The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SCOAN

  • Pastor Joshua urges Christians to enter New Year with unshakable faith

    Pastor Joshua urges Christians to enter New Year with unshakable faith

    Leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor Evelyn Joshua, has appealed to Christians around the world to step into the New Year with unshakable faith and absolute trust in God.

    She made the call on Sunday while speaking at the church’s annual thanksgiving service held at its headquarters in Lagos, reminding worshippers that those who trust in God can look forward to brighter and better days.

    “As you live to the coming year, I encourage you all to hold on to God with absolute trust,” she said. “Walk with Him boldly, expectantly and joyfully. For the path of the righteous is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. In this ministry, better is not good enough. The best is yet to come.”

    Pastor Joshua expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout the year, describing Him as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of Prophet T.B. Joshua.

    “He is the God who speaks, who leads and never fails. Give thanks to God, for He is good; His mercy endures forever,” she said.

    Reflecting on the church’s journey in the outgoing year, she said it unfolded just as revealed by the Holy Spirit, describing it as a forward-looking year filled with testimonies.

    According to her, God moved His people from sickness to healing, from lack to abundance, and from disappointment to divine appointments. 

    She also highlighted the church’s spiritual and physical growth, citing Psalm 105 as evidence of God’s blessings upon the ministry.

    In his opening remarks, Pastor David Ogong from Uganda said the special thanksgiving service was inspired by Pastor Joshua’s desire to set aside a dedicated day to honour God for His goodness.

    “Not that we don’t give thanks daily,” he said, “but this is the day we come together as a family — the Emmanuel TV family, the SCOAN family, and the family of Jesus Christ, to show our appreciation for His love, faithfulness, favour, kindness, and goodness.”

    Pastor Ogong thanked God for what He continues to do in the ministry through its leadership. 

    He also expressed gratitude for the divine strength, guidance, and unity that have kept the church thriving.

    Reflecting on the journey of the ministry, he reminded the congregation of its roots in the vision given to Prophet T.B. Joshua, of blessed memory.

    “Remember, we couldn’t be here just from nowhere. It all started through the vision of one man, Prophet T.B. Joshua, who has passed on to glory. I know he is still with us. Even though he is not physically present, he is watching,” he declared, prompting the congregation to wave in honour.

    Pastor Ogong reminded the church of Prophet T.B. Joshua’s humility and famous declaration: ” I have no power of my own.”

    According to him, everything the Prophet did and everything Mrs. Evelyn Joshua and the SCOAN team continue to do, comes from above.

    The pastor emphasised that true gratitude flows from a heart that is genuinely thankful. He assured worshippers that thanksgiving attracts divine blessings.

    The atmosphere remained charged with worship, thanksgiving, and joyful celebration as the service continued, marking yet another memorable moment in the life and legacy of the SCOAN ministry. 

  • SCOAN holds living water service 2025

    SCOAN holds living water service 2025

    The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) at the weekend hosted its much-anticipated Living Water Service 2025 at its global headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, drawing thousands of worshippers from across Nigeria and around the world.

    The spiritually charged gathering centred on the Living Water — a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal introduced by SCOAN’s late founder, Prophet T.B. Joshua, under what he described as divine instruction.

    Leading the service, Pastor Evelyn Joshua underscored the event’s spiritual significance, reminding worshippers of God’s promise in Philippians 4:19: “I will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” She urged participants to “use your faith to put a demand on the anointing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our well of salvation.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s education policy will boost literacy in Nigeria – Lawmaker

    Attendees climbed the “great altar” — described by Pastor Joshua as “a place of angelic traffic” — to pray and give thanks. “Christ gave you an open invitation to come,” she declared. “Come with joy, not with sorrow, anger, bitterness, envy, or unforgiving spirit.”

    The service, inspired by John 4:14 where Jesus offers the “living water” to the Samaritan woman, featured intense worship, scripture readings, faith-building testimonies, and prophetic prayers. At its heart was the Living Water Fountain on SCOAN’s altar — referred to by congregants as the “Altar of Prayer.”

    As in past editions, the event was marked by testimonies of miraculous healings, life-changing encounters, and emotional restoration. Worshippers from various nations had arrived in Lagos days ahead, and SCOAN’s logistics, security, and protocol teams worked seamlessly to ensure smooth proceedings.

    For those unable to attend in person, the service was broadcast live on Emmanuel TV and streamed via SCOAN’s official online platforms, allowing millions worldwide to join the experience.

