APC Chieftain Emphasizes Charity in Religious Practice During Knights Endowment Fund Launch - Head Topics

Barr. James Kanyip, an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Kaduna State who doubles as the Metropolitan Grand Knight, told attendees at the Endowment Fund launch of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Kaduna Metropolitan Council, that religious practice without charity is meaningless. Speaking on Saturday in Kaduna and quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, Kanyip said that regardless of religiosity, a person without charity is like a noisy gong. He argued that giving does not depend on wealth or public office, stating that a person with N1,000 who cannot give N200 would not give even with N1 billion. Kanyip also said Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a governor for all, identifies with the Knights' cause, and that the governor has 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 in Kaduna, described the initiative as laudable and sustainable. He called for a strict accountability framework to protect the fund, recommending that a constitution, by-laws and investment memoranda clearly define responsibilities for the funds, including preservation of the principal sum. Addressing rising poverty and internally displaced persons in the North-West, Gabriel attributed the problem to a lack of empowerment and called for investment in education and vocational and technical skills. He said government must scale up social interventions while organisations such as the Knights of St. Mulumba sustain charity drives.

Obadiah Simon Nkom, Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence, said the endowment is distinctive because it transcends tribe, religion and geography. He said the initiative is not about building an edifice, adding that endowment cuts across tribes and touches every aspect of humanity, and that the charity work would continue beyond the day of the launch. The event was attended by the Supreme Knight, Deputy Supreme Knight, Noble President, Metropolitan Grand Knight, Reverend Fathers, Sir Dominic Yahaya, member representing Zangon Kataf in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency and the Jagaban of Piriga.