President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held telephone conversations with Nigerian-British boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and his mother following the tragic road accident in Ogun State that left the former heavyweight champion injured and claimed the lives of two of his associates.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said he personally reached out to Joshua to express his condolences and to pray 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.
President Tinubu also disclosed that he spoke with Joshua’s mother, offering prayers and words of comfort, noting that she expressed deep appreciation for the gesture.
In addition, the President said he contacted the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with Joshua and his family. According to him, the governor assured that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the boxer receives the best possible medical attention.
Earlier, President Tinubu, who is currently outside the country, had expressed profound sympathy with Joshua in a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, 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 added that moments of tragedy call for unity and shared compassion, while offering prayers for Joshua’s speedy recovery and for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
