OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

  As former Governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Ṣẹgun Òní, prepares to celebrate his 70th birthday on September 5, former deputy governorship candidate for the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Sunday Idowu Afuye, has extended warm congratulations to the elder statesman. In a statement personally signed by Afuye, he described Òní as an "indefatigable leader" who has navigated life's challenges, travails, and political battles with remarkable resilience.  Afuye commended Òní's achievements as governor, which he said remain unparalleled and have cemented his legacy as a leader Ekiti people will always look up to. Afuye expressed his admiration for Òní's dedication to the development of Ekiti State and prayed for his continued well-being, peace, and prosperity in the years to come.  As Òní marks this significant milestone, Afuye's tribute serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the political landscape of Ekiti State. Recall that the celebrant, Governor Òní ser...

  The Ekiti State Government has begun issuing licenses to table water producers and private borehole owners for commercial use, ensuring safe drinking water for citizens.  The state Commissioner for infrastructures and public utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko emphasized the government's commitment to preventing waterborne diseases by regulating water production. Only producers meeting regulatory standards and passing the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program are registered.  Aluko stressed the importance of water purification, treatment, and adherence to global best practices. Licensed distributors are advised to maintain a hygienic environment and update themselves with water production technology developments.  Officials from EK-WASRA and SON will monitor compliance to ensure public safety. EK-WASRA General Manager Engr. Ayodele Osalade stated that the agency aims to regulate and ensure safe bottled and sachet water production, circulation, and sale in the state....

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the pioneering Swedish manager who led England's national team from 2001 to 2006, has died at the age of 76.  Eriksson's children, Lina and Johan, announced that he passed away peacefully at his home in Sweden on Monday, after a courageous battle with cancer. Eriksson made history as the first non-British manager of the England team, guiding them to the quarterfinals in three major tournaments.  His managerial career spanned 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, with 18 trophies won. He also managed national teams in Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. After retiring as a player at 27, Eriksson began his managerial journey with Degerfors in 1977.  He went on to achieve success with Gothenburg, Benfica, and Lazio, winning numerous titles, including the Serie A championship and European Cup Winners' Cup. Following his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting former clubs and participating in charity matches, in...

  The meeting between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, scheduled for Monday, has been postponed to Wednesday, August 28.  The meeting aimed to address outstanding issues hindering the development of Nigerian universities. ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, confirmed the postponement without providing a reason.  This comes after ASUU issued a 21-day strike notice to the Federal Government over unresolved issues, including: 1. Emergency revitalization fund for public universities 2. Payment of outstanding earned academic allowances 3. Release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions 4. Stoppage of illegal recruitments 5. Proliferation of public universities/abuse of universities' laws and regulations 6. Removal of universities from the treasury single account 7. New IPPIS to herald university autonomy The postponed meeting is now expected to take place on August 28, with the hope of resolving the...

  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the release of call-up letters for 2024 Batch 'B' Stream 2 prospective corps members.  The orientation camp is scheduled to start on August 28, 2024, with the swearing-in ceremony on August 30, 2024, and the closing ceremony on September 17, 2024. Important notes for prospective corps members: - Some members posted to Lagos will have orientation in Ogun and Osun, while those posted to Zamfara will be in Kebbi and Sokoto. - Avoid traveling to the orientation camp at night and break your journey when necessary. - Report on your scheduled date and apply for corrections on your dashboard before camp registration. - Certain details, such as date of birth and course of study, cannot be changed after documentation in camp. - Resolve any discrepancies in your course of study or date of graduation with your institution before reporting to camp. Remember to print and sign the addendum, which will be submitted during registration at...

  The Federal Government has revealed that only eight universities in Togo and Benin Republic are accredited to award degrees to Nigerian students.  Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, made this known on Channels Television's Sunday Politics program. According to Mamman, the decision follows an investigation into degree certificate racketeering, which found that over 22,500 Nigerians obtained fake degree certificates from universities in the two countries. The affected certificates will be cancelled. The accredited universities in Togo are: 1. Universite De Lome 2. Universite De Kara 3. Catholic University of West Africa In Benin Republic, the accredited universities are: 1. Universite D’abomey-Calavi 2. Universite De Parakou 3. Universite Nationale Des Sciences, Technologis Ingenierie Et Mathematiques 4. Universite Nationale D’ Agriculture 5. Universite Africaine De Development Cooperatif Mamman emphasized that the Federal Government will not reverse its decision to cancel t...

  The Ekiti State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to provide air traffic services at the newly established Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport in Ado-Ekiti. The agreement, signed at the NAMA headquarters in Lagos, outlines a joint responsibility for air traffic control services and marks a significant step towards the airport's full operation.  NAMA will deploy key professionals to the airport to ensure its effective takeoff. Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, NAMA's Managing Director, described the MOU as a symbol of action, cooperation, and shared vision, emphasizing the importance of upholding the highest standards of quality and performance. Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the event and expressed optimism that the airport would boost tourism, facilitate safer air travel, and contribute to economic growth. The partnership aims to...