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6th June, 2021 Pastor (Mrs) Evelyn Joshua Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) SCOAN Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Ma,
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE ON THE DEMISE OF PROPHET T.B. JOSHUA
The news of the demise of your darling husband, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, who was until his transition at the age of Fifty-Seven (57) was the leader and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) came to us amidst great shock and sorrow. We are particularly sad because the deceased showed no trace of illness prior to his demise after an Evening Church Service on Saturday 5th June, 2021. We commiserate with you, the children and entire members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) on this irreparable loss.
Prophet T.B Joshua was one of the foremost Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist who devoted his entire lifetime to the propagation of the gospel and ministering to the needs of the downtrodden. He was renowned for his philosophical simplicity and humility. His death is not only a loss to the family and the church, but to Nigeria and the world at large.
There are indeed no exact words of comfort at a moment like this, but we humbly enjoin you to take solace in the Will of the Almighty God, who works in us both to do and work according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). We know that Our Lord Jesus Christ in whom there is all sufficiency, and whom you have been serving wholeheartedly will make all grace abound unto you at this trying moment (2 Corinthians 9:8).
On behalf of all members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we commiserate with you, and the entire family on this loss. It is our prayer that the Almighty God grant Prophet T.B Joshua an eternal rest in his creator, and may God’s perpetual light continue to shine on his path (Amen).
Once again, please accept our heartfelt condolence.
For the King,
Signed His Eminence Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Lagos Police Commissioner (CP) Hakeem Odumosu has offered some insight into how Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua died on Saturday night.
Joshua, he said, was officially pronounced dead by a hospital around 3 am.
“It is true he is dead. I do not know the cause of his death yet. But the information we have is that he was conducting service. Along the line, he felt uncomfortable, walked to his apartment himself and never came back.
“His people thought he probably wanted to rest or refresh but when they didn’t see him after a long while, they went in search of him and found him in an unusual position.
“The service started in the evening. But it was around 3 am that he 3 am pronounced dead by a hospital.”
The church said Joshua’s last words to his members were “watch and pray.”
He was said to have also reminded them there was time for everything before he left the church hall.
…the statement by some doctors that Aketi hates medical profession is not true
Aketi has a daughter, sister and many of his family members as medical doctors, he has nothing against the profession, 3 out of 4 permanent secretaries from health sector are Medical doctors appointed by Aketi’s government
INTRODUCTION
There is a popular Yoruba proverb which says, a man that doesn’t have your type will not know your value ( eni ti o ni iru eni , kin mo yi eni) . Arakunrin Akeredolu has his daughter, Dr. Teni Akeredolu and one of his blood sisters as medical doctors. Also, many of his relatives are into the profession, this has confirmed that Aketi has nothing against the profession and he will do everything humanly possible to maintain a good relationship with these noble people having known what his relatives went through in terms of sacrifices before they could get to this level.
I personally watched a video being circulated on social media by some people in which Aketi was quoted to be talking to the doctors in state civil service of their refusal to receive percentage salaries in the state. The Ondo state governor, who recently marked 100 days of his second term, as one of the lined up programs, he had a chat with Ondo state people in Yoruba language on live program being covered by many radio and television stations, both private and public in the state.
In the heat of the program, Arakunrin said categorically that doctors in the state are not different from other professionals who also show understand with his government, asking people to help him talk to them to shift ground on their decision not to take percentage salaries.
It should be noted that the state government when it came on board paid the state work force six months arears of the seven months owned by his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration. Arakunrin was paying when due in the state until the onset of Covid 19 that crippled our economy and recently , things started picking economically but not yet uhuru, Nigeria’s economy still has a long way to recover.
It should be noted that Nigerian doctors who are practicing in the country currently are heroes and heroines, the present health system is not encouraging to reasonable doctors and they are the most sought for in developed countries like United Kingdom and other European countries, with better pays and packages, those who are still practicing in Nigeria now deserve commendation for their patriotism and should be accorded the due respect where necessary. There is a need for Ondo state doctors in state civil service to understand the unfeigned nature of our Mr. governor in expressing his disappointment at the association, not that he was attacking them but he wants the noble people to show understanding with his government.
