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TB Joshua To Be Buried July 9, SCOAN Confirms
The Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN), yesterday, disclosed that its founder, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, would be laid to rest on Friday, July 9, at the church premises in Lagos.
The church made the disclosure via its facebook page “Tb Joshua Ministries”.
It highlighted the programmes for the burial of the prophet as follows, “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)’. The event would start with a private candlelight procession at 6:00p.m.
“July 6 to July 7, there would be a tribute service at 10am to 7pm which would be opened to the public but with limited physical presence, following the service of songs and an all night praise starting at midnight. July 8, would be the lying-in-state of the prophet from 11:00am to 5:00pm.”
The church noted that the event would be open to the public to pay their last respect to the man of God, adding that, July 9, would be the laying to rest service and interment activities which would begin at 10:00am, as well as the thanksgiving service to be held on July 11 by 9.00am.
They explained that SCOAN was working with Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health to ensure that the current public health and security protocols would be observed during the duration of the event.
They, however, appealed to the general public who would not attend due to the current public health challenges to watch the broadcast live on EMMANUEL TV.
Meanwhile, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has debunked claims that it appointed the wife of the late founder, Temitope Balogun Joshua, Mrs Evelyn Joshua, to replace him as general overseer of the church.
Reports have it that elders of the church met and declared Evelyn the successor to the late televangelist.
However, speaking at a press conference organized by the church to give updates on the burial arrangements for TB Joshua, who died on June 5, the church denied the reports.
According to Dr Gary Tonge Freng, who spoke on behalf the church, no one has been appointed to lead the affairs of the church at the moment.
Speaking on the burial arrangements, Freng said the church would broadcast live the week-long funeral beginning from July 5 to July 11, 2021.
He further revealed that Joshua would be buried at the church contrary to wishes by the traditional rulers in Arigidi Akoko, the prophet’s hometown in Ondo State.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol