Key Takeaways
- • Barr. James Kanyip, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State and Metropolitan Grand Knight, used the launch of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Kaduna Metropolitan Council's Endowment Fund to argue that giving must be a habit rather than an afterthought.
- • UBA Kaduna Regional Manager Peter Gabriel called for a strict accountability framework, including a constitution, by-laws and investment memoranda that preserve the principal sum.
- • Gabriel linked rising poverty and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-West to a lack of empowerment and called for investment in education and vocational and technical skills.
- • Obadiah Simon Nkom, Special Adviser (Security) to the Minister of Defence, described the endowment as a continuous, non-tribal, non-religious charitable activity rather than a one-off event.
- • The article reports no fund size, pledges or investment figures.
Summary
Barr. James Kanyip, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Kaduna State who also serves as Metropolitan Grand Knight, spoke on Saturday at the launch of an Endowment Fund for the Knights of St. Mulumba, Kaduna Metropolitan Council, in Kaduna. Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, Kanyip said religious devotion without charity is empty, and he argued that giving should become a habit, not an afterthought for the rich and powerful. He said people need not be millionaires or politicians to give, adding that a person with N1,000 who cannot give N200 would not give even with N1 billion.
Kanyip also praised Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a governor for all, and said the governor identifies with the Knights' cause and would support the endowment once fully briefed. He said Sani had demonstrated inclusive governance for Christians, Muslims and all ethnic groups since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
Peter Gabriel, Regional Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Kaduna, welcomed the initiative as laudable and sustainable, saying it would empower future generations and reduce poverty. He called for a strict accountability framework to protect the fund, stating that a constitution, by-laws and investment memoranda must clearly define responsibilities, including preservation of the principal sum. He added that any financial institution providing fiduciary services must act under by-laws agreed by all stakeholders. On poverty and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-West, Gabriel blamed a lack of empowerment and called for investment in education and vocational and technical skills, arguing that government should scale up social interventions while charitable organisations sustain their drives.
Obadiah Simon Nkom, Special Adviser (Security) to the Minister of Defence, who represented the minister, said the endowment stands out because it transcends tribe, religion and geography. He urged the Knights to treat the project as a continuing activity, saying "events end, activities continue forever."
The launch was attended by the Supreme Knight, Deputy Supreme Knight, Noble President, Metropolitan Grand Knight, clergy, the Agwatyap Sir Dominic Yahaya, member representing Zangon Kataf in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), and the Jagaban of Piriga. The article does not disclose the fund's target size, initial capital or governance structure.
Kanyip also praised Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a governor for all, and said the governor identifies with the Knights' cause and would support the endowment once fully briefed. He said Sani had demonstrated inclusive governance for Christians, Muslims and all ethnic groups since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
Peter Gabriel, Regional Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Kaduna, welcomed the initiative as laudable and sustainable, saying it would empower future generations and reduce poverty. He called for a strict accountability framework to protect the fund, stating that a constitution, by-laws and investment memoranda must clearly define responsibilities, including preservation of the principal sum. He added that any financial institution providing fiduciary services must act under by-laws agreed by all stakeholders. On poverty and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-West, Gabriel blamed a lack of empowerment and called for investment in education and vocational and technical skills, arguing that government should scale up social interventions while charitable organisations sustain their drives.
Obadiah Simon Nkom, Special Adviser (Security) to the Minister of Defence, who represented the minister, said the endowment stands out because it transcends tribe, religion and geography. He urged the Knights to treat the project as a continuing activity, saying "events end, activities continue forever."
The launch was attended by the Supreme Knight, Deputy Supreme Knight, Noble President, Metropolitan Grand Knight, clergy, the Agwatyap Sir Dominic Yahaya, member representing Zangon Kataf in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), and the Jagaban of Piriga. The article does not disclose the fund's target size, initial capital or governance structure.
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