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Tag: SMEDAN

  • SMEDAN urges patronage of homemade goods, services

    SMEDAN urges patronage of homemade goods, services

    The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, has urged Nigerians to always patronage homemade goods and services.

    Odii gave this advice at the unveiling of the Drop app yesterday in Abuja.

    According to Odii, we can only grow Nigeria if homemade goods and services are massively patronised.

    “On behalf of SMEDAN, I want to congratulate the hailing drop app team for their effort to create and launch a solution that is both practical and proudly Nigerian.

    “AT SMEDAN, we believe in the potential of home grown solutions to solving local challenges. Mobility is not just about conveniences, but a key driver of productivity.

    “For us, the ability to move goods and services from one place to another efficiently impacts on businesses directly. Drop stands out as a step in the right direction,” he said.

    Odii said that SMEDAN would collaborate with the people who founded ‘Drop’ to help convert approximately 100,000 vehicles to CNG.

    Read Also: SMEDAN, NIPOST offer 15% logistics discount to small businesses

    He said that this would reduce the cost of fueling vehicles while promoting environment friendly practices.

    According to him, SMEDAN remains committed to empowering Nigerian businesses and reducing the cost of doing business by supporting initiatives like drop.

    “Our objective is to create job opportunities and strengthen the backbone of our economy

    “And more importantly, we need to patronise Nigerian made goods and services.

    “I want each and everyone of us to believe in the ownership mentality and responsibility that what is created in Nigeria will work,” he said.

    Odii further explained that the agency had a mandate for the ecosystem called ‘GROW’, adding that it stood for Guardian, Resources, Opportunities, Work and Support provided by SMEDAN.

    He also stated that the Agency had negotiated to the tune of N12 billion single digit interest rate loan and no collateral for small businesses like drivers and others.

    Odii added that the Agency was working out a lot of opportunities for drivers using the drop app.

    Meanwhile the Founder of the app, Mr Ogbah Chukwuma, said the idea behind the app was to provide job opportunities for drivers and safety for passengers across the country.

    He added that it would among other advantages address cases of ‘One Chance’, crimes and other vices being experienced in the transport sector.

    According to him, it will stand the test of time in terms of security, affordability, authenticity and familiarity.

    Also speaking, the Zonal Chairman of Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, Mr Emeka Emerole, said the app had the necessary security features.

    “The two things that attracted our union to this app are the security features, NIN registration and the opportunity to negotiate prices with our passengers,” he said.

  • Tinubu, Shettima for SMEDAN national conference

    Tinubu, Shettima for SMEDAN national conference

    President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are set to officially open the 2024 edition of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) conference.

    The conference, scheduled from October 3rd to October 5th, 2024, will take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with support from the German International Agency (GIZ) and Mastercard.

    Themed “Grow Nigerian: Sustaining an Innovation and Digital-Driven Economy,” the conference aims to gather entrepreneurs, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and support institutions within Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

    SMEDAN Director General, Charles Odii, described the conference as a critical platform for driving the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across eight key sectors: agriculture, light manufacturing, fashion, creative and entertainment, digital and innovation, tourism, and education.

    Read Also: SMEDAN, NIPOST offer 15% logistics discount to small businesses

    The event will focus on strengthening local production capacity and boosting export revenue through SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian initiative, which provides SMEs with guidance, resources, and workforce support.

    Notable attendees include Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners, and Jonathan Ortmans, Founder and President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).

    The event will also feature one-stop shops offering services from agencies such as NAFDAC, CAC, SON, BOI, NEXIM, NEPC, and FIRS.

    Additionally, masterclasses will be led by thought leaders like Google, the UN, Chude Jideonwo, and others, focusing on digital skills, business scaling, and trade agreements such as AGOA and AfCFTA. Interested participants can register at www.smedan.gov.ng/msmeconference.

  • SMEDAN, NIPOST offer 15% logistics discount to small businesses

    SMEDAN, NIPOST offer 15% logistics discount to small businesses

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) has partnered with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to offer a special 15 per cent discount on logistics services to small businesses.

    The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said this while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Postmaster General of NIPOST, Mrs Tola Odeyemi, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Odii said that the partnership would improve business conditions, expand sales, and lower operational costs for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

    He described the collaboration as a direct response to feedback from SMEs regarding the high cost of logistics and its negative impact on sales.

    “We are signing today 15 per cent maybe in another three months the postmaster can make it 50 per cent or review it better.

    “This is the best time for this partnership, and in another three months, we are hoping that we can come back here and review what we have done.

    “We will articulate clearly how much we helped small businesses in Nigeria save through our monitoring and evaluation department, and then we can continue to see how we can better this partnership.

    “The discount offer will commence on Monday, August 26, and will be available to SMEs registered with SMEDAN in two ways: online pickups and walk-ins,” Odii said.

    According to him, the feedback received by the agency through its engagements with SMEs revealed that, in some cases, the cost of delivery exceeds the cost of items.

    The director-general said this discouraged sales and limited commercial opportunities for SMEs in their immediate environment.

    He said the partnership would leverage NIPOST’s national presence and infrastructure and its ongoing reform and modernisation efforts under the leadership of the Postmaster General of the agency.

    Odii urged small business owners that are not registered with the agency to do well to register so as to benefit from the initiative and other initiatives of SMEDAN.

    On her part, the Postmaster General said the partnership was long overdue and would contribute to the achievement of inclusive economic growth.

    Odeyemi acknowledged that MSMEs, which represent over 90 per cent of businesses in the country and contribute half of the gross domestic product, serve as the backbone of the economy.

    “So, we are here to partner with you, to partner with your mandates for small and medium enterprises in Nigeria to come on board our platform, as it is a platform for inclusive economic growth.

    “I know that this partnership is one for the ages, one that will spur Nigeria’s economic growth.

    “Any MSME that is registered with SMEDAN gets access to a 15 per cent discount, and it runs as long as Nigeria runs.

    Read Also: AGOA: SMEDAN to partner US on investment, expand market opportunities for SMEs

    “Although 15 per cent discount might not look much, you have to realise that NIPOST prices are already socially oriented,” she said.

    The postmaster said that through the partnership, both agencies would  utilise their offices and stations nationwide to initiate, process, and fast-track deliveries.

    “It will ensure that small businesses can move goods to remote parts of the country efficiently, timely, and affordably.

    “To ensure a seamless and positive experience for SMEs, both agencies will maintain a dedicated customer support unit to respond to complaints and address any issues that may arise.

    “This unit will provide prompt assistance, ensuring that SMEs can focus on growing their businesses without logistical hurdles.

    (NAN)

  • AGOA: SMEDAN to partner US on investment, expand market opportunities for SMEs

    AGOA: SMEDAN to partner US on investment, expand market opportunities for SMEs

    The director general of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, is working to secure investments and expand market opportunities for micro and small businesses at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

    The forum, held in Washington DC, was convened to review the impact of the duty-free legislation and discuss necessary adjustments ahead of its renewal next year.

    AGOA is a U.S. trade preference program that grants African countries duty-free access to the U.S.

    The forum was signed into law in May 2000 and successfully ran for fifteen years. In 2015, the legislation was extended for an additional ten years, from 2015 to 2025.

    The AGOA programme also aims to deepen trade and investment relationships with sub-Saharan Africa, promote economic growth, support regional integration, and facilitate the region’s integration into the global economy.

    The DG said: “The goal of the agency was to bridge the gap between Nigerian and U.S. small businesses while taking advantage of the AGOA opportunity to foster growth, industrialization, job creation, and improved production quality for Nigerian SMEs.

    Read Also: Wema Bank, NBC, SMEDAN to boost women trades

    “We are diligently working to eliminate inefficiencies and barriers that hinder productivity in Nigeria’s SME sector, as the Secretary of the National Council on SMEs, chaired by the Vice President and led at the state level by all state governors, we are collaborating with other government agencies involve in taxation, health and safety regulations, land access, and financing to create a conducive environment for growth”.

    The DG during his presentation at the AGOA program outlined the ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategic blueprint, through which SMEDAN seeks to support small businesses with guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce development.

    He emphasised the agency’s efforts to enhance local production quality by negotiating affordable financing, providing discounted access to tools and infrastructure such as power through the ongoing revamp of its Industrial Development Centers (IDCs), promoting local resource potential through initiatives like ‘One Local Government One Product,’ and improving productivity through programs like the National Business Skills Development Initiative.

  • SMEDAN, banks sign N6b loan for SMEs

    SMEDAN, banks sign N6b loan for SMEs

    Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with  two banks to enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) get access to capital at a single-digit interest rate for the purpose of work capital, workplace procurement, and also for work equipment.

      Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN),Charles Odii who disclosed this to The Nation on the sidelines of  the launch of the Sustainable Systems for Research and Innovation Financing (SSRF II) and Nigeria  Enterprise Support Organisations (ESO) project funded   by  UK ’s Research and Innovation Systems in Africa (RISA)  in Lagos, disclosed that agency has reached an agreement  with Bank of Industry and Sterling Bank for financial support for small business owners.

