By Philomina Attah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume have commended the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria for establishing a N2 billion humanitarian endowment fund.
They gave the commendation on Thursday during the unveiling of the fund and integrated charity initiative at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports the initiative is aimed at institutionalising sustainable humanitarian services across the country.
Abbas, represented by Hon. Festus Adefiranye, Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrimage Affairs, described the initiative as a visionary step that demonstrated foresight and a commitment to long-term societal impact.
”The establishment of an endowment fund dedicated to sustaining humanitarian service demonstrates remarkable foresight.
“It reflects the timeless wisdom that charity should not merely respond to today’s needs but should be institutionalised to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” Abbas said.
The speaker praised KSM for its over seven decades of service to humanity, highlighting its contributions to justice, compassion, and national unity.
Similarly, the SGF, represented by his aide, Mr Simon Tyungu, described the initiative as more than just a fund, but the “institutionalisation of compassion and deliberate investment in humanity.”
Akume noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous, and compassionate Nigeria.
”Government alone cannot address every developmental challenge.
“Lasting progress can only be achieved through strong partnerships involving faith-based organisations, the private sector, and civil society,” the SGF said.
Earlier in an opening address, the Supreme Knight of the Order, Sir Steve Adehi, explained that the N2 billion fund was established to move KSM away from reactive fundraising to a sustainable, endowment-driven model.
According to Adehi, the baseline capital of the fund will remain permanently intact and invested, while income from the investment will be used to finance seven core humanitarian pillars.
He identified the humanitarian pillars to include, rural healthcare, education, widow empowerment, and pro bono legal aid.
”Our efforts will no longer be constrained by sudden needs or localised shortages.
“A contribution to this fund made once will continue to benefit others each year, long after the original donors have gone to rest in the Lord,” he said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Supreme Knight and Chairman of the Endowment Fund Committee, Mr Sam Egwu, noted that the Order boasts of a robust nationwide structure of 303 subordinate councils and 1,750 zones.
He said the structure made the Order uniquely positioned to deliver aid efficiently to the grassroots.
In his welcome address, the Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Abuja Metropolitan Council, Sir Jimoh Johnson, expressed pride in Abuja for pioneering the metropolitan-level launch.
Delivering his homily during the Holy Mass preceding the launch, the Auxiliary Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Luka Gopep, challenged lay Catholics to translate their faith into active civic participation.
“We have the number, the personnel, the intelligence and the integrity. Why are you not in politics?
“Do not abandon governance to those without conscience.
”Take the values of the altar into the arena of governance and let the Catholic conscience guide our political awareness,” the Bishop urged.
Gopep commended the KSM for the initiative, adding that the endowment fund would stand as an enduring legacy of hope for the vulnerable.
NAN also reports that the event featured the presentation of Platinum Medals to the SGF and the Speaker.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi