Amadabo of Finima is not and can never be a personal achievement; BUT a huge victory for the House over age long satanic manipulations and oppressions. It is a way forward Victory for the Buoye Omuso Brown House. It is a Victory with Axes and Swords to cut off and terminate all forms and fashions of resistances and repressiveness for the total recovery and restoration of every broken wall in the House.

I strongly believe that my divine emergence as a Chief servant; is the outcome of my over 40 years of consistent service and close interaction with all our past and recently demised leadership of the House and from which affinity I imbibed certain basic norms and values of the House; that had groomed me to become emotionally attached and sensitive to the yearnings and sentiments of the average Buoye Omuso Brown House element. As a chief servant to this great House, the application of servant-leadership principles shall be my best fit to actualize the beneficial deliverables for our people.

I will continue to serve my people with selfless zeal, unalloyed loyalty and genuine passion for the stability and peaceful coexistence of the House, as well as ensure the prudent management of her resources.
Over 30 years of my meaningful engagements with the oil and gas business in Nigeria, has afforded me huge work life experiences, as well as exposed me with the necessary global tour and relevance. Apt with our Community and the Buoye Omuso Brown House in particular, being the landlord to all the oil and gas outfits in Bonny Island; I have the experience relevant with their modus operandi, which is key to us as a family and Finima people.
My constant key outlook for the Buoye Omuso Brown House is to evolve sustainable stability of the House, through the deployment of administrative systems that will run all the existing structures and leadership strata in the House, such that no single Head, including my humble self can have the freedom to run any personal agenda to the detriment of the House and the Community.

I cannot claim to be able to do all these alone without ensuring relative harmonious working relationship amongst us as brethren that dwell from one family pot. I also do not know it all, nor claim to have solution to all the issues in the House; but the evident grace of God upon my life, has built in me the capacity of harnessing the enormous human and material resources in the House for her benefit.

Let me also humbly appeal for the genuine support and collaboration of all members of the House both at home and abroad as brethren of one family; in joining forces together to consolidate our unified stand on whom we are, where we are and what we have in our God given space on this Earth in the continent of Africa, in Rivers State of Nigeria and in Bonny Island.

I deliberately would like to express few basic facts for the benefit of our fast growing youths, to avoid being misled.

  • Finima was founded by the ancestors of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, being the first arrivals on the island far before Bonny came to stay. (See G I Jones pg. 105)
  • Finima is owned by the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House and has remained so from genesis. (See Suit No. PHC/174/72)
  • Finima is not a three Chieftaincy Community.
  • The Buoye Omuso Brown Major House has three Minor Chieftaincy Houses namely; Adum (Tamunobere), Attoni (Doughubo) and Tobin (Konibo) Chieftaincy Houses.
  • The Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House is the Paramount Chief of Finima, otherwise known as the Amadabo Of Finima.
  • There are currently thirteen sub-family units in the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, whose headships constitute the Council of Warialapu of the House.
  • These sub-family units include; Akpa, Cross, Dupuyo, Eli, Goro, Goni, Hart-Brown, Iyariari, Owari, Owupele, Papanye, Sughu and Tamunobere.

This information must be fundamental as key basic facts for all sons and daughters of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House of Finima.

Let me use the opportunity of this maiden address in my capacity as the Chief and Head of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House to formally reaffirm the use of the tittle of Warialabo and or Warialapu for all subsisting members of my Council in line with the provisions of our Constitution. Accordingly, I hereby direct all Warialapu to constitute their Burusu Wariseniapu as soon as possible for subsequent presentation to the Amadabo-in-Council. This is aimed at closing out the squabbling in this direction.

Indeed, the stable governance of the House calls for an all-inclusive collaboration from all well-meaning members of the House both at home and abroad. I will provide the enabling environment of cross-pollinating resourceful initiatives /ideas, as well as sieving them and translating such outcomes into beneficial realities for the House and the entire Community.