  • Healings, hope at SCOAN South Africa revival

    Healings, hope at SCOAN South Africa revival

    • Joshua launches humanitarian outreach in Mafikeng

    A powerful wave of spiritual transformation swept through the Expo Centre in Johannesburg as thousands gathered for the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) South Africa Revival, themed, “Holy Spirit Visitation with Evelyn Joshua.”

    The one-day revival, held recently, brought together attendees from across South Africa and neighboring countries, drawn by the promise of healing, deliverance, and divine encounter.

    Leading the revival was wife of the late Prophet T.B. Joshua and current leader of SCOAN, Pastor Evelyn Joshua accompanied by a team of SCOAN evangelists. Together, they delivered stirring messages of hope, healing, and restoration to a charged and expectant audience.

    Testimonies of healing and breakthrough poured in throughout the event, with many describing the revival as a life-changing moment. From physical ailments to emotional burdens, participants shared how they experienced “supernatural manifestations” of God’s power.

    Read Also: First Lady expands food security drive to vulnerable groups nationwide

    Among the notable testimonies was Andrew Makodi, who removed his body brace after reportedly receiving healing from osteoarthritis. Rebecca Mathoda from Limpopo shared her relief from chronic shoulder pain caused by muscle spasms, while Mr. and Mrs. Jeyi tearfully testified about healing from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which had long hindered their hopes for parenthood.

    Also taking the stage was Emma Sebatlelo, who had previously relied on crutches and braces. Before the cheering crowd, she walked unaided, declaring her freedom from severe joint issues. Similarly, Kgomotso Mothupi celebrated her healing from osteoarthritis in both knees.

    “It was the Word that built our faith,” one attendee remarked. “And that faith opened the door to a divine visitation.”

    In addition, a cash donation of R100, 000 was presented by Pastor Joshua to support the community’s welfare.

    She encouraged the people with words of hope, assuring them of God’s unwavering love and provision.

  • Revival, restoration for worshippers on SCOAN’s mountain

    Revival, restoration for worshippers on SCOAN’s mountain

    A three-day spiritual revival for Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) members ended at the weekend with crowd of members across Nigeria converging on its Prayer Mountain located at Agodo, Egbe Ikotun in Lagos.

    Though meant primarily for Nigerian audience, crowd of foreign visitors still besieged the mountain in sombre penitence of faith and high expectations.

    The intensive programme, which also ran through the night, was of marathon prayers and fasting as directed by the Holy Spirit for those who had the grace to participate.

    For the three days, the SCOAN Prayer Mountain was turned into a “Wailing Wall” reminiscence of the “Wailing Wall” in Jerusalem where faithful adherents prayed 24/7 to God.

    Read Also: No student will drop out again, says Tinubu

     Thousands of worshippers in enthusiasm, ecstasy, walked, cried, rolled and moved around in different ways of the spiritual resort as conducive for individual’s ability to pour out their hearts and supplications to God in a serene, cool, composed, calm and collected atmospheric condition where nature and the spirit of man came together. SCOAN’s leader, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, welcoming and congratulating the participants, said: “We are not on this mountain on our own, we are here today and for the three days at God’s command for our revival. Heaven is aware that you are here and because heaven is aware of your presence, your case is settled.

    “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. His word says ‘come’ and you have come. We are therefore here to fulfil all righteousness, it’s done!”

    The programme was not without moments of singing and dancing daily to praise, thank and glorify the name of the Lord.

    Several people also received deliverance, healing with outstanding testimonies. The event witnessed an enduring biblical interactive rigorous teaching.

  • SCOAN holds thanksgiving service

    SCOAN holds thanksgiving service

    Thousands of worshipers will converge at the Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN today, for its second-year Thanksgiving service.

    The anniversary is the commemoration of the commencement of church services after the passing of its founder, General Prophet, Temitope Joshua.

     The anniversary would be held simultaneously all over the world.

    Speaking on this year’s anniversary, Pastor Evelyn Joshua stated that the Thanksgiving service would be for the celebration of God’s faithfulness and glorification of His Holy Name for His goodness and wonderful works in SCOAN.

    Read Also: When 30,000 worshippers gathered for SCOAN Living Water Service

     “God has been tremendously good and faithful to us in SCOAN. He has been doing wonderful works in our midst all over the world for the glory of His Holy Name and better humanity as He anchored it through His servant, Prophet TB JOSHUA”, adding that “it’s another moment of rejoicing in God’s presence, acknowledging His grace, mercy and favour as our refuge, shield and fortress”.

    This anniversary according to Joshua is also another time of specifically reaching out to the needy of different segments of society in God’s ineffable love and will as He has commanded us.

