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.

“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.

The Coordinator of Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Prof Fassy Yusuf, on Tuesday said that this year’s celebration will be devoted to celebrating the indelible legacy of selflessness and the exemplary leadership of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died last year July at the age of 91 after reigning for 65-years.

Yusuf also debunked a narrative circulating on social media that the Ojude Oba festival would not be celebrated because of the transition of Oba Adetona, saying that the highly revered royal father had warned that nothing should hinder the annual celebration, even after his death.

This is just as the First Lady and the wife of the President, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, alongside Gov Dapo Abiodun and his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, as well as the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, are expected to be the special guests of honour at this year’s festival, which is celebrated two days after the Muslim Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The Professor of Mass Communication disclosed this during a world press conference held at the Awujale palace on Tuesday.

He explained that the theme of this year’s festival, “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating The Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona”, was inspired by the remarkable life, enduring legacy, and monumental contributions of the late traditional ruler, whose reign was marked by uncommon courage, visionary leadership, unwavering devotion to the Ijebu people, and transformational strides in governance.

He stated that “Throughout his illustrious reign, Oba Adetona broke barriers, demystified age-long jinxes, redefined the institution of monarchy, and repositioned the Ijebu Nation on the global cultural and socio-political landscape.

“His leadership brought renewed prestige, unity, development, and pride to the traditional institution, while his wisdom and progressive disposition changed the narrative of kingship in Nigeria and beyond.

“The 2026 edition of Ojúdé Ọba Festival, therefore, serves not only as a celebration of culture and heritage, but also as a solemn tribute to the longest- reigning monarch in the history of Ijebuland — a revered royal icon whose legacies remain indelible and whose impact will continue to resonate across generations.”

He added that in recent times, certain voices and interests, through both traditional and social media platforms, had sought to create uncertainty around the continuity of the Ojude Oba Festival following the transition of the highly revered monarch, Oba Adetona.

Yusuf stated that various campaigns and insinuations, particularly the “No Awujale, No Ojude Oba” narrative, sought to cast doubt on the future of this globally acclaimed cultural institution.

He disclosed that the history, tradition and the collective will of the Ijebu people have prevailed because the festival transcends personalities as it is a timeless cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity, pride and unity of the Ijebu nation.

The Ijebu Ode High Chief revealed that suspending the festival because of the royal transition would not only have undermined decades of cultural preservation and economic advancement, but would also have inflicted immeasurable loss on the people and their traditions, the tourism potential, the economy and the global cultural standing.

He added that “Indeed, our highly respected late Kabiyesi himself made it abundantly clear that Ojude Oba must never be suspended on account of his passage or during any interregnum.

“According to his noble conviction, the festival remains a sacred cultural institution that must continue to flourish up to eternity.

“It is, therefore, with great pride, confidence and a deep sense of responsibility that we announce to the world today that the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival shall hold with all its grandeur and splendour by the grace of Almighty God.

“The festival remains alive, vibrant and firmly established as a unifying symbol of our ur heritage, our religious tolerance, our pride and our collective destiny as a people.

“The grand finale of the 2026 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival is expected to hold on Friday, May 29, 2026, being two days after the celebration of Eid-el- Adha (Ileya Festival).”

This year’s edition of the festival is expected to witness the spectacular participation of about 90 male and female Age Grades (Regberegbe), all elegantly adorned in resplendent and richly coordinated traditional attires that reflect the depth, creativity, pride, and cultural sophistication of the Ijebu people.

Equally, 25 distinguished families of warlords and warrior lineages—renowned for their historic roles in defending the Ijebu kingdom before the colonial annexation of Ijebu, are expected to participate in the celebrated equestrian display and horse riding to the festival pavilion, where they pay homage to the Awujale.

Historical accounts reveal that with the advent of Islam in Ijebuland, the reigning monarch granted adherents of the new faith the freedom to practise their religion peacefully and without discrimination.

This atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect fostered religious harmony within the kingdom.

Consequently, after the celebration of Eid-el-Adha (Ileya), members of the Muslim community would, on the third day, gather to pay homage to the monarch in appreciation of his goodwill, accommodation, and support for peaceful coexistence.

Over the years, this gesture of appreciation and gratitude gradually transformed into what is now known as the Ojude Oba Festival.

