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Obituary: Sir Victor Uwaifo, Musician Who Taught Ebenezer Obey, Shina Peters

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Victor uwaifo

Perhaps, ‘The Music never stops!’ should be considered an epitaph for Sir Victor Uwaifo, the icon who drew his last breath on August 28, 2021. Currently, radio stations are blaring his evergreen sounds. While the tempo will certainly go down on those stations in a few hours, Uwaifo’s memories will linger forever as he has emblazoned his name on the sands of time.

Uwaifo was one of the very best there was in the world of arts. He was an inventor, a sculptor, a lyricist, a writer, a lecturer and many things rolled into one. He lived his life to the fullest and at age 80, His maker decided to end his earthly sojourn. He gave Uwaifo to the world and it pleased Him to call back His own. For dust thou art and unto dust shall thou return.

Although not born into riches, he worked his way to the top. Like every other child of his time, he started life shooting catapult, getting birds down from the top of the tree, and flying kites. “It was precision; it was something that gave me some fun and joy. At a time, a white man along the street stopped and admired what I was doing and he gave me a pound sterling,” he said in an interview.

Early in life, the deceased saw music as a calling. He made his first guitar at the age of 12; using trap ropes for the strings, a sardine opener for the pegs, and spokes for the belts. He managed to produce some sound and he did it his own way until he met some guitarists at a palm wine bar. However, it was clear that their guitar was more sophisticated than his. So, he had to learn from them but to do that they made a request. The young Uwaifo was asked to buy them a jug of palm wine and he took him a while to raise the money for that.

Apart from the encounter with the guitarists, Uwaifo’s brother, who was a church organist, helped shaped his career. He said his brother thought him the rudiments of music.

Recollecting his early music days in an interview with The Guardian, he said, “When bands come from Ghana to play in Benin, bands like E.T Mensah, we go and watch the band from beginning to the end. I was mimicking television style and different kinds of music with my guitar. The whole thing revolved around practice; there was more practice than perspiration.”

FATHER’S OBJECTION TO THE GUITAR

Although Uwaifo was obsessed with the guitar, his father had other plans for him and this was because he didn’t want his son to end on a wrong lane.

“It got to a point my father was not comfortable with my guitar. At that time, guitarists or musicians were not people to actually reckon with because they end up in the palm wine bar and go into womanising and all that. But I have a vision. My mother had to save my guitar when my father seized it and I promised that I would read my books. So, I got my guitar back until I gained entrance into a secondary school.”

‘NEVER SMOKED OR DRANK’

If there’s one thing secular music does till date, it’s to attract smoking or consumption of alcohol. In other words, if the musician is not the one smoking or drinking, those he entertains do. It is said that secular songs and alcoholism go hand in hand but not for Uwaifo, it’s far from it as he abstained from alcohol and cigarettes.

“Without discipline, I don’t think someone can be able to overcome the vices of life. First, I promised myself that I would not smoke; I have never smoked in my life. I have never touched a cigarette with my lips because musicians were known to be smokers, ‘drunkards’, womanisers and drop-outs. I thought to myself, I would reverse all these things. I wanted to be an Avant-guard; I plotted my life. I was focused because I knew where I was going; I wanted to do what will give me joy.”

The musician had a total of 12 golden records. He also had a lineup of hit songs, among them are Joromi, Mami Water, Monkey Yanga, Guitar Boy, and Erico. But the song Mami Water gained so much fame perhaps because of the mystery surrounding it.

1966 ENCOUNTER AT LAGOS BEACH

Uwaifo had said he encountered a mermaid at a Lagos beach in 1966 but he didn’t tell the story in details until 53 years later.

In an interview with Channels TV, the music icon shared the encounter.

“I was working with NTS at the time, the national TV station which is now known as NTA. And usually, after close of work, it was a culture for me to visit the beach just to seek inspiration. And there was this particular evening I was at the beach after I had close from work. Although, I stayed a bit later.”

“The wave was becoming very restless, and each time, I will move backward, but the wave was advancing in my direction. I was wondering what was happening, then at a distance, I looked towards my right, then I saw a glittering figure that was Silverish and shining. I thought it was a dream, I was still swimming, and before I knew it, I saw her (the mermaid) in front of me… I screamed!

“Having seen her, I transposed into the guitar boy voice I heard, and I started playing… it was that lyrics I carried to the studio for recording the following day and it turned an instant hit. She was standing right in front of me while playing the guitar. It was after she floated away that I took off,” he said, adding that he never returned to the place after that encounter.

