Bolton's ambitious regeneration projects are set to be showcased on a national stage as Seddon, a local business deeply involved in the borough's transformation, prepares to represent Bolton at the UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds. Utilizing the newly launched 'Brand Bolton', Seddon aims to highlight the borough's potential as a prime location for living, working, and investing. Peter Jackson, Seddon Housing Partnerships managing director, expressed pride in showcasing Bolton's achievements and future plans, emphasizing the company's commitment to the town's growth and community development.

The regeneration of Bolton is gaining momentum, with significant projects like the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and The Wellsprings Innovation Hub already making their mark. The upcoming demolition of Crompton Place marks a pivotal moment in the town's redevelopment, promising to deliver a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces that will redefine Bolton's town center. These efforts underscore Bolton Council's dedication to creating a vibrant, well-connected urban environment that attracts new residents and businesses alike.

At UKREiiF, Bolton Council will seek development partners for two major new projects, aiming to build on the success of recent initiatives. The event presents an opportunity to showcase Bolton's evolution from a traditional market town to a dynamic urban center, with Seddon playing a key role in bringing the 'Born to Perform' message to life. The collaboration between public and private sectors is a testament to Bolton's community spirit and its strategic approach to regeneration.

As Bolton continues to transform, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all its residents. The borough's participation in UKREiiF is not just about attracting investment but also about celebrating the collective achievements of its people and businesses. With projects like Crompton Place and Moor Lane set to redefine the town's landscape, Bolton is poised to become a model for urban regeneration in the UK.

The ongoing trial involving the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Arik Air has taken a dramatic turn as Muhammed Abbas Jega, a former Executive Director of Credits at AMCON, contradicted his earlier testimony regarding the performance of Arik Air's loan. Initially, Jega had stated that the loan was performing, but during cross-examination, he admitted that the loan had been non-performing since its inception, shedding light on the complexities of the case.

Jega's revelation came during the trial of former AMCON MD/CEO Ahmed Kuru and others, who are facing charges related to the alleged mismanagement of N76 billion and $31.5 million. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the challenges faced by AMCON in managing non-performing loans acquired from Nigerian banks under the Eligible Bank Asset (EBA) programme.

Further complicating the matter, Jega disclosed that despite AMCON's injection of N85 billion to purchase Arik's debt from Union Bank and Bank PHB, and an additional N11 billion extended as working capital, Arik Air failed to meet its financial obligations. This admission raises questions about the due diligence processes at AMCON and the viability of the airline's financial restructuring efforts.

The trial also took an unexpected turn when Jega questioned the authenticity of the Loan Purchase Agreement presented in court, pointing out discrepancies in signatures and document structure. This development adds another layer of intrigue to the case, as it challenges the integrity of the documents underpinning the financial transactions between AMCON and Arik Air. The court's decision on these matters could have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and financial accountability in Nigeria's banking and aviation sectors.