Today, the festival attracts millions of participants and visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people.

More importantly, it remains a shining example of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and communal harmony — a priceless cultural gift of the Ijebu nation to Nigeria and the world.

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Popular television host and media personality, Frank Edoho, has fired back at allegations of infidelity and financial irresponsibility levelled against him by his estranged wife, Sandra Onyenucheya, amid the messy online fallout trailing their failed marriage.

Speaking on the controversy after Sandra publicly accused him of cheating, emotional abuse and abandoning his responsibilities as a father, Edoho claimed that her alleged relationship with singer, Chike, was one of the final straws that led to the collapse of the marriage.

According to him, he initially attempted to salvage the relationship for the sake of their children despite allegedly discovering evidence of an affair between Sandra and the singer.

“Since December 2022 till January last year (2025), that news that came out is very true. I approached that stupid guy because this is my second marriage. I asked him if he knew who I was and he was shaking like a leaf. I asked him what he was doing with my wife. He had a serious girlfriend he was engaged to, Precious.

“I told him that if my wife was stupid enough to cheat on her husband, why would he encourage it? He said, ‘Is that what she told you?’ and I told him I have the recordings of him talking to my wife. I told him I have two boys with this woman and I want to raise them. Leave this woman alone and maybe, she will come to her senses. I will overlook it and take one for my sons but they continued,” he said.

Edoho further alleged that Sandra actively encouraged the relationship with the singer despite his efforts to preserve the marriage.

“In the audio, she was the one encouraging the guy. I don’t know what I did to deserve that. I sent her to school in 2010 and 2011 and I said she should do a business. We settled for interior design, and I found her first carpenter for her. I raised everything and studied interior design photography because of her for four years.

“I was doing all that for my wife until I raised her to the point that trouble started. She felt she was big and started an affair with this guy,” he added.

The veteran broadcaster also revealed that there was a period he walked away from the marriage for about three months before Sandra persuaded him to return.

Speaking further on the divorce proceedings, Edoho claimed Sandra initiated legal action after discovering that he had moved on emotionally.

“There was a point when she saw that I had moved on and she saw me with a beautiful girl and she took me to court that she wants a divorce. It was just like anger.

“She was asking me to pay her N4m every month for the children’s upkeep and I said that it’s not happening. When I brought my evidence to court, the judge just said please, you know there are children involved,” he said.

He also stated that he will release evidences to back up his claims. He explained that he had used a technology to secretly record her calls with Chike after she promised to not return. In some of the audios which leaked online, Sandra admitted that the divorce was not Edoho’s fault.

Meanwhile, in an earlier call with Saturday Beats, Edoho had declined further public engagement over the controversies trailing the collapse of the second marriage

He had said, “I am not going to grant any interview because what is the gain for me in talking to PUNCH about my life?” he said.

The media personality also reacted briefly to claims made by his estranged wife regarding allegations of infidelity and financial responsibility during their marriage. Laughing off the claims, he said, “Indeed. And I left her two years ago and she is still sponsoring. Don’t worry, let people have that perspective.”

One X user identified as Danny of Owerri stirred further conversations when he pointed out that singer, Chike, had an affair with Edoho’s estranged wife.

“But why would Chike sleep with Frank Edoho’s wife. Why? I use to see Chike as a responsible guy,” the user wrote.

Reacting to the outpouring of sympathy from fans, Edoho revealed that he and Sandra had already been separated for almost two years before the current online uproar.

“I truly appreciate the empathy. While I understand that the public is only just becoming aware of this chapter, I have lived through it privately for quite some time now(almost 2 years) and have since made peace with it emotionally,” he stated.

Meanwhile, social media users continued to dissect online activities involving Sandra and Chike after both parties shared the same love themed song on Friday. The song, titled, “You’re The Closest To Heaven,” by an Australian singer, sparked speculation among fans who interpreted the posts as subtle messaging amid the controversy.

Attention also shifted to an earlier interview granted by Chike on The Unpack Podcast hosted by NAY, where the singer spoke about his preference for older women in relationships.

As conversations intensified online, Sandra also took to her Instagram page on Thursday, May 15, 2026, to share her side of the story in a lengthy post titled, “Surviving A Bitch Ass Nigga, Frank Edoho.”

