OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

  In a surprise move, Ekiti United Football Club has announced the departure of its Chief Coach, Akin Olowokere, effective immediately.  The decision was made by mutual agreement between the club's management and Coach Olowokere, citing personal reasons for his exit. According to the club's media officer, Blessing Akinyemi, Olowokere's departure was amicable, with both parties agreeing that it was in the best interest of the team.  During his tenure, Coach Olowokere led Ekiti United to several notable victories, endearing himself to fans and players alike. Wasting no time, the club's management has promoted Assistant Coach 1, Rotimi Salawu, to the position of Head Coach. Salawu, a seasoned tactician, is expected to bring continuity and stability to the team.  As Ekiti United prepares for its next challenge, fans will be watching with keen interest to see how Coach Salawu fares in his new position.  The club's management has assured supporters that the transition...

The four teams that will be in action on Tuesday October 29 at the finals of the second edition of Agbeyewa Ekiti Secondary schools Football Championship will be beautifully kitted. The assurance was given by the Director of Community Engagement of Agbeyewa Foundation, Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL) during the official presentation of jersey to the teams that will be slugging it out in the third place and final matches. The jersey which are of best quality and different colours were presented to officials of the teams in the presence of members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State chapter led by it's Chairman, Qozeem Oladapo. The Director of Community Engagement who supervised the distribution of the kits said Agbeyewa Foundation was raising the bar of Sports sponsorship through branding, organization and impetus for the participants and officials. He said the brains behind the Agbeyewa Secondary schools Football Championship have not ulterior motives while the...

Ekiti State Government has appointed journalist, Tosin Popoola, as Media Officer of the Ekiti United FC Feeders team. Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Adviser on Sports to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, handed Popoola the appointment letter in her office at Oke Bareke, governor's office in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, October 16. Dr. Osetoba who said the appointment takes immediate effect, congratulated Popoola, urging him to serve diligently and ensure absolute loyalty in his new role. Popoola, with nearly eight years of journalism experience, expressed gratitude to God, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State Chapter, and all who facilitated his appointment. A versatile media professional, Popoola has worked in government and private media establishments and runs his own news blog. This appointment is expected to enhance the team's media presence and communication.

  In a significant development, former governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Elebute-Halle formally announced her return to the APC during a courtesy visit to Ekiti's First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji. Her decision was welcomed by former deputy governorship candidate, Afuye, who had also joined the APC in March 2022. Afuye praised Elebute-Halle's move, saying, "We are delighted to have our principal back in the progressive fold. Her return strengthens our party and demonstrates our commitment to unity and growth." Elebute-Halle cited the APC's "people-oriented policies" and "visionary leadership" as reasons for her return. "I am excited to rejoin the APC family and contribute to the party's efforts in Ekiti State," she said. This development is seen as a boost to the APC in Ekiti State, ahead of future elections. Political analysts...

FG LAUNCHES CNG INITIATIVE IN EKITI, PROMISES RELIEF FROM FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to easing the hardships faced by Nigerians following the fuel subsidy removal, with the launch of the Presidential CNG Initiative in Ekiti State. The initiative, aimed at providing affordable transportation, was unveiled by Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative, at the Ekiti Conversion Incentive Programme and Bus Handover Ceremony held at the Ado-Ekiti City Bus Terminal. Speaking at the event, Oluwagbemi stated that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's palliative measures to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians. "We are committed to bringing relief to the people, and this initiative is a step in that direction," he said. The Ekiti State Government received 15 CNG-powered buses and conversion kits, which will be distributed to commercial transporters. Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State Chapter, has congratulated its Chairman, Alhaji Qozeem Oladapo, on his appointment to the board of the State Sports Development Trust Fund. In a statement signed by secretary Bisi Ogunleye, SWAN described the appointment as well-deserved, citing Oladapo's dedication and commitment to sports development and reportage in the state. The association prayed for wisdom and understanding for Oladapo to excel in his new role and pledged to continue promoting sports growth and development in Ekiti State. SWAN also celebrated the appointments of two other journalists: Chief Laolu Omosilade as Chairman, BSES Board, and Mrs. Fatimah Bello as a member of the Ekiti State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The body of sports journalists commended the Ekiti State government for recognizing their professionalism and expertise, assuring that they will justify the confidence reposed in them.

