• To be launched on September 26

The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has applauded the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council’s N2b Endowment Fund, describing the initiative as “a welcome development” for KSM and the Church.

Archbishop Martins spoke recently when he received a KSM Lagos Metro delegation led by the Metropolitan Grand Knight, Sir Nosa Ehigiator, at the Lagos Archdiocesan Chancery. He pledged his support to the initiative.

The cleric noted that older churches had sustained their activities partly through investments, adding that the Archdiocese of Lagos was also considering similar initiatives through its Finance Council.

Sir Ehigiator, who explained the rationale behind the project said KSM could no longer rely indefinitely on members’ contributions to finance its expanding responsibilities, particularly amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. He said excessive reliance on dues and levies could discourage younger people from joining the organisation.

The fund, according to him, “is designed as a permanent pool of invested capital, with the principal preserved and prudently invested while investment income supports approved charitable programmes. The N2b target, which will be launched at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos on September 26, is intended to provide a lasting financial foundation for KSM Lagos Metro’s charitable mission, as well as creating a sustainable financial foundation for our charitable activities.”

Sir Ehigiator said the initiative was being pursued alongside the Endowment Fund concept at the Supreme level of KSM Nigeria, creating a sustainability framework at both levels. He linked the initiative to growing humanitarian needs, observing that KSM’s former “Feed the Hungry programme” had evolved into “Helping Hands” as increasing numbers of people sought assistance.

The fund’s priority areas include healthcare, education, assistance to widows and orphans, prison apostolate, legal aid and social justice, care for victims of violence and crime, and internal welfare.

The meeting also focused on prison decongestion and the reintegration of released inmates.
Sir Ehigiator disclosed that about 1,600 prisoners in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode were reportedly awaiting release, highlighting the financial and social challenges involved.

Archbishop Martins said the Archdiocese had for years considered providing temporary accommodation and support for released prisoners pending their resettlement with their families. He also advocated alternatives to imprisonment, including community service, and called for continued advocacy on prison congestion.

Whilepresenting KSM Lagos Metro Endowment Fund Donor Information Brochure to the Archbishop SirEhigiator
ought his prayers, blessings and support. He also invited him to the September 26 launch. The fund provides for accountability through a Board of Trustees, Investment Committee, independent custodian, licensed fund managers, Grants and Programmes Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and external auditors. The initiative represents KSM Lagos Metro’s shift from short-term fundraising towards long-term financial sustainability, with the vision of ensuring that its service to the Church and society endures across generations. “Investing Today. Sustaining the Mission.

Empowering Generations.” Other members of the delegation included Worthy Brother Emmanuel Dumuje, Chairman, Endowment Fund Committee; Sir Michael Olofinlade, Metro Secretary, KSM Lagos Metro; Lady Efe Ehikhuemen, Provost 1, Ladies of St.

Mulumba (LSM), Lagos Metro, who represented the Metro President, Lady Martha Ilukpekhai; Lady Bernadette Ojo, Worthy Provost 2; and Lady Neta Nwosu, Chairperson, KSM Lagos Metro Endowment Publicity, Media and Communications Subcommittee.