Recent Vacancies at The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN)

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The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) is a non-governmental, non-profit making coalition, made up of organizations with a shared vision to transform Nigeria into a country where every citizen is food and nutrition secured. We pursue this lofty goal by engaging government and non-state actors to raise awareness, sustain commitment and actions to effectively tackle under-nutrition in Nigeria. The coalition was formally launched on the 7th of August, 2014. We are recruiting to fill the position below:     Job Title: Consultant to Develop 2018 Socrecard on the Level of Implementation of the NMSPAN with Focus on IYCF, Maternal Nutrition and Staple Food Fortification Location: Abuja Background The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy. Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012). PINNS project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNS seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve. Rationale

• As an advocacy tool, the PINNS project intends to develop a scorecard to measure the level of implementation of the NSPAN.
• The scorecard to be developed is to use the most up to date evidence to assess policy actions at National and state levels in a manners that policy makers will understand and be willing to take actions that will address the challenges PINNS is out to address.
• Results from the scorecard will be promote accountability, enhance advocacy and engender healthy competition among the PINNS focal states as they share best practices to improve on the state-specific identified gaps.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to develop a scorecard that CS-SUNN will use to advocate to the government on the level of implementation of the National Multi Sectorial Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) with focus on IYCF, Maternal nutrition and staple food fortification at the National level and PINNS focal states (Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa states.)

Specific Tasks The specific tasks for the consultants are to:

• Develop a plan and a tool for the assignment to be approved by the project team
• Select scoring elements to be approved by project team
• Develop a scorecard
• Present the draft scorecard for review with PINNS project team
• Present the draft scorecard in collaboration with CS-SUNN to relevant stakeholders for feedback/input in a one-day validation meeting.

Expected Outputs By the end of the assignment the following outputs will be expected:

• Scorecard assessment tool developed and pre-tested
• Scorecard with recommendations/call to action to the government on the level of implementation of the National Multi Sectorial Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) with focus on IYCF, Maternal nutrition and staple food fortification.
• PowerPoint of scorecard development process and results to be presented by consultant in a one-day validation meeting.
• A comprehensive report of development process, results and recommendations.

Type of Consultants Required

• The consultant should have extensive knowledge of the Nigerian Health/Nutrition systems and policy landscape with experience in implementing public health programmes, especially MNCH and nutrition-related services.
• The consultant will be expected to have an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Health Economics and Financing, Public Policy, Nutrition, Sociology or related disciplines.
• S/He should have an indebt understanding of performance scorecard development and how the Nigeria Nutrition Systems work.
• The consultant knowledge and experience of M&E is also an asset in the development of this scorecard.

Timing of Consultancy:

• The duration for the assignment is a total of 20 working days. Assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business of the 17th of August, 2018.

Application Deadline 13th July, 2018.     Job Title: Consultant to Conduct Baseline Study on the Use of Evidence by Policy Makers to Inform Decision Making at the National and Focal States Location: Abuja Background The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy. Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012). PINNS project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies and structures burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNs seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve. Rationale

• Uptake of evidence in the policy making process is important and the depth and quality of knowledge used by policy makers during the process is relevant for national development. Typically, solving real life problems which is one of the reasons for evolving policies, is more likely to succeed if the situation is studied via research/problem analysis and recommendations made with evidence from the research becomes the basis of policy proffered.
• There 2 Key players in evolving evidenced based policies and they both have conflicting goals; The researchers goal is to solve problems by producing and expand knowledge while the Policymakers solve problems by satisfying people with specific political, cultural and other contextual agendas. Researchers and policy makers have great roles but the challenge has always been taking evidence from research and use as a basis for making policy decisions as it relates to real life issues in health and nutrition.
• The level of evidence-literacy in policy making institutions is a reflection of the society evidence-literacy. Therefore, it is important to access the policy makers ability to use evidence in decision making. Also, there is need to generate more synergies between platforms to communicate and promote the use of evidence among policy makers towards evolving and implementing policies.
• The PINNS project is looking to engage a consultant to conduct a study that will analyze context on evidence communication to policy makers, the capacity of policy makers to use research, identification of incentives that motivates policy makers to use research, current capacity of policy makers in evidence-use to inform decisions and the best linkage strategies between researchers and policy makers at the national and state level. The information garnered during this study will aid advocacy for improved funding and implementation of the National Multisectoral Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) with focus on high impact interventions -EBF, IYCF, Maternal nutrition and in the Agricultural sector.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to have a study on the use of evidence by policy makers to inform decision making as it relates to prioritizing implementation of high impact nutrition interventions at national and focal states (Lagos, Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Nasarawa).

