Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed why she stopped paying her tithes to churches.
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwo, she shared her perspective on tithing and the role of the church in people’s lives. Toke reflected on the unintended harm religion can sometimes cause, noting ‘post-traumatic church syndrome ‘ as one of the damages it has done to people.
Makinwa questioned the need to give her money to institutions that already possess wealth, while many individuals are struggling for basic survival. According to her, she now provides financial support to hospitals, maternity wards, and individuals with urgent personal 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”.
To further buttress her points, she recalled how she handed over her entire brand endorsement deals to her church in search of a blessing, but now the story has changed.
“Seven 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”.
Makinwa stressed that helping a neighbour should take priority over fulfilling a routine religious obligation. She added that true impact happens when resources reach those who cannot afford food or healthcare.