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Heavyweight boxing legend, George Foreman is dead

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….Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has died aged 76.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Known as Big George in the ring, the American built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in the sport, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart – the second making him the oldest champion in history aged 45.

He lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974. But Foreman’s professional boxing career boasted an astonishing total of 76 wins including 68 knockouts, almost double that of Ali.

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He retired from the sport in 1997 but not before he agreed to put his name to a best-selling grill – a decision that went on to bring him fortunes that dwarfed his boxing earnings.

George Foreman’s life in pictures
Sports legends and boxing fans pay tribute to heavyweight icon George Foreman.

His family said in a post on Instagram on Friday night: “Our hearts are broken.

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

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The statement added: “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name – for his family.”

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, and raised along with six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South.

He dropped out of school and turned to street robberies before eventually finding his outlet in the ring.

Foreman won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, aged 19, before turning pro and winning 37 consecutive matches. He lost only five bouts over his career.

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He beat previously undefeated reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973 knocking him down six times in the first two rounds.

His 1974 Rumble in the Jungle against Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains one of the most famous boxing matches ever.

Ali, the older man, was the underdog after he was stripped of his crown seven years earlier for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War.

Foreman reflected on the legendary fight 50 years later in an October interview with BBC World Service Newshour, explaining that everyone thought he was going to decimate Ali.

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“Oh, he’s not going to last one round,” the boxer said experts were predicting at the time.

Foreman told the BBC he typically would get “real nervous” and have “butterflies” before any boxing match, but that night – it was the “most comfortable” he had felt.

But the wily Ali used a tactic that later became known as “rope-a-dope”, which wore out Foreman, causing him to throw out hundreds of punches before Ali unloaded on him in the eighth round and scored a knockout.

After a second professional loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he founded and built.

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He told the BBC his defeat to Ali became the “best thing that ever happened to me” as it ultimately led him to “get my message out” through preaching.

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Veteran Nollywood actress Dupe Jayesimi shares her emotional struggle with childlessness at 60

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…..says no child to celebrate with me on my 60th birthday

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Veteran Nollywood actress, Dupe Jayesimi, has shared her emotional experience of living without her own child at the age of 60.

Speaking on Talk to B, a podcast hosted by her junior colleague, Biola Bayo, the Yoruba film star recounted how she had no child to call her own despite once being married.

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She revealed that she became pregnant during her wedding ceremony but later lost the pregnancy.
“Although I was pregnant when I did my wedding, I had miscarriage weeks after the wedding.”
Following the loss, she explained that her husband began distancing himself from her, even going as far as demarcating their bed with a pillow.
She said she attempted IVF procedures twice in her bid to have a child, but both efforts failed. The actress added that two weeks after she eventually left the marriage, her husband brought another woman who was already pregnant into the house and married her.
Jayesimi further narrated how her desire to adopt a child was discouraged by her mother. Instead, she took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings’ children, supporting many of them through school.

Despite her sacrifices, she said she often felt sidelined when those children were getting married, as she was not given the recognition of a mother figure.

I know how the kids of those who have children celebrate them. But I have no one to celebrate with me.”

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Worshippers attacked while praying in mosque, 12 suspects nabbed

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The Police Command in Kaduna State has nabbed 12 suspects over alleged attack of worshipers during Tahajjud prayers (night prayers).

The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

Hassan said, “On March 21, at about 2:00a.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned citizen.

“The citizen reported that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshipers performing Tahajjud prayers at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasain Kaduna.

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“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to the scene in a bid to apprehend the suspects,” the command’s spokesman said.

He, however, said that before the police team’s arrival, the hoodlums had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, 23, with a sharp knife.

Hassan said that Mohammad was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, but due to severity of his injuries later succumbed and was confirmed dead by a doctor.

“Subsequently, the police swiftly apprehended 12 suspects, who confessed to have partaken in the attack, and recovered several weapons from them,” he said.

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Hassan said further that investigation was ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident and “ensure justice is served.”

According to him, following the incident, the Command has significantly increased security deployments to strategic areas in the state, particularly around mosques, where such prayers are conducted.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements and activities promptly to the police to aid effective crime prevention.

“The command is issuing a stern warning to all miscreants to desist from engaging in these criminal activities as they will face the full weight of the law, if caught,” Hassan said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN

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Avoid partisan politics, Administrator advises Rivers monarchs

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) has advised monarchs in the state to avoid playing partisan politics, concentrate on ensuring that their domains were secure and safe for all citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Administrator expressed his deep love for the Niger Delta region.

Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff, also noted Rivers State’s significance in the nation’s development.

He lamented the persistent instability in the state, stating that it pained him to witness the unrest. “As a former naval chief, my duty is to protect lives, and I remain committed to restoring peace in Rivers State,” Ibas said. He assured that his administration would work tirelessly to return the state to a place of pride and stability.

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The Administrator underscored his primary mandate to restoring peace, stressing the need to curb the interest of a few who prioritize personal gains over the state’s collective well-being. He stressed that Rivers State is too vital to be left in turmoil, adding: “A society without order is a society without progress.”

He advised against any form of political partisanship, whether in speech, action, or body language. He reminded the traditional rulers of their role in community policing, urging them to maintain open communication channels with their subjects. “Security is the responsibility of all, not just the government,” he said, adding that his administration would not tolerate excuses for disorder.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he reaffirmed his administration’s openness to suggestions and collaboration.

In his response, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Chike Worlu-Wodo, assured the administrator of their support. He described the appointment as a positive decision for the state, affirming that traditional rulers are committed to maintaining peace in their respective domains.

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“As traditional rulers, our primary duty is to ensure peace in our kingdoms, clans, and communities,” he said. He urged the administrator to see himself as a peacemaker, likening his role to that of a mediator resolving conflicts between two people.

The monarch wished the administrator success in his mission, stressing that Rivers State desperately needs peace. “We are not in doubt of your ability, which was why you were appointed,” he stated.

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