Specific Tasks The specific tasks for the consultants are:

• Develop a study design that clearly contextualize:
  • How well is research communicated to policy makers?
  • How well connected are policy makers and researchers?
  • How evidence-literate are policy makers?
  • What is the use of research access of policy makers?
  • How evidence-informed is the existing policy (NSPAN, ASFNSP)?
  • What are the contributions from evidence-informed policies?
• Develop and produce the study tool
• Conduct the study
• Triangulate findings against regional / global best practices
• Develop a comprehensive report which should be peer reviewed for quality and output at the end of the assignment

Expected Outputs By the end of the assignment the following outputs will be expected:

• Study design and tool
• A final study report with recommendations on the use of evidence by policy makers to inform decision making at the National and focal state.
• Policy brief on Use of evidence by policy makers to inform decision
• An aide memoir

Type of Consultants Required

• The consultant should have extensive knowledge of the Nigerian health/Nutrition systems and policy landscape with experience in implementing public health programs, especially MNCH and nutrition-related services.
• The consultant will be expected to have an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Health Economics and Financing, Public Policy, Nutrition, Sociology and related disciplines.
• S/He should have an indepth understanding of how the Nigeria Nutrition System works, the challenges and how to address gaps and way forwards.
• S/He must also be vast in collecting and analyzing both quantitative/qualitative data.

Timing of Consultancy:

• The assignment will be carried out in Abuja and focal states (Lagos, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna) and will last for 20 working days in the month of July/August 2018. Assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business of the 22nd of August, 2018.

Application Deadline 13th July, 2018.     Job Title: Consulting Firm to Help Institute Financial Internal Controls within the Organization Location: Abuja Background The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy. Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012). PINNS project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNS seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve. Rationale

• Internal controls play an integral role in the success of any organization.
• CS-SUNN being a growing organization, and in-line with its growth and development plan seeks to strengthen its internal control system to meet international best practice.
• It seeks a system that will provide reasonable assurance to its Management (Board of trustees, Steering Committee and Secretariat Management) regarding the achievement of its set objectives in effectiveness/efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the organization and the country.
• CS-SUNN, thus requires the services of a reputable firm to support it develop and institutionalize an internal control system in line with of international best practice.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to engage a financial management firm to set up and monitor Internal controls system designed to review, strengthen and recommend rules, policies, and procedures that will ensure increased efficiency and strengthen adherence to policies.
• The firm will also guide the implementation of these processes, whilst working closely with and building the capacity of CS-SUNN finance, administration and all relevant units within the organization.

Specific Tasks The firm is expected to access, review and update CS-SUNN’s existing internal controls to meet standard best practice in five kay areas:

• Institute control environment in terms of attitude of the organization, management, and staff regarding internal controls.
• Conduct risk assessment evaluating whether management has identified its riskiest areas and implemented controls to prevent or detect errors or fraud that could result in material misstatements.
• Review and Institute control activities e.g. policies and procedures that help ensure that Steering committee and management’s directives are carried out.
• Review and institute Information and communication procedures that clearly states/explains information technology, accounting, and communication systems and processes. This will include internal controls to safeguard assets, maintain accounting records, and back up data.
• Institute control Monitoring systems that defines how CS-SUNN monitors its controls and makes changes when they aren’t working

Expected Outputs By the end of the assignment the following outputs will be expected:

• Reviewed controls; procedures, policies, risk management processes, and updates in line with international best practice
• Bespoke internal control system developed for CS-SUNN in line with international best practice.
• Training to Internalize control systems among staff members to promote effectiveness and efficiency of its operations
• Internal control system manual with monitoring templates developed and used;
• Conduct bi-annual process reviews and report organizations progress at institutionalization designed control system.

