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Tag: Anthony Joshua

  • Umahi commiserates with Anthony Joshua, Balogun market fire victims

    Umahi commiserates with Anthony Joshua, Balogun market fire victims

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed deep condolences to Anthony Joshua over the recent accident involving his vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in the death of two persons.

    He also described the fire incident at the Balogun market, which claimed many lives and destroyed property, as devastating and called on the victims to bear the loss with equanimity.

    Senator Umahi, while expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased, attributed the accident to illegal parking of trucks along the Federal highway, expressing his ministry’s resolve to ensure strict compliance with the earlier directive that no vehicles, especially trucks, will be allowed to park on the highway.

    Umahi disclosed that a special task force will be formed in February 2026, involving officers of the Ministry with security agencies, to ensure there is no illegal parking of trucks on the highway.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Umahi appeals for reflection, harmony, shared progress

    He described the accident as avoidable and maintained that his ministry is working with safer highway security agencies to ensure that no broken-down vehicles are allowed on the highway and no individuals are allowed to use the highway to sun-dry their farm produce.

    Umahi further expressed sadness over the unfortunate fire incident at the Balogun market, Lagos, which claimed some lives and property worth hundreds of millions lost.

    He consoled with families who lost their loved ones and expressed optimism that the Federal Government and Lagos state government would come to their aid and ensure restoration.

  • Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents

    Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents

    Anthony Joshua, on Monday, December 9, narrowly escaped death in a road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State.

    The accident, which involved a sport utility vehicle travelling from Lagos to Sagamu, claimed the lives of two male foreign nationals.

    The Ogun State Government confirmed that the remains of the victims have been deposited at the Livewell Mortuary in Sagamu.

    The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who expressed the state government’s condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the deceased.

    According to the statement, the fatal crash occurred on Monday on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, while the world heavyweight boxing champion narrowly escaped death.

    The state government added that relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    Here are Nigerian celebrities who survived car accidents:

    1. Harrysong

    Afro Pop singer, Harrysong, on June 24, 2016, escaped death by the whiskers after he and his crew were involved in a car accident.

    Read Also: Boxing icon Anthony Joshua stable after fatal car crash

    He was en route from Owerri to catch a flight to Lagos, where he was to perform at the opening Gala night of Project Fame Season 9, when the incident occurred.

    The ‘Reggae Blues’ musician took to his Instagram on Saturday, July 23, 2016, to thank God for sparing his life.

    He wrote, “At one point, I thought I was crossing over to the other side. But no, God still has great plans for me. Yes. He saved us. Am greatful. stay strong ==team ONEDELTA. 6 days to go.”

    2. Burna Boy

    Grammy Award winner Burna Boy, on Saturday, February 26, 2022, got involved in an accident with his Ferrari 458 2013.

    The singer confirmed this via Instagram after several videos of an accident outside Overcomers Church, Graceland in Lekki, Lagos were posted online.

    Burna wrote, “Yes, it’s true. I had a bad accident in my Ferrari today. My leg just hurts a little, but I’m fine. It’s just funny how everyone came with their phones recording me instead of trying to help.

    “I guess they were too excited to see me regardless of the situation lol. But I love you all, Gambo got me,” he added.

     3. Dunsin Oyekan 

    Gospel singer Dunsin Oyekan, on Saturday, September 3, 2022, got involved in an auto crash on his way to Oyo State.

    The accident occurred on his way from Lagos to a church ministration at Ibadan, Oyo State.

    It was gathered that a crew member suffered slight injuries, but everyone survived.

    Speaking of the incident while ministering at a church on Saturday night, Dunsin said he took a nap and woke up to realise that the jeep was under a trailer.

    “The devil tried everything not to make me come here today. If you saw the accident scene that I came out of, you would never believe that I walked out alive.

    “To think we were coming here, and I said, let me sleep a bit so that I can be refreshed for the meeting and the next thing. I just knew we were somewhere, and the jeep had gone under the trailer.

    “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, if you are looking for a miracle, this is a miracle standing here,” he added.

    4. Sensational Bamidele

    Gospel singer Bamidele Adeek, popularly known as Sensational Bamidele, also survived a fatal auto crash in Rivers State.

    Sensational Bamidele is also the leader of the live band that performs with Nyesom Wike of Rivers State during the inauguration of projects in the state.

    On his Facebook page on Friday, 2nd December 2022, the singer revealed that his vehicle, which conveyed some of his crew members, had a head-on collision with another vehicle, causing his car to somersault eight times.

