Toke Makinwa Swaps Church Tithes for Charity Support

In a video shared by The Eagle Online, popular media personality Toke Makinwa has sparked a heated religious debate by revealing she has ceased paying traditional monthly tithes. Makinwa explained that she now prefers to redirect those funds directly to individuals in need, such as widows and patients with unpaid hospital bills. She argued that many established churches are already financially buoyant and “untaxed.”
Makinwa clarified that while she no longer gives the standard 10% to religious institutions, she still participates in church offerings and supports specific programs. Her stance is centered on the belief that “the church is a business,” citing the hereditary nature of pastoral leadership in many Nigerian mega-churches.
The announcement, made during a podcast session, has divided her followers. Some applaud her transparency and “direct-impact” philanthropy, while others view it as a deviation from biblical mandates. This move follows a growing trend of Nigerian celebrities questioning traditional religious financial obligations.
The conversation has since moved to TikTok, where “Tithes vs. Charity” challenges are trending. Makinwa remains firm, stating that seeing the immediate relief on the faces of people she helps provides more spiritual fulfillment than her previous tithing routine.
* Vanguard Nigeria: “I kind of stopped paying tithe to the church because all the churches I know are rich. I would rather go to hospitals, widows’ homes.”
* Legit.ng: “Makinwa stressed that she has stopped paying regular tithes directly to religious institutions, choosing instead to channel it to charitable causes.”
Echotitbits take: Toke’s “unfiltered” brand strikes again, tapping into a simmering sentiment among young Nigerians regarding church accountability. While the theological debate will rage on, her move reflects a shift toward “socially conscious” spirituality where followers want to see the receipts of their contributions. Expect more public figures to weigh in on this “Direct Giving” model.
Source: PM News — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/16/why-i-stopped-paying-tithes-in-church-toke-makinwa/?amp=1 February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard