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New SlumPact initiative to empower women, youth in underserved areas

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A newly established non-governmental organisation, the SlumPact Initiative, has officially launched its operations in Nigeria, pledging a commitment to transforming informal settlements and driving inclusive development across the country.

The group, according to a statement on Sunday, enters Nigeria’s development space at a critical time when millions of citizens residing in slum environments continue to battle severe socio-economic challenges, including substandard housing, deplorable healthcare access, high unemployment rates, and systemic social exclusion.

Speaking at the official launch of the non-profit organisation, the Founder of the SlumPact Initiative, Prof. Davies Adeloye, stated that the group’s primary mandate is to bridge the widening gap between overlooked populations and sustainable economic opportunities.

Adeloye said, “Our initiative is not just about addressing poverty but also about unlocking potential, amplifying voices, and fostering dignity within communities that are often overlooked

Communities defined by deprivation also possess immense potential, and we are set to deliver sustainable, community-driven interventions that improve the overall quality of life.”

Reaffirming the organisation’s strategic focus on the most vulnerable demographics within these informal sectors, the management noted that its core framework relies heavily on multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve lasting impact.

The statement read, “The organisation will focus on empowering vulnerable populations, especially women, youth, and children, through targeted programmes that address both immediate needs and long-term development goals. SlumPact Initiative’s strategy is anchored on collaboration, working closely with local communities, government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure that its interventions are impactful and sustainable.”

Addressing the gathering of development experts, stakeholders at the event noted that the intervention aligns seamlessly with national priorities and international developmental frameworks.

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“The launch is highly timely given the increasing need for structured and scalable interventions in Nigeria’s rapidly growing informal settlements. The organisation’s focus directly aligns with national development priorities and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, sustainable cities, and reduced inequalities,” the stakeholders added.

The SlumPact Initiative concluded its launch by announcing that its operational roadmap will span critical development areas, including youth empowerment, skills acquisition, public health awareness campaigns, and active advocacy for inclusive urban policies.

In line with its values, management is committed to transparency, financial accountability, and measurable impact across all project locations.

As operations begin in designated informal settlements, the NGO is calling on corporate bodies, government agencies, international donor entities, and public-spirited individuals to partner with the movement to build resilient communities and create clear pathways out of poverty for vulnerable Nigerians.

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Learn Bible before preaching, Pastor blasts Dolapo Lawal over salvation doctrine

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The lead pastor at Goodness Nation, Apostle Harrison Ayintete, has criticised Pastor of Zoe Household Global, Dolapo Lawal over his teaching against the “once saved, always saved” doctrine, urging the cleric to “learn the Bible before teaching.”

Ayintete, in a post on X, faulted Lawal’s interpretation of salvation, arguing that believers who have received eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ cannot lose their salvation.

The exchange followed Lawal’s recent sermon in which he rejected the “once saved, always saved” doctrine, arguing that salvation requires continued faith, repentance and holy living.

Lawal maintained that while believers can have assurance of salvation through faith in Christ, Scripture repeatedly warns Christians against falling away, abandoning the faith and living contrary to the gospel.

He cited the New Testament epistles and Jesus’ warnings to the seven churches in Revelation as evidence that believers must continue in obedience rather than assume salvation is irreversible regardless of their conduct.

He also argued that teaching unconditional eternal security encourages moral laxity within the church and downplays biblical calls to holiness, insisting that believers must read the whole of Scripture rather than rely solely on verses such as John 3:16.

Lead pastor at Goodness Nation, Apostle Harrison Ayintete…Photo Credit: X / Harrison Ayintete

Responding to Lawal’s sermon, Ayintete wrote, “Pastor Adedolapo Lawal, sir, I thought you knew better than this, though.

“According to your own John 3:16, the one who has believed has eternal life and will perish right?

“Eternal life is quality of life, it is God’s life, you said, so does God’s life see condemnation? Does God’s righteousness perish?”