Timing of Consultancy

• The duration for the assignment is a total of 25 working days plus 5 months of monitoring and initialization of internal control system. Initial 25 days assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business on the 3rd of August, 2018.

Type of Consultants Required

• The consulting firm should have more than 10 plus years of experience in internal audit, and risk / controls assessment and management projects,
• Have a satisfactory quarterly control rating from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria,
• Have affiliation with global recognized professional firm of accountants,
• Provide on request credentials on Internal Audit Experience in the public Sector (including donor funded Government Projects).
• Firm’s experience of working on similar projects in the country for public/private sector is required to show firms competence in handling assignment.

Application Deadline 13th July, 2018.     Title: Consultant to Conduct Political Economy Analysis on Nutrition Development at the National and Focal States Locations: Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kano and Lagos Background The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy. Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012). PINNS project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNS seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve. Rationale

• The political landscape in any country is influenced by certain individuals; they may be influential media personnel, religious, traditional or even political leaders who are interested in issues or can be educated to speak up for advocacy issues.
• The need to identify, educate and engage them as allies/champions is vital to the success of any campaign. Doing a proper power mapping/political economy analysis in project locations to identify relevant person(s) with needed influence/contacts, will bring to the table access, stimulus on the primary target who has the power to bring the required change to pass.
• CS-SUNN is therefore looking for a competent consultant who will identify key influential individuals (In-government persons, Influential media, traditional leaders, religious leaders and gatekeepers) to be engaged as champions of the PINNS project.
• The consultant looking at the PINNS project is also expected to define how they will be engaged, educated, monitored and measured. S/He will also develop tools that will be used by the project to assess the impact of each champion/champions contributes to attaining the projects investment outcomes.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Political Economy Analysis at National level and in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger states on Nutrition Development in line with PINNS project.

Specific Tasks The specific tasks include:

• Develop a plan of action for the assignment and secure approval by the PINNS project team
• Carry out the assignment
• Submit a Political Economy Analysis report on Nutrition Development to guide National level advocacy work and in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa states.

Expected Outputs By the end of the assignment, the following outputs will be expected:

• Study design and tool to be used including
• Champions engagement and action plan template
• Mapping report showing the political dynamics of project locations, relevant influencers and the process of engaging them for results.

Type of Consultants Required

• The consultant should have extensive knowledge of the Nigerian Health/Nutrition systems and policy landscape with experience in political economy analysis and working with champions for amplified results.
• The consultant will be expected to have an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Policy and Management, Health Economics and Financing, Public Policy, Nutrition, Sociology or related disciplines.
• S/He should have an indepth understanding of how the Nigeria Nutrition Systems work, the challenges and how to address gaps and way forwards.
• S/He must also have a proven quantitative and qualitative research and drafting skills.
• S/He must show previous experience in this capacity with ability and clear display of developing appraisal tools for measuring performance.

Timing of Consultancy

• The duration for the assignment is a total of 20 working days. Assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business on the 3rd of August, 2018.