  • ‘Collapsed Synagogue building was in perfect condition’

    The collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building was in “perfect condition” before it came down on September 12, 2014, a Lagos High Court heard on Thursday.

    An architect, Dayo Fabiyi, told Justice Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo that the building had no crack nor any defection on its beams before the incident.

    Fabiyi, who described himself as a volunteer in the church’s maintenance department, said he was part of the team that investigated the beams after the crash.

    He testified as the seventh defence witness in the ongoing trial of two engineers and their firms for the incident in which 116 persons died.

    The defendants are Oladele Ogundeji, Akinbela Fatiregun, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd.

    They are facing a 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter said to contravene Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The fifth defendant, the Registered Trustees of SCOAN is facing a count of building without approval.

    The Lagos State Government said the trustees violated Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State, 2010.

    Read Also: ‘Synagogue’s foundation, bearing did not fail soil test’

    Led in evidence by a defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Fabiyi explained that he worked as a volunteer in SCOAN’s maintenance department, “I go round the facilities to check if there are any sort of cracks or deflections on the beams and I did such routine inspection on the collapsed building last on September 14, 2014.

    “There was no sign of deflections or any stress on the collapsed building before it collapsed,” Fabiyi said.

    Under cross-examination by the prosecutor, Dr. Jide Martins, the witness said he was not involved in the investigation of the beams of the collapsed building.

    He, however, added that cracks and deflections were “always visible to the eyes.”

    Following a question by Martins, the witness said he did not use any mechanical device to check for deflections during his maintenance works.

    During “re-examination” by Ojo, Fabiyi said it was not only civil engineers that could detect cracks in a building.

    Mechanical devices, he noted, were only used to investigate deflections after a building had collapsed not before.

    “A deflective building must have shown signs that the building is under stress, the collapsed building did not show any sign of stress before it collapsed,” Fabiyi insisted.

    Earlier, the fifth defence witness, Mr Ebenezer Ologuntoye, an engineer, said apart from foundational failure, other factors could be responsible for a building collapse.

    Ologuntoye under cross-examination by the prosecutor said from his investigation “the building did not collapse due to foundational failure”.

    The witness said: “As a civil engineer, apart from foundational failure, other factors can be responsible for the collapse of a building”.

    Following a question by Dr Martins, Ologuntoye said he was never contracted by the church to do geotechnical work on the building before its collapse.

    Justice Lawal-Akapo adjourned till June 28.

  • Synagouge: collapsed building foundation didn’t fail soil test – Witness

    A member of Building Collapsed Prevention Guild (BCPG), Mr. Ebenezer Olumide Ologuntoye, Thursday told a Lagos High court, Igbosere that the test carried out on the foundation and bearing of the collapsed building in Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) did not fail soil test.

    Ologuntoye stated this while being led in evidence by the counsel to the church, Olalekan Ojo (SAN).

    The witness said BCPG is a non-governmental organization interested in reducing incidents of collapse building to the barest minimum and that he got to know about the collapse of SCOAN building when he was selected as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of investigating possible cause of the collapsed building.

    The Registered Trustees of Synagogue Church of All Nations SCOAN are facing 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter, contrary to section 222 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2011 filed against them by the Lagos State government.

    The defendants, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun charged alongside their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Limited.

    A fifth defendant, the Registered Trustees of SCOAN is facing a lone count of building without approval.

    They however pleaded not guilty to charge.

    At the resumed hearing of the matter Thursday, the witness who testified before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo said that when the building collapsed, the BCPG set up a committee and they were asked to look into the possible cause of the collapsed building.

    He said that they carried out an analysis on the soil and foundation and discovered that the foundation and the bearing capacity were adequate.

    Ologuntoye, a geotechnical engineer, who specializes in soil Investigations, quality and assurance control also, gave an analysis on how the test were conducted at the site of the collapsed building.

    The witness said that two tests were carried out with Dutch Comb Machine, and the sample was taken to University of Lagos Unilag, laboratory for analysis.

    “I carried out geotechnical borehole, and took the sample of the soil from top to bottom. Then the samples taken were taken to UNILAG soil laboratory for analysis.

    “As a geotechnical engineer, I was expected to investigate what happened to the foundation, the soil on which the foundation stands was okay.

    “I investigated the soil using two major equipment, namely: the geotechnical borehole and a dutch -comb, an electrical testing machine. Both equipment were gotten from BCPG.

    “Sample of the soil gotten through the borehole test was sent to the University of Lagos Laboratory for analysis while the dutch-comb test result was gotten on the spot of the test and it was signed by all parties at the site.

