Archbishop Martins Endorses KSM Lagos Fundraising Drive

The quest by the Knights of St. Mulumba, KSM, Nigeria's Lagos Metropolitan Council to host a successful and digitally driven 47th National Convention has received a significant boost following the endorsement of the fundraising initiative by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins. The endorsement comes ahead of a pre-convention fundraising dinner scheduled for July 3, 2026, where distinguished members and supporters of the Catholic charitable organisation will be honoured as "Champions of Charity" for their longstanding contributions to the works of the Church and KSM.

Archbishop to Co-Sign Commemorative Plaques for Donors

Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for the 47th National Convention, Sir Benjamin Ofodile, disclosed that the Archbishop has agreed to co-sign special commemorative plaques that will be presented to deserving benefactors and supporters during the fundraising event. He said the gesture is a strong affirmation of the Church's support for the convention and recognition of individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to charitable causes over the years - particularly significant for worthy brothers across the 32 Sub-Councils that make up the Lagos Metropolitan Council.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Fundraising and Sponsorship Sub-Committee, Sir Ralph J. Karieren, revealed that he met with Archbishop Martins at the Chancery on June 15, 2026, to seek his blessings and support for the convention plans, which is expected to hold from November 24 to 29, 2026.

The Archbishop has graciously agreed to co-sign the plaques that will be awarded to our Champions of Charity. This endorsement is a major encouragement to all those who have supported the Church and KSM over the decades and those who are still willing to support the success of the forthcoming convention.

— Sir Ralph J. Karieren, Chairman, Fundraising and Sponsorship Sub-Committee

"Limited Edition" Plaques to Carry Three Notable Signatures

The plaques, described as "Limited Edition", will carry the endorsement and signatures of three notable personalities within the Catholic and Knights community: the Worthy Metropolitan Council Grand Knight, Sir Nosa Ehigiator; Vice President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, Sir (Dr.) Charles Mbelede; and Archbishop Martins himself. Organisers disclosed that the plaques would be presented by the President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, who is expected to visit Nigeria during the convention period.

Three Giving Tiers - Platinum, Diamond and Gold

The recognition awards have been structured into three categories aimed at encouraging greater participation in the fundraising campaign. The Platinum Champion of Charity category is reserved for donors contributing ₦1 million and above, the Diamond Champion of Charity category recognises contributions of ₦1 million, and the Gold Champion of Charity category is designated for donors contributing ₦500,000.

The pre-convention dinner is scheduled to hold on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Alfred Adewale Martins Hall, St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 4 p.m. With the Archbishop's endorsement and growing support from local and international Catholic leaders, the Lagos Metropolitan Council appears set to intensify preparations for what members hope will be one of the most successful national conventions in the history of the organisation.