By Adekola Afolabi

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President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family and members of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) on the passing of their father and founder, Pastor Temitope Balogun, popularly known as TB Joshua.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in Abuja, noted that the renowned televangelist will be missed by his followers all over the world not only for his spiritual contributions, but for touching many lives through philanthropic gestures.
President Buhari urged Pastor Joshua’s followers to take solace in the knowledge that life is not measured and defined by chronological longevity but by enduring legacies and lives touched positively.
He also condoled with the government and people of Ondo State and prayed that God Almighty will accept the soul of the departed pastor.
Also, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has described the death of the Ondo-State born Pastor and Televangelist, Temitope Balogun Joshua, as painful.
The Governor said he received the news of his death with a heavy heart.
Akeredolu noted that the renowned man of God was a blessing to humanity and a great Ambassador of the Sunshine State whose ministry was noted for charity.
A statement signed yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Richard Olatunde, said the exit of the Televangelist and philanthropist would be sorely missed by many.
Akeredolu commiserated with the immediate family, the entire membership of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, even as he expressed his heart-felt condolences to the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and the entire community over the loss of a great son of the soil.
“Undoubtedly, Pastor Joshua’s demise came as a rude shock. The pains are not mere emotional flashes; they are indeed piercing. The Ondo State -born Pastor and Televangelist was a philanthropist whose exit will be sorely missed by many.
“Pastor Joshua was committed to giving and was more often, inexorably imbued with calmness while lifting the downtrodden. As a televangelist, he did not just win souls for Christ, he was passionate about changing lives.
“He demonstrated timelessly, an alluring service to humanity and compassion by assisting not only his home local government, Akoko North West bu other adjoining local governments in Akoko land benefitted from his large heart of benevolence.
“Of significant note too, Pastor Joshua never hesitated to assist in whatever manner the Ondo State Government desired such, to us in Ondo State, we consider this a personal loss. He was a pride to the Sunshine State
“Not only Africa is hit hard; this is a great global knock as his ministry attracted an immeasurable foreign followership. Christendom has lost a giant.
“The reality of the finality of death, truly hurts the heart. But for TB Joshua, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he has departed. We must take solace in his good deeds while here. He is now a Heaven’s gain. The people have lost a committed giver. We shall continue to remember his contributions to the development of our State”, the Governor added.
Akeredolu prayed God to grant the late man of God an eternal rest in His bosom and comfort grieving family members, friends and associates
Also expressing shock over his demise, an Oke-Agbe born indigene and Chairman, Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, described his death as shocking and heartbreaking.
He described him as a dedicated man of God who lived all his life in the services of God and humanity.
Dr. Abayomi added that his humility and generosity would be missed by all.