Preparations for the 47th National Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria received a major boost as the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, agreed to co-sign special plaques to be awarded to distinguished supporters of the Church’s charitable works.
Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for the convention, Sir Benjamin Ofodile, disclosed this while addressing members of the Lagos Metropolitan Council, describing the Archbishop’s endorsement as a significant milestone in preparations for the national gathering scheduled to hold from November 24 to 29, 2026.
According to Ofodile, the plaques will be presented to selected “Champions of Charity” in recognition of their consistent support for the charitable activities of the Catholic Church, KSM Nigeria and the Lagos Metropolitan Council over the years.
He said the recognition programme is targeted at worthy brothers from the 32 Sub-Councils that make up the Lagos Metropolitan Council, as well as other notable individuals who have contributed significantly to charitable causes.
Ofodile noted that Archbishop Martins’ decision to co-sign the plaques further underscores the Church’s support for the initiative and the forthcoming convention.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Fundraising and Sponsorship Sub-Committee, Sir Ralph J. Karieren, said the Archbishop gave his blessing when he met with him at the Chancery on June 15, 2026.
Karieren explained that the recognition plaques, described as a “Limited Edition,” would carry the endorsements of three prominent Catholic personalities.
They include the Worthy Metropolitan Council Grand Knight, Sir Nosa Ehigiator; Vice President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), Sir (Dr.) Charles Mbelede, KSM, FNSE; and Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at encouraging greater support for the works of charity while mobilising resources towards ensuring the successful hosting of the 47th National Convention.
He added that the convention organisers are committed to making the event digitally driven and one of the most successful editions in the history of the organisation.
“The plaques are meant to appreciate and honour worthy brothers who have consistently supported the works of charity of the Catholic Church in general and KSM Nigeria and Lagos Metropolitan Council in particular over the decades and who are still ready, willing and able to support the Metro-Council in ensuring that the 47th National Convention becomes a huge success,” Karieren said.
He further revealed that the President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights is expected to be in Nigeria during the convention period and would personally present the awards to the recipients.
The organisers announced three categories of recognition under the Champions of Charity initiative.
The Platinum Champion of Charity category is reserved for donors contributing N1 million and above, while the Diamond Champion of Charity category is for donations of N1 million. The Gold Champion of Charity category is designated for supporters contributing N500,000.
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Alfred Adewale Martins Hall, St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event is expected to commence at 4 p.m., with participants required to appear in formal attire.
The 47th National Convention is expected to attract members of the Knights of St. Mulumba from across Nigeria and other international Catholic organisations, providing a platform for fellowship, charity and discussions on the role of Catholic knighthood in national development.
