PRESS STATEMENT:
NIGERIA CAN NOT AFFORD TO LOSE T.B JOSHUA NOW
It has come to our notice, that the much rumoured news about the planned exit, of the global Prophet and man of God, Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua. Who also doubles as the founder and general overseer of Synagogue Church of all Nations, is 'faster than expected' becoming a sad reality. As major news media in the country have been awash with the news in last twenty-four hours.
Pastor T.B. Joshua, as popularity called, is a pride of our nation, unarguably a priceless asset to Ondo state and our coutry at large, whose exit, if allowed, will cause a serious and almost irreparable 'economic hemolysis' to our country Nigeria.
While it may be a subject of amazement to many, the plea to pastor T.B. Joshua to shelve the planned relocation of his church, it will be insightful and pedagogic to highlight few of the reasons for this plea.
First of all, the best economic importance of his ministry is strategic to the sustenance of the economies of a number of local businesses in Lagos state and Nigeria at large.
The UK Guardian newspaper of September 1, 2013 while reporting that his church attracts an average of 50,000 worshippers weekly, a figure higher than those visiting the Buckingham Palace. Incidentally, the importance of this large gathering of people on a weekly basis is phenomenal.
His church has also servered as a center for global religious tourism, as the SCOAN has been described as “Nigeria’s biggest tourist attraction" and “the most visited destination by religious tourists in West Africa, with thousands of foreigners flocking to attend the church’s weekly services. Thisday newspapers (in the year 2013), reported that “about two million local and inbound tourists” visit The SCOAN annually. And tha the church’s popularity has led to an increase in flight routes to Lagos from several African countries.
With an average of about 50% of the visitors to his church being foreigners, the foreign exchange earnings to the country and the huge patronage this generates for our ailing airlines, are enough reasons to for worry as far as his planned exit from the nation is concerned.
This influx of visitors has in no small measure, transmogrified the economy of the host community (Ikotun-Egbe), from near-dead state that it was, to a global economic hub and a beehive of economic activities. As people from many travel from different countries to transact business amongst his over 50,000 multinational visitors. The SCOAN's popular services have also resulted in an enormous boost for local businesses and hoteliers.
While not overlooking the spiritual benefits of his ministry, it is equally important to advance the importance of his humanitarian assistance to the masses in Nigeria and it's uncountable impacts of such magnanimity. A large number of people have benefitted from his empowerment schemes to the poor, his scholarship initiatives to many young Nigerians, his sports initiatives aimed at helping many of our youths to realize their dreams and lots more.
In recognition of his worthy contributions to Nigeria in numerous ways, he was honoured with a merit award by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2008 as Officer of the Order of the Republic (OFR). It will therefore be callous and careless on the part of the concerned authorities in this country to to close their eyes to the alarm Bell that is already ringing in the ears of the numerous people who are directly or indirectly benefitting from him.
Needless to say, is the reality that Nigeria as a nation needs platforms such as that provided by God through Pastor T.B. Joshua for spiritual growth which is vital to building a nation made of righteous, honest and truthful men and women who will use these Godly virtues to rebuild our nation especially at this critical time.
Consequent upon the above facts and records, we want to reiterate, that exit of Pastor T.B Joshua will definitely result in a lost of unquantified furtune, in our country.
Proportionately, we want to call on the Ondo state Government, the Federall government and all other major and relevant stakeholders in the country. To swing into action immediately and come to a round table discussion on the discomforts of the man of God, and other threatening issues to his continuous stay, so as to put all Crockett paths in straight and perfect conditions, before it becomes too late.
May the Almighty God continue to bless our Nation and guide our leaders aright.
Thank you
Signed
Dr. Kayode Ajulo
(President)
(+2348033154349)
Signed
Comrade Gani Mohammed (National Secretary)
(+234 803 358 9743)
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