The federal government has called on faith-based organisations to deepen collaboration with government in advancing national development, social justice and poverty alleviation, declaring that sustainable progress requires collective action across all sectors.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the call in Abuja during the unveiling of the N2 billion Endowment Fund and Integrated Charity Programme of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria.
Represented by his special assistant, Chief Simon Tyungu, Akume described the endowment fund as a visionary initiative that reflects the ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the initiative provides a structured framework for philanthropy that aligns with the administration’s drive to build an inclusive, prosperous and compassionate nation.
“This initiative aligns remarkably with the vision of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous and compassionate Nigeria where every citizen is given the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
The SGF stressed that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of national development, noting that the humanitarian work of faith-based organisations complements public efforts in addressing poverty and promoting national unity.
He said the Tinubu administration recognises the stabilising role of religious organisations in promoting peace, ethical leadership and support for vulnerable citizens.
“We remain committed to working with credible organisations such as the Knights of Saint Mulumba, whose activities complement public efforts in advancing social development and national unity,” he added.
Akume urged corporate organisations, philanthropists and wealthy Nigerians to support the endowment fund, describing every contribution as an investment in humanity, hope and national stability.
The newly launched fund is designed to provide a permanent and self-sustaining financial base for the Catholic Order’s humanitarian programmes.
Income generated from investments will finance free healthcare outreaches, scholarships for indigent students, humanitarian assistance to victims of violence and internally displaced persons, as well as free legal services and prison reform initiatives across the country.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to protecting every Nigerian’s constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Christian Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, Abbas said parliament would resist every form of religious intolerance, extremism and persecution.
“Our religious diversity is not a weakness; it is one of our greatest strengths. Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths have lived together for generations, sharing communities, businesses, aspirations and family ties.
“Our diversity should continue to inspire mutual respect rather than division, dialogue rather than hostility and cooperation rather than conflict,” he said.
The Speaker maintained that Nigeria’s future depends on justice, peace, human dignity and national unity rather than the supremacy of any religion.
He also admitted that government cannot single-handedly address the nation’s social and economic challenges.
“Government alone cannot solve every social challenge confronting our nation. Sustainable national development requires a genuine partnership among public institutions, faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society,” Abbas said.
He commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for more than 70 years of humanitarian service in education, healthcare, youth development and prison apostolate, describing the endowment fund as a model for institutionalised charity.
Abbas further pledged legislative support through progressive laws and effective oversight to encourage corporate philanthropy and transparent public-private partnerships.
Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the objectives of the endowment fund resonate with his administration’s emphasis on security and humanitarian interventions.
According to him, Kogi State has recorded significant victories against kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery since he assumed office in January 2024.
“The core of this initiative and the core of my administration are united on the same principle. Security and humanitarian activities are the highest priority of my government because behind every kidnapping, every act of banditry and every terrorist attack, there is a family whose life has been shattered,” he said.
Ododo disclosed that his administration integrated 2,752 vigilantes into a structured security framework, equipped more than 1,050 hunters across the state’s 21 local government areas, established a Quick Response Unit, procured 50 armoured patrol vehicles and deployed combat drones to strengthen security operations.
He added that a new 21 Battalion Barracks was established in Anyigba in partnership with the Nigerian Army.
Highlighting recent successes, the governor said 23 kidnapped victims were rescued along the Ayegunle-Bunu Road, while security operatives foiled an attempted abduction of primary school pupils in Iluke.
He revealed that notorious bandit kingpins Kachalla Kabiru and Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, alongside 15 gang members, were neutralised in separate joint military operations in February and June, preventing a planned mass abduction of WAEC candidates.
“These men were national nightmares. They terrorised communities across seven states. In our state, they finally met the justice they had for so long evaded,” Ododo said.
He thanked President Tinubu for providing air support to security agencies and for allocating ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 national budget.
The governor also highlighted investments in healthcare and social welfare, including quarterly palliatives for vulnerable households, a ₦7 billion rehabilitation programme for 88 primary healthcare centres, upgrades of more than 300 PHCs and the launch of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme.
Earlier, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria, Steve Adehi (SAN), said the N2 billion Endowment Fund marks a major shift from dependence on periodic fundraising and members’ dues to a permanent investment-driven funding model.
Adehi explained that the fund was conceived in response to worsening economic conditions, declining membership and increasing humanitarian demands.
“We must move from reaction to readiness. A mission meant to endure for generations cannot depend only on one appeal after another. It cannot depend on dues and levies,” he said.
He explained that the endowment would preserve its principal capital while only investment income would be utilised to finance charitable programmes, ensuring sustainability for future generations.
“Our baseline capital will remain intact forever. It is only the investment income that will be used for charitable programmes, while the principal continues to grow,” he said.
Adehi disclosed that the Order is targeting an initial capital base of ₦2 billion, with support expected from individuals, corporate organisations, foundations and governments.
He said proceeds from the fund would support rural healthcare, scholarships, humanitarian relief for victims of violence, welfare for widows and orphans, correctional centre interventions, pro bono legal services and emergency assistance for communities affected by economic or environmental crises.
The Supreme Knight assured donors that stringent governance and accountability mechanisms had been established to safeguard the fund and guarantee transparency in its management.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