    “The parties that signed the report include representative of SCOAN, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory and the Corona Court Representative,” he said.

    The witness further told the court that he compared and analyzed the result sent by the UNILAG Laboratory with the dutch-comb report.

    “My findings on both reports showed that the foundation did not fail and the bearing capacity is adequate.

    “I wrote the report on the final analysis of the test carried out on SCOAN and submitted to BCPG.

    “The other tests were done in the presence of parties; members of SCOAN, Lagos State testing representative and a representative of the coroner court was also there. There is a meter on the machine which is called Dutch Cone penetration, test and the result was gotten.

    “The value got from the machine to know the value of the soil was done at the site, in the presence of the parties and they signed,” the witness said.

    The witness also told Justice Lawal-Akapo that he has worked with renowned organizations in Nigeria and the diaspora.

    On his work experience, he said he has worked with a Polish company, Naeimor International, Ekiti State Service Local Government Commission, Foundation Development Limited in London Lakeside Park, London among others.

    The defence counsel, Olalekan SAN tendered the report of the test to the court and it was admitted into evidence.

    Meanwhile, a subpoenaed witness, George Opeoluwa, the president of the BCPG had earlier tendered the report before the court.

    Justice Lawal-Akapo thereafter adjourned the matter till May 16, 17 for cross-examination of the witness.

  • Building collapse: ‘Synagogue Church fending for victims’ dependants’

    A survivor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building that collapsed on September 12, 2014 killing 116 worshippers, on Thursday told a Lagos High Court in Igbosere that the church had been fending for dependents of the victims.

    Defence witness, Mr Taiwo Taiwo, testified before Justice Lawal-Akapo, during continuation of trial of four defendants – two engineers and their firms – for the deaths.

    The defendants are: Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun charged alongside their companies – Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd.

    They are facing a 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter which contravened Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

    A fifth defendant, the Registered Trustees of SCOAN is facing a count of building without approval.

    The Lagos State Government said the Trustees violated Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State 2010.

    Read Also: Court remands pastor for defiling two boys

    All defendants were arraigned on April 19, 2016. They pleaded ‘not guilty’.

    At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, Taiwo, who identified himself as a SCOAN volunteer guest worker, said “the church has never failed at any time to carry out its obligations,” towards the dependants of the deceased.

    The witness, led by Olalekan Ojo SAN during evidence-in-chief, told Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo that he arrived at the collapsed building at about 12noon before the incident occurred.

    “I was unconscious and was only rescued a day after the incident,” Taiwo said.

    He added that he felt burning sensation on his back and when he opened his eyes, the environment was dark.
    Following the conclusion of his testimony, Justice Lawal-Akapo, adjourned till January 25, for continuation of trial.

  • ‎Synagogue: Collapsed building not caused by aircraft- witness

    ‎Synagogue: Collapsed building not caused by aircraft- witness

    A Lagos High Court sitting in ikeja heard yesterday that there was no truth in the report that the collapsed guest house of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) was caused by radiation from a plane that flew over it.

    A former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development‎ in Lagos state, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde, made this assertion yesterday during the continuation of his evidence in the matter.

    Ayinde told the court presided by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo that contrary to  claims of the church, evidences at his diaposal suggested otherwise.

    The ‎ former Commissioner who was being led in evidence by the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP),Mrs. Idowu Alakija stated that he visited the site of the collapsed building with former Governor Babatunde Fashola alongside two General Managers of the agencies under his ministry.

    He said that during their visit to the site of the building collapse, the General Overseer of the church gave them a CCTV  recording of an aircraft hovering over the building shortly before it’s collapse.

    He added: “My office wrote to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority  (NCAA) seeking advice on the CCTV recording we received.

    “ We got the flight corridor and coordinates as well as a report from the NCAA which showed that the distance between the aircraft and the top of the building is between  137 and 288 meters.

    “We found that the aircraft were not flying directly over the building, Ayinde said.”

    The former Commissioner explained that the least distance from the top of the building to the nearest aircraft was 137 meters which he said is the equivalent of four  buildings, like NITEL building,  placed on top of each other.

    He also explained that evidence was collected from the site during his visit with Fashola.

    “We took pictures of the site as well as did a video recording of the visit of the delegation to the site, he said.”

    At this stage, the DPP, Mrs. Alakija, sought to tender the documents mentioned by Ayinde as evidence to the court.

    “My Lord, we seek to tender the application for building approval for the Synagogue Church auditorium, letter from the NCAA, flight path coordinates, the survey of the collapsed building as well as pictures as evidence, the prosecutor said.”

