martyns303:
We all believe in something, that's what makes us humans. So pardon Madam President for being human.

Abel202:

[b]My dear let me home you in on how economics, politics and religion mix here:
Israel for example reaps a huge chunk of their revenue from religious tourism. People coming to visit all those sites and places written in the bible spend money on hotels, airfairs, transportation and a host of other things. Mind you most Isreali citizens are not Christians, they practice Judaism. But the christian sites are bringing the government and people of Isreal great revenue, the economy is booming and the people are happy. Saudi Arabia is also reaping immensely on religious tourism. Egypt is also reaping immensely on that, including Turkey and many other countries.
Now, If you ask immigration officials at Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, they will inform you that a larger percentage of foreigners who visit Lagos and Nigeria are heading to the Synagogue Church of All Nations. People of all categories including sitting and former heads of states, top politicians, great musicians, footballers, artists, ordinary people etc visit this church on a regular bases.
Hotels and attisans in that Ikotun Egbe Axis where the church is situated are already having a swell time in business. Including transport companies etc. But that axis is not the best part of Lagos, so there is not much space for expansion.
If the Lagos state government for example relocates them to a more spacious environment, where more hotels, and a lot of facilities can be built, I tell you Nigerians, the Lagos state government and the Nigerian government will reap much more benefits from this.
Of course these hotels pay taxes, the transport companies pay taxes, the restaurants pay taxes. Employment opportunities are created as a chain reaction and crime is reduced invariably. I could go on and on. The positive multiplier effect on the economy is just too great for any reasonable government to ignore[/b]

Chrisx1x: are u saying we shouldnt believe or worship jesus,END TIME AGENT OF DARKNESS

Abel202: [b]Prophet T.B.Joshua is God's wonderful gift to Nigeria and the world at large.
Wise, Smart and intelligent people have long realised this and they do not joke with this great prophet of our time.
Thousands of People come from every part of the globe to visit the Synagogue Church of All Nations on a regular bases. Even more Millions of people tune in to Emmanuel TV to have the presence of God through the man of God in their lives.
However inconsequencial people who have no experience in life and do not even understand what life is all about sit here on Nairaland and have the audacity to condemn this annointed man of God. May God forgive you people for your ignorance.
If this great man of God was an American, I guess the American government would have built a city for him because the number of people who visit this country en route to the Synagogue is almost like pilgrimage already.
I hope the Lagos/Nigerian government including the Nigerian people realises what wonderful gift God has given us in the name of this hugely blessed but very humble man of God called T.B.Joshua.[/b]

solomon111: These are the kinds of morøns governing the affairs of african nations.
No wonder,the continent is still in the dark ages.

Sylvarresta: Abeg wait am cumn bak to comment, want to buy Garri and Cold pure water Abeg wait am cumn bak to comment, want to buy Garri and Cold pure water

Lovine: Is that the only thing you saw in the Synagogue? What about the South Sudan delegate and the letter from the South Sudan President to the Great Prophet of the world? Haters will cry out blood.

brinell: Abel202, with this kind of your perspective on this thread, honestly we need more of you on Nairaland. We severally complain of our leaders, yet we exhibit even worse attitudes here. Simply because we do not believe in what others believe and what works for them, we just go ahead and condemn beyond measure. Well, if you know how well people's lives have changed for good through Prophet T.B. Joshua and his ministry, you probably wouldn't be attacking him (not that the criticisms have any effect anyway). Some people, however, could be hell-bent on sticking to their old stand even with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. There is so much intolerance in us, yet we all cry and want to move forward. It never occurred to critics of Prophet T.B. Joshua that rather than diminish, the church population is ever growing and bringing more revenue and employment to Lagos State/Nigeria and changing our bad image outside the country.

Honestly, if we are tolerant, more responsible and fair citizens, but differ in belief with the Prophet, we could at least acknowledge his contributions to society. Helping the needy, developing a football team that brought out some Nigeria's best at the national level, massive scholarships to many students home and abroad (even in your schools, up to PhD levels), sponsoring and improving the lives of our Paralympic sportsmen and women, creating an outlet with an arm of UN for employment and scholarships (just ask), attracting foreign heads of states (about 9) and other top guys (even world wrestlers WWA), thus helping to change our bad 419 image abroad, etc. The point here is that we complain bitterly about our situation, yet we do not encourage ourselves, we just keep attacking and destroying our own that outsiders cherish. So, fellow Nairalanders, tell me how we can grow in Nigeria? Peace: seeing the other side, the other view....

dinggle:

Why relocate the church? why not expand and provide befitting roads all over Ikotun, security and 24 hrs electricity. Nothing prevents the govt of Lagos state from Establishing their own hotel at Ikotun or empowering citizens to build standard affordable hotels. Yes I concur to govt turning Ikotun to a religious Mecca for tourism. Ikotun Egbe requires a flyover bridge. It is only in Nigeria people think about uprooting landmarks, as dangerous as Israel is no one has advocated relocation of their religious tourism site or even mecca during its peak, no one has suggest that it be relocated to the deep desert. Mind you the Saudis have the money to rebuild mecca from the desert. Instead of polishing Ikotun you are advocating relocation of a landmark church. Mind you no other city in Nigeria has the kind of popularity Ikotun has outside the shores of Nigeria, Where Nigeria failed Ikotun can help rebrand Nigeria.

jacksol:

i've been moved to comment by the passion and tenacity with whichyou've tried to portray critics of T.B. Joshua as callous and irresponsible people. Although some people are fond of uncouth language. I'll try to tell you that some critics do it out of a sense of responsibility and concern for societal wellbeing.
One truth is, in everything that goes on there will be gainers and loosers. Another thing is this; that a trend or event is popular or has mass following doesn't mean it can't be equally detrimental to society.
You talked about the changed lives (your claims).
Maybe the problem is no one has done a thorough expose on those changed lives you spoke about. I mean a factual before and after documentary on those lives. Such a report would include doctor's testimonies, patient's background including friends and family etc. I mean mainstream media-quality expose. It's something of such tremendous public interest that a station like Channels would like to cover.
The truth is that some of us are just more practical minded than others. You can call it critical rationalism. That's the mentality that keeps the world and society on an even keel, and brings about the the developments you enjoy.
Some of us are also aware and are more concerned about a greater majority whose lives have been adversely affected by blind devotion to these pursuits. I know of people who liquidated their assets to go camp out for weeks and months waiting in vain for a miracle at TBJ's or some others' shrine. I don't know of anybody on the other side you referred to.
So there are philanthropic deeds, but where did the money come from? From people of course, most of whom could ill afford to give it out. The net effect is the impoverishment of a vast majority.
Don't think that people just criticise or run down others for fun or out of malice. Many of us "critics" just want to see a better society, just like you do.
I would personally love for miracle healing to be real and true and for TBJ to be genuine, but unfortunately it's not up to me - nor is it up to you the believers.

akinvest: T.B JOSHUA is a 1dafu man of God, but we Nigerians does not value him, i respect d man 2 b candid.