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Virgin Atlantic May Fold Without State Help-Branson

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British tycoon, Richard Branson, has warned that his part-owned airline Virgin Atlantic will collapse unless it receives financial aid from the United Kingdom government to weather the coronavirus crisis.
“We will do everything we can to keep the airline going but we will need government support to achieve that in the face of the severe uncertainty surrounding travel today and not knowing how long the planes will be grounded for,” Branson said in a letter to employees seen by media.
Airlines around the world are on the financial ropes as government lockdown orders and border closures have forced them to ground most of their planes.
“This would be in the form of a commercial loan — it wouldn’t be free money and the airline would pay it back,” he added after the billionaire faced criticism following the airline demanding that staff take unpaid leave during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The reality of this unprecedented crisis is that many airlines around the world need government support and many have already received it,” Branson added.
“Without it there won’t be any competition left and hundreds of thousands more jobs will be lost, along with critical connectivity and huge economic value,” the letter went on.
Virgin is reportedly seeking £500 million ($612 million, 564 million euros) in state help.
British no-frills, airline EasyJet, recently secured a £600-million loan from the British government, which is dealing with airlines on a case-by-case basis rather than heeding to Virgin’s demand for a multi-billion-pound state-funded pot for the entire UK airline sector.
In his letter to staff, Branson referred to “lots of comments” about his wealth and a duty to prop up Virgin Atlantic and offer financial help to staff from his own pocket.
But he insisted that figures being published regarding his net worth were based on the value of Virgin businesses before the coronavirus pandemic, rather than “cash in a bank account ready to withdraw”.
He added: “Today, the cash we have in the Virgin Group and my personal wealth is being invested across many companies around the world to protect as many jobs as possible, with a big part of that going to Virgin Atlantic.”

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Customs Launches Digital Vehicle Verification System To Tackle Smuggling

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6 days ago

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October 27, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new digital verification platform designed to curb vehicle smuggling, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability in the automobile importation process.
The initiative, known as the Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), was officially unveiled by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the launch, Adeniyi described the initiative as a milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation agenda, noting that it closes long-standing loopholes in the vehicle clearance process.
“For years, verification of imported vehicles relied on fragmented and outdated methods that left room for misinformation, fraud, and revenue leakages. The launch of this system is another score on the board for our bold transformation agenda,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that CVMS was developed in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and local technical experts to provide a secure and transparent verification process accessible to all Nigerians.
According to him, the digital platform would significantly reduce the circulation of smuggled and improperly cleared vehicles while boosting government revenue.
Adeniyi said “This new solution empowers the public and strengthens the integrity of our Service by promoting transparency, accountability, and trust.
“Anyone who invests millions of naira in a vehicle would not hesitate to pay N15,000 to verify its authenticity and ensure their investment is protected.”
The Customs chief noted that payments can be made using any valid card issued by financial institutions in Nigeria or abroad, with verification results generated instantly.
He further explained that the platform creates a centralised database through which vehicle details can be traced, verified, and confirmed within minutes, improving operational efficiency across Customs formations and enhancing inter-agency coordination.
Adeniyi noted that the CVMS is part of the Service’s broader digital reform strategy, aimed at simplifying clearance procedures, promoting data-driven operations, and increasing transparency in revenue collection saying “In essence, this system brings openness to an area that was previously shrouded in uncertainty and manipulation.
“Across all our operations, we are deploying innovative, technology-driven solutions to simplify processes and boost transparency”..
In his remarks, the National President, Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Ajibola Adedoyin, commended the initiative and assured that his members would key into the system after conducting an independent assessment.
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NDDC Unveils Naval Facilities To Boost Region’s Security 