‘THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO NIGERIA’

Eleven years after the encounter at the beach, Uwaifo performed at a festival which he described as the best thing that happened to Nigeria. It was the Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977 when General Olusegun Obasanjo was the Head of State.

The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music, art and literature. Representatives of 56 African nations and countries of the African Diaspora performed at the event, which also had global artistes like Stevie Wonder, Gilberto Gil, and Miriam Makeba in attendance. At the time it was held, it was the largest pan-African gathering to take place.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Uwaifo said, “I think Festac ’77 was the best thing that ever happened to Nigeria or even Africa, art and culture wise. It is something, if it had continued that could have been a major source of income and tourism; although, they are trying everything now to harness the different cultures and festivals of this country, but I wish they can have one point like Festca’77 to tell the whole story. It was a good thing that it happened in Nigeria and it gave the arts and the artistes leverage and prominence and relevance, because art is also a long handwriting of documenting history.”

HE WAS IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN

Asked further in the Daily Trust interview if he saw Fela, Sunny Ade and other contemporaries as rivals, he answered bluntly: “No, not at all. We all had our unique sounds and various audiences. I personally was competing with myself. I believe it was the same for them too. In any case, we didn’t have any basis for competition. My music was unique and I drew from the root of our cultural heritage. I was not praise singing and I never will.”

In another interview, he was asked to rate the guitar performance of Juju Maestro, Sunny Ade, Uwaifo said, “I know Shina Peters said he learnt how to play the instrument through my music. Ebenezer Obey once confessed to me that he used to come and stand by my side while performing, just to listen to how I was playing. So, he copied me… Sunny Ade cannot actually play the guitar. He just holds the instrument but there are people playing it for him. He tuned his guitar the other way round, not the conventional way of tuning it.”

CONTROVERSY WITH SIMI, JAYWON

Simi

Uwaifo was caught in a web of controversy with contemporary music diva, Simi, and Jaywon, also a contemporary artiste, over their version of Joromi. He had accused them of copyright theft but said he would not sue them because he is old enough to be their father.

“They didn’t contact me before doing a remix of Joromi; but I’m like a father to them so I can’t begin to drag them to court, so let them make a living out of it, but at the same time it’s piracy,” he had said.

But making a U-turn, the ‘Guitar Boy’ filed a N50 million suit against  Simi.

“You cannot use somebody’s work without giving that person credit, that’s copyright infringement. Just like, duplicating the Naira note, that’s fake and counterfeit; it’s not allowed, the person will be arrested. I have music that has an intellectual property right; someone else will take it and duplicate it, that’s not proper. Joromi is a title and is also like a trademark. I coined it; it’s not a Benin word, we don’t have letter ‘J, K, Q, X’ in Benin. All Benin names or words start with vowel sound. So, if somebody goes at my back and records it and also calls it Joromi, that person is a thief and should be treated like that.

“I sued singer Simi for using Joromi. I sued her to court and requested N5o,000,000 and she invaded another of my song Duduke. Duduke is my song; she was not born when I did Duduke. So, she’s going in for that again. You don’t just invade me, try something else; form your own. Why going into my treasury to steal without permission or credit?”

A MUSEUM AND SUPERSTAR’S HIGHGATE

Tucked in the heart of Benin is the Revelation Tourists Palazzo, the deceased’s museum, which has sculptural renditions of all Nigeria’s leaders from 1960. It also has a lot on the ancient  Benin Kingdom.

He also designed and constructed a Boeing 727 house, still in Benin, regarded as the first of its kind in Africa. Dubbed the Superstar’s Highgate, the phenomenal being is said to have personally constructed every single thing in it. It is regarded as one of the weirdest homes in the world, which prides itself as having the largest bedroom in Africa. It has a sprawling space of 1500 square feet about the size of a medium lawn tennis court.

HAWKED ON THE STREETS OF BENIN WITH IGBINEDION

When Uwaifo clocked 80 in March, billionaire businessman, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, hosted a dinner in his honour.

At the dinner, the Benin high chief described Uwaifo as one of the greatest human beings on earth. He also recalled their childhood days in the city, saying: “I was selling Kerosene while Uwaifo was selling Kola-nuts.”

Igbinedion‎ said he sold kerosene while the legendary highlife musician sold kolanuts on the streets of Benin.

