Senate mourns TB Joshua

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate mourned the founder of Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, who died last Saturday after a brief illness in Lagos.

Coming under Order 43, on the floor of the Senate, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, representing Ondo North Senatorial District where the late clergyman hailed from, informed the Red Chamber officially of his demise.

Boroffice, who is the Deputy Majority Leader, recalled Joshua’s selfless services to the nation while he reeled out his catalog of interventions through his ministry locally and abroad.

He said: “Prophet Temitope Joshua Balogun epitomized a true Nigerian spirit. He was religiously tolerant who welcomed all people of different faiths and believed in the unity of Nigeria.

“The late Prophet T.B Joshua was an illustrious son of Ondo State who contributed his quota to the development of the State. He sponsored educational projects; he largely provided succor to society. The late Prophet T.B Joshua was renowned for his humanitarian services in key areas like community support, scholarship, disaster education, and support.

“For many years, late Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua sponsored feeding programs for widows, orphans, physically challenged, and the less privileged in the society.

“His contribution to peace and stability of the nation was quite mind-boggling, and he has committed huge resources to life-changing and rehabilitation programs of former Niger Delta militants.

“He was a major promoter of sports in Nigeria as he established Emmanuel Soccer Academy for some talented footballers, and some of the footballers have made Nigeria proud in the international football competition.

“He was a good ambassador of Nigeria as he sponsored a combined team of Medical experts to Haiti to offer medical services.

“Furthermore, the late Prophet extended humanitarian aid to Ecuador and built schools in Ecuador. He also significantly promoted tourism in Nigeria.

“He was a consummate and compassionate Nigerian who supported community development in great measures and paid his dues to nation-building.”

The lawmaker further explained that the Federal government did recognize his contribution to the nation and was conferred with the Order of the Federal Republic.

“Because of his great contribution to the development of Nigeria, the Federal government of Nigeria honored the late prophet with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2010. Since then, it has been a call to great service in Ondo North Senatorial district and Ondo State.

“He lived a selfless and impactful life and left a legacy of service and sacrifice.”

Reacting to the motion, Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, called for prayers, saying what was happening in the last few weeks calls for God’s intervention.

A one-minute silence was observed at the request of the motion.