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October 27, 2025

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has demonstrated its commitment to partnering security agencies to maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta region by unveiling a state-of-the-art strategic naval facility in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The facilities, inaugurated at the Naval Base, recently, stood as a bold testament to the commitment of the NDDC to strengthening security infrastructure and partnerships for sustainable peace and development across the Niger Delta region.
The landmark initiative highlights the NDDC’s unwavering commitment to regional development and its support for security agencies in the protection of the nation’s waterways.
Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the new facilities are not just projects; they are symbols of collaboration between the commission and the security agencies.
Ogbuku said “Boosting the capacity of the Naval Base is critical to ensuring maritime security, safer waterways and improved socio-economic activities in the coastal communities. A well-fitted operational base will serve as both a security hub and a catalyst for community development.”
Ogbuku assured the Commission’s continued  support to security agencies in securing the waterways and in boosting the country’s emerging blue economy.
He said “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta region, and he has given us a matching order to embark on legacy projects that will stand the test of time and impact lives in the region. We cannot achieve this if there is no peace.”
“For us in NDDC, we will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure that there is sustainable peace that will usher in development. The security forces have made so many sacrifices to ensure the safety of the region, and we will complement their efforts by executing legacy projects.”
“This facility serves as a testament to our dedication to partnering with security agencies to safeguard our waterways, enhance oil production, and stimulate regional development.”
Ogbuku acknowledged President Tinubu’s steadfast support, which he said has significantly enhanced the NDDC’s capacity to execute impactful projects in line with its mandate to transform the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku pointed out that under the leadership of the current Board and Management, the Commission has demonstrated a commitment to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, who is concerned about the development of the Niger Delta region.
He observed that President Tinubu’s administration has provided crucial support and played a complementary role in enabling the NDDC to carry out projects such as the newly unveiled state-of-the-art strategic naval location in Ayakoro.
“Those are part of the legacies we want to leave behind. We plan to commission many projects in commemoration of our second anniversary as the board of the seventh Governing Board of the NDDC.
“For this particular project, the Nigerian Navy will be the primary beneficiary, and it will also benefit the citizens of the Niger Delta and the community where the project is located.
Giving a brief overview of the projects, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, listed the various facilities handed over to the Navy.
“They are: a fully furnished administrative block; a furnished accommodation block; a furnished 40-man houseboat with two units of 100kva generators and two units of gun boats powered by 200 Hp units of Yamaha engines each.
“The package includes several hectares of land donated by the Ayakoro community to the Nigerian Navy to build a Navy school; a 60kVA solar inverter installed in the administrative and accommodation blocks, as backup power; a 30kVA solar inverter installed in the 40-man houseboats as backup power; a full-option Toyota Hilux vehicle for operational use and a newly built operational floating jetty”, he said.
The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, stated that the operational facilities handed over by NDDC would bolster the Nigerian Navy’s presence and security operations.
He commended the NDDC for the pioneering initiative, noting that the facilities would enhance maritime surveillance and improve operational responses to combat illegal activities in the region’s waterways.
He stated, “The event we are witnessing today is a testament to the existing close collaboration between the NDDC and the Nigerian Navy, which is geared towards addressing maritime security challenges in the region.
“I commend the vision and commitment of the leadership of the NDDC for citing the security project at Ayakoro with a view to addressing security challenges associated with the maritime environment in the region.”
“The Navy will spare no effort to ensure that the objectives for which the security projects are provided will be fully realised.”
Madugu solicited community support in intelligence sharing to improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, stated that the Niger Delta region contributes substantially to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, noting that it was evident that most of Nigeria’s maritime domain and international coastline outside of Lagos, all of which are within the Gulf of Guinea, are in the coast of the Niger Delta.
Governor Diri, represented by Brigadier General Eric Angaye (Rtd.), stated that the Niger Delta region was critical to Nigeria’s oil economy.
While praising the NDDC’s efforts to drive socio-economic development and infrastructure growth in the region, the governor urged communities in the Niger Delta to collaborate with and support security agencies in protecting economic assets and investments.
In his words, “I urge traditional rulers, community youth leaders, and other stakeholders to work with the Navy and other security forces to build trust, reevaluate tensions where they exist, and channel the energy of the youths into constructive programmes.”
The Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro, Chief Micah Etebi, affirmed that the projects handed over to the Navy were testaments that the NDDC is impacting the people of the Niger Delta region.
The monarch thanked Ogbuku and the NDDC, describing the facility as a blessing with the potential to bring substantial benefits to the community.
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FG Fixes  Uniform Prices for Housing Units Nationwide, Approves N12.5m For 3-bedroom Bungalow ……..Says Move To Enhance Affordability, Ensures Fairness

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October 27, 2025

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The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has approved and announced uniform sale prices for housing units under its Renewed Hope Estate Programme’ across all states of the federation.
The housing units, which comprise one, two, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, has the approved selling prices are: One-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N8.5 million; two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow: N11.5 million and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N12.5 million.
A Statement in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the move was part of the ministry’s efforts to make homeownership more accessible and equitable for Nigerians.

“The approved selling prices are as follows: One-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N8.5 million; two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow: N11.5 million and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N12.5 million,” the statement added.

The adoption of uniform selling prices, according to the statement, aims to promote affordability, transparency, and fairness, ensuring that Nigerians across all regions have equal opportunities to benefit from the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that priority in the allocation of the housing units would be given to low and middle-income earners, civil servants at all levels of government, employees in the organised private sector with verifiable sources of income, and Nigerians in the Diaspora who wish to own homes in the country.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, explained that several payment options have been provided to make the houses affordable and flexible. These include outright (full) payment, mortgage, rent-to-own scheme, and installment payment plans.

The ministry further announced that the sale of the completed housing units across the northern and southern regions will soon commence.

“Applications can be made through the Renewed Hope Housing online portal at www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, or obtained from the ministry’s headquarters and field offices nationwide,” the statement added.

The ministry, however, clarified that the approved prices apply strictly to the Renewed Hope Housing Estates which are funded through the ministry’s  budgetary allocation,  as against the Renewed Hope Cities in Karsana Abuja, Janguza Kano, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos which are being funded through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

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