The founder and Senior Pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations [SCOAN], Prophet T.B. Joshua has promised to assist, within his capacity, in the development of Nigerian tourism.
He gave the assurance while receiving a team from the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism [NIHOTOUR], Lagos Zonal office during a courtesy visit to the SCOAN. The six-man team was led by the zonal coordinator, Mrs. Chinyere Ibeabuchi.
While speaking on the reason for the visit, the zonal Coordinator said NIHOTOUR is having a new lease of life under the leadership of the Director General, Alhaji Nura Sanni Kangiwa who mandated them to move out, get acquainted with tourism establishments within the zone, and familiarize with activities in these places.
Ibeabuchi said: “It is in line with the charge of our Director-General that we decided to visit SCOAN. You, through the SCOAN and Emmanuel TV, have contributed so much to the development of Nigeria tourism.
“According to independent researches, 60 to 70 percent of inbound tourists visiting Nigeria are pilgrims visiting the SCOAN. This is a massive contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
“The impact of your ministry could also be seen in and around Ikotun and the environment. The high number of accommodation facilities are all drawing their clientele from visitors to the SCOAN. Thousands of Nigerians are feeding directly and indirectly from activities at the SCOAN.
“We can also see your massive investment here [SCOAN Prayer Mountain Resort]. This is very commendable.
“We want to use this opportunity to call for assistance for our zonal office. The Federal Government and the leadership of NIHOTOUR are doing very well in funding the zonal office but we know the government cannot do it alone. We need assistance from you in different areas to achieve our mandate.”
Responding to the speech, Prophet T.B. Joshua thanked the team for the visit, telling them that he was aware the SCOAN and NIHOTOUR were operating within the tourism industry but on a different level. He explained that it was all about service to humanity.
Prophet T.B. Joshua promised to not only continue to help in developing the country through his church but would also help in the development of Nigerian tourism.
He promised to assist NIHOTOUR in whatever capacity he could within his means.
The NIHOTOUR team were also taken on a tour of the SCOAN Prayer Mountain Resort at Agodo-Egbe, regarded as one of the best accommodation facilities in the country.
The Prayer Mountain which is exclusive for pilgrims visiting the SCOAN boasts of about 500 different categories of bed spaces. It also boasts of a massive lake with a helipad in the middle, a close to five kilometres prayer walkway, the prayer garden, and the old, most thatch-roof huts where the church started from.
By Our Correspondent