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Empowering communities: How NNPC prioritises cancer, eye care, ICT projects under Kyari

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2 years ago

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Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari

Empowering communities: How NNPC prioritises cancer, eye care, ICT projects under Kyari

As Nigeria grapples with persistent healthcare challenges—from inadequate infrastructure to limited access to diagnostic tools—NNPC Ltd. is redefining the playbook for Corporate Social Responsibility.

With initiatives spanning cutting-edge medical facilities to grassroots health programmes, the state-owned oil giant is setting a new standard for private-sector engagement in public health.

In a sector often criticised for neglecting social impact, NNPC Ltd.’s interventions signal a transformative approach to addressing societal needs at scale.

NNPC Ltd., long synonymous with energy solutions, is redefining its corporate identity by addressing critical healthcare challenges.

Through its CSR arm, the NNPC Foundation, and strategic partnerships with Joint Venture (JV) partners, the company is reshaping the healthcare narrative in Nigeria.

These initiatives align with the vision of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, and exemplify a profound commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

One of the most notable interventions is the recently inaugurated state-of-the-art mammography centre at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, in Nasarawa State.

Developed in partnership with TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, SAPETRO, CNOOC, and PRIME 130, the facility is equipped with the Senographe Pristina 3D mammography system and stereotactic biopsy capabilities.

This advanced centre can undertake over 120 examinations daily, significantly enhancing diagnostic capacity in the North Central region.

This is the second of such centres, following a similar facility at Garkida General Hospital, Adamawa.

These projects are part of NNPC Ltd.’s strategic push to improve access to early cancer detection and treatment, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s high cancer mortality rate.

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The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr Bala Wunti, who was represented by the Head of Business Services, Mr. Sani Kabo, said the mammography centre was a symbol of NNPC Ltd.’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.

“We hope that under the stewardship of the state government, this facility will become a beacon of comfort and a critical resource for timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” Wunti said.
On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive and Country Chair of TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI), Mr Matthieu Bouyer, who was represented by the Acting General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs Tonye Osifo, said TotalEnergies was committed to addressing healthcare challenges through strategic partnerships.
“This mammography centre is among 84 infrastructural projects TotalEnergies has delivered since 2016. It signifies our active role in the global fight against cancer and reflects our alignment with the #WorkingWithCancer initiative, which supports recovery and retention for individuals affected by cancer,” Bouyer stated.

In addition, the company’s free cancer screening campaigns target 3,000 individuals across the six geopolitical zones, providing not only screenings but also health education, workshops, and consultations.

Tagged “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening, the campaign aimed at empowering individuals to recognise early symptoms, adopt preventive health measures, and better understand the importance of regular screenings.
The screening centres were set up in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe to focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, offering critical early detection support for at-risk populations.

Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, emphasised the collective effort required to combat cancer, noting, “This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most.”

“In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal,” she added.

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The Union for International Cancer Control has introduced a new World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027, which is “United by Unique”. World Cancer Day is held on February 2024 of every year and the new credo places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
Explaining the theme, the UICC on its website, said, “United in our goals, unique in our needs. That is the World Cancer Day credo that will be heard around the world in the lead up to and on 4 February 2025.  Its meaning is simple: everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives, and a unique story to tell, yet people touched by cancer are united in a shared ambition to lower the cancer burden, to see cancer treated successfully, and to lead better lives with cancer.”
According to the international body, people-centred care accepts everyone for who they are, and it aims to deepen the connection not only between healthcare providers and patients but with whole communities.

“That’s why World Cancer Day counts on everyone – patients, loved ones, caregivers, friends, neighbours, practitioners, researchers, advocates, allies – to play an important role in the campaign. The campaign will explore different dimensions of people-centred cancer care and new ways of making a difference. It will offer a three-year journey from raising awareness to taking action,” it said.

Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The most common cancers affecting Nigerian men include prostate and liver cancer, while women are predominantly impacted by breast and cervical cancers.
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd., explained that NNPC Ltd.’ was thinking ahead by initiating the ‘Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening’ aimed at 3,000 beneficiaries across the geo-political zones.