May I sincerely appeal to our brothers that are currently in court against the House to please sheath their swords and return home for harmonious resolution. Our continuous contentions in courts have not in real terms resolved issues for us, rather than continuously drain the resources of the House. I personally see every financial drain to court litigation as a limiting radical to the number of our secondary, university and post graduate students that the House is presently supporting. It is preferable to exhaust all options of dialogue and arbitration within the reach of the family before entering the lane of court litigation. No two or three persons can be Chief and Head the House at the same time. It is only God Almighty that divinely chooses one through people, just as He assigned us to our parents; because no child is given the opportunity to choose parent. Leaders are ordained by God at every point in life. We necessarily do not have to like them. They are placed to fulfil God’s purpose. I hereby beseech us as brethren of this great House to eschew all manner of bitterness and rancour detrimental to our betterment and peaceful coexistence as one indivisible entity

In same vain above, I also extend genuine hand of fellowship to our Doughubo and Konibo brotherhood, as Minor Chieftaincy Houses that sprang from the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House; to avail themselves for progressive dialogue and collaboration that will benefit us all as Finima people. The essence of equity amongst brethren is better comprehended with a sincere pursuit of purpose. Otherwise when equity is misconstrued for equality amongst brethren, then rebellion is inevitable. It therefore means that continuous engagements amongst brethren are key to a better understanding of their individual differences. May I state here that my Warialapu and I are available and open to such healthy engagements that will progress us a Community.

My dear brethren of Buoye Omuso Brown House, the vision of ‘‘Simini famam Finima’’ (meaning poverty has ended in Finima) in the midst of the giant hydrocarbon industries on our land can only be actualize by our collective resolve and determination to strengthen the development institutions being set up to represent Finima’s interest on developmental issues, such as Finima Development Committee and Finima Capacity Development Committee. As owners of Finima lands and landlord to all the multi-national outfits on the Island, it is therefore incumbent on us that we take ownership of Finima development matters, including the much heralded local content issue of ‘‘Finima NLNG Host Community’’ matter. All hands are therefore expected to be committed on deck for the realization of this vision.

Finally, I wish you all the best as I look forward to your positive response and cooperation now and always.

God bless us all
Long live BOBH
Long live Finima
Long live Bonny Kingdom

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Our Socio-Cultural heritage and our past at old Finima

Finima…
Bila Fiene..Kingi Fari
Our Social Culture and our past….that usual us into who we’re at the moment …..

See this image beneath brings the fondest reminiscences ever…Vibrant males and keepers and believers of our traditions past…patriotic Men of Honour of the Buoye Omuso House…This image was taken in 1971

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Standing from Left to Right:Dede Jopanye, Dede Tego, Agomienye(Ago Hart), Tamunobere(Adda), Dede Willie, Dede Ashley, Dada Christina, Bobo, Okonko Masquerade, Dede Tamunoala, Dede Gilbert, John Brown’s Father, Ibianga.
Children Siting on floor from L to R: Tamunobere’s half sister along with her youthful brother, Dada Dima’s solely son(Tamunobere’s half brother).
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Standing from Left to Right:Dede Jopanye, Dede Tego, Agomienye(Ago Hart), Tamunobere(Adda), Dede Willie, Dede Ashley, Dada Christina, Bobo, Okonko Masquerade, Dede Tamunoala, Dede Gilbert, John Brown’s Father, Ibianga.
Children Siting on floor from L to R: Tamunobere’s half sister along with her youthful brother, Dada Dima’s solely son(Tamunobere’s half brother).
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Standing from Left to Right:Dede Jopanye, Dede Tego, Agomienye(Ago Hart), Tamunobere(Adda), Dede Willie, Dede Ashley, Dada Christina, Bobo, Okonko Masquerade, Dede Tamunoala, Dede Gilbert, John Brown’s Father, Ibianga.
Children Siting on floor from L to R: Tamunobere’s half sister along with her youthful brother, Dada Dima’s solely son(Tamunobere’s half brother).
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Our Socio-Cultural heritage and our past at old Finima 69
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Gallant bigwig, Chief I.A. Idamieibi Brown, Council of Wari-Seni apu (Elders) and Principal Members of the Buoye-Omuso Brown Royal House – Founding House of Finima in Grand Bonny
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