Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed support for a sustainable charity initiative by the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council. The council recently unveiled a ₦2 billion endowment fund aimed at providing long-term financial support for charitable activities, including education and assistance to vulnerable members of society. Hamzat commended the initiative, saying it demonstrates the importance of institutionalizing charitable intervention rather than relying solely on periodic donations.
The endowment fund is designed to generate sustainable income and use the proceeds to support people in need. According to Hamzat, this approach reflects the communal values of Africans, stressing that communities must develop mechanisms for supporting their vulnerable members and building resilience against economic and social shocks. He described the initiative as a way of institutionalizing charity and ensuring that assistance can continue beyond individual donations or one-off interventions.
Hamzat emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between religious institutions and government, arguing that both sectors have roles to play in building resilient communities and addressing social needs. He called for a system that can absorb shocks, saying that communities must be prepared to protect themselves against economic and social challenges. The deputy governor also urged individuals and organizations to support initiatives promoting education, empowerment, and improved well-being.
The initiative is part of a broader trend of religious and charitable organizations supporting education, skills development, and vulnerable groups in Lagos. Hamzat, who has served as Lagos State deputy governor since 2019, is the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election. He highlighted the importance of greater participation by young people in governance and public affairs, citing his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, as an example.
Hamzat said that young people should not be treated merely as future leaders but encouraged to participate actively in the present political and governance process. He urged young people to participate fully in the political system, saying such participation would provide them with opportunities to contribute to society. The traditional description of young people as “leaders of tomorrow” should give way to greater recognition of their role in contemporary governance.
On expectations surrounding his political campaign, Hamzat said his approach would be based on commitments made to the electorate. He emphasized the importance of integrity in governance, saying that those seeking public office should be prepared to fulfill commitments made to voters. Hamzat expressed hope that his team would fulfill its commitments if given the opportunity to govern.
The comments came as political parties in Lagos intensify preparations for the 2027 governorship election. Hamzat’s call for government-faith partnership and sustainable charity initiatives is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the election. The APC governorship candidate’s emphasis on education, empowerment, and improved well-being is expected to resonate with voters in the state.
Key points
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat commends Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria for ₦2 billion endowment fund.
- Hamzat seeks stronger partnerships between government and faith-based organizations.
- The initiative aims to provide long-term financial support for charitable activities in Lagos.
