From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria, on Thursday launched a N2 billion Endowment Fund and Integrated Charity Initiative, describing it as a sustainable approach to humanitarian service and national development.
KSM explained that the fund, unveiled in Abuja, was designed to provide a permanent source of financing for the Catholic Order’s charitable activities by preserving the principal while deploying only investment returns to fund interventions in healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, legal aid, widows and orphans’ welfare, correctional services support and emergency assistance.
Speaking at the event, the Worthy Supreme Knight of KSM Nigeria, Sir. Steve Zakari Adehi (SAN), said the initiative marked a turning point in the Order’s 73-year history of service, shifting from dependence on members’ dues and periodic fundraising to a sustainable funding model that would endure for generations.
He explained that the Order conceived the endowment in response to rising humanitarian needs, dwindling membership and worsening economic conditions, which have placed increasing pressure on its charitable operations.
“Our mission must move from reaction to readiness. A mission meant to endure for generations cannot depend only on one appeal after another. It requires dependable resources and the courage to build today for those who will come after us,” Adehi said.
He disclosed that the endowment would be professionally managed under strict governance structures, with the core capital permanently preserved while only investment income would finance the Order’s humanitarian programmes.
According to him, the fund will support seven key intervention areas, including healthcare outreach, educational support through scholarships and school improvement, humanitarian relief for victims of violence, welfare for widows and orphans, support for correctional custodial centres, pro bono legal aid and social justice advocacy, as well as emergency assistance for communities affected by disasters and economic hardship.
Adehi appealed to governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the Order in achieving its initial N2 billion target, stressing that the endowment would guarantee lasting support for vulnerable Nigerians.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the initiative as a bold investment in humanity that would institutionalise compassion and ensure the sustainability of charitable works.
He said the Federal Government recognised the enormous contributions of faith-based organisations to national development, noting that government alone could not address all the country’s social challenges.
Akume commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for more than seven decades of promoting education, healthcare, youth development, peacebuilding and humanitarian services across Nigeria.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with credible faith-based organisations in advancing social development and national unity.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Festus Adefiranye, described the endowment fund as a model of prudent stewardship and institutional resilience worthy of emulation by charitable organisations.
He noted that religious organisations occupy a unique position in nation-building because they command public trust, promote moral values, strengthen social cohesion and reach vulnerable communities often beyond the reach of government institutions.
Abbas said the House of Representatives would continue to support legislation and oversight that encourage philanthropy, transparency, accountability and stronger public-private partnerships to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was also represented by, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, pledged his administration’s support for the initiative, describing the endowment fund as “a prophetic act of charity” that prioritises victims of violence, widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups.
He said the objectives of the fund aligned with his administration’s investments in security, healthcare, education and humanitarian services.
Ododo highlighted his government’s efforts to combat insecurity through improved collaboration with security agencies, deployment of technology and community-based security initiatives, while also pointing to investments in primary healthcare, education, health insurance and social welfare programmes.
The governor urged faith-based organisations across Nigeria to establish similar sustainable charity frameworks, insisting that government alone could not meet the country’s growing humanitarian needs.
He also commended Kogi indigenes occupying leadership positions within the Knights of St. Mulumba, particularly the Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), for providing exemplary leadership and bringing honour to the state.
Meanwhile, the unveiling attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, religious leaders, diplomats, captains of industry and members of the Catholic community, who described the initiative as a landmark intervention that would strengthen humanitarian services and deepen collaboration between government and faith-based organisations.
(The Sun)