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Ekwelum, ex-African heavyweight champion down with cancer, begs for help

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Ekwelum, ex-African heavyweight champion down with cancer, begs for help

Ngozika Ekwelum, a former African Boxing Union (ABU) Heavyweight Champion is down with health challenges suspected to be prostate cancer.

Ekwuelum told newsmen that he had been in and out of hospitals, including the three months he spent at the cancer department of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu since the ailment developed two years ago.

He lamented that he had spent all his life savings on treating the sickness and needed more because he was still down.

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The veteran pugilist said he had a coaching contract agreement with the defunct Ministry of Sports in Anambra which was terminated without benefit by the Anambra Sports Development Commission.

Ekwuelum said despite undergoing a series of surgeries, he was still bedridden with swollen legs, urinating blood,  bladder, and body pains.

According to him, “I have pains all over my private part area. Cancer has been there for about two years now, it has not been easy staying alive but thank God.

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He said he was coaching young boxers for the Anambra Government on contract but the former management of the Sports Commission stopped him on the grounds of old age.

“The contract started when somebody donated boxing equipment of about N3.5 million to the state and they needed a coach, that was when I was employed to do the job, my age does not have anything to do with my knowledge of boxing,” he said.

Ekwelum called on the Anambra State Government and the general public to come to his aid financially because managing cancer was not easy.

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“Even my landlord has thrown me out of our three-bedroom flat due to inability to pay rent,” he said.

Ekwelum made waves in boxing in the late 60s and 80s, recording about 31 victorious fights, including the historic victory over Joe Kalala of Ghana at the National Stadium, Lagos in 1980 which earned him ABU Heavyweight Champion.

(NAN)

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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