By Kelvin Obambon
The Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM) has lended its voice to widespread calls for review of current economic policies in order to reduce the sufferings Nigerians are experiencing at the moment.
The call was made on Thursday during a press conference preceding the 45th Supreme Council Convention of the Order billed to take place in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, from Friday 29th November, 2024.
Addressing the press, Worthy Supreme Knight, KSM Nigeria, Sir Dr Charles Mbelede, said the Order was deeply concerned about the current dwindling fortunes of the nation, with its attendant hardship and sufferings of so many Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Mbelede lamented the dismal economic index and urged Nigerian leaders to up their games to reverse the trend, while opining that “a thorough review of the current economic policies are expedient to stave off the hopelessness of most Nigerians. We endorse wholeheartedly the Catholic Bishops Conference position on this matter, especially its strident call for humaneness in governance.”
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Speaking about the event in Calabar, the KSM leader explained that “our conventions provide veritable platforms for introspection and reviews of the activities of the Order, during the year. It also provides insights and enablers for the continued growth and development of the Order.
“Interestingly, this convention is holding nine years after the Calabar Metropolitan Council held a similar one here in Calabar. It is also heartwarming that the serene and beautiful environment of this city will provide a commodious setting for our deliberations.
“The convention proper, begins tomorrow, Friday November 29th, 2024 with a Concelebrated High Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Calabar, led by Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem, followed with the formal Opening Ceremony to be declared open by my humble self.
“The theme of this year’s Convention, “Deepening Christian Spirituality and Family Values – Roles and Challenges” is not only apt, but it is germane to our Christian faith. The topic is expected to espouse the spiritual direction of believers and articulate the steps to take to avoid spiritual shallowness. We expect a robust discussion on this very interesting topic. The guest speaker will provide more insights on the theme.
“The Order has consistently utilized the high profile nature of its Opening Ceremonies, for seasoned Prelates, Civil Society Organizations, the Academia, policy formulators and Analysts to give verve to topical national issues, with a view to providing leads and pragmatic solutions to the myriad of socio economic problems besetting our nation. Gentlemen of the Press, I consider it imperative to remind you that the Order is now 71 years, having attained the Platinum benchmark in June 2023.
“The Order with its members have in their 71 years of existence etched themselves as leading lights, not just on christo – centric ideals, but on all spheres of human existence. It has within this period, recorded a trajectory of success, innovations and epochs, anchored on it’s thematic programmes of charity, defence of the Churches’ ordinances and faith. It has utilized its Media Advocacies in keeping Government on its toes by drawing attention to poor governance, and has remained a veritable voice of the voiceless.
“KSM has consistently spoken against all forms of perceived injustices and incidents of oppression and gaging of the Press. KSM has also remained unassailable in its avowed options for the poor, needy, vulnerable and defenceless. Believing that only virtues promote nobility, the Order also consistently turns its searchlight on its members to ensure that they remained focused on its core values and ideals as enshrined in the Constitution and Mission Statement.
“In order to divest the Order from utter dependence on dues, levies and donations, it has in the past couple of years ventured into some business concerns. Apart from its earlier foray into the hospitality business, the KSM Water Project at Owerri imo State has been injected with funds and has come on stream. Its Aura Gold brands are now competing with other brands in the highly competitive Water market. Our Bakery and Confectionary outlet in Onitsha was commissioned on October 28, 2023. The feasibility studies on the two business concerns indicate robust returns on the investments.
“Utilizing its rich global network of contacts, the Order attracted Direct Foreign investments from an American based Partners, Kind One Initiative, under the aegis of Kind One International Well for Charity Project. KSM Nigeria was granted USD20,000.00 (twenty thousand US dollars) for part payment for the provision of articulated boreholes in four semi urban settings in the country. The projects sited in Odo Arawo Ijebu, in Ogun State, Makurdi in Benue State, Ozubulu in Anambra State, and Port Harcourt in Rivers State respectively, have been delivered and handed over to the beneficiaries.
“Satisfied with the prompt delivery and quality of the projects, two additional ones have been approved by our partners for execution. We consider this initiative as praise worthy as these are projects that would ordinarily be provided by sub national governments, since they impact very positively on the well-being of the citizenry. Let me add that no foreign trips were embarked upon by officials of the Order in search of this foreign direct investment.”