By Augustine Aminu
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has described the newly unveiled Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria Endowment Fund as a landmark initiative that will strengthen humanitarian services, promote social development, and deepen partnerships between faith-based organisations and government.
Akume made the remarks while delivering his address as Special Guest of Honour at the official unveiling of the KSM Nigeria Endowment Fund held on Thursday at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja.
The SGF said the launch of the endowment fund goes beyond fundraising, describing it as “the institutionalisation of compassion” and a deliberate investment in humanity that will sustain the Order’s charitable activities for generations.
He commended the leadership of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria for their more than seven decades of service, noting that the Catholic lay organisation has consistently promoted Christian values, moral discipline, social justice, education, peace, and national cohesion through impactful community interventions.
According to him, the Order’s legacy demonstrates that organisations built on integrity, sacrifice and selfless service remain indispensable partners in nation-building.
Akume stressed that the complex developmental challenges facing Nigeria require sustainable partnerships involving government, faith-based organisations, the private sector, civil society and patriotic citizens.
He noted that the KSM Endowment Fund would provide a dependable platform for financing humanitarian programmes, supporting educational initiatives, empowering vulnerable communities, promoting healthcare interventions and advancing other charitable causes.
The SGF further said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous and compassionate Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with credible religious organisations whose programmes complement public efforts in advancing national unity, ethical leadership and social development.
Akume urged individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the endowment fund, describing every contribution as “an investment in hope, dignity and a more compassionate society.”
Speaking on the recognition bestowed on him during the event, the SGF expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Order for presenting him with the Platinum Medal and Citation, saying he accepted the honour with humility and viewed it as encouragement to continue serving God, Nigeria and humanity with dedication.
He described public service as a sacred trust that must always be guided by integrity, accountability, compassion and commitment to the common good.
Akume congratulated the Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), the Supreme Executive Board, the Endowment Fund Committee, and all members of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba Nigeria for conceiving what he described as a visionary initiative that would benefit future generations.
He expressed optimism that the endowment fund would flourish and become a lasting source of hope for the poor, support for the vulnerable, opportunities for young people, and strength for the Catholic Church and the nation at large.
