OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

  Gateway Games: Ekiti Wins Bronze in Ayo Olopon, Secures Boxing Victories (Ekiti NSF Media 2025) Team Ekiti added to its medal tally on Tuesday at the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in Ogun State, clinching a bronze medal in the traditional game of Ayo Olopon. The medal came through Yaya Omolara, who outplayed her opponent in the women’s singles category to secure the win. In boxing, Ekiti began its quest for more medals with impressive performances in the preliminary rounds. Aboderin Ramadan defeated FCT’s Olaiya Quadri in the 55kg male category, while Wole Omotola also recorded a victory over Emmanuel Kingsley of Niger State in the 65kg class. More Ekiti boxers are scheduled to compete today (Wednesday), with those who advanced on Tuesday aiming to maintain their winning form and move closer to medal contention. Ekiti also recorded a 3–1 win against Sokoto in the men’s team event of badminton. Meanwhile, the team is expected to participate in golf, tennis, and oth...

  Ekiti United FC Clinches NLO League Centre, Earns Playoff Spot Ekiti United FC has emerged as the winner of the Ijebu Ode centre in the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO) campaign, securing a place in the playoff stage following a commanding 3-1 victory over Living Voice FA. The match got off to a flying start with Hakeem Amuda finding the back of the net in the opening minute and doubling the lead just six minutes later. Ekiti United controlled the tempo for much of the first half, heading into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage. Living Voice FA managed to pull one back in the second half, but their momentum was short-lived as an own goal widened the gap once more, effectively sealing the win for Ekiti United. The triumph capped off a strong group stage run, during which the team remained unbeaten. Head Coach Salau Rotimi commended the players for their determination and team spirit. He credited their success to unity and divine favour, while also appreciating the...

  Coach Bolarinwa Idris Bids Farewell to Green Lock FC After Transformative Tenure Coach Bolarinwa Idris, affectionately known as “Nigeria’s Pep Guardiola,” has officially ended his successful spell at Green Lock FC, closing a chapter that redefined the club’s identity and elevated its reputation as a breeding ground for Nigerian football talent. Though his departure marks the end of a notable era, his legacy is set to leave a lasting imprint on the team and beyond. During his time at the helm, Coach Idris led Green Lock FC to several notable achievements. The team emerged as unbeaten champions in January 2024, showcasing tactical discipline and team cohesion. That same year, they finished 4th in the FCT Center of the Nationwide League One (NLO), a commendable feat given the competition's depth. Their momentum continued during a four-match training tour in Antalya, Turkey, where they netted 22 goals, conceded just four, and recorded two clean sheets, an emphatic statement of their ...

Torch of Unity Lands in Ekiti as State Gears Up for National Sports Festival Excitement is building in Ekiti State as the Torch of Unity, a symbolic emblem of national sportsmanship, arrived ahead of the 2024 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16 to 30. The arrival ceremony brought together key figures in Ekiti’s sports community, with Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, highlighting Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s unwavering dedication to using sports as a catalyst for youth and human capital development. Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sports Development, also praised the governor’s efforts, stating that the state is fully prepared and motivated to participate in the festival with high hopes. Representing the National Sports Commission, Inkora Obora, who led the Torch of Unity team, emphasized that beyond competition, sports remain a powerful force for unity, peace, and national cohesion. Hon. Sunday Ola, Cha...

Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba: A Year of Transformative Sports Development in Ekiti State It has been one impactful year since the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba as the Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji.  In this period, the Emure-born sports administrator has quietly but effectively driven significant progress across the state’s sporting landscape, contributing to a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the sector. Under her watchful and proactive guidance, the sports ecosystem in Ekiti has witnessed remarkable upgrades, ranging from infrastructure development to athlete welfare.  Notable among the achievements is the renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, a key facility that now stands revitalized as a beacon of sporting pride for the state.  In addition, the installation of a new AstroTurf pitch has elevated the standard for training and competition, drawing commendations from stakeholders and ent...

 OGILOSKOPE'S BIRTHDAY ODE TO A MENTOR   Bayo-lanlege Kehinde O rise, ye sun, and cast thy golden blaze, Upon this noble soul we crown with praise! Today the heavens pause, the earth stands still, To honour one whose life bends fate to will. Mr. Lanlege! The name rings bold and true, A compass star for those who journey through The stormy pitch of football’s fateful game, Where glory dances close to grit and flame. A mentor wise, with vision sharp as steel, He shaped young dreams upon the spinning wheel. Where others saw just grass and fleeting fame, He saw a world reborn and carved his name. Through trials thick, through doubt's consuming mist, He held aloft his torch with iron fist. To many lost, his voice became the light, A beacon blazing in the darkest night. The fields he touched now bloom with stories told, Of boys made giants, of iron hearts turned gold. He taught the game but more, he taught the man: To fight with honour, play with sacred plan. So now we raise ou...

  EKITI GOVERNMENT REJECTS CLAIMS OF HARASSMENT AGAINST ATHLETES, DEFENDS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT POLICIES The Ekiti State Government has firmly dismissed allegations circulating on social media that suggest its officials harassed athletes in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly refusing to represent the state in sporting events. In a press statement issued to journalists, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, described the reports as misleading and a deliberate distortion of facts.  She emphasized that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains fully committed to sports development and the welfare of athletes across the state. Dr. Osetoba underscored the government's deliberate efforts to empower youth through sports by investing heavily in infrastructure, training, and development programs. “The government recognizes the transformative power of sports in unlocking the potential of young people and is making significant financial commitme...