  The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its dedication to improving the lives of elderly citizens, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, praised the wisdom, intellectual strength, and contributions of elderly citizens to the state and nation's development. BABAFEMI  "Today, we acknowledge the unique roles of our elders in nation-building, and we owe them a debt of gratitude," Babafemi said. Governor Abayomi Oyebanji's administration has implemented various initiatives to support older citizens, including: 1. Easy access to quality healthcare 2. Regular pension payments 3. Payment of outstanding gratuities 4. Frequent engagements with older persons This year's theme, "Aging with Dignity," aligns with the state government's efforts to ensure dignity for older persons. To commemorate the day, Governor Oyebanji has approved a special celebration in October to...

  The Ekiti State Government has showered praise on the organizers of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024, a prestigious under-15 boys and girls football competition.  The tournament, sponsored by the State’s Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Akintunde Oyebode, in honour of his father, the renowned Prof. Akin Oyebode, has reached its thrilling final stages. Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the Technical Advisor to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, while receiving the organizers in her office expressed the state government's admiration for the their' exceptional work in branding and engaging with the Ekiti football community.  Osetoba who was presented the kits for the finals emphasized that the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup has emerged as a shining example of grassroots football development within the state.  "The organizers have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to promoting grassroots football and fostering gender sensitivity," Osetoba commended. "Their efforts have signifi...

  Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State - The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has urged Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to intervene in the alleged high-handedness of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) Chairman, Olaniran Olatona, and his staff. In a communique issued after its monthly meeting, the NUJ expressed concern over petitions and reports from traders and citizens regarding persistent harassment and intimidation by EKIRS workers. "The union has received numerous complaints about the arbitrary sealing of shops, excessive billing, and disrespect shown to traders by Olatona's team," said the communique. Traders alleged that EKIRS workers, acting on Olatona's orders, seal off shops at night and bill them arbitrarily, demanding payments of ₦15,000 to ₦40,000 for shops with stock worth less than ₦50,000. The NUJ warned that Olatona's actions could instigate the public against the government, threatening the state's peace. "We cal...

Prof Akin Oyebode Cup 24: Organizers Unveil Official Kits, Announce a New Date for Grand Final A celebration of the vibrance and excitement of players, fans and stakeholders alike, the organizers of the prestigious Prof.  Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 have unveiled the official kits for the final, as they eagerly anticipate the day, set to take place on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. According to the organizers, the kit for the guests at the finals is crafted in pristine white with vibrant green prints of various sports balls and equipment, complimented by a smart and crew neck collar and matching curves adding a touch of sophistication.  The inclusion of various sports on the dignitaries' kits signifies the sponsors' commitment and passion for the development of youth across all sports, not just football.  This demonstrates the sponsor's, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, dedication to fostering a well-rounded sporting environment and supporting the g...

  As Nigeria clocks 64 and Ekiti clocks 28, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State chapter has joined other groups to rejoice with Nigerian and Ekiti State citizens on the double anniversary of the country's independence and State creation. In a statement by the SWAN Chairman, Qozeem Oladapo and Secretary, Bisi Ogunleye in Ado Ekiti, the body of Sports journalists congratulated the citizens on the new heights attained despite all odds. It noted that Sports have undeniably helped to sustain peaceful coexistence across the world and have also engendered socio-economic development in different spheres of life while also serving like opium that helps people get over their worries and trauma. SWAN commended both the federal and Ekiti State Governments for the renewed commitments towards placing premium on Sports development with a view to exploring the numerous potentials which includes  employment for thousands of youths across the globe. In Ekiti State, the ...

Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.  As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.   Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.  Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our fo...