Application Deadline 6th July, 2018.     Job Title: Consultant to Conduct Organization/Capacity Assessment and Develop a Business Plan for Growth and Sustainability of CS-SUNN Location: Abuja Background The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy. Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012). PINNs project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies and structures burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNs seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve. Rationale

• The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) is a non-governmental, non-profit making coalition, made up of organizations with a shared vision to transform Nigeria into a country where every citizen has food and is nutrition secured.
• CS-SUNN pursues this lofty goal by engaging and mobilizing Non-state actors to advocate for relevant policy implementation, raise awareness, generate evidence, build capacity and stimulate communities to scale-up nutrition in Nigeria, with special focus on maternal and child nutrition.
• There is no doubt, CS-SUNN organization’s capacity over time has improved in terms of governance, project planning/delivery, internal control etc. Nevertheless, there is a need to step-up in terms of organizational growth and sustainability through a well thought out road map designed to engender scaled-up nutrition interventions in Nigeria.
• A Key component of the PINNS project investment outcome is to ensure Increased Momentum for Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, through concerted Civil Society Action. To attain this outcome, CS-SUNN and its networks at the sub-national level must grow to become an organization with the requisite expertise and capacity to attract sustainable funding and a leading voice for nutrition advocacy in Nigeria.
• To this end CS-SUNN seeks the services of a reputable consultant who will review, update its existing strategic plan, assess its organization/capacity and develop a business/resources mobilization plan that will set it on the path of growth and sustainability.

Purpose of Assignment

• The overall objective of the exercise is to carry out an Organizational-wide Capacity Assessment (OCA) which would include identifying the strengths and gaps in management systems, structures, processes and people in CS-SUNN and its Nutrition networks from PINNS focal states (Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa and FCT).
• The consultant will also review, update existing strategic plan and develop a business plan that will guide its fund mobilization mandate.

Specific Tasks

• Develop a plan of action for the assignment
• Review and update CS-SUNN’s existing Strategic Plan (2017-2021),
• Conduct organization/capacity assessment for CS-SUNN national secretariat,
• Assess the organization’s capacity with respect to its systems, processes and people to effectively and efficiently manage the project, human resources, finances, logistics & infrastructure, and stakeholders.
• Make realistic suggestions and recommendations on how CS-SUNN can address the highlighted capacity gaps in the short, mid and long-term.
• Develop a resource mobilization/business plan that will position the organization to source and secure funds that will facilitate implementation of its strategic plan and implement capacity gaps found during the assessment.
• Develop a CS-SUNN M&E framework and review the Key Performance Indicators,
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential global and local donors to map the feasibility of securing multi-year and thematic funding. Map donors’ strategic areas of interest, funds available, grantees, funding windows, requirements and guidelines and interest in funding key CS-SUNN result areas.
• Recommend how to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and engagement with key donors.

Expected outputs

• An updated 20-page five (5) year Strategic Plan (2017-2021)
• Organization Capacity Assessment draft and final report
• A 15-page resource mobilization strategy that will facilitate sustained funding for key CS-SUNN results.
• An annex that maps donor interests, priorities, funding windows and points to clear actions that should be taken to mobilize funds and develop/maintain relationships with these donors
• An annex that outlines a series of fundraising materials that need to be produced to secure funding/raise the profile of key CS-SUNN results
• An action plan that outlines clear time lines for the action proposed
• A plan for building the capacity of key staff in mobilizing and leveraging resources and developing and maintaining partnerships for the CS-SUNN

Qualification or specialized Knowledge/ Experience Required

• Academic Qualifications in an advanced degree in organizational development, Business management, Economics, Finance, or related technical field.
• The consultant should have vast knowledge in Institutional development with experience of strategic planning, capacity assessment, financial management, management etc.
• This consultant must rely on and make use of the substantial body of knowledge and experience within CS-SUNN and its state chapters regarding growth, sustainability and stakeholder relations.

Timing of Consultancy:

• The Business Plan shall incorporate and be built on the CS-SUNN strategic plan. The duration for the assignment is a total of 20 working days.
• Assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business of the 31st July, 2018.

Application Deadline 6th July, 2018.     How To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send an expression of interest by submitting a formal application with the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Technical offer containing work plan and methodology
• Confirmed availability for the completion of the job
• Financial offer including:
  • Daily consultancy fee - all taxes and duties included;
  • Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs (if applicable).

Interested candidates should send their complete offer via mail to: [email protected] and or [email protected] Please address correspondence to: The Executive Secretary, Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), 33 Imo Crescent, Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

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