    Sensational Bamidele wrote, “He moves mountains, and He causes walls to fall. By His power, he performed miracles. And I am standing here only because He made it.

    5. Rapper CDQ

    Popular indigenous Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, popularly known as CDQ, survived a car crash in Lagos on Tuesday, August 15, 2023

    The ‘Nowo E Soke’ crooner shared clips from the accident scene on his Snapchat.

    He said, “Someone hit me, and I had an accident tonight lol. I think my Mustang is a write-off… I need to buy another car now… I hope I don’t have internal bleeding,” he captioned in one of the videos.

    6. Actress Bukola Arugba

    Nollywood actress, Bukola Arugba, survived a car accident on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

    According to Arugba, the accident occurred a day before her birthday and resulted in serious damage to her car.

    The actress disclosed this on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, as she shared a video of the damaged car on her Instagram page.

    The post read in part, “This happened a day before my birthday, I kept this to celebrate and thank God Almighty first, my Keeper, Olowogbogboro Hallelujah.

    “We were on the third mainland bridge, driving home gently, the road was free, suddenly a vehicle came from behind as though it wanted to overtake us, but it turned abruptly and gave the car a hard hit that looked intentional, my car started turning, hitting different angles, and all we could shout was JESUS.

    “It faced the bridge, we thought it was over, but suddenly it made a turn, and sat at the edge of the bridge. Surely there is power in Jesus’ name.”

    7. Victor Boniface

    The Super Eagles striker survived a car accident on Sunday, hours after guiding Leverkusen to a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.

    In a now-deleted post on his social media accounts, the 23-year-old shared video footage and photos of his smashed car after an accident.

    Boniface wrote, “God is the greatest” and “God says my time hasn’t come.”

  • Anthony Joshua recuperating after Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident – Ogun, Lagos govts

    Anthony Joshua recuperating after Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident – Ogun, Lagos govts

    …names of the deceased released

    …remains of the deceased to to be repatriated to the United Kingdom

    The Ogun and Lagos State Governments have provided an update on the road traffic accident that occurred earlier on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, involving boxing champion Anthony Joshua and three other passengers.

    The accident claimed the lives of two passengers, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British national.

    The British High Commission has been formally notified of the incident and is actively monitoring developments. 

    Officials of the Mission are in direct communication with the hospital and relevant authorities. 

    The Deputy High Commissioner also paid a fact-finding visit to the hospital, where he held discussions with Anthony Joshua and government officials.

    The families of the deceased have been contacted through the British High Commission.

    Governors of Ogun and Lagos States personally took charge of the situation and remained at the hospital for over seven hours. 

    Other key stakeholders, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, were also present to provide professional support.

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    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been fully briefed on the incident. The President spoke by phone with Anthony Joshua and other family members, expressing his condolences and sympathies.

    The governors assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the best possible medical care for the boxing champion.

    Arrangements are also at an advanced stage to repatriate the remains of the deceased to the United Kingdom, in accordance with the wishes of their families.

    The Ogun and Lagos State Governments said they would continue to provide updates on the condition of Anthony Joshua and others involved in the incident as necessary.

  • Boxing icon Anthony Joshua stable after fatal car crash

    Boxing icon Anthony Joshua stable after fatal car crash

    • Ex-champion’s fitness trainer, friend die

    • President sympathises with boxer, mum

    Former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua is stable after yesterday’s fatal crash.

    The British-Nigerian arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early yesterday and was riding in a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Lagos to his paternal hometown, Sagamu, in neighbouring Ogun State, when the accident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The vehicle in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck.

    Two passengers died on the spot. The boxer and the driver survived with injuries.

    They were evacuated to a Lagos hospital, while the dead were deposited at a Livewell Mortuary in Ajaka, Sagamu, near the crash site.

    The severely damaged SUV was evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office.

    Those who died, according to sources, are Joshua’s fitness trainer and his friend.

    It was gathered that the former world heavyweight champion, who sat behind the driver, had played tennis in Lagos with the two foreigners a few hours before embarking on the fateful trip.

    The late coach was said to have played a vital role in the boxer’s physical preparation and performance over the years.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is in Europe in continuation of his holidays, spoke to the boxer while in the hospital to encourage him and to commiserate with him on the death of his friend and trainer.

    He also spoke with the boxer’s mother.

