Abuja: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and 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 praised the initiative during the unveiling of the fund and integrated charity initiative at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the initiative is designed to institutionalize sustainable humanitarian services across the country. Abbas, represented by Hon. Festus Adefiranye, Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrimage Affairs, highlighted the visionary nature of the initiative, emphasizing its foresight and commitment to long-term societal impact. He noted that the establishment of such an endowment is a step towards addressing future challenges rather than merely responding to present needs.
The speaker acknowledged KSM’s over seven decades of service, emphasizing their contributions
to justice, compassion, and national unity. Similarly, the SGF, represented by Mr. Simon Tyungu, described the initiative as more than just a financial fund but a significant investment in institutionalizing compassion. Akume linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which aims for an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. He stressed the importance of partnerships involving faith-based organizations, the private sector, and civil society in achieving lasting progress.
In an opening address, Sir Steve Adehi, the Supreme Knight of the Order, explained that the N2 billion fund aims to transition KSM from reactive fundraising to a sustainable, endowment-driven model. According to Adehi, the baseline capital of the fund will be permanently invested, with income used to support seven core humanitarian pillars, including rural healthcare, education, and widow empowerment.
Mr. Sam Egwu, Deputy Supreme Knight and Chairman of the Endowment Fund Committee, highlighted the Order’s nationwide s
tructure, which includes 303 subordinate councils and 1,750 zones, enabling efficient grassroots aid delivery. Sir Jimoh Johnson, Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Abuja Metropolitan Council, expressed pride in Abuja for pioneering the metropolitan-level launch.
During a Holy Mass preceding the launch, Auxiliary Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Luka Gopep, urged lay Catholics to engage actively in civic duties, using their faith to guide political consciousness. He praised KSM’s initiative, noting that the endowment fund would serve as a lasting legacy of hope for the vulnerable.
NAN also reports that the event included the presentation of Platinum Medals to the SGF and the Speaker.