OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

BAORESS BABES’ RESILIENCE SHINES AS EKITI STUN NAIJA RATELS WITH COMEBACK VICTORY IN BWARI Tosin Popoola  Ekiti Queens produced a spirited comeback to defeat Naija Ratels 2-1 in a thrilling Matchday 14 encounter of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) played at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The visitors, nicknamed the Baoress Babes, showed character and tactical discipline to overturn a first-half deficit, handing the home side a painful defeat in front of their supporters. Naija Ratels had taken the lead in the 37th minute through Paulina Orshio, who calmly converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Ekiti Queens centre-back, Foluke Opeyori. The goal gave the hosts confidence as they pressed for more before the break. Coach Jacob Vandi’s side, however, responded with urgency, launching wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser. Despite their dominance in possession, the first half ended with Ekiti Queens trailing by a lone g...

EASTER MESSAGE: OYEBANJI CALLS FOR PEACEFUL POLL, SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN EKITI Oyebanji   Governor Biodun Oyebanji has extended Easter greetings to Christians in Ekiti State and across Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to faith and peaceful coexistence. The Governor described the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind and a cornerstone of Christian belief. He emphasized that the significance of Easter should inspire believers to embrace humility, love, perseverance, and compassion in their daily lives. Governor Oyebanji called on residents of Ekiti and Nigerians at large to use the Easter period as a time for deep reflection and fervent prayers for peace, progress, and national unity. He specifically urged citizens to seek divine guidance ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state, stressing the need for a peaceful and credible process. The Governor appealed to political actors, including aspirants, party leade...

OYEBANJI’S INFRASTRUCTURE SURGE WINS HEARTS AS EKITI COMMUNITIES RALLY FOR SECOND TERM Residents across communities in have once again applauded the sweeping infrastructural strides of Governor , describing his administration as impactful and people-centered. Individuals and groups who spoke during the Ekiti Project Tour expressed deep satisfaction over the visible transformation recorded across towns and rural settlements, noting that development has reached the grassroots. In Igbemo, farmers and business owners commended the construction of critical road networks linking Ikole-Isaba-Ikoyi-Igbemo and Ikole-Ara-Isinbode, stressing that the projects have boosted economic activities and eased movement. The Onisin of Isinbode, Oba Barrister Adesoji Akinyemi Ona Oro III, while acknowledging the government’s efforts, appealed for the immediate deployment of a medical doctor to the Primary Health Centre in Isinbode Ekiti. Onisin on white cap At the General Hospital in Ilupeju Ekiti, me...

Ekiti Para Athletes Set Records, Return from 2026 National Games The Ekiti State para-athletes contingent has returned home after an impressive outing at the 2026 National Para Games held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where they recorded historic achievements. The games, which ran from March 26 to April 3, 2026, saw Ekiti athletes compete in six sporting events, securing medals across multiple categories and setting new milestones for the state. Notably, the contingent made history in wheelchair basketball, para soccer, and para swimming—events in which Ekiti participated for the first time and still emerged with medals. In individual performances, Taiwo Olasunkanmi clinched gold in para karate, while Araomo Oladapo Stephen secured silver in the same event. The wheelchair basketball team also delivered a strong performance, earning a silver medal. Ajimati Modupe won bronze in para powerlifting, while Olaniyi Joshua claimed bronze in shot put. Ofere Modupe added another bronze...

  Ekiti United Apologizes to Fans, Vows Strong Finish to Season Ekiti United Football Club has issued an official statement apologizing to its fans, supporters, and stakeholders over a disappointing run of results away from home this season, assuring them of renewed commitment as the campaign draws to a close. In the statement dated March 30, 2026, the management, staff, and players expressed deep regret over their recent performances, particularly the outcome of their last away fixture against Akwa United FC, which they admitted fell short of expectations. The club acknowledged the emotional investment of their supporters, noting that they understand how much the results mean to the fans and have taken full responsibility for not delivering the desired outcomes on the road. Ekiti United further appreciated the unwavering support they have continued to receive both home and away, admitting that such loyalty deserves better performances and results than what has been delivered s...

Ekiti Para Athletes Depart For 2026 National Para Games Ekiti State has officially flagged off its participation in the 2026 National Para Games, as the state’s contingent of para athletes departed Ado-Ekiti for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The team, made up of athletes, coaches, and officials, left from the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium amid excitement and optimism, signaling their readiness to compete with other contingents from across the country in the highly anticipated national event. In a farewell address, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. , reaffirmed the strong commitment of Ekiti State Governor to promoting inclusivity and improving the welfare of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through sustained investment in sports development. She charged the athletes to conduct themselves with discipline and pride, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the state while representing Ekiti on the national stage. Dr. Ose...

PAOC: 2026 Edition to Kick Off in July as Tournament Reaches Knockout Stage After Ramadan The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Ekiti State’s leading grassroots football competitions, with plans already in place for the fifth edition of the tournament in 2026. Sponsor of the competition, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, announced that the next edition of the youth football tournament will kick off in July, a move aimed at sustaining the momentum of talent discovery and development through football across the state. Oyebode explained that the July start date was deliberately chosen to align with the football calendar and school holiday period, allowing young players to fully participate while ensuring continuity in the development of grassroots football after the current champions emerge. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing fourth edition, particularly the standard of play during the group stage, noting that there has been a r...