SOME OF THE MISCONSTRUED ACTIONS OF ARAKUNRIN
Before the last governorship election in the state, there was a recorded voice message of our governor, Mr. Akeredolu Oluwarotimi SAN in which Aketi gave warnings to the kings of Ikale areas over the wanton destruction of properties in these areas because of land dispute between Ikale and Odigbo people, as we all know, no governor will be happy to see senseless killings and breaking down of law and order in his state. The political desperados twisted everything and claimed that Aketi was attacking the Kings of Yoruba land, that our Arakunrin had no respect for the kings in the state and culture of our people.
When these people were peddling this lie, some of us who know Aketi to an extent debunked it as usual, citing my personal experience with Aketi when he showed due respect to Alani of Idoani, Gen. Olufemi Olutoye, I’m just like a personal son to this retired General turned king , in one of the outings with him to governor’s office , the respect accorded this king by prostrating for him, which he also did for Deji of Akure openly in one of the public events recently, shows Aketi has greater respect for our traditional institutions than the political desperados who wanted to smear Aketi’s image by making mountain out of mole hill in the Aketi’s issue with Abodi of Ikale land. As God would have it, the matter died naturally, today, Aketi and the king are best of friends in a father to son relationship and won massively in Ikale lands in the last election.
Now, the oppositions in the state are now circulating the video on various social media i.e the video of the state wide interaction of Aketi with the citizens where he said the doctors are as important to him like other professionals in the state civil service, that he will not place one profession over another in giving what belongs to them. I believe Mr. governor’s media aides will come out and sensitise the people because Aketi that we know will not threaten or belittle any profession under any circumstance and will treat everyone equally.
The notion that Aketi hates medical doctors is not true, out of four health practitioners who are permanent secretaries in Ondo state, Dr. Durojaye ( Medical doctor) Dr. Ikuomola ( Medical doctor), Dr. Akanbiemu ( Medical doctor) and Pharm. Mrs Aladenola ( Pharmacist), considering the ratio 3:1, I think our Mr. governor is fair enough to the medical doctors in the state , we must learn to carry other health professionals along as the leaders in the health sector.
Mr governor’s fairness by ensuring right thing was done should not be taken as hatred for the profession. All the three medical doctors who are permanent secretaries today in Ondo state civil service were appointed by Aketi’s government.
IN CONCLUSION
For Aketi to have trained his sister and daughter as doctors, it shows he has nothing against any profession in the state and the bone of contention here is the dwindling economy of the nation that has made the regular payment of salary an herculean task for the government of the day. My prayer is that God will return the good days to us and our Mr. governor will pay the state civil servants as at when due which has been Aketi’s earnest desire.
By now, the Ondo state people should understand our Mr. governor that he doesn’t know how to pretend or feign with the truth but very frank , blunt , bold and courageous, any Mr. Perfect may claim this to be a deficiency on Mr. governor’s side but I would want someone without any deficiency to throw the first stone at Aketi . The state civil servants and doctors should not listen to the failed oppositions in the state who are looking for all means to pull down Aketi’s government, I can assure these enemies of good things being done by Aketi in state that they will definitely fail because to whom God has blessed, no man can curse.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN receives the news of the death of Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua with a heavy heart.
Governor Akeredolu says the renowned man of God was a blessing to humanity and a great Ambassador of the Sunshine State whose Ministry was noted for charity.
“Undoubtedly, Pastor Joshua’s demise came as a rude shock. The pains are not mere emotional flashes; they are indeed piercing. The Ondo-born Pastor and Televangelist was a philanthropist whose exit will be sorely missed by many.
“Pastor Joshua was committed to giving and was more often, inexorably imbued with calmness while lifting the downtrodden. As a televangelist, he did not just win souls for Christ, he was passionate about changing lives.
“He demonstrated timelessly, an alluring service to humanity and compassion by assisting not only his home local government, Akoko North West. Other adjoining local governments in Akoko land benefitted from his large heart of benevolence.
“Of significant note too, Pastor Joshua never hesitated to assist in whatever manner the Ondo State Government desired such.To us in Ondo State, we consider this a personal loss. He was a pride to the Sunshine State
“Not only Africa is hit hard; this is a great global knock as his Pastor TB Joshua’s ministry attracted an immeasurable foreign followership. Christendom has lost a giant.
