Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has commended the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council, for establishing a N2 billion endowment fund. The fund aims to create sustainable support for vulnerable people and communities. Hamzat spoke while reacting to the unveiling of the endowment fund, saying the initiative demonstrated the importance of institutionalising charitable intervention rather than relying solely on periodic donations.
The Knights of St. Mulumba Lagos Metropolitan Council recently unveiled the N2 billion Endowment Fund and Charity Initiative. The initiative is designed to provide long-term financial support for charitable activities, including education and assistance to vulnerable members of society. According to Hamzat, the initiative reflects the communal values of Africans. He stressed that communities must develop mechanisms for supporting their vulnerable members and building resilience against economic and social shocks.
Hamzat explained that the endowment model would enable the organisation to generate sustainable income and use the proceeds to support people in need. This includes assisting students and providing other forms of social intervention. He described the approach as a way of institutionalising charity and ensuring that assistance could continue beyond individual donations or one-off interventions.
The deputy governor also called for stronger partnerships between religious institutions and government. He argued that both sectors have roles to play in building resilient communities and addressing social needs. Hamzat said the partnership between government and faith-based organisations should go beyond politics and focus on broader development objectives.
Hamzat urged individuals and organisations to support initiatives promoting education, empowerment, and improved wellbeing. He also used the occasion to highlight the importance of greater participation by young people in governance and public affairs. He pointed to his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, as an indication that young people should not be treated merely as future leaders but encouraged to participate actively in the present political and governance process.
Hamzat, who has served as Lagos State deputy governor since 2019, is the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election. Recent reports have identified Princess Damilola Sonayon James as part of the party's campaign leadership structure. On expectations surrounding his political campaign, he said his approach would be based on commitments made to the electorate.
Hamzat urged voters and supporters to participate in the political process, while expressing hope that his team would fulfil its commitments if given the opportunity to govern. The comments came as political parties in Lagos intensify preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
Key points
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat commends Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria for N2 billion endowment fund.
- Hamzat seeks stronger partnerships between government and faith-based organisations.
- Hamzat urges young people to participate fully in the political system.