Osetoba Blasts “Malicious Propaganda,” Vows to Defend Integrity, Professionalism in Ekiti Football (Tosin Popoola) The Technical Adviser on Sports Development to Governor , Dr Mrs Olusola Osetoba, has fiercely condemned what she described as a coordinated smear campaign by disgruntled elements bent on assassinating her character, declaring that no amount of propaganda will derail her commitment to professionalism, discipline and sportsmanship in Ekiti football. The reaction follows the circulation of a selectively edited video clip from a Yoruba sports programme on anchored by Bernard Fagbemiro, in which she metaphorically stated that she could not allow anyone to defeat her in “her father’s house,” a remark now being mischievously twisted to falsely suggest she was inciting violence or promoting a reckless must-win-at-home mentality. Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti, Osetoba described the interpretation as dishonest, malicious and deliberately misleading, stressing that her sta...

  Ekiti Government Cracks Down on Stadium Violence, Warns Troublemakers of Arrest TA Sports: Dr Osetoba   The Ekiti State Government has issued a stern warning to football fans and residents over rising concerns of crowd violence at match venues, declaring that anyone found engaging in hooliganism or related offences at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti will be arrested and prosecuted. The warning follows recent incidents of crowd disturbances recorded in different league centres across the country, as well as intelligence reports suggesting that some disgruntled individuals were plotting to attack players and officials of the state-owned football clubs over match outcomes. Speaking during a radio programme in Ado Ekiti, the Technical Adviser on Sports Development to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Dr Mrs Olusola Osetoba, said the government would not tolerate any form of violence, harassment, possession of arms or other illegal acts at the stadium. Osetoba said the govern...

Osetoba Commends Oyebode’s Support as Ekiti U-17 Cricket Teams Head for National Championship The Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has praised the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Akin Oyebode, for his sustained philanthropic support towards the growth of cricket in the state. Dr. Osetoba gave the commendation while addressing the sponsorship of Ekiti’s male and female teams to the National U-17 Cricket Championship scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from February 18 to 21, 2026. She described Mr. Oyebode as a passionate sports enthusiast and a dependable pillar of support whose contributions have significantly strengthened Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s vision for sports development in Ekiti. According to her, Mr. Oyebode, who also serves as Chairman of the Ekiti State Cricket Association, has transformed the sport in the state. She noted that cricket in Ekiti has witnessed remarkable prog...

PAOC Organizing Committee Hails Abdulmuiz’s European Move, Commends Hon. Akin Oyebode The Organizing Committee of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has celebrated a major milestone in its drive to nurture young Nigerian footballers following the first European signing of one of its alumni.  Seventeen-year-old midfielder Oladimeji Abdulmuiz of Beyond Limits FA has completed a move to Swedish top-division side IF Elfsborg. The promising youngster has agreed to a long-term deal that will keep him at the Swedish club until the summer of 2029, and he is expected to link up with his new team in June.  His transfer marks a significant step in his career and highlights the growing impact of structured youth football development in Nigeria. According to the organisers, the move reflects years of sustained investment in grassroots talent identification and training, driven by the vision of Hon. Akintunde Oyebode and his family to expand opportunities for young athletes.  They particularly...

  SWAN @ 62: Ekiti Sports Writers Tour Facilities, Laud Oyebanji’s Youth-Focused Drive In commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Ekiti State chapter undertook a guided tour of major sports facilities across the state, led by the Technical Adviser on Sports Development to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Dr Mrs Olusola Osetoba. The tour commenced at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, which is currently undergoing refurbishment, where sports journalists were briefed on the scope and purpose of the ongoing upgrade. The delegation, led by SWAN Ekiti Chairman, Qozeem Oladapo, alongside the Vice President of SWAN South-West, Deji Ogunsakin, was exposed to the administration’s strides in repositioning sports infrastructure in the state. Dr Osetoba explained during the tour that Governor Oyebanji’s administration has prioritised sports as a strategic tool for youth development, empowerment and social inclusion in Ekiti State. At the...

Free Health Care Registration Now Open Across Ekiti State If you live in Ekiti State and you or someone around you is pregnant, caring for a child under five, living with conditions like sickle cell, or elderly, this message is especially for you. These groups are considered most vulnerable, and the state has made provisions to ensure they get the care and attention they deserve without financial stress. Across all 177 wards in Ekiti State, Primary Health Care centres are open and ready to register eligible residents for this free health care programme. Please take advantage of this opportunity by visiting the nearest PHC to you, because early registration can make a real difference in protecting health and saving lives. Source: Omoluabi 

Ekiti United Threatens Legal Action Over “Deliberate Lie” on Alleged Attack of Coach, Labels Report Criminally Misleading Ekiti United Football Club has issued a stern, uncompromising and final rebuttal to a malicious, defamatory and deliberately false report circulated on social media by X user Olaiya Azeez Lawal, which falsely alleged that supporters attacked Head Coach Idris Bolarinwa during a training session. The club has described the publication as a calculated falsehood, a reckless act of misinformation and a dangerous abuse of social media, warning that it reserves the right to pursue full legal redress against the author and any platform or individual who continues to propagate the lie. In a categorical statement, Ekiti United confirmed that the team resumed training peacefully at exactly 7:00 a.m. on Monday January 26 ahead of the second stanza of the Nigeria National League (NNL), which commences on February 14, and that no incident remotely resembling an attack or protest ...

