Media personality Toke Makinwa has sparked conversations across Nigeria after revealing why she no longer pays tithes to churches.
Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Makinwa questioned the traditional practice of giving money to religious institutions that already possess significant wealth while many Nigerians struggle to meet their daily needs.
Why Toke Makinwa Stopped Paying Tithes to Churches
Makinwa explained that her decision stems from a desire to support causes and people who need help the most.
“I kinda stopped paying tithes to the church because all the churches I know are rich, and I decide that I’m not doing that anymore,” she said.
She highlighted that while churches continue to accumulate wealth through tithes and building funds, many individuals in society remain underserved.
According to Makinwa, her approach now prioritizes giving directly to hospitals, maternity wards, and individuals facing urgent financial needs.
“I started thinking, if I have money and someone tells me they need it to pay rent, why should I pass it into a building that’s already rich? I would rather give my tithe to strangers who tell me their actual needs. The church is built. The pastors have money. Let’s help people the church cannot reach,” she said.
The Financial Practices of Churches and the Ethics of Giving
Makinwa’s critique extends to what she describes as the commercialization of religion. She observed,
“Every church is building. Every Sunday, there’s a building fund envelope. You guys have so much money and it’s not taxed. It’s a business, if we are going to be real. Because if that pastor dies today, either his wife or his child becomes the next pastor.”
Her remarks raise ethical questions about wealth accumulation in religious institutions versus social responsibility in a country with widespread poverty.
Personal Reflection and Redirection of Support
Reflecting on her personal journey, Makinwa shared that she used to dedicate her entire brand endorsement earnings to her church in search of blessings.
“Ten years ago, I didn’t touch one naira from an endorsement deal; I carried it all into the church. Now, I give where it directly helps someone in need,” she explained.
Her testimony also highlighted the unintended psychological impact religion can have on individuals. Jideonwo noted that some followers suffer from what he described as “post-traumatic church syndrome,” an emotional and mental strain linked to rigid religious expectations.
Makinwa’s openness encourages Nigerians to evaluate how religious practices intersect with personal finances, social responsibility, and mental wellbeing.
Redirecting Resources to Society’s Most Vulnerable
Toke Makinwa’s approach aligns with a growing conversation in Nigeria about practical philanthropy.
By diverting her contributions from wealthy religious institutions to vulnerable individuals and essential services, she is emphasizing the importance of actionable impact.
Hospitals, maternity wards, and direct aid to struggling citizens are the beneficiaries of this new giving model, highlighting a shift from ritualistic donations to socially conscious philanthropy.
Her statements are a reminder of the evolving debate around faith, wealth, and societal responsibility in Nigeria.
While tithes remain a cornerstone of religious life for many, Makinwa’s experience underscores that charitable giving can take many forms, all aimed at alleviating hardship and promoting social equity.
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