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    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) gave the reasons for the crash as “overspeeding and wrongful overtaking”.

    FRSC Spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number.

    “The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”

    A statement by Lagos and Ogun State governments, signed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed that the boxer was well at the hospital in Lagos.

    The statement said: “Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”

    Both governments said they “are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care.’’

    They extended “deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident’’ and prayed  “that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this difficult loss.”

    They added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident had also commenced,’’ and requested privacy from members of the public  for Anthony Joshua and his family.’

    Ogun Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that investigation was ongoing.

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the boxer.

    Before the President’s calls, he described the boxer as a patriotic citizen.

    The post on X reads: “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries.”

    The President said he sympathised with Joshua and his family as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident.

    Tinubu also paid tribute to Joshua’s character and contributions, describing the boxer as a sportsman who has consistently shown courage, discipline and unwavering love for Nigeria, qualities he said have made Joshua a source of national pride.

    “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny,” the President added, urging unity and compassion in the face of grief.

    He concluded by praying for strength and a speedy recovery for the boxer, while asking for divine repose for the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident.

    “May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

    In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates.

    “I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.

    “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”

    The President further explained that he spoke with Governor Abiodun, who was at the hospital with the boxer.

    Abiodun, according to the President, assured that everything possible would be done to ensure Joshua receives optimal medical attention.

  • Tinubu speaks with Anthony Joshua, mother after tragic Ogun crash

    Tinubu speaks with Anthony Joshua, mother after tragic Ogun crash

    …President condoles boxer over loss of associates

    …Abiodun assures of best medical care

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spoken via telephone with Nigerian-British boxing star, Anthony Joshua, following a tragic road accident in Ogun State that left the former heavyweight champion injured and claimed the lives of two of his associates.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, President Tinubu personally conveyed his condolences to Joshua during the call, offering prayers for his recovery and the repose of the departed. 

    The President said the boxer assured him that he was receiving the best possible medical care.

    “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” the President said.

    President Tinubu also spoke with Joshua’s mother, offering prayers and words of comfort. 

    “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call,” he added.

    The President further disclosed that he spoke with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with the boxer. 

    Governor Abiodun, according to the President, assured that everything possible would be done to ensure Joshua receives optimal medical attention.

    Read Also: Legal battle shadows European contractor as Nigeria’s energy projects stay on course

    “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention,” Tinubu said.

    Earlier, President Tinubu, who is currently abroad, had expressed profound sympathy for the boxer in a message posted on his verified X handle following the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

    “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” the President wrote.

    He urged Nigerians to stand together in moments of grief, stressing the need for collective support and empathy. “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny,” Tinubu added.

    The President prayed for Joshua’s speedy recovery and asked God to grant eternal rest to the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident.

  • Tinubu sympathises with Anthony Joshua over fatal auto crash

    Tinubu sympathises with Anthony Joshua over fatal auto crash

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua following a tragic auto crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and left the boxer injured.

    In a message posted on Monday via his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu described the incident as an immense tragedy that has cast “a deep shadow on this season,” while offering condolences to Joshua and the bereaved families.

    “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” the President wrote. 

    He said he sympathised with Joshua and his family as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident.

    Read Also: Legal battle shadows European contractor as Nigeria’s energy projects stay on course

    President Tinubu also paid tribute to Joshua’s character and contributions, describing the boxer as a sportsman who has consistently shown courage, discipline and unwavering love for Nigeria, qualities he said have made Joshua a source of national pride.

    “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny,” the President added, urging unity and compassion in the face of grief.

    He concluded by praying for strength and a speedy recovery for the boxer, while asking for divine repose for the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident.

    “May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed,” Tinubu said.

    Anthony Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion with Nigerian roots, is one of the country’s most celebrated global sports figures, and news of the incident has drawn an outpouring of sympathy from fans and public figures alike.

  • Ogun mourns victims of fatal road crash involving Anthony Joshua

    Ogun mourns victims of fatal road crash involving Anthony Joshua

    The Ogun State government has expressed deep condolences to the families and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident on Monday involving world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, who narrowly escaped death.

    The accident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State, claiming the lives of two individuals. Joshua and three others were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the incident occurred.

    Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died instantly. Their bodies have been deposited at Livewell Morgue, Sagamu. Joshua and the vehicle’s driver were rescued by security personnel from his convoy and are receiving medical attention in a hospital.

