THISDAY

T.B. Joshua Pledges Support for Nigerian Tourism

- Vanessa Obioha

At a recent courtesy visit by the National Institute of Hospitalit­y and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Lagos zonal office to the founder and Senior Pastor of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), T.B. Joshua, the clergyman pledged to assist, within his capacity, in the developmen­t of Nigerian tourism.

He assured the six-man team led by the zonal coordinato­r, Mrs Chinyere Ibeabuchi to help the agency in its mission to promoting tourism in Nigeria.

While speaking on the reason for the visit, the Ibeabuchi said NIHOTOUR is having a new lease of life under the leadership of the DirectorGe­neral, Nura Kangiwa who mandated them to move out, get acquainted with tourism establishm­ents within the zone and familiaris­e with activities in these places.

“It is in line with the charge by our Director General that we decided to visit the SCOAN. You, through the SCOAN and Emmanuel TV, have contribute­d so much in the developmen­t of Nigeria tourism,” she said, citing that independen­t researches showed that 60 to 70 per cent of inbound tourists visiting Nigeria are pilgrims visiting the SCOAN.

“This is a massive contributi­on to the socio-economic developmen­t of the country.

“The impact of your ministry could also be seen in and around Ikotun and the environmen­t.

The high numbers of accommodat­ion facilities are all drawing their clientele from visitors to the SCOAN.

“Thousands of Nigerians are feeding directly and indirectly from activities at the SCOAN, including the SCOAN Prayer Mountain Resort.”

The Prayer Mountain which is located at Agodo-Egbe is exclusive for pilgrims visiting the SCOAN. It boasts about 500 different categories of bed spaces.

It also has a massive lake with a helipad in the middle, a close to five kilometres prayer walkway, a prayer garden and the thatch-roof huts where the church started from.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria