By Sir Ayoo Paschal Ayoo
The Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria, and the Federal Government have underscored the importance of a cordial relationship between the Church and the State in advancing national development, improving social welfare and addressing the challenges confronting vulnerable Nigerians.
The position emerged during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation of the Order, led by the Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The engagement highlighted the enduring contributions of religious institutions to nation-building and the need for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations in tackling poverty, expanding access to essential services and empowering communities.
Speaking during the visit, Sir Adehi reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to humanitarian service, noting that charitable outreach had remained central to its mission throughout its 70-year history.
He identified some of the Order’s interventions as the award of educational scholarships, payment of medical bills for indigent patients, securing the legal release of minor prison inmates, construction of water boreholes, and renovation of schools and healthcare facilities across the country.
These interventions, he said, reflected the capacity of faith-based organisations to complement government efforts in meeting the social needs of citizens, particularly those who are poor and vulnerable.
As part of its renewed commitment to this mission, the Order has launched a ₦2 billion endowment fund to strengthen poverty alleviation initiatives and facilitate strategic partnerships across sectors. The fund is intended to expand the reach of its humanitarian interventions and support efforts to mitigate the socio-economic pressures facing vulnerable communities.
The initiative further illustrates the potential of collaboration between religious organisations, public institutions and other development stakeholders in mobilising resources and delivering sustainable social interventions.
In his response, Senator Akume commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for its decades of service to humanity and its contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The SGF emphasised the historic role of the Church in supporting public welfare, particularly through the provision of basic education and essential healthcare services. He acknowledged the longstanding contributions of religious institutions to these sectors and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with KSM Nigeria in advancing community development initiatives.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Order to recognise the SGF’s support. Sir Adehi presented Senator Akume with a commemorative plaque marking the Order’s 70th anniversary and expressed appreciation for his continued support and warm reception.
The engagement reinforced the importance of constructive Church-State relations founded on mutual respect, shared responsibilities and a common commitment to the welfare of citizens.
The Order’s latest initiative, alongside its longstanding humanitarian programmes, underscores its commitment to translating its Catholic values of faith, service and brotherhood into practical interventions that advance human dignity and the common good.