    The SUV carrying the passengers reportedly collided with a stationary truck along the expressway. The damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, while efforts continue to tow the truck to facilitate a full investigation.

    Read Also: Sokoto bombing: Nigeria remains stable, says Edun

    In a statement, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Government, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful,” noting the loss of precious lives and injuries sustained by others.

    The government urged motorists to exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season when road movement is heavy. Road safety officers and security agencies have been directed to intensify patrols and enforcement to safeguard lives and property.

    “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss. As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured. May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the government stated. 

  • BREAKING: Two die as Anthony Joshua survives fatal road accident in Ogun

    BREAKING: Two die as Anthony Joshua survives fatal road accident in Ogun

    World boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident on Monday along the Makun-Ogun corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which resulted in the deaths of two people.

    Joshua, however, escaped with minor injuries.

    Eyewitnesses reported that Joshua’s vehicle, a Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck by the roadside near Danco Filling Station.

    Passersby confirmed that the bodies of two victims were recovered from the wreckage.

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

    Emergency responders were on the scene managing traffic and assisting with rescue operations, while an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances leading to the crash.

    The accident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with fans expressing relief that Joshua survived and extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in sixth round of heavyweight bout

    BREAKING: Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in sixth round of heavyweight bout

    Nigerian-British heavyweight Anthony Joshua on Saturday knocked out American boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout in Miami, United States.

    The contest, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds—shorter than a standard heavyweight fight—ended in the sixth round when Joshua floored Paul for the fourth time with a crushing right hand to claim his 26th career knockout.

    Paul, 28, a social media influencer-turned-boxer with seven knockouts, exceeded pre-fight expectations by surviving into the second half of the contest. He showed resilience under pressure but struggled to contain Joshua’s power and experience.

    Joshua asserted full control in a dramatic fifth round, dropping Paul twice before closing the fight in the sixth with a sustained barrage of heavy punches.

    Speaking after the bout, Joshua admitted the performance was not flawless but said the result was decisive. “It wasn’t the best performance. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination,” he said.

    He praised Paul’s courage and determination, noting his ability to repeatedly beat the count. “Jake did well tonight. He got up time and time again. It takes a man to keep trying in there, and he deserves respect for that,” Joshua added.

    Joshua said the fight marked a successful return after a 15-month layoff and signalled his readiness for bigger challenges ahead. He called on Tyson Fury to step into the ring next, saying the heavyweight division needed a genuine test.

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    Paul, who revealed that he suffered a broken jaw during the fight, declined to name his next opponent. He said he would take time away from boxing following his second professional defeat.

  • Joshua sends message to  Fury on  next year’s  fight

    Joshua sends message to  Fury on  next year’s  fight

    Anthony Joshua insists he wants to face Tyson Fury in 2026 ahead of his fight with Jake Paul tomorrow..

    AJ will go up against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in Miami, which will be streamed live on Netflix.

    Last week, The Ring Magazine, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh, reported that a fight between Joshua and Fury is ‘as close as it has ever been to finally happening’, and is planned to headline a Riyadh Season card in 2026.

    Fury announced his retirement from boxing after a second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed world heavyweight title fight last December.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Ahmed Musa retires from international football

    But over the weekend, Fury teased a potential comeback as he posted a message on social media which read: ‘The king must return to his throne. There is a long and lonely road that only I can walk on, but after the long and hard battles awaits immortality!’

    Joshua, meanwhile, is currently in Miami preparing for his fight with Paul, which will be shown at around 3:30am in the UK on Saturday morning, but speaking at a media event on Tuesday night, the 36-year-old said he is optimistic about his chances of fighting Fury next year.

     “I’ve spoken to Tyson before, me and Tyson have. I actually signed to fight Tyson,” Joshua said.“I think it was actually around the time I put my belts up to fight [Oleksandr] Usyk, I was supposed to fight Tyson Fury.

     “And Fury had his issues with [Deontay] Wilder and their contractual issues, so they fought a third time. But I’ve been in a position to fight Fury a number of times, yeah.”

    Asked if he hopes to fight Fury, Joshua replied: “Of course, there’s hope. Especially when you’re talking about doing big time boxing.

    “And Jake’s showcasing it can be done and I’m showcasing it can be done. Now we’ve been in mega fights time and time again.

    “This isn’t our first rodeo, we’re back again, big time boxing, I just feel like it takes two to tango and I’m on the dance floor. I’m just looking for a dance partner.”