Toke Makinwa Ends Church Tithe Payments, Opts for Direct Charitable Donations
In a recent revelation, prominent media personality Toke Makinwa has publicly declared that she has ceased paying her monthly tithe to churches. This decision marks a significant shift in her philanthropic approach, as she now directs those funds toward more immediate and tangible charitable causes.
Questioning Church Wealth and Financial Practices
Speaking candidly in a video shared on her YouTube channel, Toke explained her rationale behind this change. She expressed that many churches she is familiar with are already financially well-off, leading her to reassess her contributions. "I kind of stopped paying tithe to the church because all the churches I know are rich. And I decided that no, no, no, no, I ain’t doing this anymore. I would rather go to hospitals, widows’ homes," she stated emphatically.
She further elaborated on her observations, noting that churches often receive substantial sums regularly, including through building funds that are not subject to taxation. "All the churches I know are rich. Every Sunday, there’s a building fund envelope. You guys have so much money, and it’s not taxed. It’s a business, if I’m going to be real, because if that pastor dies today, either his wife or his child becomes the next pastor," Toke added, highlighting her concerns about the financial dynamics within religious institutions.
Redirecting Funds to Direct Humanitarian Efforts
Despite her decision to stop tithing, Toke clarified that she continues to support church programs through offerings when necessary. However, her regular tithe is now exclusively allocated to charitable endeavors. "I would rather go to hospitals, take a maternity ward, and pay all the bills there. I would rather when strangers come to meet me, I would tithe my tithe to them because they are telling me their actual needs," she explained, emphasizing her preference for direct aid.
She also posed a poignant question about the ethics of giving to churches while individuals in her community face hardships. "How can I say I love God? I have the money this person is looking for to pay rent, and I’m carrying it to a church?" she asked, underscoring her belief in prioritizing human welfare over institutional donations.
Reflecting on Past Generosity and Personal Growth
Reflecting on her earlier years, Toke shared a personal anecdote about her past tithing habits. "Ten years ago, I was the girl who got a brand endorsement deal, didn’t touch one naira and carried everything to church. I said I will tithe this to God so that my life will never be tight," she recalled. This revelation illustrates her evolution from a devout tither to a more critically engaged philanthropist, driven by a desire to make a direct impact on people's lives.
In summary, Toke Makinwa's decision to halt church tithes and redirect funds to hospitals and widows reflects a broader trend of individuals reevaluating their charitable contributions. Her stance encourages a more hands-on approach to giving, focusing on alleviating immediate needs within society.
