Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has backed the ₦2bn endowment fund and charity initiative of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Lagos Metro Council, describing it as a sustainable approach to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and empowering future generations.

Hamzat spoke at the unveiling of the Hamzat ₦2bn Endowment Fund initiative at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja. The initiative, themed “Investing Today, Sustaining the Mission, Empowering Generations,” is designed to provide long-term financial support for the organisation’s charitable activities.
The deputy governor said the endowment model would allow the organisation to generate income from invested funds and use the proceeds to sustain interventions instead of relying repeatedly on contributions from members.

He said such a structure could help support vulnerable people, provide water projects and assist students with education, among other charitable activities.

Hamzat also called for stronger collaboration between government and religious institutions, arguing that both could work together to address social challenges and strengthen support systems within communities.

He urged the Knights to develop a framework for collaboration with the Lagos State Government and said the model could be replicated by other governments and organisations across the country.
The deputy governor further stressed the need to restore communal values of caring for vulnerable members of society, particularly as communities face economic and social pressures.

He also called for greater investment in young people through education, scholarships and skills development, saying Nigeria needs mechanisms capable of protecting vulnerable citizens from economic shocks and creating opportunities for the next generation.

The Knights of St. Mulumba said the endowment fund is intended to create a stable financial base for its humanitarian work, including education, healthcare, skills acquisition and assistance to vulnerable groups.

The organisation’s Supreme Knight, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, described the project as a legacy initiative aimed at creating sustainable resources for the Church, members of the Order and people in need.

The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, also welcomed the initiative and encouraged members and stakeholders to remain committed to raising the targeted ₦2bn.