New initiative to empower women, youth in underserved areas

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.