By Gwurld4026 
Celebrating 21: Richard Branson’s Connection with Nigeria
Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, recently celebrated the 21st birthday of his long-time pen pal, Virginia, a Nigerian woman who holds the unique distinction of being the first person born aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight.
On March 20, 2004, Virginia’s mother, Abimbola Eduwa, was traveling from Lagos to London with her 19-month-old son when she unexpectedly went into labor a month early. Thanks to the quick actions of a nurse, a surgeon, and the flight crew, Virginia was safely delivered at 30,000 feet above the Sahara Desert.
To commemorate this extraordinary event, Branson gifted Virginia a free flight every year until her 21st birthday. Over the years, they maintained a correspondence, sharing stories, song suggestions, and life updates. On her 21st birthday, Branson reflected on their unique connection, expressing his affection for his “wonderful pen pal.”
Virginia’s birth story has been widely shared, symbolizing the unexpected journeys life can take and the lasting bonds formed through such remarkable experiences.