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He described the oil giant’s cancer awareness campaign as an initiative aimed at countering the trend of late-stage diagnoses, which occur frequently due to limited access to screening facilities, cultural stigmas, and insufficient awareness.
“These free cancer screening campaigns reflect NNPC Ltd.’s broader mission to promote health equity and enhance the well-being of Nigerians across the country through its Foundation,” he had said.

Equally impactful is the “Eye Can See” programme, a JV initiative with Seplat Energy, which restores vision and hope to communities.

In the Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State, the programme has distributed over 10,000 reading glasses, performed 639 eye surgeries, and provided essential medical consultations.

Commenting on the initiative, Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), stated that the programme reflected  NNPC Ltd.’s belief that corporate structures could and should play a vital role in societal development.

Further expanding this outreach, NNPC Ltd. and its partner, SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC), launched the Vision First Programme in Lagos.

Targeting the Ilaje community in Bariga, the initiative offers comprehensive healthcare services, including cardiovascular screenings, BMI assessments, and treatment for chronic diseases, alongside free eye care services.

However, NNPC’s interventions extend beyond healthcare. In collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the company commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT centre at Bauchi State University.

The facility includes a Wi-Fi lounge, computer laboratories, and 3D printing labs, aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure and inspiring IT ecosystem growth in the North-East.

In addition, the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Programme has engaged over 284,000 corps members, equipping them with business skills and providing startup support.

These efforts, coupled with a 50% reduction in CAC registration fees for corps members, demonstrate NNPC’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.

Another laudable initiative involves a joint donation of N53 million by NNPC Ltd. and First Exploration & Production Limited to NGOs addressing healthcare, education, and economic growth.

Beneficiaries include organisations like the Irede Foundation, which provides artificial limbs to child amputees, and the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, which conducts colon cancer awareness and screening programs.

Also, NNPC Ltd and its Joint Venture partners in OML 18 – the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), SNEPCo, Total Energies EP Nigeria Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd – donated a 2,300-seater state-of-the-art digital library to the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
With 100 computer systems, e-learning and research facilities, interactive smart boards, projectors, camcorders, e-books, e-journals, e-learning portal, and reading halls, the digital library was designed to promote ICT education and provide a conducive learning environment for students and researchers.

NNPC Ltd.’s unwavering commitment to healthcare and community development under Kyari’s leadership sets a benchmark for corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria.

By addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous nation, the company continues to inspire and lead by example.

These interventions not only redefine corporate identity but also underscore the transformative power of strategic partnerships and holistic community engagement.

Empowering communities: How NNPC prioritises cancer, eye care, ICT projects under Kyari

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₦130m Toyota Tundra Wrecked: Lagos Dealer Questions Police Over Suspect’s Release

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7 hours ago

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October 16, 2026

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₦130m Toyota Tundra Wrecked: Lagos Dealer Questions Police Over Suspect's Release
₦130m Toyota Tundra Wrecked: Lagos Dealer Questions Police Over Suspect’s Release

A Lagos automobile dealer, Chima Edmund, has accused the Lagos State Police Command of releasing a man allegedly caught after driving away with a ₦130 million Toyota Tundra from his showroom and crashing it into a canal, leaving him with an estimated ₦40 million repair bill.

Edmund, founder of Mayor and Sheiks Autos, said the incident occurred on Monday at his dealership in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lekki, when the suspect allegedly posed as a prospective buyer before driving away with the 2025 Toyota Tundra without authorisation.

The vehicle was later damaged after the suspect reportedly drove it into a canal in the Ajiran area while attempting to escape. The dealer said the incident also resulted in damage to a barricade and additional expenses, including medical treatment and other costs associated with the aftermath.

However, the police have denied allegations of an improper release, saying the suspect had been certified as a psychiatric patient and was handed over to his mother for rehabilitation after Edmund submitted a letter withdrawing his complaint.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s release and the financial burden the dealer says he has been left to bear.