“The reality of the finality of death, truly hurts the heart. But for TB Joshua, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he has departed. We must take solace in his good deeds while here. He is now a Heaven’s gain. The people have lost a committed giver. We shall continue to remember his contributions to the development of our State.”
While commiserating with the immediate family, the entire membership of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Governor Akeredolu expresses his heart-felt condolences to the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and the entire community over the loss of a great son of the soil.
The Governor prays God to grant the late man of God an eternal rest in His bosom and comfort grieving family members, friends and associates.
Signed: Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
The founder of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet, Temitope Balogun Joshua has reportedly Dead.
He died at the age of 58.
According to a family source, Mr Joshua died in Lagos on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but family sources said his remains had been deposited at the morgue and an autopsy would be performed forthwith.
Mr Joshua reigned for several decades as a fiery preacher on television, using his platform to attract a large number of Christians from across the world. Emmanuel TV, run by Mr Joshua’s SCOAN, is one of Nigeria’s largest Christian broadcast stations, available worldwide via digital and terrestrial switches.
In 2014, his church was at the centre of a multi-national investigation following a section of his church headquarters in Lagos collapsed, leaving dozens killed and many more injured.
Mr Joshua denied allegations of negligence and a trial over the incident was still underway before his demise.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute(DBI) based in Lagos has organised a week-long training for the academic and non-teaching staff of Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
The training which focused on Internet and Office Productivity (IOPT) and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) was held at the Polytechnic’s ICT/CBT Centre from Monday, 31st May to Friday, 4th June 2021.
Participants were taken through various computer modules, including deployment of some software for data analysis as well as a digital appreciation for office productivity.
At the closing session on Friday, 4th June 2021, the Rector of the Institution, Professor Emmanuel Fasakin, who was represented by the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr Jerome Idiegbeyan-Ose, thanked the organisers of the training programme for an excellent outing, saying the turnout at the weeklong training was very encouraging and impressive.
He advised the participants to put all that they have learnt into practice as this would enhance their task delivery. He equally appreciated the instructors for a job well done, while craving for more support from the Management of NCC/DBI in subsequent training.
Earlier, the coordinator of the training programme from DBI, Mr Israel Baiye, has lauded the Management for providing a serene and conducive environment for the training programme. He observed that participants at the programme had been very cooperative and attentive in classes.
A cross-section of participants was in agreement that they had become more enlightened and equipped with the new skills acquired from the training exercise. Certificates of Attendance were later issued to all participants at the occasion.
The closing session was attended by the Acting Registrar, Mr David Oyeyipo; Bursar, Mrs Rachael Ogunbodede; Acting Dean, School of Industrial and Applied Sciences, Mr Samson Omogbehin; Head of ICT Committee; Mr Olarenwaju Johnson; DBI Coordinator, Mr Israel Baiye; Prof.Kayode Ayinde; Dr Mukhtar Hamza and Mr Yusuf Tijjani, among others.
i. Despite the burden of having to pay salaries of government workers in the state, over two thousand Teachers were recently recruited by Governor Akeredolu’s administration to strengthen the education sector at the basic level.
ii. A fresh recruitment of all cadres of health personnel have just been done by the Akeredolu administration through the Primary Health Care Development Agency, PHCDA, as part of the move to make health delivery accessible to all residents of the state.
iii. Governor Akeredolu administration established the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and currently building 500- bed hospital in Akure and Ondo town respectively.
iv. On security, Governor Akeredolu thumbed up the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, for the exceptional services it had put into securing the state despite the current inhibition of not being allowed to carry firearms.
v. 500 newly trained recruits would join the Amotekun personnel and operatives within the ongoing first One Hundred Days in Office celebration. 20 operational vehicles have also been procured for the use of the state security network.
vi. A roundtable discussion on the need to explore the health and economic benefits of cannabis will hold in the state consequent upon the advocacies by health practitioners like the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria and members of the National Assembly.
vii. The World Bank assisted RAMP programme would soon begin with the construction of over 1000kilometres of rural roads in a bid to opening-up the farm communities across the state thereby encouraging farmers into more food crop production and making them have access to markets.
viii. The state has secured a loan for the reticulation of the Owena River Dam so that residents of the Six Local Government Areas within the Central Senatorial District will have access to drinking treated and portable water.
ix. The Port Ondo project is the much-needed breakthrough to reinvigorate the maritime sector not only in Nigeria but in West Africa sub-region.
x. In light of the structural defects which have made the lodge built by the Mimiko administration uninhabitable (only the ground floor is being used temporarily as offices) which has resulted in the Governor living in a temporary duplex, there is a need to construct a permanent, befitting Governor’s lodge complex to meet the administrative needs of governance in the state.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said, he cannot use all the state resources to pay salaries at the expense of capital and other key projects.