    He said: “If you look at the Nigerian landscape finance capital for small businesses in general is very scarce and expensive. So, one of the things that we want to do is to unlock capital for small businesses. We have signed N5billion loan deal with Sterling Bank, N1 billion with Bank of Industry .We have gone to different states. We have done the same with Enugu, Anambra and Katsina states. All this is to lay the foundation to support bank growth through small businesses.”

    According to him, if small businesses access these funds, they can start and upscale their enterprises in Nigeria.

    Odii expressed the readiness of the agency to champion the current administration’s economic prosperity agenda, particularly by addressing obstacles hindering SME growth and protecting them from inflationary pressure.

    Read Also: Obasanjo parleys Southeast Govs on Nnamdi Kanu

    Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Executive , Impact Investors’ Foundation (IIF)/Nigeria,  Maria Etemore Glover, said the foundation is mobilising both government and private sector participation towards building  an ecosystem for strengthening the practice of Impact Investment which is a source of capital to fund the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing gap.

    According to her, the Federal Government has provided 50 per cent of the seed capital for the establishment of the Nigerian Wholesale Impact Investment Fund.

    She explained that the Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF)  conceived and championed by concerned stakeholders comprising the National Advisory Board for Impact Investing (NABII), IIF, Ford Foundation, and Nigeria Competitiveness Project – a GIZ-funded programme was  created to drive sustainable and impactful investment in the country by channeling financial resources into projects and enterprises that generate positive social and environmental outcomes, alongside financial returns.

    According to her, both Nigeria and Ghana face challenges in providing innovative ventures with adequate access to patient capital as an estimated $5 billion financing gap exists annually for SMEs in Ghana, and a staggering $32.2 billion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

    She attributed this to   lack of a robust pipeline of investment-ready businesses stemming from the inadequate capacity and inconsistent quality of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs). Additionally, she mentioned a scarcity of transaction advisory services and efficient channels to connect businesses to investors.

    She  noted that IIF Nigeria and Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh) received a funding from RISA Fund to scale sustainable systems for enterprise and innovation financing across Ghana and Nigeria through the Deal Source Africa and Enterprise Support Organisation programmes as part of the second phase of RISA Fund’s Scaling Systems for Research & Innovation Financing (SSRIF II).

    As part of the mission of IIFNigeria to contribute to transforming the innovation and financing ecosystem and continuous unlocking of significant and sustainable financing for innovative ventures and enterprise support organisations, she said the agency launched the SSRF II to mobilize research, financial and physical   resources to groom and support enterprises with viable business models in Africa by strengthening their capacity to attract impact capital.

    Country Lead, RISA,Alice Omisore-Dada said the multi-country project, funded by UK International Development to support research and innovation systems strengthening in Africa.

    According to her, the RISA Fund is supporting enhancement of the R&I systems in six nations: South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya.

  • SMEDAN to remove obstacles hindering SMEs’ growth

    SMEDAN to remove obstacles hindering SMEs’ growth

    The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has  assured Nigerians of removing  obstacles stunting growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES).

      Odii, who spoke during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja to discusses the ‘Grow Nigeria’ slogan’, – a strategy designed to offer SMEs essential guidance, resources, opportunities and conducive environment to thrive, said the agency would work with other organs of government to streamline regulations and optimise them for growth and productivity.

      He said SMEs are central to the Federal Government’s mission in eradicating poverty and ensuring prosperity for Nigerians, adding that the agency is fully ready to champion the President’s Renewed Hope Economic Prosperity Agenda, particularly by addressing obstacles hindering SMEs’ growth.

    Read Also: Eid: Let’s rebuild together, President urges Nigerians

    “The President’s commitment was evident as we discussed SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, which includes plans to create an enabling environment for over 40 million small businesses, collectively providing over 60 million jobs. We are not only going to protect them from inflationary pressures, but also empower them to drive down such trends.

    “With this strategy, SMEs will get affordable financing opportunities, access to lucrative domestic and international markets, tailored mentorship, and support to compete through capacity building for improved production standards. Again, SMEDAN’s core mandate of rural industrialization, job creation and livelihood was seriously discussed during the meeting with the President.”

    Odii added that Tinubu’s assurance has reinvigorated his determination to passionately pursue SMEDAN’s mandate and deliver meaningful outcomes for small business owners nationwide.

