Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed that she no longer pays monthly tithes to churches, saying she now prefers to use the money to support hospitals, widows, and people facing urgent financial needs.
Speaking during a recent episode of her podcast shared on YouTube, Makinwa explained that her decision followed her observation that many churches appear financially stable.
“I kind of stopped paying tithe to the church because all the churches I know are rich,” she said. “I decided I would rather go to hospitals, widows’ homes, and help people who actually need the money.”
The media personality clarified that she still attends church and contributes offerings or supports specific programmes when necessary. However, she emphasised that her regular tithe is now channelled toward humanitarian causes.
“I give offerings in church, and if the church needs support for programmes, I will help. But that monthly tithe, I would rather take it to a maternity ward and pay bills or assist someone struggling with rent,” she stated.
Makinwa also questioned the idea of prioritising church payments when individuals around her face real hardship.
“How can I say I love God when I have money that someone urgently needs, yet I’m taking it somewhere else?” she asked, urging people to follow their personal convictions on the issue.
Reflecting on her earlier years, she recalled that she once gave an entire endorsement payment as tithe. “Ten years ago, I was the girl who got a brand deal and took everything to church because I believed it would secure my future. Now I believe helping people directly is also service to God,” she said.
She added that interpretations of religious giving differ and encouraged people to act according to their faith and understanding.
