The Worthy Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria, Dr Charles Mbelede, on Thursday declared open the 46th Supreme Council Convention of the Order in Kaduna, urging government at all levels to intensify efforts toward economic stability, security and justice sector reforms.

Addressing journalists at a pre-convention press briefing, Mbelede praised the Nigerian media as “pillars of democracy” and reaffirmed the order’s commitment to press freedom and public accountability.

He said the interaction was an integral part of the five-day convention hosted this year by the Kaduna Metropolitan Council.

He described the press as partners in nation building, citing its role in unearthing corruption, setting national agendas and strengthening democratic governance.

“We consider the ever vibrant Press in Nigeria as our partners in progress,” he said

According to him, the 46th convention will formally opens on Friday with a co-celebrated Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, followed by an opening ceremony to be declared by Gov. Uba Sani at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

This year’s theme, ‘The Catholic Knight: An Agent of Hope in the Face of Christian Persecution’, is expected to provoke extensive national discussion amid rising concerns about targeted attacks on Christians in parts of the country.

Mbelede said the subject became more topical following international reactions including recent remarks by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz calling for sanctions on Nigerian officials, which the Nigerian government strongly rejected.

He announced that the lead paper would be delivered by the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, described as “one of Nigeria’s finest clerics” with deep knowledge of the security challenges in northern Nigeria.

University scholars Rev. Fr Prof. Peter Tanko and Prof. John Laah will serve as discussants.

He said the Supreme Knight disclosed that the order had revitalised its investment portfolio over the last four years to reduce dependence on dues and donations.

“KSM’s bakery and water production ventures in Onitsha and Owerri had been upgraded and were now running “in full throttle,” he said.

He also announced the successful implementation of solar-powered water projects across seven Nigerian communities, funded in partnership with U.S.-based charities; Kind One International and Charter House/Kind One.

The projects, executed in Anambra, Benue, Rivers, Ogun, Delta and Kaduna State, were achieved without foreign trips, he noted.

Speaking on the state of the nation, KSM sought for more economic relief.

While acknowledging reported improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators, Mbelede said ordinary Nigerians were yet to feel the impact.

“Inflation and prices of consumer items are still high and impinging negatively on disposable incomes,” he said, calling for additional measures to cushion hardship and protect vulnerable citizens.

He urged state governments to prioritise job creation to curb youths unemployment and appealed to the security agencies to sustain efforts towards restoring peace nationwide.

Reiterating the order’s long-standing advocacy for prison reforms, Mbelede expressed worry over the persistent congestion in correctional facilities, with over 84,000 inmates recorded last year against a 50,000-capacity system.

He said the order had engaged with the Ministry of Interior and other justice sector institutions, adding that the Federal Government had begun prioritising the new prison infrastructure.

KSM, he added, had directed its diocesan organs to intensify charity, legal aid and medical outreach in prisons nationwide.

Mbelede announced the official approval of the order’s Constitution by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing it as a “grand norm” for seamless operations.

He also revealed his recent election as Deputy International President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), making him the second Nigerian to hold such office.

The order also honoured Super Falcons Head Coach, Sir Justin Madugu, a member and Grand Knight of Yola Sub Council, for leading Nigeria to victory at the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

Mbelede said Madugu’s achievements embodied the values of excellence, resilience and service upheld by the order.

The Supreme Knight commended Sani for his strides in restoring peace, religious tolerance and infrastructural growth in Kaduna State, describing the city as a “ serene setting” for the national gathering.

He urged journalists to provide full coverage of the convention’s activities and thanked them for their support.