Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in establishing a memorial in honour of the late Prophet T.B. Joshua, who passed away four years ago.
The Governor made this known while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), who visited him in appreciation following their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Akure and a tour of the state’s major tourist destinations.
Responding to a question about plans to develop monuments to honour notable personalities from Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the state’s rich potential in tourism and its readiness to partner with private investors and religious bodies to create such attractions. He specifically mentioned the prophet’s hometown, Arigidi-Akoko, as a possible location to boost faith-based tourism.
Addressing the visitors, Aiyedatiwa said:
“When you talk about religious tourism alongside our natural attractions, Prophet T.B. Joshua certainly comes to mind. He hailed from Arigidi-Akoko, and he’s not the only religious figure of note from Ondo State. We also have the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, and another pioneer of the Zion Church from my local government area.
“It’s an initiative worth exploring, but it should be in partnership with the churches or religious bodies these figures established. With the commissioner for culture and tourism set to assume office next week, this is one of the assignments I intend to give him or her.”
The Governor further noted that T.B. Joshua’s global recognition and influence make the proposed monument a worthwhile investment for religious tourism.
“I was present at his burial, representing the then-governor, and I’ve studied his profile. Prophet T.B. Joshua travelled extensively and had a global following. Beyond visiting the Synagogue headquarters in Ikotun, Lagos, his followers and international visitors could also come to Arigidi-Akoko. It’s something we will seriously consider,” he added.
