The Federal Government has declared that it cannot tackle Nigeria’s growing social and humanitarian challenges alone, urging faith-based organisations, the private sector, civil society groups and patriotic citizens to join hands in addressing the country’s worsening poverty crisis.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria’s N2 billion Endowment Fund and Integrated Charity Programme, an initiative designed to provide sustainable funding for humanitarian interventions, education, healthcare, legal aid, support for widows and orphans, correctional services and emergency relief.

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The appeal comes amid rising inflation and deepening economic hardship that have left more Nigerians relying on churches, mosques and charitable organisations for survival, stretching the capacity of both government and voluntary groups.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrimage Affairs, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, said solving Nigeria’s social challenges requires collaboration beyond government.

“Government alone cannot solve every social challenge confronting our nation. Sustainable national development requires a genuine partnership among public institutions, faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society.

“Today’s event goes beyond the unveiling of an endowment fund. It is a reaffirmation of the enduring values of compassion, sacrifice, true worship and solidarity upon which every prosperous society is built.”

Abbas also commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for over seven decades of contributions to education, healthcare, youth development, justice and humanitarian services.

He praised the structure of the endowment fund, saying: “I am particularly encouraged that the endowment fund adopts a sustainable financial model, preserving capital while disbursing investment returns to support humanitarian causes year after year. This is a model of prudent stewardship and institutional resilience that deserves emulation by many charitable organisations.”

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by his Special Assistant, Simon Tyungu, said Nigeria’s development challenges demand innovative solutions and stronger partnerships.

“Government alone cannot address every developmental challenge. Lasting progress can only be achieved through strong partnerships involving faith-based organisations, the private sector, civil society and patriotic citizens committed to the common good.”

Describing the initiative as more than just a financial scheme, Akume added: “It represents the institutionalisation of compassion, the sustainability of charity and the deliberate investment in humanity. It is a bold declaration that genuine service to God must find practical expression in service to mankind.”

He urged philanthropists, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative, describing every contribution as “an investment in hope, dignity and a more compassionate society.”

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, pledged support for the programme and encouraged Christian, Muslim and traditional faith organisations to establish similar initiatives for widows, orphans, displaced persons and other vulnerable Nigerians.

“Government cannot do this alone. Nor should it.”

Earlier, the Worthy Supreme Knight of KSM Nigeria, Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), said worsening economic conditions and declining membership contributions prompted the organisation to establish the endowment fund.

According to him, the Order, founded in 1953, has spent over seven decades supporting communities through education, healthcare, legal assistance, humanitarian services and women empowerment programmes.

“Our Order was founded in 1953. In its 73 years of existence, the Order has impacted communities through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, legal assistance and women empowerment programmes.

“As our society is advancing and our economic situation deteriorating, the need for these interventions has increased. These interventions have mostly been funded through dues and levies from members.

“Our membership strength is dwindling owing to death, age and economic decline. In order to respond to these increasing demands, we have to look for alternative ways of funding our charitable works.”

Adehi explained that the endowment fund would permanently change the way the organisation finances its charity programmes.

“We are building a permanent, professionally managed fund. We will keep its baseline capital entirely intact forever. Going forward, we will finance our charity programmes exclusively with the investment income generated by this fund, ensuring we never use the fund’s core capital. Instead, we will continue to grow the capital.”

He disclosed that the Order aims to raise an initial N2 billion, with contributions expected from members, corporate organisations and development partners.

To protect the fund, he said the organisation would amend its constitution to prevent present and future leaders from accessing the principal amount, while investment proceeds would be used to finance healthcare outreach, scholarships, humanitarian relief, legal services, correctional centre interventions, social justice advocacy and emergency support for communities affected by economic or ecological hardship.

“What we build today will serve the Church, strengthen communities and speak for us long after our time on earth has passed,” he added.

Residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, were thrown into panic on Thursday after suspected armed herders reportedly invaded the area, shot a resident and looted several provision stores.

The attack, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., forced traders, customers and residents to flee for safety as the gunmen allegedly fired sporadically upon entering the community.

A resident said people had just begun their daily activities and shop owners were opening for business when the attackers suddenly emerged and opened fire.

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“We have all been on the alert since the attacks on neighbouring communities. So, when people sighted them, they raised the alarm, and everyone started running for safety.

“They moved into people’s shops, looted goods and food items before leaving. Unfortunately, one man was shot, but he was still alive when help arrived. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said the attackers were suspected armed herders.

“Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. by suspected armed herdsmen. They came to Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, shooting sporadically. They shot one person, forcing residents to scamper for safety.

“They burgled shops in the area and carted away goods, particularly food items. This tells you that they are operating very close to our communities. They could not get food elsewhere, so they came into Ohimini and used force to take food from our people.

“The residents identified them as armed herdsmen. The victim who was shot has been taken to the hospital, and we are hopeful that he will survive,” Adole said.

The council chairman disclosed that he immediately informed Governor Hyacinth Alia and alerted security agencies after the attack, prompting the deployment of security operatives to the affected community.

“I informed the governor immediately, and security personnel were promptly deployed to the area. Many security operatives are currently on the ground, while others are combing the surrounding bushes,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comments.

The latest attack comes amid growing concerns over recurring assaults on communities in Benue State, with residents calling for stronger security measures to stem the wave of violence.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to immediately step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a staff member who died at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku said suspending Umahi during the investigation would demonstrate accountability and strengthen public confidence in the process.

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Habila, a 26-year-old from Nok in Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, 2026, at a building within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Expressing sympathy to the deceased’s family, Atiku said condolences alone were not enough without uncovering the truth behind her death.

“First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,” he said.

The former vice-president raised concerns over the pace of the investigation, alleging that no autopsy had yet been conducted and noting that the probe remained under the Ebonyi State Police Command, where Umahi previously served as governor.

Atiku, however, stressed that he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, insisting that only an independent and transparent investigation could establish the facts.

“Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” he stated.

According to Atiku, the death of a young Nigerian inside the residence of a serving minister demands the highest level of transparency and accountability.

He urged President Tinubu to direct Umahi to step aside while investigations continue.

“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” Atiku said.

The former presidential candidate also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.

He further demanded that a comprehensive forensic autopsy be conducted without delay and that the findings be made public.

Atiku also appealed for protection for Habila’s family, urging authorities to ensure they have unrestricted access to information about the circumstances surrounding her death without intimidation.

Meanwhile, Umahi had earlier requested that the police carry out a forensic autopsy by qualified pathologists to determine the exact cause of Habila’s death.

He also asked that her remains should not be released to her family until the autopsy and other investigations are concluded.