TB Joshua’s funeral to continue despite fire outbreak —Synagogue

LAGOS, Nigeria

Synagogue Church of All Nations has said that the funeral of its later founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua, popularly called T.B. Joshua, would continue despite the fire incident in the church on Monday.

The PUNCH had reported that fire gutted a storehouse in the church’s premises around 11 pm on Monday.

The fire incident happened on the night of the candle procession in honour of the late founder of the Church, Prophet Temitope Joshua, popularly called T.B. Joshua.

Members of the church, who had attended the night of tributes and candlelight procession in his honour, watched in horror.

The church in a press statement said there was no cause for alarm, noting that TB Joshua’s funeral would continue as scheduled.

The statement read, “In the late evening of Monday 5th July 2021, there was a minor electrical fire incident at a storehouse within The Synagogue Church Of All Nations complex.

“The incident was quickly brought under control without any injuries.

“As part of the preparedness for the weeklong services celebrating the life and legacy of Prophet TB Joshua, The SCOAN has worked closely with relevant government agencies including the Lagos State Fire Services, whose members were on the ground at the time of the incident.

“We thank God for His continued protection. We assure the general public that there is no cause for alarm and the services celebrating the life and legacy of Prophet TB Joshua will continue as scheduled.”

The pastor, televangelist, philanthropist, leader and founder of The Synagogue died on June 5 at the age of 57.

His widow, Evelyn Joshua, led the candlelight procession at the SCOAN Faith Resort in the Ikotun area of Lagos.

SCOAN had announced that TB Joshua would be laid to rest on Friday, July 9, at the church premises in Lagos.

Dr Gary Tonge, an international member of the church made this known while addressing newsmen in Lagos on the programmes for the burial of the prophet.

According to him, July 5 to July 11, is dedicated to a series of laying to rest activities tagged ‘Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Prophet Joshua, born (1963 to 2021)’.

He told newsmen that the event would start with a private candlelight procession at 6:00 p.m.

Tonge said on July 6 to July 7, there would be a tribute service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. which would be opened to the public but with a limited physical presence.

He said there would be a service of songs and all-night praise starting at midnight.

The international member also said that on July 8, there would be the lying-in-state of the prophet from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

He said the thanksgiving service would be held on July 11 by 9.00a.m.

The Lagos State Government had inspected facilities at the Synagogue Church of All Nations for COVID safety and prevention protocols compliance in preparation for the funeral of its late founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua.

The delegation from the Lagos State Government was led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola.

The team inspected the auditorium, marquee tent, hostel accommodation for international guests, and sanitary facilities.