The musician, who was accompanied by his wife, noted that Igbinedion, who rose from grass to grace and conquered poverty, greatly surprised him.

THE MAN UWAIFO

Born on March 1, 1941, he had his primary school education in Benin after which he proceeded to the Western Boys’ High School, Benin and St Gregory’s College, Lagos, for his Secondary education. He later studied graphics at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and graduated in 1961–63 at the age of 22 years old. He received a bachelor’s degree with first-class honours at 54 years old (Valedictorian) and a master’s degree from the University of Benin in 1997 at 56 and later a doctorate degree, still from UNIBEN, at 77.

Uwaifo, who was one of the most educated and academically decorated performing artiste in the world, has been invited to Nigeria’s seat of power by four Presidents and Heads of State. He has been the recipient of several national and international awards.

In 1997, he was awarded the Certificate of Honor by the House of Representatives, Boston Massachusetts. He is documented in the Groove Dictionary of Music and Musicians Vol. 8. He is also documented in the Men and Women of Distinction in the Commonwealth, 1983. He has been presented with a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) Degree (Honoris) by the University of Benin, the Benin National Merit Award, the University of Benin Distinguished Alumnus Award and the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Niger by the Nigerian government. In 2010, Uwaifo was one of the select Nigerians awarded the fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters at a grand event at the University of Lagos.

Source: Daily Trust

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Conjoined Twin Abby Hensel Marries Fiancé Josh Bowling (Video)

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Abby Hensel, one-half of the conjoined twins famously known from TLC’s “Abby & Brittany,” has tied the knot with her fiancé, Josh Bowling, in a private wedding ceremony.

The 34-year-old Abby, who along with her twin sister Brittany, is conjoined at the torso and shares some organs, exchanged vows with Josh in a discreet wedding ceremony. Abby and Brittany are well-known fifth-grade teachers in their hometown of Minnesota.

The decision not to separate the twins at birth was made by their parents, Patty and Mike Hensel, due to the high-risk nature of the surgery.

While details about the wedding ceremony remain undisclosed, a circulating picture on social media captures Josh standing beside Brittany and Abby, both donning bridal gowns while he wears a suit.

Furthermore, a viral video captures Abby Hensel dancing as a couple, adding to the surprise of fans who are taken aback by the news, given the twins’ preference for privacy in recent years.

Watch the video below;

GWG.ng reports that the news of the conjoined twin’s wedding is bound to raise more than a little interest from the public as it brings up issues on how a pair could get married to a man
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Why I’m Better Than Drake, Kendrick Lamar – Kanye West

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Rapper Kanye West has wadded into the beef between his colleagues Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

GWG.ng recalls that the debate on who is the current best rapper took another dimension after Kendrick Lamar dissed his hip-hop rivals, Drake and J.Cole on Future and Metro Boomin’s new song, ‘Like That,’ claiming he is a bigger rapper than them.

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Some rappers including Rick Ross, Nav already endorsed Kendrick Lamar’s claims by publicly vibing to the song.

Reacting, Kanye West said he is a better rapper than both Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

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On his Instagram page, he wrote: “Everyone knows I washed Kendrick [Lamar] on No More Parties in LA. Everyone knows I washed Drake at the Free Hoover Concert.

“I am the only person to come back to number one after cancellation. There is only one goat, I stand by me. My friends call me Ye.”

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Popular Nigerian OAP Speaks After Falling Victim Of Paternity Fraud

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Akom on DNA tests

Kanedrick Kingsley Agwu, popularly known as Fada Kane, a renowned broadcaster at FAD93.1 FM Calabar, has sparked a debate on paternity fraud in Nigeria. His comments come after a personal revelation where he discovered that two children he had believed to be his own for over 20 years were not biologically related to him.

In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Fada Kane expressed his belief that less than 50% of families in Nigeria may be unknowingly fathering children who are not biologically theirs. He called for greater awareness and urged individuals to prioritize love and kindness amidst such revelations.

See post below;

The broadcaster’s candid remarks shed light on the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigerian society, prompting a reflection on the importance of DNA testing in establishing parentage accurately.


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“Odumeje Reducing Christianity To Comedy,” Evangelist Esiri Warns (Video)

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Evangelist Kesiena Esiri, a prominent figure in The Remnant Christian Network (RCN), has voiced concern over the mockery Christianity faces due to the antics of Pastor Chukwuemeka Odumeje, also known as the Abido Shaker, Indaboski Bahose, and Liquid Metal.