  • FG’ll remove obstacles hindering growth of SMEs – SMEDAN

    FG’ll remove obstacles hindering growth of SMEs – SMEDAN

    Mr Charles Odii, Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to remove obstacles hindering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    Odii, in a statement, said the mandate is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope economic prosperity agenda.

    He said this following a meeting with the president, where he discussed the agency’s ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategy, designed to offer SMEs essential guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce support to thrive.

    He quoted Tinubu as expressing commitment to SMEDAN’s core mandates of rural industrialisation, job creation, and livelihood enhancement at the meeting.

    According to Odii, SMEs are central to the president’s mission to eradicate poverty and ensure prosperity reaches all corners of Nigeria.

    The director-general said the president’s commitment was evident as they discussed SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy.

    He said the strategy included plans to create an enabling environment for over 40 million small businesses, collectively providing over 60 million jobs.

    “We are not only going to protect them from inflationary pressures, but we’ll also empower them to drive down such trends.

    Read Also: IWD: SMEDAN reassures women entrepreneurs of support unveils logo

    “We will work with sister government agencies to streamline regulations and optimise them for growth and productivity. We will remove obstacles that hinder formalisation and growth.

    “With the strategy, SMEs will get affordable financing opportunities, access to lucrative domestic and international markets, tailored mentorship, and support to compete through capacity building for improved production standards,” he said.

    According to Odii, the president expressed his support, and this is both exciting and reassuring. I am thankful to the president for his time and exemplary leadership.

    He said: “President Tinubu’s assurance has reinvigorated my determination to passionately pursue SMEDAN’s mandate and deliver meaningful outcomes for small business owners nationwide.”

    (NAN) 

  • SMEDAN, Sterling Bank partner on N5b single-digit loans for SMEs

    SMEDAN, Sterling Bank partner on N5b single-digit loans for SMEs

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed an agreement with Sterling Bank to provide N5billion in loans to small businesses across the country at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent, making it one of the most appealing credit options for Nigeria’s SMEs.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was officially signed yesterday at SMEDAN corporate headquarters in Idu, Abuja. Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii and the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, sealed the deal.

    To access the loan, small businesses must register with SMEDAN and complete an application form following which the bank will process the application for disbursement. This opportunity is available nationwide to small businesses across all sectors, with loan options ranging from N250,000 to N2.5million.

    SMEDAN stated that the initiative marked a significant stride in fulfilling Odii’s commitment to fostering prosperity by facilitating the growth of small businesses through enhanced financial access. According to SMEDAN, the move is pivotal, considering the crucial role SMEs play in revitalizing the economy, and it strongly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on growth-oriented economic reforms and support.

    It follows an agreement struck with the Anambra State government by the Odii-led SMEDAN to provide a N1billion loan portfolio for SMEs in the state. Earlier, the Director-General assured of his plans to announce more partnerships with other state governments and private actors in pursuit of the goal to enhance finance access to small businesses.

    Read Also: FIRS sets deadline for shipping firms on tax compliance

    The N5 billion agreement with Sterling Bank represents a key demonstration and fulfilment of the pledge.

    Speaking at the event, Odii described it as “an important milestone in our efforts to stimulate economic growth and drive prosperity by enhancing SME access to finance. We believe that the financial support, which comes at a very competitive rate, will help SMEs expand operations, hire additional employees, and contribute to an overall upswing in beneficial trade and economic activities.”

    The ¦ 5 billion loan agreement with Sterling Bank has a duration period of 24 months, and repayment will commence after a minimum period of three months, enabling small businesses to fully leverage the facility. Application for the loan through the portal [www.smedan.gov.ng/smedansterling] has commenced and disbursement is expected to begin in two weeks.

    Mr. Suleiman said the partnership with SMEDAN was done to provide prompt access to finance for small businesses and guide them through a formalization process crucial for sustainability and access to funds. This includes record-keeping, separation of personal from business finances, and investment in competitive strategies to stand out and succeed.

  • Anambra, SMEDAN okay N1b loans for SMEs

    Anambra, SMEDAN okay N1b loans for SMEs

    Anambra State and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have reached agreement to provide up to N1 billion to support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

    The deal involves a joint contribution of N500 million each by SMEDAN and Anambra State to stimulate SME growth, drive innovation, expansion, and job creation in the state.

    The collaboration is an initiative of the new Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, in partnership with Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chwukuma Soludo and Commissioner for Industry Hon. Christian Udechukwu. The agreement was signed when Odii visited Anambra State to interface with the state government.