Edmund told PUNCH Metro that the suspect arrived at his showroom at about 4pm on Monday, carrying a bag and expressing interest in inspecting the 2025 Toyota Tundra.

According to the dealer, a junior member of staff attended to the man, who requested the vehicle’s key under the pretext of checking its engine.

The employee reportedly allowed him to start the engine, believing he intended to inspect the pickup. However, the suspect allegedly engaged the gear and drove out of the showroom.

Edmund said the man’s decision to place his bag inside the vehicle before starting the engine made his actions appear consistent with those of a genuine prospective customer.

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He explained that the pickup was parked on a raised platform at the dealership and that driving it out required navigating an exit with a supporting slab because of the difference in elevation between the car stand and the main road.

According to him, the vehicle’s doors locked automatically when the suspect engaged the gear, after which he drove towards the VGC Bridge.

The dealer said his employee immediately pursued the pickup but struggled to convince people along the route that the person driving it was not its rightful owner.

Edmund alleged that the suspect continued through a residential estate in Ajah, damaged a barricade at the entrance and proceeded towards Chevron and Ebeano before heading to Ajiran.

The suspect reportedly reached a dead end in Ajiran and, unable to continue, drove the pickup over a canal, causing it to land in the water.

Edmund said some young men at the scene subsequently pulled the suspect out of the canal.

Beyond the damage to the ₦130 million Toyota Tundra, the dealer said a barricade at the VGC entrance was also damaged during the incident.

He added that he incurred other expenses, including the cost of repairing the barricade, medical treatment for people injured during the incident, and the suspect’s feeding and related needs.

The dealer disclosed that he personally paid for the suspect’s medical treatment following the crash. He explained that the man was not held in a police cell because of the injuries he had sustained.

Case Transferred to Panti as Dealer Raises Concerns

Edmund said the incident was initially reported at the Ajah Police Division before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.

He said two women who identified themselves as the suspect’s mother and sister later visited him, adding that they told him they were from Agbor, Delta State.

The dealer said he became concerned about recovering his expenses after learning that the suspect had been released on bail.

He further alleged that he was pressured to withdraw his complaint after investigators established that the suspect had a psychiatric condition.

Edmund questioned why he should bear the financial consequences of the incident despite reporting the alleged offence to the police and paying some of the expenses arising from it.

He said the development had left him uncertain about how to recover the money spent on the damaged pickup and other costs.

The dealer appealed for assistance in recovering his losses, particularly the estimated ₦40 million needed to repair the Toyota Tundra.

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He also expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s release, saying the financial burden remained a major issue for his business.

Police Defend Decision to Hand Suspect to Mother

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, rejected the allegation that the suspect had been improperly released.

Adebisi said the suspect had been certified as a psychiatric patient by recognised government hospitals and competent courts.

According to her, the information emerged during the investigation and was known to the complainant, who subsequently submitted a letter withdrawing his complaint.

“The suspect is a psychiatric case, certified by recognised government hospitals and competent courts,” the police spokesperson said in a WhatsApp message.

She added that the complainant’s decision to withdraw the case led to the suspect being handed over to his mother for rehabilitation.

However, the police spokesperson did not provide the documents requested by the correspondent to substantiate the alleged medical certification or the withdrawal of the complaint.

As a result, the claims concerning the suspect’s medical certification and the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the complaint could not be independently verified.

The police response provides a different account of the development from Edmund’s concerns about the suspect’s release and his ability to recover the money spent following the incident.

Dealer Says Incident Is Unprecedented in Nearly 30 Years

Edmund, who said he had been in the automobile business since 1996, described the incident as unprecedented in his nearly three decades of trading in vehicles.

He said he had operated in different parts of Lagos, including Berger and FESTAC, before relocating to VGC, adding that he had never experienced a similar incident despite dealing with numerous customers over the years.

The dealer noted that it was difficult to determine whether a prospective buyer had criminal intentions simply by examining their appearance or dressing.