Esiri’s remarks stem from the widespread circulation of TikTok videos featuring Pastor Odumeje’s self-praise and unconventional preaching style, which many perceive as more comedic than doctrinally sound.

During a recent church event, Evangelist Kesiena expressed dismay over the portrayal of Christianity by Pastor Odumeje, whom he referred to as a “Clown.” He highlighted the large following attracted by the preacher and the virality of his videos.

Watch the video below;

Additionally, Evangelist Esiri criticized other pastors for their false teachings, citing instances where one labeled Jacob as a ‘Yahoo boy’ and another claimed that Satan was God’s favorite son.

GWG.ng reports that the remarks of Evangelist Esiri may be popular among some elements of the church in Nigeria many of who draw references from the bible passages that elucidate on how the love of Christ would fall in the last days. Additionally, the assertions of Evangelist Esiri would also resonate with those who draw reference to injunctions in 1 Timothy 4:1 of the multiplicity of false teachers in the last days.
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Why I Became A Transgender – Bobrisky

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Transvestite Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, has shed more light on his journey to becoming a transgender.

The controversial Internet personality disclosed that he started crossdressing as a marketing strategy while he was selling unisex clothes during his undergraduate days at the University of Lagos.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/27-year-old-man-arraigned-for-allegedly-raping-a-20-year-old-woman/

Speaking in a candid interview with maverick singer, Charly Boy, Bobrisky said he didn’t envisage that crossdressing would lead him into becoming a transgender.

He said, “About nine years ago, I was at the University of Lagos studying Accounting. I also had a side hustle, I was selling unisex clothes. Most times I try the female wears on myself and I love the outfits.

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“From there, I moved to female hairstyles to makeup and more women were patronising my business. So I decided to keep crossdressing since it was lucrative.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/man-jailed-6-months-for-stealing-car-battery/

“I wasn’t thinking I was going to do it for a very long time. Initially, it was just a marketing strategy but people were complimenting me that I look better as a woman than a man. That’s how I ended up being Bobrisky.”

He said he faced resistance from his parents initially but they eventually allowed him to be himself.

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Best Dressed Female Award To Bobrisky Was A Trick – Organiser

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In a leaked voice note conversation with controversial singer Portable, Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao offered a heartfelt apology for the uproar surrounding the ‘Best Dressed Female‘ award given to Bobrisky at the premiere of her movie.

Acknowledging the intentional nature of the act, Ajao admitted that the decision to award Bobrisky was made in a bid to generate buzz and promotion for her movie project.

Expressing remorse and nearly in tears, Ajao revealed the desperation behind her actions, citing an investment of over N200 million in her new film. She emphasized that the lack of support from other quarters led her to take such a controversial step.

“I am so sorry; the deed has been done. It was not a mistake because I am not a child. It was an intentional act; I have spent over N200M on the film. I know everybody is upset, it was because I just wanted people to talk about the movie because I was not getting help anywhere. The help I didn’t get was why I did it. I didn’t know it would escalate to this point,” she expressed.

Listen to the leaked Audio below;


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Gospel Minister Dunsin Oyekan Set To Marry New Wife

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Reports have surfaced suggesting that renowned gospel artiste, Dunsin Oyekan, is preparing to tie the knot once again, years after the tragic loss of his wife.

According to online sources, the esteemed singer discreetly proposed to his new partner last year, and the couple is said to be gearing up for a wedding later in 2024.

The news gained traction after broadcast journalist Lara Wise confirmed the engagement, dispelling any rumors of romantic involvement between Oyekan and fellow gospel artist Victoria Orenze.

Speculations arose following a social media post by Rant HQ featuring a photo of Dunsin Oyekan and Victoria Orenze accompanied by the caption “What if…”.

Clarifying the situation, Lara Wise stated, “As far as I know, Dunsin is engaged; she is a very quiet lady who is not in the limelight. That was last year. He’s taken her to meet some of his spiritual fathers and mothers in the lord.”

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See The Pastor That Charges N1.7m To Teach People How To Perform Miracles

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A British-Zimbabwean cleric, Pastor Uebert Angel Mudzanire, has announced an online course where he would teach people how to perform miracles.

The cleric, headquartered in the United Kingdon, is charging £999 for the course, an equivalent of N1.7 million.

The announcement was made in a post via his Facebook account,

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The cleric urged people to register with £999, adding that slots for his class are filling up fast.

He wrote with a flier attached, “Register now and learn how to perform signs, miracles and wonders, online, directly from prophet Uebert Angel. Places are filling fast.”

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The online course is scheduled to hold from April 1, 2024, to April 3, 2024.

However, the pastor’s announcement has sent social media users into a frenzy as many criticized him for the initiative.

GWG.ng gathered some of the reactions over the miracle courses.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/what-i-experienced-in-detention-firstnews-editor-narrates/

Daniel Blessed wrote, “People will now start paying and being taught how to perform miracles, signs and wonders, we are seeing a lot in this end time”.

Vincent Dmaster wrote, “Is this not an example of Simon the sorcerer in the bible”?

Sharon Mapfumo wrote, “Ah is this occultism or what? God have mercy”.

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List Of Countries With Highest Salaries In The World

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Max Bramwell, the founder of FounderPass, has revealed a list of countries with the highest and lowest average salaries in the world.

Bramwell named Nigeria, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, among others as countries with the lowest average salaries globally.

Exploring the factors driving the disparities, Bramwell said: “How does your salary compare to the national average? How much could you be making if you moved to another country?

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“From nations with some of the highest average salaries like Switzerland and Luxembourg to those with the lowest such as Tunisia and Bangladesh, examining income levels sheds light on how much a move could make you – or cost you.”

In an article, Bramwell also named the countries with the highest average salaries after-tax to include Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, the United States, and Hong Kong.

Others include Qatar, Denmark, Australia, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland.

According to Bramwell: ‘Renowned for its high standard of living and strong economy, Switzerland tops the list with some of the highest average salaries globally.’ The country’s robust financial sector, advanced technology industry, and skilled workforce contribute to its prosperity and high-income levels for its citizens.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/former-us-vice-presidential-nominee-joe-lieberman-is-dead/

Luxembourg
As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Luxembourg boasts high average salaries driven by its thriving financial services sector, strategic location in Europe, and favourable tax policies. The country’s stable economy and high living standards make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking lucrative job opportunities.

Singapore
With its strategic location, efficient infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, Singapore ranks among the countries with the highest average salaries. Max explains, ‘The city-state’s diverse economy, strong emphasis on education and innovation, and well-developed financial services sector contribute to its economic success and high-income levels for its residents.’

United States
Despite wide income disparities and regional variations, the United States remains a global economic powerhouse with high average salaries in sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare. The country’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovation culture, and diverse job market contribute to its economic prosperity and high standard of living.

Hong Kong
Max says, ‘Known for its bustling financial centre and vibrant economy, Hong Kong ranks among the top countries with high average salaries.’ The city’s strategic location, low taxes, and free-market policies attract multinational corporations and skilled professionals, driving its economic growth and high-income levels.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/breaking-eniola-ajao-strips-bobrisky-of-best-dressed-female-award-names-two-females-as-winners/

He also named countries with the lowest salaries after tax to include: Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal

Others include: Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is also marked by economic complexities. While the nation has made strides in economic development, issues such as poverty and unemployment persist, impacting the wages of many Sri Lankans. Despite efforts to foster growth, income disparities remain a challenge, particularly in rural areas where opportunities are limited.

Venezuela
Max explains, ‘In Venezuela, once considered one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, political instability and hyperinflation have taken a heavy toll on the economy.’ The result has been a severe economic downturn, leading to diminished purchasing power for the workforce. As a consequence, the average salary in Venezuela has plummeted, exacerbating challenges for citizens trying to make ends meet.

Pakistan
Pakistan, with its vast potential and diverse population, faces a multitude of economic hurdles. Widespread poverty, limited job opportunities, and income inequality contribute to lower average salaries across the country. Despite efforts to spur economic growth, addressing these challenges remains a daunting task for policymakers and citizens alike.

Egypt
In Egypt, ongoing economic reforms aim to address long-standing issues of income inequality and poverty. However, despite progress in certain areas, disparities persist, particularly in rural regions. Income levels remain low for many Egyptians, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve economic conditions and enhance livelihoods.

Nigeria
As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria holds immense potential. However, economic challenges such as corruption, infrastructure deficits, and high unemployment rates hinder progress. Max explains, ‘These factors contribute to lower average salaries and living standards for many Nigerians, underscoring the need for comprehensive economic reforms and investment in human capital.’

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