Popular Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed why she no longer pays tithes to churches, saying her decision followed deep personal reflection on how money should be used to support people in need.
Speaking in an interview with Chude, Makinwa explained that her perspective on tithing has evolved over time. She said she began questioning why churches continue to receive large financial contributions while many congregants struggle with basic necessities such as rent, hospital bills, and daily feeding.
According to her, she experienced what she described as “post-traumatic church syndrome,” which she defined as emotional and spiritual hurt stemming from certain religious experiences. This led her to examine how religious institutions operate and how funds are managed.
Makinwa stated that she started asking herself why she should give money to church buildings that are already well-funded when individuals urgently need assistance. She noted that if someone approaches her with a pressing need, she now prefers to support the person directly instead of paying the money into a church account.
She also revealed that about seven years ago, she once donated an entire brand endorsement deal to her church without keeping any part of it, believing at the time that such an act would bring financial blessings. However, she said her outlook has since changed.
Now, she directs her giving toward hospitals, maternity wards, widows, and strangers who share genuine needs with her. In her view, many churches are already established and financially stable, while numerous individuals still cannot afford medical care or basic living expenses.
Makinwa emphasized that giving should be based on personal conviction rather than pressure or tradition.
She said:
“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. 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. Giving should be based on personal conviction.”
