The founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B Joshua is reportedly said to have donated N20 million for electricity upgrade in his Arigidi-Akoko community of Ondo State and this has spark up confusion.
It is noted that the sum was paid to a development association in the community to be transferred to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) about two years ago.
Over the space of four years the community had suffered from lack of electricity due to damaged cables and transformers, and huge indebtedness to the electricity company, in terms of bills’ payment.
According to a middle-aged man and head-teacher in the community who preferred anonymity, he said “But when T.B Joshua heard, he promptly sent down N20 million, in addition to other contributions from prominent sons and daughters of Arigidi.
“But up till date, we don’t know what has become of the money”.
However, Mr Tunji Light Ariyomo, the Special Adviser to Ondo’s Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Public Utilities, gave the confirmation that Joshua donated N20 million for electricity equipment repairs in his hometown, but denied speculation that the money was given to the Ondo State Government.
He said “I’m aware that T.B Joshua contributed N20 million and other indigenes of Arigidi also made contributions too, a few years back, to restore electricity to Arigidi.
“But the Ondo State Government had nothing to do with it, as it was between the community and the BEDC. We have our own programmes on rural electrification that we are progressively implementing.
“However, what T.B Joshua did was commendable since he was contributing to the development of his community”.
However, BEDC authorities denied collecting any money from T.B Joshua.
The BEDC Public Relations Officer for Ondo/Ekiti axis, Mr Kayode Ilori-Brown, speaking to newsmen said, “I’m not aware of any donation from T.B Joshua; but all I can tell you is that we are doing our best to re-connect Akoko communities that are out of service.”
All efforts to reach Prophet T.B Joshua seemed effortless as a female voice on his telephone line responded, “Send a message through an email account.”