The Governor made the statement in Akure during a live media program aired on Radio and Television stations in the state tagged ‘Mr. Governor speaks’
He noted that he was not elected to pay salaries alone.
Akeredolu, however, promised to offset the salary arrears whenever there is a fund.
He advised medical doctors in the State’s workforce to stop rejecting percentage salaries amidst dwindling funds.
The governor noted that the doctors cannot be dictating to his government as if they are different from other workers.
“They shouldn’t try this again. We are not fearful; we are ready for them. They are not different from teachers, lawyers, journalists and other categories in the state.
“All of them have students going to school like doctors. People should help us talk to them.
The governor said, “there is no government that will use all its monies to pay salaries. We are not elected to pay salaries alone.
“Nobody would remember you for salaries paid, but legacies left behind. The challenge is that money is not available. I’m not happy about it, and we are all not happy.
“If there is money, we’ll pay. We met six months arrears and we paid. But we have to balance everything. It is only about five per cent of the people of the state collecting salaries, what about the rest ninety-five per cent?
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will tomorrow, Friday, June 4, 2021 commission the first of its kind Government House Mosque built by his administration.
The Governor will also perform the groundbreaking of the new Governor’s Lodge at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
The commissioning and groundbreaking events are part of the activities marking the Governor’s 100 Days in Office.
Governor Akeredolu will also join the Muslim faithful for Jumat Service at the new mosque after the commissioning.
The Governor will thereafter move to commission some roads in Akure, the state capital.
The new mosque is an attestation to the passion and commitment of the Governor to promoting religious harmony and creating lasting peace in the state.
Governor Akeredolu, earlier in a live radio interview today, reiterated the need for the state to have a befitting Governor’s Lodge.
He said what his administration is putting in place is not just a Governor’s Lodge but a museum that will have a place in history.
All the available political factors work in his favor
INTRODUCTION
The race for 2023 elections has begun, the permutations have started, I mean political calculations. The men will be separated from boys at the end of the race. Ondo central Senatorial district of Ondo state comprises the Akure South, Akure North , Ifedore ( the three Akure speaking L.G. areas), Ondo East and Ondo west( Ondo people of Ondo state), and Idanre ( some believe that Idanre people are related to Ondo people, as both speak the same dialect and cultural behaviors). It is going to be an interesting political contest in this Senatorial district on who becomes the next senator in 2023.
All available political factors favor Sen. Donald Alasoadura, who is the current minister for Niger/ Delta ( for state) in the federal cabinet. This great man was a senator represented Ondo central between 2015 to 2019 in the red chamber. He had served in other capacities like commissioner for finance of late Dr. Agagu led government of 6 years , Chairman of a teaching hospital in the East of Nigeria during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term. In terms of experience to represent his people, he is the best.
Recently, I was monitoring a discussion on a platform, in which some youths were complaining that the elders should leave stage for them i.e Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, a septuagenarian should not contest . I want to say categorically here that we’re brought to the present stage in Nigeria by our youths who felt they knew more than the elders of their days but ended up as dictators of their various times in Nigeria’s history. Gen. Gowon, Gen. Muritala , Gen Obasanjo, Gen. Buhari, Gen Babangida and Gen. Abacha were youths when they became heads of state, some were below the age of 40 years, still they couldn’t give Nigeria of our dreams.
Like what Mallam Mataima Sule said that new breed without old breed will lead to the breeds of greed, the last United States of America( the pioneer of democracy) presidential election in which the two major contestants, Donald Trump and Joe Biden were more more than 75 yrs to the election, shows that the problems of Nigeria go beyond being young or old but our attitudes that we must change.
