On Tuesday 8th March 2016, the controversial television station of Nigerian ‘Prophet’ T.B. Joshua, Emmanuel TV, marks its 10th anniversary.
The popular Christian channel, which recently debuted on both the DStv and Startimes platforms, was launched in March 2006.
According to Wikipedia, the Nigerian government ban on showing miracles on local television in 2004 was a main factor behind Joshua starting his own station.
From humble beginnings, Emmanuel TV has grown to be one of Africa’s most viewed and marketable channels.
It also has one of YouTube’s fasting growing Christian channels which boasts over 310,000 subscribers globally.
Sunday services at The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) are broadcast live on the channel, as are Joshua’s foreign crusades.
Some of Emmanuel TV’s YouTube clips have been viewed millions of times, Joshua’s alleged ability to perform miracles and exorcisms proving very controversial. Diverse humanitarian activities are also broadcast.
Many have claimed to receive ‘healing’ through Joshua’s prayers on Emmanuel TV, including Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh who said it was the cleric’s prayers on the channel that ended her 14 year smoking addiction.
In its profile on him, the BBC described T.B. Joshua as ‘Nigeria’s best known televangelist’.
Fans of Emmanuel TV worldwide celebrated the milestone on Joshua’s official Facebook page, sharing various accounts of how the channel has ‘changed’ their lives for the better.
The motto of the station is ‘Changing Lives, Changing Nations, Changing The World’.