TB JOSHUA, whose giant guesthouse collapsed, killing many pilgrims in Nigeria, is among the world’s top 10 richest pastors.
Forbes magazine says the leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations is the third richest pastor in Nigeria. His riches are estimated to be worth at least R110 millions! (Estimated net worth $10 Millions - $15 Millions). The church’s headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria’s financial capital, is like a beehive to which followers from around the world flock to seek healing – or wealth.
Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays.
The Pastor has remained controversial for several years for his inexplicable powers to heal all sorts of incurable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and paralysis.
For miracle-craving worshipers, it’s the perfect seduction. The church currently has branches in Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece.
In the past three years, he has given over $20 million to causes in education, healthcare and rehabilitation programs for former Niger Delta militants. He owns Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network, and is close friends with Ghanaian President Atta Mills.
South Africans are said to spend up to R40 000 each for a trip. But last Friday pilgrims found death when Joshua’s multi-storey guesthouse collapsed on them while they were enjoying a meal. President Jacob Zuma said initially that 67 South Africans were killed but yesterday he said the final death toll will be known only after the search for survivors ends.
Families are frantically visiting Lagos hospitals and morgues to search for loved ones. Rescue efforts have reportedly been hampered by church officials who are not co-operating. But the church put out a statement yesterday denying this. It said it was collaborating with all authorities, including the SA government.
The church statement said: “It is sad that inaccurate reports are coming from some quarters that we are not co-operating with the rescue teams and other agencies in collating information and providing assistance.
“The church has provided assistance when and where required and continues to do so – good Christians are good citizens.”
Sapa reports Mzansi’s high commissioner in Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, saying there are 265 South African survivors. There were 96 injured South Africans but now there were only 29 in hospital, including a three-year-old.
Mnguni said 17 South Africans were still unaccounted for. Joshua’s assistants said he was in a meeting and they didn’t know when he would be available. The church has blamed the tragedy on an aircraft flying around the building, alleging it was an attack on Joshua.
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