The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said government alone cannot address Nigeria’s social and economic challenges, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society.
Abbas made the remark on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Endowment Fund and Charity Initiative.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrims, Festus Adefiranye, the Speaker commended the Catholic organisation for establishing an endowment fund to sustain humanitarian interventions.
According to him, lasting national development requires collaboration between government and non-state actors committed to improving the welfare of citizens.
He said the endowment fund reflects a long-term vision of charity by creating a sustainable platform to support vulnerable Nigerians beyond immediate interventions.
Abbas also praised the Knights of St. Mulumba for over 70 years of humanitarian service, youth development and community support across the country.
He noted that religious organisations complement government efforts by reaching underserved communities, promoting moral values and strengthening social cohesion.
The Speaker described the launch of the endowment fund as a reaffirmation of compassion, stewardship, sacrifice and solidarity, adding that these values remain essential to national development.
He reaffirmed the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freedom of religion and urged citizens to embrace tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
According to Abbas, Nigeria’s diversity should encourage mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict.
Also speaking, Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe of Cross River North said the initiative aligns with his long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable people and pledged his support for the endowment fund.
He said humanitarian service has remained a central part of his public life and promised to contribute to the success of the initiative.