    The defence led by Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) who is also representing the trustees of the church objected to the tendering of the documents.

    Fagbemi said they oppose the admission of the documents because they were just being served as additional proof of evidence by the prosecution.

    ”We need to have previous knowledge of what is in those documents to enable us confer with our clients”, he said.

    Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, told the  counsel to come up with dates for adjournment to enable them examine the documents.

    The lawyers, however, could not agree on a date for adjournment and the judge had to impose a date on them.

    After waiting for some time, the trial judge ruled on the counsels and fix fresh dated for hearing.

    “I waited patiently for counsel to come up with a date but they couldn’t, I have no choice but to impose these dates on counsel.

    “This case is adjourned to June 27, 28 and 29 for continuation of trial, Akapo said.”

    ‎The trustees of the church, two engineers,Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun and their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Limited are facing trial for the September 12, 2014 collapsed guest house.

    The state government has filed 111 charges bordering on criminal negligence, manslaughter and failure to obtain building permit were brought against the defendants.

  • Synagouge: Joshua, trustees ‎seek court order to quash coroner’s verdict

    Synagouge: Joshua, trustees ‎seek court order to quash coroner’s verdict

    Founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nation, Prophet Temitope Joshua has sued the Lagos State Coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe and state Attorney-General over the criminal indictment of the church in the September 12, 2014 collapsed guest house.

    The co-applicant in the suit filed before the High Court of Lagos State is the Registered Trustees of the Church.

    About 116 persons reportedly died in the collapsed building within the church premises at Ikotun in Lagos.

    ‎In a motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 40 Rule 3(1) and (2) of the High court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure Rule) 2012 and filed before Justice Kazeem Alogba, Prophet Joshua and his church is seeking an order of certiorari quashing the verdict of the coroner’s court presided over by Magistrate Komolafe on the ground that the court exceeded its statutory jurisdiction.

    Komolafe and the Attorney General, Lagos State are listed as respondents in the suit filed on January 11, 2016.

    In its verdict on the inquest made into the collapsed guest house, the Coroner court had indicted TB Joshua’s church and the two engineers that constructed the collapsed building.

    The court particularly ordered that Synagogue church be investigated and proceeded against by the relevant authorities for not possessing necessary building permit.

    The coroner court also recommended the prosecution of the two engineers that constructed the collapsed building for criminal negligence.

    Joshua and the two embattled engineers subsequently filed a Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement suit before a Federal High Court, Lagos against the Coroner Court, Lagos State Government, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN.

    The suit which was meant stop the arrest Joshua, prosecution of the church and the engineers was however dismissed by the Federal Court.
    ‎
    Following the Federal High Court judgment, the Lagos State Government late last year filed a 111 count criminal charge against Trustees of the church and the two engineers.

    The matter is slated for hearing Tuesday before Justice Lateef Lawal- Akapo.

    In the motion on notice seeking to quash or set aside the coroners’ verdict, Synagogue church contended that the “Coroner’s Court of Lagos State, Alimosho District”, which presided over and delivered the verdict is unknown to Coroner’s Court of Lagos State, 2007 and Coroner’s System Law (Subsidiary Legislation) which established Coroner’s Court in Lagos State.

    The church contended that the Lagos Coroner’s System Law, 2007 only established Lagos, Ikeja, Yaba and Apapa districts.

    It emphasised that Alimosho Coroner’s district which presided over the Synagogue building collapse inquest was not a creation of the law.

    The church also urged that any finding, recommendation and or verdict delivered or rendered by it termed an illegal court such as “Coroner’s Court, Alimosho District” is a nullity and liable to be quashed.
    ‎
    The application filed by the church is also praying the High Court of Lagos state to quash the verdict of the coroner’s court on the ground that the inquest acted in excess of its jurisdiction by concluding that structural failure due to the combination of design and detailing errors caused the collapse of the Synagogue six-story building.

    The plaintiffs contended that the recommendations made by the coroner’s court ordering the prosecution of the church and building engineers was outside the powers of the coroners as it is only empowered to inquire into the cause of death, time of death, manner of death and identities of the persons that died.

    In the light of its argument, the church also prayed the court to make an order setting aside the charges instituted by the Lagos State Government against Registered Trustees of SCOAN.

    When the matter came up Monday, Magistrate Komolafe was absent in court and was not represented by any lawyer.

    Barr. A. O Idowu who represented the Attorney General of Lagos State however pleaded with the court for time to file a response to the suit.

    The matter has been adjourned till February 4, 2016.