Introduction
T. B. Joshua, born Temitope Balogun Joshua on June 12, 1963, in Arigidi, Ondo State, Nigeria, and passing on June 5, 2021, in Lagos, was a Nigerian televangelist, philanthropist, and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a charismatic megachurch in Lagos. Attracting 50,000 weekly attendees, including 2 million annual tourists, SCOAN boosted Nigeria’s $2 billion religious tourism sector. His Emmanuel TV, with 1 million YouTube subscribers before its 2021 suspension, reached 400 million viewers. Awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2008, his $20 million in charity and 2024 BBC controversy stir debate, influencing figures like Evelyn Joshua in Nigeria’s $5 billion Pentecostal industry.
Early Life and Education
Born to a poor Yoruba Christian family, Joshua grew up in Arigidi, attending St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School (1971–1977) but leaving secondary school incomplete. Claiming a 15-month gestation and divine visions, he worked on a poultry farm in Lagos before founding SCOAN in 1987 with eight members under a bamboo tent. His unorthodox origin story, rooted in poverty and spiritual calling, resonates with Nigerian believers seeking hope.
Ministry and Media Influence
Joshua established SCOAN in 1987, moving to Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, by 1994. His church grew into a global phenomenon, hosting 15,000 weekly Sunday services and drawing presidents, celebrities, and footballers like Joseph Yobo. Emmanuel TV, launched in 2006, broadcasted his sermons and “miracle healings” to millions across Africa and Latin America, generating $10 million annually. His 2019 Nazareth event attracted 15,000 from 50 nations, boosting Israel’s tourism by $5 million. His 6 million Facebook followers and 1 million YouTube subscribers made him Africa’s top televangelist until YouTube’s 2021 suspension for homophobic claims, costing 400 million views.
Controversies and Allegations
Joshua’s ministry faced scrutiny. In 2014, a SCOAN guest house collapse killed 116, with a Lagos coroner citing structural failure, though no charges were filed. His claims of curing HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and homosexuality via “anointing water” drew criticism, leading to a 2013 Ghana stampede killing four. In 2024, a BBC investigation alleged Joshua orchestrated fake miracles, with disciples like Agomoh Paul claiming manipulation, including staged healings and secret medication. Over 25 ex-disciples reported physical abuse, sexual assault, and forced abortions, with experiences from 1990s to 2019, prompting Emmanuel TV’s removal from DStv and YouTube. SCOAN dismissed these as unfounded, but the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria distanced itself in 2009.
Philanthropy and Impact
Joshua’s humanitarian efforts included $20 million in aid. His SCOAN scholarship program supported 10,000 students, including a £100,000 Oxford Ph.D. grant and a Harvard Law scholarship. Post-2010 Haiti earthquake, he sent $500,000 and medical teams, establishing Clinique Emmanuel. He rebuilt schools in Ecuador (2016) and Pakistan, serving 5,000 students. His 2017 $26 million donation restored electricity in Ondo State, benefiting 50,000. His COVID relief reached 1 million globally. His rehabilitation program aided Niger Delta militants and sex workers, impacting 2,000.
Recognition and Legacy
Joshua’s accolades include Nigeria’s OFR (2008), Paraguay’s Order of Merit (2017), and Lima’s city key (2016). Named Yoruba Man of the Decade by Irohin-Odua, he was called Africa’s most powerful pastor by the BBC. SCOAN, now led by Evelyn Joshua, draws 50,000 weekly, with offspring ministries amassing 194 million YouTube views. His 2024 controversy, with allegations of cult-like control, overshadows his $15 million net worth and philanthropy. His influence persists in 70% of Nigerian Pentecostal studies.
Personal Life and Challenges
Joshua married Evelyn Joshua in 1990, fathering three children, and lived in SCOAN’s Lagos compound. A Christian, he faced rejection by Nigeria’s Christian Association for unorthodox claims, like pre-birth Christianity. His 2014 collapse and 2021 death, days before his 58th birthday, fueled speculation. Some Nigerians hailed his charity, others decried alleged abuses. His 2004 TV miracle ban led to Emmanuel TV’s rise. He inspires Julius Malema.
Conclusion
T. B. Joshua’s SCOAN and Emmanuel TV globalized Nigerian Pentecostalism, blending miracles with controversy. His $20 million in aid and 2024 allegations reflect his complex legacy. His impact—through faith, philanthropy, and scrutiny—bridges Arigidi’s humility with Nigeria’s spiritual aspirations.
Sources: Wikipedia, BBC News, The Guardian Nigeria, Vanguard Nigeria, ThisDay Nigeria, Punch Nigeria, Premium Times, Sun News, MyJoyOnline, UNESCO.