In the post, she accused Edoho of infidelity, emotional abuse, neglect and financial irresponsibility during their marriage.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim.

“Choosing to marry a man, raising our beautiful kids, single handedly building and growing a successful design business and giving myself wholly, undiluted and faithful through and through!

“Until you decided that while I am pregnant with our first child, you would rather have a prolonged affair that lasted years with an actress, Mbong Amata amongst other women.

“Where do I even begin? The nights crying on the floor begging that you see me, with you walking out and not returning for days!”

She further alleged that Edoho discouraged her from keeping their second child and accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as a father.

“Or the days you tormented me to abort our second child because you were in numerous relationships and not ready to be a father?!

“Throughout the emotional, physiological, mental and physical torture and abuse, I stayed committed, faithful, shielding you, carrying like egg. But you are a shell. Washed up and dried out. You live for validation of the Internet. So enjoy your 10 seconds of pity party.

“A dead beat! That is exactly what you are. I singlehandedly sponsored your lavish lifestyle.

“I singlehandedly paid all your bills, the trips, business class tickets, 5 star hotels, luxury trips, all the home bills including that of the other children from your previously failed marriage. I took your mum abroad to the United States, and she lived in my parent’s home for years! I tried to cover you.

“Have you ever paid school fees? Have you ever? All you did was abuse the financial access you had to my funds. Squandering my money on prostitutes and loose women.”

Sandra also named and tagged several women she alleged Edoho was romantically involved with during their marriage.

“So many numerous transactions in Lekki hotels, air bnb, lounges and bars. Sold my property without my permission for chicken change and still squandered the earnings from it within one week! On different girls. Documented evidence dey! Chai!

“Disappearing for weeks on end! With loose women and whores like Adaeze Ugboaja at The Hardrock Cafe, or is it Tega Dominic @its_tegadominic the BBNaija girl, or is it Amaka Okeke @diaryofalionqueen, whom you claimed you were trying to get endorsement and sponsorship for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire who you brought into our home to sleep with on our matrimonial bed?

“Or is it the smelling prostitutes whom you led into our home? Where I had to video record you escorting her to the gate! Or is it the whore you had on your Snapchat frolicking in her bikini snapping with your own phone while you were there blowing kisses to her?”

Explaining why she eventually walked away from the marriage, Sandra maintained that she remained faithful throughout the relationship but eventually decided to prioritise herself and her wellbeing.

“Where do I start? Where do I begin?

“I was a great wife, a faithful wife to the core.

“But a time comes when a woman must choose herself. I chose myself and walked away, filed for divorce too. As an adult woman, I am free to be friends with and date whomever I please. Please, move on with your life. To family and friends who have walked this journey with me and know the truth, thank you for your prayers and support,” she added.

Meanwhile, the women she called out debunked having any form of romantic relationship with Edoho.

Debunking the allegations, Okeke wrote on Instagram, “Over the past few hours, my name has been wrongly linked to false and baseless allegations currently circulating online.

For clarity, Frank Edoho and I met in 2024 on strictly business related matters and only became good friends in May 2025 when he was dealing with a personal matter which I will not bring up here for privacy reasons. Any narrative beyond this is completely untrue.

I am deeply disappointed to see my name attached to narratives that are malicious, baseless, and entirely inaccurate.

I kindly ask that people refrain from spreading unverified claims that may harm individuals, families, and reputations.

I remain focused on my work and will not be engaging further on this matter. My legal team have been informed accordingly and will take action in due course. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support.”

Tega Dominic also posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “It’s all cap,” she wrote.

Sandra Onyenucheya is a Nigerian entrepreneur and interior designer known for her luxury interior brand, Vivabella Designs and VivabellaHome. Through her social media pages, she frequently shares projects, luxury home inspirations and travels across different countries in search of premium interior pieces and designs.

Edoho, on the other hand, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable television personalities. He gained widespread fame as the host of the Nigerian edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and has also worked in broadcasting, events hosting and media production for decades.

This is not Edoho’s first failed marriage. Before his union with Sandra, he was married to broadcaster, Katherine Obiang. The marriage produced children before the couple eventually separated years ago. Their split also generated public attention at the time, though both parties later moved on with their lives privately.

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