By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has joined numerous symphartizers accros the globe to mourn the passage of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T. B. Joshua.
Governor Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olabode, said the news of his death came as a rude shock to him.
He described the renowned man of God as 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 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.”
Joshua passed on Saturday, unexpectedly, as he was not ill. He gave up after a Church programme. He allegedly complained of excessive weakness, and died, reportedly, on his way to hospital. His congregation is in shock.
According to a release by the Church, his past words before he gave up were: “Watch and pray.”
