President Bola Tinubu has spoken by telephone with former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and his mother following a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s associates and left him injured.
According to a State House press release issued on Monday and signed by the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu personally conveyed his condolences to Mr Joshua and offered prayers for his recovery.
“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.
Tinubu also said he contacted Joshua’s mother to express sympathy and offer prayers.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call,” he said.
The president added that he spoke with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was with the boxer at the hospital and received assurances about the care being provided.
“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.
The telephone call followed an earlier public message by the president, who is currently abroad, in which he expressed sympathy with Joshua after the accident in Ogun State.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps earlier confirmed that the crash occurred near the Sinoma area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, close to Sagamu.
The accident involved a Lexus jeep conveying Joshua and a stationary commercial truck.
Five adult males were involved in the crash.
Two persons died, one sustained injuries, while two others, including Joshua, escaped with minor injuries.
FRSC operatives said they carried out rescue operations, traffic control and evacuation of victims.
Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the likely causes of the crash.
Anthony Joshua is a Nigerian-British boxer and former unified heavyweight world champion.
He has often spoken about his Nigerian heritage and has a large following in the country.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and has continued to record fatal crashes, prompting repeated warnings by safety authorities against speeding and dangerous driving.
