Who was T. B. Joshua? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Temitope Balogun Joshua

Died At Age: 57

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Evelyn Joshua

children: Promise Joshua, Serah Joshua

Born Country: Nigeria

Philanthropists Nigerian Men

Died on: June 5, 2021

place of death: Lagos, Nigeria

Founder/Co-Founder: The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN)

Recommended For You

1

What are some controversial issues surrounding T.B. Joshua?

T.B. Joshua faced criticism for his claims of performing miracles, prophecies, and healing people through his church, The Synagogue, Church of All Nations. Some have accused him of exploiting vulnerable people and promoting dangerous practices.
2

Was T.B. Joshua involved in any legal controversies?

Yes, T.B. Joshua and his church faced legal challenges in different countries. For instance, a building collapse at his church in Nigeria in 2014 resulted in multiple deaths, leading to legal battles over responsibility and accountability.
3

How did T.B. Joshua impact the lives of his followers?

T.B. Joshua was known for his charitable works, including providing aid to the less privileged and supporting communities in need. Many of his followers attribute positive changes in their lives to his teachings and guidance.
4

What was T.B. Joshua's stance on issues such as politics and social justice?

T.B. Joshua was vocal about advocating for peace, unity, and reconciliation, often mediating conflicts and promoting dialogue. He encouraged his followers to embrace love and understanding in dealing with societal challenges.
5

How did T.B. Joshua influence the global religious landscape?

T.B. Joshua's ministry attracted followers from around the world, leading to the establishment of branches of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations in different countries. His teachings and approach to spirituality sparked discussions and debates within religious circles.

Childhood & Early Life

T.B. Joshua was born on June 12, 1963, in the small village of Arigidi in Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. According to him, unusual circumstances surrounded his birth as he was born after 15 months since his mother conceived him.

Another remarkable event occurred when T.B.Joshua was three days old, and a large boulder crashed through the roof of his house, missing him by a few inches. After this incident, his mother named him ‘Temitope’, meaning ‘What You (God) have done for me is worthy of thanks’.

From 1971 to 1977, T.B. Joshua attended St. Stephen's Anglican Primary School in Arigidi, Akoko, Nigeria, but failed to complete secondary school education because of poverty. In school, Joshua was known as "small pastor" because of his love for the Bible.

T. B. Joshua gained reputation for spiritual prowess after confronting a madman in the school premises and collecting his weapon from him. He was the leader of 'Scripture Union' whilst in school.

Thereafter, T.B. Joshua washed people's feet on the muddy streets of Lagos before moving to a poultry farm where he had the demeaning job of carrying chicken waste. At the same time, he organized Bible studies with children and attended evening school.

He also tried to be enlisted into the military, an ambition which was aborted by an act of fate, as the train he boarded to attend an interview in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, developed fault and he was left stranded for six days.

Continue Reading Below

Career

In 1987, he visited a ‘prayer mountain’ to seek the face of God. There, he fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights. He wrote that in a heavenly vision, he received divine anointing and a covenant from God to start his ministry.

Thereafter, he laid the foundation of his ministry organization ‘The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN)’.The society has released numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable disabilities and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. The videos have generated a lot of controversy and amassed hundreds of thousands of views.

Many people have also claimed to have been healed through ‘Anointing Water’ that has been prayed over by him and given to those who were unable to physically attend his church in Lagos. His organization has also been in controversy regarding the deliverance of those allegedly possessed by evil spirits during its services.

He claimed to be a prophet and allegedly predicted such events as Michael Jackson's death, the attack during Boston marathon in America and the outcome of two African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final matches. T. B. Joshua also allegedly predicted the crash of Malaysian Airlines MH370 several months before the incident.

T. B. Joshua also wrote and published several books, including ‘The Mirror’, ‘The Step Between You And The Cure’, ‘Daily Time With God’ and ‘What The Future Holds.’

Major Works

T. B. Joshua was the leader and founder of the ministry organization ‘The Synagogue, Church of All Nations’ (SCOAN), which runs a Christian television station called Emmanuel TV, available on satellite and on the internet via the Streaming Faith broadcast portal. His shows were also aired weekly on a number of local television stations across Africa.

Awards & Achievements

For his consistent humanitarian work, he was conferred with the National Honor of OFR by the Nigerian government in 2008.

He was honored as an ‘Ambassador of Peace’ by the ‘Arewa Youth Forum’, a predominantly Muslim organization, in appreciation of his humanitarian endeavors.

He was recognized as one of Africa's 50 most influential people by Pan-African magazines 'The Africa Report' and 'New African Magazine'.

Personal Life & Legacy

T.B. Joshua was married to Evelyn Joshua and the couple had three children. His eldest daughter, Serah, is a graduate from ‘London School of Economics Law Faculty.'

T. B. Joshua died on June 5, 2021, shortly after an evening service at Lagos, Nigeria. The cause of his death was not revealed. He was 57. A post on his Facebook page said: "God has taken His servant."

Facts About T. B. Joshua

Joshua was known for his philanthropic efforts, including providing scholarships to thousands of students in need.

He had a passion for music and often featured talented musicians and singers on his television program.

Joshua was a skilled footballer in his youth and had a keen interest in sports.

He had a unique sense of style and was often seen wearing colorful and unconventional outfits.