Anthony Joshua returns to gym for ‘Mental Strength Therapy’ after fatal crash

Anthony Joshua has shared signs of a tentative return to the gym, revealing he has resumed light training as part of what he called “mental strength therapy” following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.

The former world heavyweight champion survived the accident on December 29 while travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

The vehicle collided with a stationary truck, killing two of Joshua’s close associates and members of his backroom team, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua suffered only minor injuries.

In the days after the crash, uncertainty surrounded the 36-year-old’s future in boxing, with suggestions that the emotional impact could keep him out of the ring for a prolonged period.

That uncertainty eased slightly on Thursday when Joshua posted footage on Instagram showing himself hitting pads with a trainer inside a gym.

The short clip, captioned “Mental Strength Therapy”, indicated the session was focused on recovery and wellbeing rather than a full return to competition.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has since urged patience, insisting there is no rush for Joshua to make decisions about his career.

Speaking earlier this week, Hearn said the boxer would be given all the time he needs to process the loss of Ayodele and Ghami, as speculation continues over whether and when he will fight again.

“I think AJ, as we have seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, is always a brave-face guy, a very positive guy,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“This is very different to that and I know he will take his time.

“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.”
The accident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria following his win against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, the United States, on December 19.

Tinubu mourns Abubakar’s passing, the Imam who shielded over 200 Christians in his mosque during communal riot

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Chief Imam of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, who passed away at 92.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.

The late cleric gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during communal violence in Plateau.

Tinubu described Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life exemplified faith, courage and a deep reverence for the sanctity of human life.

“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection,” the President said.

He said the Imam’s actions embodied the true essence of faith and delivered a powerful message beyond sermons.

The President noted that the cleric’s uncommon bravery earned him local and international honours celebrating peaceful coexistence.

“I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar,” Tinubu said.

He prayed that God grants the late Imam eternal rest and rewards him for his courage and good deeds. (NAN)

Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Anambra Government has introduced 15 entrepreneurial subjects into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum to enhance students’ practical skills and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new subjects include solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs, agriculture and processing, plumbing, tiling, POP installation and event management.

Others are bakery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, CCTV/intercom installation, digital literacy, information technology and robotics.

Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson ,Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC),  while speaking at  the occasion in Awka on Friday, said the initiative was aimed at repositioning education to meet contemporary needs.
Ikediugwu noted that in a rapidly changing world, education should go beyond theory and examinations to equip students with practical skills, creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

“The goal of the programme is to prepare learners, not only to seek jobs but to create value, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the state,”she said.

Mr Cyril Nwuche of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered a paper titled “Building Entrepreneurial Secondary Schools: Why Every School Needs an Entrepreneurship Club”.
Nwuche said the introduction of entrepreneurial subjects showed that the government was on the path to transforming the state’s economy.
“Traditional academic instruction alone is no longer sufficient to prepare children for the future.

“There is the need for schools to embrace practical and skill-based learning to enable students to thrive in a dynamic global environment, ” he said. (NAN)