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Just in: Anthony Joshua close to tears recalling his close allies that died in his first public appearance after auto crash
Ex- world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua fought back tears while speaking publicly for the first time about the tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close allies.
Recall that Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on December 29 after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a highway in Lagos.
The boxer sustained minor injuries in the accident and was hospitalised but was discharged two days later.
In an emotional video message shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday, the 36-year-old thanked fans across the world for their support during what he described as a “tragic, traumatic time.”
“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025,” Joshua said.
“We went home to see our families, and everything just flipped on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.”
He said the loss of Ayodele and Ghami had left a deep void in his life.
“We lost two great men. People we really cared about, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough,” he added.
‘I was walking with giants’
Joshua described the duo as more than just members of his team.
“They were my brothers, my friends first and foremost. Then we became business partners, hustlers, generals — everything. We even lived together,” he said.
I know people think I’m the big guy, but I was walking with giants. Protected.”
The boxer said he was choosing not to publicly display all his emotions but acknowledged the pain of the loss.
Joshua expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide, noting that the messages of condolence had been received and appreciated by the families of the deceased.
“We saw the messages, the tweets, the social media posts, the prayers. It’s all been acknowledged,” he said.
He also pledged to stand by the families of Ayodele and Ghami.
“We know what we’re going to do. Mumma Latz, Mumma Sina, Pappa Latz, Pappa Sina — one love,” he said.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
A fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano has destroyed properties worth over N5 billion, affecting over 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed this to newsmen in kano on Sunday.
Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history, with four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses razed.
Goods, equipment, and valuables were completely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The chairman further revealed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Zakari added that investigations were ongoing to determine their whereabouts to confirm whether they were alive or dead.
He said emergency responders and security agencies were working to unravel the cause of the fire.
Zakari described the incident as a tragedy that would never be forgotten in the history of the historic market, stressing the urgent need for support to enable the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.
He, however, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, stating that the Governor’s swift response demonstrated concern and solidarity with the victims.
Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the inferno, as the affected traders continued to salvage what remained of their properties.
Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million, saying, “from God we come, to Him we shall return.
“I am here and it is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of Naira destroyed by fire.”
Abubakar commended Yusuf for visiting the scene, demonstrating concern and solidarity with the victims.
Musa Ibrahim, a market trader, recounted his experience, saying that he lost goods worth over N340 million in the fire.
“The fire had consumed everything we had,” he said, pointing to the remains of his shop
The Units Chairmen’s Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ughelli North chapter led by Coach Charles Tuedor held an interactive session with Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders at the residence of Amb. Thompson O. Akpososo in Afiesere Community on February 14, 2026.
The meeting was marked by a significant donation: Hon Chief George Osikorobia, the first Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman elected under the PDP platform, donated a party secretariat to the PDP. He urged the units chairmen to continue spreading the party’s message across the LGA.
Party leaders, including Hon Pastor Stephen Kesiena Nomuoja and Hon Daniel Emaye, commended the units chairmen for their unwavering efforts and commitments towards the party’s growth. They urged them to remain steadfast and continue working towards the party’s success.
Hon Dr Olotu Akpodiete JP, the Ughelli North, South, and Udu Federal Constituency House of Reps Aspirant, represented by Hon. Ovo Erhabor thanked the units chairmen for their resilience and assured them that the party will overcome its current challenges. He urged the unit chairmen to sensitize the electorates on the importance of getting their voters’ cards, emphasizing that it is crucial for the party’s success in 2027.
The meeting organizers thanked sponsors, including Hon.Dr.Olotu Akpodiete JP,Hon.Oke Umurhohwo,Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja,Madam Rita Agbah, Hon. Daniel Emaye,Hon. Alex Akporute, Amb. Comrade Kpoharor Emmanuel, Chief Scott Udu, Hon. Karo Akpososo among others
Just in: Ex-Governor of Kaduna alleges NSA imported poisonous chemical
SAD: Seven declared missing as fire destroy goods worth over N5bn in Kano
Akpodiete urges PDP Unit Chairmen to Mobilize Voters for 2027 Victory
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