President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy to British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, following a road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that led to the loss of two lives and left the athlete injured.
The President’s message was conveyed in a statement issued by the Presidency, where he described the incident as a painful tragedy that has cast a shadow over the season, while offering prayers for strength, healing and comfort for Joshua, his family and the relatives of the deceased.
Tinubu noted Joshua’s long-standing display of courage, discipline and commitment to Nigeria, describing him as a source of pride to the country. He also urged collective support and compassion at a time of grief, while praying for Joshua’s quick recovery and eternal rest for the departed.
“AJ,
“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.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season.
“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.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
In a separate development, the Ogun State Government confirmed the accident in an official statement released by Governor Dapo Abiodun, stating that the vehicle conveying Joshua and three others collided with a stationary truck along the expressway.
According to the statement, two occupants of the vehicle died at the scene, while Joshua and another passenger were evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos State, Centre of Excellence, for treatment.
The Ogun State Government disclosed that medical evaluations conducted by specialists confirmed that the survivors were stable and did not require emergency intervention. It added that a full medical team had been assigned to monitor their condition, while confirming that Joshua was conscious and had already contacted members of his family.
The statement further noted that the governments of Ogun and Lagos states were jointly monitoring the situation to ensure adequate medical care for all affected persons, while investigations into the cause of the accident had commenced.
The state government also appealed to members of the public for understanding and privacy for Joshua and his family, while appreciating the goodwill and concern shown by Nigerians following the incident.
Prince Dapo Abiodun wrote:”We wish to confirm that British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident earlier today along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
“The vehicle conveying a team of four reportedly collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and share in their grief at this painful moment. We pray that Almighty God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were promptly evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos. Following thorough clinical evaluations, medical professionals have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been constituted and will continue to monitor them closely.
“We can also confirm that Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in contact with his family.
“As the Governments of Ogun and Lagos States, we are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have commenced.
“We appreciate the concern and goodwill expressed by members of the public and respectfully request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time.”
