With pomp and pageantry, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) opened its first branch in Nigeria this weekend in Ondo State, the home state of its founder, the late God’s General Prophet TB Joshua.
The multimillion edifice, sited in Akure, the Ondo State capital along the Ilesha-Owo Expressway, opposite NNPC Mega Station, a sprawling structure on more than five hectares of land is capable of accommodating over 6,000 worshippers with its overflow canopies.
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN who was represented by his deputy, H.E. Lucky Ayedatiwa, at the commissioning described the new SCOAN branch in Akure as “a giant stride of the church under the leadership of Pastor Evelyn Joshua with tremendous grace for the upliftment of the people of Ondo State in particular who will benefit more of God’s blessings as people from this environment won’t have to be travelling to Lagos for worship because the spirit of God is one and is here”.
He commended the vision of SCOAN and congratulated Pastor (Mrs) Joshua for her perseverance in holding forth and reinforcing the legacy of the founder in keeping the saints together after the passing of the founder, Prophet TB Joshua.
He also commended SCOAN members the world over for their laudable efforts and commitment in opening its branch in Ondo State.
According to the Deputy Governor, the importance of the church could not be overemphasized in individual life and nation-building.
He said, “The moral character mouldings, love, peace and unity preached by the church are cardinal principles of true nation-building… With this new branch here, many lives will be turned around”.
In her address, SCOAN worldwide leader, Pastor Evelyn TB Joshua, said the opening of the Akure branch was out of the divine command to expand “for the fulfilment of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s mission on earth”.
She added, “We are doing this today by God’s authority and permission of the Holy Spirit to meet the expanding dream of the Ministry by spreading Christ’s message and evangelism. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has further brought salvation, healing, deliverance and God’s abundant blessings to your domains and it has come to stay with regular church activities.”
She expressed gratitude to members and partners all over the world for their steadfastness and efforts for the glory of God.
Other prominent personalities in attendance included His Royal Highness Oba Isa Olanipekun, the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko; HRM, Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo, represented by a Senior High Chief, SHC Anthony Falowo; HRH Engr. Dr Franklyn Akakuru Dabrinze, Izoagba ancient kingdom in Imo State and a host of others from different walks of life.
There was tumultuous rejoicing and celebration by the people of the state, most especially the Akure environment, for the siting of a branch there. The atmosphere was electrifying with glorious songs of praise and worship.
A retired soldier, Ajibola Oladiran, in his excitement said, “I am very happy to witness this opening of SCOAN church in Akure because I am in love with the church, and it has always been our prayers for a branch to be located here. We really thank God in Akure for this.”
Mrs Olabiwonwu Patricia, an ecstatic retired teacher said: “It is a great day here to have a SCOAN branch. This joy has come to stay. No mountain can remove it. We are grateful to God and Mommy Evelyn Joshua who God has used for this grace.”
Mrs Bidemi Francis, a school bursar has this to say: “We are excited and rejoicing because God has blessed us especially by opening this branch as we will begin to experience God’s wonders in our lives which we are all praying and yearning for.”
Mrs Victoria Opaje, a retiree in her seventies, said; “I am still alive by the grace of God through TB Joshua. God did wonders in my life through him. I know a great thing has graciously landed in Akure with this branch. That is why I am here dancing, praising God for today’s opening of the Akure SCOAN branch.
Indeed, a great thing has landed in Akure with lots of hope and expectation from the premises of the newly opened SCOAN branch filled to the brim even on a working day.
This Akure branch has been in existence for 22 years functioning as a viewing centre without an official pastor in charge. It was abandoned in the past 11 years before it was rebuilt and modernised with a permanent Evangelist who will function in full capacity as a branch of Lagos SCOAN headquarters.
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