After months of lull in activities attributed to the absence of Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, Founder/General Overseer of Synagogue Church of Nations [SCOAN], life is gradually returning to the church.
Things started improving following the appearance of Prophet TB Joshua penultimate week after several months of absence, which has prevented, mostly international visitors from coming to the church following the sad incident of the church lodge collapse that killed several international worshipers and Nigerians alike.
Since the tragedy on September 12, 2014, that killed 115 people, 84 of them South Africans, activities in the church have been scaled-down, especially with the Lagos State Government investigations into the remote cause of what happened, as well as maybe the church also violated building regulations among others, commercial activities in Ikotun and its environments have been worst hit.
Many observers were of the view that Joshua’s absence was not unconnected with the devastating effect and mudslinging that has been associated with the church since September 12, 201, but the ongoing legal battles that ensued after the tragic event, life has not remained the same for the pastor.
African Travel Times Magazine visits to Ikotun which has experienced low activities since that deadly incident, is presently witnessing regular movement of people to the area once again.
For many years, the church was the centre of attraction and nothing more. Now that activities have toned down, all businesses suffered the consequences according to James Onyema, Proprietor of Uzochi Restaurant that has been in business for four years at same location.
Onyema noted that every business in Ikotun has been very successful because of the presence of the church. “Because prophet has been unavailable, most foreigners that come mainly on appointment alone for prophetic and healing services respectively stayed away”.
Owen Maha, a Zimbabwean living in Nigeria and a member of SCOAN who was attending a Sunday service in the church told African Travel Times he’s happy that normal service is back in full swing.
When asked by African Travel Times if he was not put off with the tragedy that killed several foreigners and the ongoing government investigation, he said religion is a matter of faith and him as a member and several millions of others will continue to visit Nigeria to worship at Synagogue Church.
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