Nigerian singer and actor Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has celebrated one year as a pastor, reflecting on how losing the 2023 election changed his outlook on life and purpose.
In a lengthy social media post, the entertainer revealed that he was heartbroken after losing the election but eventually surrendered his plans to God as he sought direction for the next phase of his life.
Banky W recalled joking that the letter “P” in his name stood for Professor rather than Pastor, adding that he never imagined he would eventually embrace both roles.
“I used to joke that the ‘P’ in P.Banks stood for Professor, not Pastor. 😂
I guess God heard and said, ‘Why not both?’”
The singer explained that after the election defeat, he began questioning whether he should focus on leadership, entertainment, business or ministry. However, he later realised that he did not have to choose between the different paths.
“Somewhere along the way, I realised I was asking God to choose between things He had never asked me to separate.
It wasn’t either/or. It was all of the above.”
Banky W said he now serves as an associate pastor and global ambassador at We Are Union Church, as well as a teacher and leader at Union College.
Reflecting on the past year, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and people who have influenced his journey, adding that his plans in music, film and business were still ongoing.
“The election didn’t go the way I hoped. But God’s plans for my life are bigger than the plans I had for myself,” he wrote.
He concluded his message by thanking God for the new chapter in his life and asked his followers to wish him a happy first “Unionversary”.
“One year down. A lifetime of purpose ahead.”