According to him, some customers who dressed casually had purchased vehicles worth more than ₦200 million from his dealership, making it unreliable to judge a buyer’s intentions by outward appearance.

He also rejected suggestions that his staff had left the pickup entirely unattended with the suspect, maintaining that a proper test drive should involve at least two people accompanying a prospective buyer.

On why the vehicle did not have a tracking device, Edmund explained that it was a new pickup that had not yet been sold.

He said installing a tracker before a vehicle was purchased could require interference with its wiring system, potentially raising concerns among prospective buyers about whether the vehicle was Nigerian-used.

Edmund further disclosed that the pickup had a fuel tank capacity of approximately 130 litres, although its fuel gauge was already on red when the suspect allegedly drove it away. He estimated that about 30 litres of fuel remained in the tank.

The incident has highlighted the risks automobile dealers face when allowing prospective buyers to inspect expensive vehicles, particularly when a test drive or engine inspection takes place before a sale is concluded.

For Edmund, the immediate challenge remains the estimated ₦40 million repair bill, alongside other expenses he said he incurred after the crash.

While the police maintain that the suspect was handed over to his mother following the withdrawal of the complaint, the dealer’s concerns over his losses and the circumstances surrounding the release remain unresolved in the accounts provided.

 

₦130m Toyota Tundra Wrecked: Lagos Dealer Questions Police Over Suspect’s Release

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Former Senator Bello Mandiya Found Dead in Bathroom Three Days After Fall

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23 hours ago

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October 15, 2026

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Former Senator Bello Mandiya Found Dead in Bathroom Three Days After Fall

 

Former Senator Bello Mandiya, who represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the ninth National Assembly, has died after reportedly slipping and hitting his head in his Abuja residence, with his body discovered about three days later.

 

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, disclosed the circumstances surrounding Mandiya’s death during a Senate plenary session, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the fragility of human life.

 

According to Ningi, Mandiya was believed to have suffered the fatal accident on Friday, September 4, 2026, after taking his bath and preparing to attend the congregational Juma’at prayer.

 

His lifeless body was eventually discovered on Monday, September 7, after neighbours became concerned about his prolonged absence and a foul smell emanating from his apartment.

 

Recounting the incident, Ningi said he was in Saudi Arabia when his son called to inform him of the death. His son was reportedly among those who discovered the former lawmaker’s body.

 

Ningi told the Senate that a colleague had last seen Mandiya at about 11am on Friday before he returned to his residence, where he lived alone.

 

“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath,” Ningi said.

 

“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom.”

 

The former senator was not discovered immediately, leaving him undiscovered for approximately 72 hours.

 

Ningi said concern over Mandiya’s absence was heightened when the chief imam of Apo noticed that the former lawmaker, who regularly attended the five daily prayers, had missed prayers for three consecutive days.

 

The imam’s concern, coupled with the foul smell coming from the apartment, prompted residents to investigate.

 

According to Ningi, those who went to the residence eventually forced the door open and found Mandiya’s body in the bathroom.

 

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he told the Senate.

 

“And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy,” he added.

 

Expressing grief over the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the unpredictability of life, irrespective of a person’s political position, wealth or social standing.

 

He also extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State and the constituents he represented during his time in the Senate.

 

Ningi, who said he had known the deceased since 2002, described his passing as a painful loss and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.

 

Mandiya’s political career

 

Before his election to the Senate, Mandiya served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

 

He was elected in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress to represent Katsina South Senatorial District in the ninth National Assembly, serving until 2023.

 

During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources and participated in legislative activities at the national level.

 

His death has prompted tributes from political leaders and former colleagues, who have remembered him for his contributions to public service in Katsina State and Nigeria.

 

Reflecting on the loss, Ningi told his colleagues that the circumstances surrounding Mandiya’s death offered a sobering lesson about the impermanence of power, wealth and public office.

 

“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” he said.

