Johannesburg - The funeral procession of Nigerian pastor and televangelist TB Joshua began on Monday with a series of services that will culminate in a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

According to a statement by the Joshua family, Monday saw funeral proceedings starting off with a candlelight procession at a private service.

Joshua, founder of the Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (Scoan) megachurch, died on June 5 after a live broadcast, leaving his wife, three children and millions of followers throughout the African continent.

The church confirmed that all services will be broadcast live on the Christian television network founded by Joshua, Emmanuel TV, as well as on YouTube.

Tuesday and Wednesday, tribute services will be held at Scoan between 10am and 7pm and will be open to the public. This will include services of songs in addition to an all-night prayer service.

Seating will be limited, to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

On Thursday, Joshua’s body will be lying in state between 11am and 5pm at Scoan and will be open to the public.

On Friday, the laying to rest and interment segment of the week-long burial proceedings will take place. This will be open to the public, again with limited seating capacity.

On Sunday, a thanksgiving service will take place at Scoan with limited seating capacity, which will round off the burial proceedings.

Punch Nigeria reported on Sunday that the Lagos State government has inspected the facilities at Scoan to ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety precautions in preparation for Joshua’s funeral.

According to local media reports, the state government delegation was led by the commissioner for health, Professor Akin Abayomi,and the director-general of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola.

The Star