Reports in Nigeria’s Nation Newspaper, Nigerian Minister
of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has entreated controversial
Prophet T.B. Joshua to rescind his decision to leave Nigeria.
“That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria.”
Mohammed told journalists at the Annual General Meeting of the
Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held in the Renaissance
Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
“Pastor Joshua is an important person; he must bear with us,” the
outspoken Minister admitted to newsmen at the event which hosted top
dignitaries within the tourism sector.
“This is his country. If he moves out and goes to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa.”
Mohammed said he would be reaching out to the cleric to voice his
concerns, adding that the Nigerian government was ready to dialogue with
Joshua to address the challenges faced by The SCOAN.
“It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authorities
and resolves whatever problems he has,” the Minister concluded.
Mohammed’s statements are the first public acknowledgement by the
Nigerian government of Joshua’s economic and social impact on the
country in terms of religious tourism.
The Synagogue founder said during a church service on March 30 that he
had been invited by three prominent Israeli mayors to hold meetings with
international pilgrims close to the Biblical site of the Sea of
Galilee.
Ihechukwu Njoku is a freelance Nigerian journalist.