  Ekiti United Resume Training as NNL Second Stanza Beckons Ekiti United Football Club have announced the resumption of players and officials ahead of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season as preparations intensify for the decisive phase of the campaign. The club’s management directed all players and backroom staff to report to the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, for the commencement of full training and tactical drills. League organisers have confirmed that the second stanza of the NNL season will kick off on February 14, with Ekiti United scheduled to host First Bank FC a day later in what will serve as their opening fixture of the round. The Ekiti-based side ended the first stanza in fourth position on the league table with 15 points and remain optimistic about improving their standings as they chase a strong finish and possible promotion. Speaking through the club’s media channel, Team Secretary Mr. B...

Oluyemi Kayode Stadium Founding Committee Member, Chief Daramola Hails Sports Development in Ekiti, Confers “Orente” Title on Dr. Osetoba Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola, Secretary to the Committee that transformed the former Community Centre into the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday visited the facility alongside the Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Ekiti State Governor, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Olusola Osetoba. During the visit, Chief Daramola commended the level of development recorded at the stadium under the current administration, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work and visible improvements at the sports complex. The elder statesman, who is also the father of former House of Representatives member Hon. Bimbo Daramola, shared his experience as a former footballer and recalled visits to stadiums across several countries. He noted that strict regulations govern sports facilities globally, stressing that the ban on bottled drinks and alcohol in stadium...

  Olawale Omoyeni Resigns as Ekiti FA Media Officer Olawale Omoyeni has officially stepped down from his position as the Media Officer of the Ekiti State Football Association, as contained in a resignation letter dated January 19, 2026. In the letter addressed to the Association and the general public, Omoyeni stated that his decision was taken to enable him pursue other life opportunities and further his professional career. He expressed sincere appreciation to the Ekiti State Football Association for the privilege to serve and for the opportunity to contribute to the development of football in the state. Omoyeni also wished the football family in Ekiti State sustained success under the leadership of Aare Oluwole Oloworemo and thanked all stakeholders for their support during his tenure.

  Ekiti Queens Fans Applauded for Supporting Ismail Zainab in NWFL Premiership Voting Ekiti Queens Football Club has expressed sincere appreciation to their fans and supporters for casting 801 votes in favour of Ismail Zainab, who finished as the second-highest vote-getter for Matchday Five Top Performer. The club highlighted that the overwhelming backing from supporters underscores the passion and commitment of Ekiti United’s fan base in promoting their players and celebrating women’s football. Ismail Zainab’s performance during Matchday Five drew widespread recognition, with her efforts on the pitch contributing significantly to Ekiti Queens’ competitiveness in the league. Naimot Kazeem of Osun Babes ultimately claimed the top spot with 1,117 votes, while Abasiofon Uwah of Rivers Angels and Ayatsea Hembafan of Nasarawa Amazons also featured among the top nominees. Ekiti United reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their players and encouraging fan engagement as a crucial...

  Ekiti 2026: Court Nullifies PDP Governorship Primary, Orders Fresh Exercise A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2026 polls and directed the party to conduct a fresh exercise. Report from Vanguard newspaper claimed that Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld allegations of irregularities by aspirant Prince Funso Ayeni, who challenged the primary over manipulation of the approved delegate list, arguing that it undermined transparency, internal democracy, and fairness. The court held that the process violated both the PDP’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, describing the primary as a gross abuse of procedure and a clear disregard for established electoral guidelines. Reacting to the ruling, PDP South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary Mr. Sanya Atofarati said the party would explore all legal options, including an appeal, while insisting that grassroots mobilisation and ca...

EKITI QUEENS BRACE FOR CRUCIAL SECOND STANZA OF NWFL SEASON (TOSIN J. POPOOLA) As the new year unfolds, Ekiti Queens Football Club have declared their readiness to confront the challenges of the second stanza of the Nigeria Women Football League, with renewed focus and determination ahead of the decisive phase of the campaign. Speaking during the team’s first official training session of the year at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, Head Coach Jacob Vandy said the players were in good physical and mental condition, stressing that the squad had returned with a clear sense of purpose for the months ahead. Vandy noted that despite the difficulties encountered in 2025, the Baoress Babes had resolved to approach the second stanza of the NWFL with confidence and resilience, adding that the experiences from the first half of the season had strengthened the team’s resolve rather than weakened it. The coach also acknowledged the setback arising from the league body’s decision to relocate...