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Timi Dakolo Slams Femi Lazarus Over $150 Fee For School Of Ministry

Published

8 months ago

March 24, 2025

Popular Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has called out the Lead Pastor of Light Nation Church, Apostle Femi Lazarus for charging fees for his School of Ministry while criticising gospel artists for demanding payment to minister at church events.

Apostle Lazarus has been vocal about his disapproval of gospel musicians who request large sums to perform at church programmes, arguing that worship should not be treated as a business.

According to him, gospel singers should not treat worship as a business, and should rely on God’s provision rather than financial negotiations.

Reacting to Lazarus’ remarks, Dakolo accused the pastor of attempting to downplay the hard work and financial commitment involved in creating music.

“This gaslighting has to stop, gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programmes and all. No one should diminish another person’s ministry, ministry needs music and music needs ministry,” he wrote.

During a recent sermon, Lazarus shared an alleged invoice from a gospel artist requesting a $10,000 honourarium, a 50% non-refundable deposit, a first-class flight, and premium accommodation.

He condemned such demands, claiming they contradict the true essence of gospel ministry.

“The hotel reservations will be covered by the church, an executive suite for the minister. An honourarium of $10,000 with a non-refundable 50% payment before we can attend and the balance will be made 2 days before the event compulsorily.

“Those who know God, know He’s not with ministers like this. Many charlatans don’t bill big pastors, they use them for endorsement. You can’t demand for such without growing.

“The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honourarium’ used; just tell them the price,” Lazarus said.

“When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there.”

Reacting to these comments, Dakolo took to Instagram on Monday, March 24, accusing the pastor of hypocrisy.

He highlighted that Lazarus charges $150 per student for his school of ministry, questioning how that differed from artists requesting compensation for their work.

“All this was said in love and with respect, sir,” Dakolo wrote. “By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists; they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers too.”

Dakolo further pointed out the financial costs involved in music production, from studio fees to marketing and promotion, implying that gospel musicians are justified in seeking payment for their art.

“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goalpost.

“Such hypocrisy. The School of Ministry has expenses and music creation doesn’t? Running cost important, production/promotion cost unimportant? Most of you don’t know how much a producer charges, then the marketing, the promotion. The amount of hours it takes to finish a song. Keep shifting the goalpost, guys,” Dakolo added.

Related Topics:Pastor Femi Lazarus Timi Dakolo

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

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7 hours ago

December 2, 2025

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The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

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The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

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Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

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December 1, 2025

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The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

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