    The development highlighted commitment by the new leadership of SMEDAN to ensuring SMEs have access to vital funding across Nigeria.

    Following his appointment as Director General last month, Odii has been actively engaging with bank executives and other key players in the financial sector to advocate for affordable credit options for SMEs, including single-digit loans.

    Commending the Anambra State government for their commitment, Odii said the level of meaningful support shown by the state was what was expected from state governments nationwide, given the established importance of SMEs in driving economic development and prosperity.

    “Small businesses are the backbone of employment and contribute nearly half of our GDP. If we intend to jumpstart the economy, we must invest in them and provide substantial support for their growth,” Odii said.

    He assured that SMEDAN, under his leadership, is exploring both domestic and international opportunities to mobilize and channel funds to SMEs across the country.

    Read Also: SMEDAN, NASS partner to register, fund one million SMEs

    He emphasizsd that this approach will accelerate the realization of the president’s renewed Hope Agenda, which is centered on economic prosperity.

    “We have initiated discussions with several local and international organizations to address funding and capacity development for SMEs. Just this week, we launched the SMEDAN Climate and Green Energy Desk (SCGED) to support climate entrepreneurs addressing environmental challenges hindering SME growth in the nation. We are witnessing strong interest from global stakeholders eager to back local initiatives combating climate change and unlocking fresh economic opportunities,” Odii said.

    He stressed that the agency will ensure that the funds, once accessible to SMEs, will be disbursed in a timely, transparent, and equitable manner, eliminating any obstacles preventing deserving SMEs from accessing these vital funds.

    He affirmed that SMEDAN is actively engaging with all its financial partners nationwide to assess and enhance the disbursement process, ensuring that funds made available to SMEs through various products and initiatives effectively serve their intended objectives

  • SMEDAN, NASS partner to register, fund one million SMEs

    SMEDAN, NASS partner to register, fund one million SMEs

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is embarking on a strategic partnership with the Na​tional Assembly to undertake the registration, formalization, and provision of funding opportunities for one million small businesses across the country.

    This initiative is a crucial component of SMEDAN’s mission to foster prosperity through the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    The Director General of the agency, Mr Charles Odii, gave the assurance at a meeting he facilitated between young members of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, and young entrepreneurs at the SMEDAN HQ, Idu, on Tuesday.

    During the event which also had in attendance the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, participants engaged in productive discussions, highlighting critical issues that small businesses face today. These discussions covered topics such as access to funding, regulatory challenges, and the need for better support and resources.

    In response, the Minister of State and young legislators shared their perspectives on how to address these issues through government action, affirming their commitment to partnering with SMEDAN to provide the institutional support required to facilitate access to market, finance, and capacity building.

    They also expressed their satisfaction with the agenda of the newly-appointed Director General, noting that his vast experience, despite his youthfulness, has enabled him to identify practical solutions to the challenges faced by small businesses in the country.

    As lawmakers, they pledged their support by considering budgetary allocations and potential legislative amendments to enhance and expand the opportunities accessible to SMEs.

    Read Also: LIRS shuts 34 companies over tax debt

    Some of the young lawmakers present at the event include Hon Bello El-Rufai, the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency; Hon Olamiju Alao Akala, the member representing Ogbomosho North/South/ Oriire Federal Constituency; Hon Ishaya David Lalu, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency; Hon Uche Okonkwo, the member representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, among others.

    Led by the Director General, Mr. Charles Odii, the delegation conducted an inspection of the work hubs located at the agency’s headquarters. These hubs are outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities, including sewing and wood-cutting machines, available to small businesses to reduce their operational costs and improve the quality of their final products.

    Aisha Abubakar, a talented photographer running her own photography studio, Alpharoom, was among the young entrepreneurs present at the event. She expressed her appreciation for SMEDAN’s initiative, highlighting how it offered a unique opportunity for lawmakers, who shape the business environment, to gain firsthand insights into the challenges that hinder the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

    The event concluded with an assurance of continued engagement between the two groups, with plans for working committees and regular meetings to ensure that the concerns raised at the event are addressed through concrete legislative actions.

    This collaboration holds the potential to pave the way for a brighter future for small businesses, with young entrepreneurs leading the way.

    It is anticipated that this encounter will lead to a more supportive legislative environment for small businesses and foster the growth of entrepreneurial ventures among the youth, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic small business landscape in the future.

    Later, a networking gathering took place on the rooftop terrace of SMEDAN’s headquarters, where young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to interact with high-ranking state officials and other key stakeholders.