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Flooding: Gangaria Seeks Federal Intervention as Over 2,000 Osogbo Households Are Displaced

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1 day ago

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October 15, 2026

By

Hon. Adewale Morufu Adebayo Gangaria

Flooding: Gangaria Seeks Federal Intervention as Over 2,000 Osogbo Households Are Displaced

 

OSOGBO — The lawmaker representing Irepodun/Orolu/Olorunda/Osogbo Federal Constituency, Osun State, Adewale Morufu Adebayo Gangaria, has called for urgent federal intervention to address recurring flooding and storm-related disasters that have devastated communities across his constituency.

 

Gangaria presented a Motion of Urgent Public Importance before the House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 14, drawing attention to the plight of residents affected by flooding, windstorms and thunderstorms, particularly in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

 

According to a statement from his media team, the disasters have affected more than 45 communities, causing extensive damage to residential buildings, markets, schools, hospitals, places of worship, farms, hotels and other critical infrastructure.

 

The statement reported that more than 800 buildings had been destroyed, while over 2,000 households were displaced, leaving many residents struggling to find shelter following the destruction of their homes and sources of livelihood.

 

Among the affected communities identified by the lawmaker are Olude, Ita-Olookan, Irepodun Zone 9, Osaara, Owode Ilesha Garage, Ibuaje Town, Aberensise, Surulere, Ajangbooro, Oke Odo, Irewole, Ile Aanu, Orelope, Odofin, Omigade, Aroko, Baruwa, Ibu-Amon and Ijetu Ayepe.

 

Gangaria expressed concern over the hardship facing residents whose properties and livelihoods had been damaged, stressing the need for a coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis and the environmental factors contributing to the recurring disasters.

 

As part of the proposed intervention, the lawmaker urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to provide immediate relief assistance to affected communities.

 

He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently distribute relief materials to victims to ease their suffering and support households displaced by the disaster.

 

The lawmaker further urged the South-West Development Commission to mobilise resources towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals, markets and access roads.

 

He said addressing the immediate needs of affected residents must go hand in hand with rebuilding essential facilities and restoring normal economic and social activities in the affected communities.

 

Gangaria also called on the Ecological Fund Office to implement practical measures to tackle the underlying causes of flooding and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

 

As part of efforts to improve water flow and reduce flood risks, he urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to undertake necessary dredging and expansion of the Osun River channel, including the removal of obstructions that could impede water movement.

 

The lawmaker also called on the relevant federal ministry responsible for mining to address mining activities along riverbanks that may contribute to environmental hazards and expose nearby communities to further risks.

 

To ensure that the proposed interventions translate into concrete action, Gangaria urged the House to mandate its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

 

The proposed measures seek to combine immediate humanitarian assistance with longer-term environmental interventions aimed at protecting lives, restoring damaged infrastructure and reducing the vulnerability of communities to recurring floods.

 

Flooding and severe storms can disrupt transportation, damage public infrastructure, destroy agricultural produce and undermine the livelihoods of residents, particularly where homes and businesses are affected. The scale of the destruction reported in the constituency has therefore raised concerns about the need for timely relief and sustainable flood-management measures.

 

The motion represents an effort to bring the concerns of affected constituents before the National Assembly and press relevant federal agencies to respond to their needs.

 

However, the effectiveness of the proposed intervention will depend on the implementation of any resolutions adopted by the House and the timely mobilisation of resources by the relevant agencies.

 

For residents of the affected communities, immediate priorities include access to emergency relief, safe shelter, the restoration of essential services and the rehabilitation of damaged properties and infrastructure.

 

Long-term measures to improve drainage, manage waterways, address environmental degradation and strengthen disaster preparedness will also be important in reducing the risk of similar incidents.

 

The lawmaker’s intervention has placed the reported flood disaster in Osogbo and neighbouring communities before the House of Representatives, with a call for coordinated action to address both the immediate suffering of victims and the environmental challenges associated with recurring flooding.

 

Flooding: Gangaria Seeks Federal Intervention as Over 2,000 Osogbo Households Are Displaced

 

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