Having said all these, I share the idea with our paramount ruler , the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who said that our youths should be carried along by the political elders of the nation in decision making and some positions should be ceded to them. This is a perfect idea on how to build a nation. Also, the people clamoring that Sen. Donald Alasoadura to leave stage for them are only day dreaming, may be after 2023 , for now, the youths of Ondo central need him.
FACTORS THAT WILL FAVOR ALASH IN 2023
HIS GENEROSITY: One thing stands Senator Tayo Alasoadura out among his peers in political arena , it is his generosity, Alash doesn’t know how to be economical when it comes to giving and touching lives, despite being a qualified chartered accountant , his political opponents within and outside APC can testify to his generosity to a fault . I recently celebrated this unique individual for uncommon gesture among our politicians of sponsoring a pastor’s daughter in a medical school outside Nigeria, I mean one of the European countries. This said lady should be in 200 level or 300 level now, depending on the academic calendar over there.
AKURE FACTOR: The Akure people of Ondo state i.e Akure South, Akure North and Ifedore are yearning to represent Ondo central, having realized their mistake of trading off what they had at hands then( a Senator) for what they wanted ( Governor) but lost out on both sides. This is in tandem with Yoruba proverb that says ‘you don’t use both testes as sacrifice to gods for your only sick child, what if the child dies afterall, what will you use to reproduce another baby’ , this was what exactly what happened in 2019 election in which Akure people left their son and voted for Sen Ayo Akinyelure from Idanre, it is analogical to the story of Bible in which Israelites, because of hatred they had for Jesus Christ asked for Jesus’ crucifixition in lieu of freedom for Barrabass, the criminal. Akure people have learnt their lessons in a hard way and I believe they won’t repeat the same again under any guess.
IDANRE FACTOR: The present chairman of APC in the state is from Idanre, Eng. Ade Adetimehin, though in an interim capacity for now but all things being equal, he may likely continue as the state chairman, from his achievements in office and his present political form, it will take a miracle for APC not to have her way. Combination with Mr. Adefisoye popularly called Small Alhaji, the present Rep. member of Idanre/ Ifedore federal constituency, who recently defected to APC from SDP, a grassroot politician par excellence , it is sure that Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Allover )will suffer a defeat this time if he decides to contest against Alash of APC.
ONDO AND DR MIMIKO’S FACTOR: it was a popular belief that Dr. Mimiko was a defacto leader in Ondo i.e Ondo East and West but the recent elections have shown that the renowned genius of Ondo state politics is currently struggling politically and he needs help if he must survive the worst season of his political career, it is like a political sunset for him now . The overwhelming victory of our Arakunrin in last election in Ondo East and West despite Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s support for estranged deputy governor of the state , Hon. Agboola Ajayi of ZLP, shows he ( Dr. Mimiko) is a general without army and only living on old glory.
RELATIONSHIP WITH AKETI: The cordial relationship between Sen. Tayo Alasoadura and the sitting governor of the state, Mr. Akeredolu Oluwarotimi SAN will be an added advantage to the present federal minister of Niger/ Delta in actualization of his ambition of representing the good people of Ondo central in red chamber. Alash, having proven himself as a dependable ally of Aketi, mostly during the dark period of Aketi’s political journey in securing the second term ticket in which Alash stood with him when other political bigwigs in the state were against Aketi, this may be a good opportunity for Aketi to repay Alash back of his good gestures. He will definitely enjoy Mr. governor’s blessing to get the primary ticket of the party and Aketi will work for him in general election.
IN CONCLUSION
Considering the performances of Alash in red chamber when he represented the good people of Ondo state in 4 years stint there between 2015-2019 , the recent empowerment program in which over 300 youths from the state were empowered with 500, 000 naira each, Alash’s generosity and experience in political arena, his cordial relationship with sitting governor of state and entrenched structure of APC in Ondo state, the victory of Alash in next election may be easier than what people think.
Having God who is the major determining factor on his side, Sen Ayo Akinyelure and Dr. Mimiko may suffer unprecedented defeat if they try to slug it out with our revered Sen. Tayo Alasoadura who has his father Akure North , mother from Akure South and Ifedore L.G. as his second home.
Dr Akeredolu O.N, vice chairman, Aketi-Aiyedatiwa Medical Committee, 2020 campaign
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