Government alone can’t tackle Nigeria’s challenges, says Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the government alone could not address Nigeria’s numerous social and economic challenges, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society.

Abbas stated this on Thursday at the unveiling of the KSM Endowment Fund and Charity Initiative organised by the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Abuja.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrims, Festus Adefiranye, the Speaker commended the Catholic organisation for establishing an endowment fund to sustain humanitarian interventions, describing the initiative as a model of responsible stewardship.

He said, “The House of Representatives recognises and celebrates this invaluable contribution. 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.

The establishment of an endowment fund dedicated to sustaining humanitarian services demonstrates remarkable foresight. It reflects the timeless wisdom that charity should not merely respond to today’s needs, but should be instrumentalised to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“For over 70 years, the Knights of St Mulumba have distinguished themselves as faithful servants of God and humanity. Across our nation, your work of charity, compassion, justice, youth development, and support for the vulnerable has become an enduring testimony of faith translated into services.

“You have consistently demonstrated that authentic religious devotion is measured not only by worship, but by love and action.”

The Speaker noted that the humanitarian activities of religious organisations have complemented government efforts to provide social services and promote national development.

“Religious organisations, in particular, occupy a unique position in nation building because they command public trust, shape moral values, promote social cohesion, and reach communities that former institutions often struggle to serve,” he stated.

Abbas said the launch of the endowment fund represented more than a fundraising event, describing it as a reaffirmation of the values of compassion, sacrifice, stewardship and solidarity.

He added, “Today’s event, therefore, goes beyond the unveiling of an endowment fund. It is a reaffirmation of the enduring values of compassion, sacrifice, stewardship, and solidarity upon which every post-colonial society is built.

Our constitution guarantees every Nigerian freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This freedom remains one of the cornerstones of our democracy and a defining feature of our pluralistic society.

“As a representative of the Nigerian people, I remain firmly committed to promoting the constitutional rights and ensuring that every citizen is free to worship according to the dictates of conscience without fear, discrimination, or intimidation.”

The speaker also urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and national unity, insisting that the country’s diversity should strengthen cooperation rather than division.

He said, “Our diversity should continue to inspire mutual respect rather than division, dialogue rather than hostility, and cooperation rather than conflict.

“The House of Representatives, therefore, stands in solidarity with all religious communities across our country in promoting peaceful co-existence, defending religious liberty, and advancing the common good.

“We reject every form of religious intolerance, extremism, or persecution. Our collective future depends not on the supremacy of our faith over another, but on our shared commitment to justice, peace, human dignity, and national unity.”

Also speaking, the senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Jarigbe, described the initiative as consistent with his long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

He said, “This endowment fund is in line with my philosophy of reaching out to the less privileged. Over the years, as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, and up to this period, now that I am in the Senate, all I have been doing is reaching out to people.

“My work is clearly shown everywhere in Cross River North, and my people love me because of this philosophy. Again, I am happy for the recognition given to him by this honour to be the chairman of today’s occasion.

“I want to assure you that I am going to support this endowment fund 100 per cent, in any way you want me to. Later in the course of the ceremony, I’m going to announce my contribution to this endowment fund launch.”