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He argued that New Testament epistles were written to guide believers towards spiritual growth and maturity rather than to determine whether they remained saved.

“The epistles are for revelation, development in ministry, maturity in that which we have received, warning against lifestyles that do not reflect our righteousness.

“Spiritual development and growth is never the same as spiritual birth,” he said.

Ayintete also rejected Lawal’s claim that the teaching of “hyper-grace” had contributed to increasing sin within the church.

“You even said Hypergrace is the reason sins are everywhere. Bro, how many churches preach Hypergrace? So all the sins in RCCG is sponsored by Hypergrace? All the lies in Deeper Life? They don’t tell lies in your own churches?

“You people talk like you produce some better saints than we do,” he wrote.

He further challenged Lawal to a public debate on the subject, insisting that the issue should be discussed openly.

“If he sure for you say Hypergrace nor dey Bible, set up a proper debate on the subject, I will meet you there because at this point, we need that conversation,” he added.

In a follow-up video, Ayintete accused some ministers of deliberately portraying hyper-grace preachers negatively.

He maintained that Jesus’ promise of eternal life in John 3:16 and John 10 guaranteed permanent salvation for believers.

“The Lord Jesus said in John 3:16 that whosoever has believed in Him has eternal life and will not perish.

“Jesus said over and over, ‘I give them eternal life and they shall never perish.’ Ephesians 1 says we are sealed with the Spirit unto the day of our redemption,” he said.

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Ayintete argued that believers overcome sin through the Holy Spirit rather than fear of hell or losing salvation.

“We believe in hyper-grace, we preach it and we raise godly believers to the glory of God. We are not going to be silent anymore,” he said.

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‘I didn’t secretly sell my husband’s properties’ — Mr Ibu’s widow

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The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, Stella Maris Okafor, has dismissed allegations that she secretly sold her late husband’s properties and kept the proceeds to herself.
Recall that the family of the late actor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, recently opened up about their struggles and financial situation.

In a recent video now making the rounds online, while speaking to content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris explained that the sale of the properties was carried out in line with a court order and with the consent of Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor.

She further backed her claim, stating that she has the relevant documents.

“I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she stated.

She also disclosed that she currently runs an online jewellery business, explaining that her late husband had initially discouraged her from venturing into it while she was still acting.

“I have a page online where I sell jewellery, and I am still selling my jewellery. When I wanted to start this business, my late husband stopped me because I was acting. My late husband was my colleague in the industry,” she said.

She further revealed that she is planning to move out of her current residence, describing it as too expensive and saying she only relocated there due to security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death.

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“I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out.”

Addressing claims by a young man who alleged online that he is one of Mr Ibu’s children and was denied financial support, Stella Maris said disagreements over money began shortly after the actor’s burial.

She alleged that some family members demanded that she share the money given to her during the burial for the upkeep of her children.

“Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were dragging with me over the money that was given to me during the burial. They insisted that I should share the money with them. I told them that this was money given to me for my children. Why should I come and share it with you people?”

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‘I was a thief in my younger years’ – Charly Boy

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Nigerian activist and entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has admitted that he was involved in crime during his younger years in the United States.

Charly Boy made this confession on Friday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

The vocal social commentator said he made several poor decisions in his younger years and engaged in activities he now looks back on with regret.

“I’ve made mistakes in my life. I’ve been a thief. I’ve done very risky things. I’ve done very stupid things, very foolish things. In fact, I have no business being here with you tonight, but I guess there’s a purpose for my life,” he said.

According to the activist, his years in America were filled with reckless choices, including involvement in financial crimes.

“I was doing white-collar crime when I was in America. I was about 25 years old. I was doing a lot of stupid stuff. That’s why I say I’ve been there,” he added.

The social commentator pointed out that rather than hide those parts of his story, he chose to document them fully in his memoir to show his complete journey from rebellion and mistakes to transformation and self-discovery.

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