Nigerian singer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has marked his first anniversary as an ordained associate pastor in the United States. He shared the milestone on Instagram, reflecting on how his defeat in the 2023 House of Representatives election became a turning point in his spiritual journey. Banky W contested the election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to the All Progressives Congress candidate, Babajide Obanikoro.
The 45-year-old entertainer described the electoral defeat as a heartbreaking experience that prompted him to seek direction through his faith. He wrote that the disappointment of losing the election for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency led him to surrender his plans to God and reconsider his calling. This period forced him to re-examine different aspects of his life, including politics, entertainment, business, and ministry.
Banky W eventually came to the realisation that his calling did not require him to abandon one pursuit for another. He stated that he was asking God to choose between things He had never asked him to separate. According to Banky W, God was expanding his assignment, not putting him in a box. This new understanding led him to take on a more prominent role in Christian ministry.
Banky W now serves as an Associate Pastor and Global Ambassador at We Are Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with campuses across the United States. He also works as a teacher and leader at Union College, adding academic and ministerial responsibilities to his established career in entertainment and entrepreneurship. This new role has not meant abandoning his previous ambitions but bringing his different interests together.
Despite his new role in ministry, Banky W made it clear that he has no plans to abandon his other professional pursuits. He described himself as a filmmaker, musician, entrepreneur, Pastor, and Professor. The entertainer acknowledged the demands of travelling regularly between Lagos, Nigeria, and the DMV area to fulfil his commitments. He described the experience as worthwhile.
Marking the anniversary, which he affectionately called his "1st Unionversary," Banky W expressed gratitude to God for the opportunities, lessons, and changes that had shaped his journey. His latest reflection highlights a new chapter in the life of a public figure who has built a career spanning music, film, business, and politics before taking on a more prominent role in Christian ministry.
For Banky W, the transition has not meant abandoning his previous ambitions but bringing his different interests together under what he describes as an expanded assignment. Banky W's journey serves as a reflection of his growth and newfound understanding of his purpose. He continues to balance his responsibilities across countries and professional fields.
Key points
- Banky W marks one year as US pastor after 2023 election defeat.
- The defeat led him to surrender his plans to God and reconsider his calling.
- Banky W now serves as Associate Pastor and Global Ambassador at We Are Union Church.
