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

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2025

Editor

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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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

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2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

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The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.