Nigerian singer, filmmaker and entrepreneur Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has revealed that he is now serving as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church while also working as a teacher and leader at Union College.
Banky W shared the development in a social media post reflecting on how his life and career changed after losing the 2023 election.
The singer said the election defeat broke his heart and prompted him to seek God’s direction about his future.
“In 2023 I lost an election. And while the experience inspired me in many ways, it also broke my heart into a million little pieces,” he wrote.
He said he took his disappointment to God and began questioning whether his future lay in leadership, ministry, entertainment or business.
“When the dust settled, I took those pieces back to God. And I surrendered,” Banky W stated.
He explained that he eventually realised he did not have to choose between his professional career and ministry.
“It wasn’t either/or. It was all of the above,” he wrote, adding that he had come to understand that God was expanding his assignment rather than limiting him to one role.
Banky W, who previously pursued a career in politics, said he remains a filmmaker, musician and entrepreneur while taking on responsibilities in the church and at Union College.
“I’m still a filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur. But somehow, by the grace of God, I’m also a Pastor AND a Professor,” he stated.
He acknowledged that travelling regularly between Lagos, Nigeria, and the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area was not always easy, but said the opportunity to serve in his new roles had been worthwhile.
Banky W also expressed gratitude to Union Church leaders Stephen Chandler and Zai Chandler for their influence on his life and faith.
