OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

  ...Advocates compulsory education for children of school age Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has embarked on an educational empowerment exercise, distributing school materials to pupils and students across 10 local governments in preparation for the new academic session. The initiative, which aims to promote compulsory education for children of school age, has already benefited local governments including Moba, Ilejemeje, Oye, Ikole, Efon, Ekiti West, Ijero, Ido-Osi, Ekiti East, Gbonyin, Ise/Orun, and Emure. Represented by Mrs. Kemi Dairo, coordinator of her pet project, Widows, Aged, Orphans and Hope Initiative (WAOH), Dr. Oyebanji emphasized the importance of education in unlocking future potential and achieving success. She urged beneficiaries to utilize the materials wisely and stay focused on their studies. The First Lady expressed gratitude for the cooperation of grassroots administrations and solicited continued support through prayers for more developmental ...

The former Super Eagles striker and Manchester United player, Odion Ighalo, has publicly shown his support for fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen.  Ighalo took to his verified X handle @ighalojude to react to the ongoing controversy surrounding Osimhen's transfer from Napoli. Napoli has made it clear that they do not intend to include Osimhen in their plans for the 2024/25 season, as evident from Coach Antonio Conte's attitude towards him.  Ighalo expressed his dismay at the negative comments made by football fans, especially fellow Nigerians, regarding Osimhen's situation. The former Watford player revealed that he had spoken with Osimhen and understands the pain and challenges he is facing.  He however wished Osimhen a positive comeback from the difficult situation he finds himself in. This comes after failed attempts to transfer Osimhen to the Saudi Pro League and the English Premier League at the end of the English summer window.

 

  The opening match of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 kicked off in grand style at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, with Emure Local Government U-15 boys emerging victorious against Ikole Local Government U-15 boys with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The match, played under chilly weather conditions, saw Emure boys dominate the game, scoring their first goal from the penalty spot and adding a second goal in the first half.  The third goal came in the second half, securing a clean sheet victory for Emure. The event was graced by dignitaries, including representatives from the Ekiti State Government, Dr Olusola Osetoba, the technical Advisor to governor Biodun Oyebanji represented by Coach Akin Olowookere, the minority leader Ekiti state house of assembly Hon Dele Ogunsakin, Ekiti State Football Association, local football councils, parents and football fans. Team sponsors, such as Engineer Bayo Àjàyí and Hon Dele Ogunsakin, were also recognized for their support. Mean...

A former chairman of Gbonyin Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Mrs Folasade Akinrinmola, has expressed disappointment over the composition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in the state.  The committee, which was recently announced by the PDP National Working Committee, consists of 19 members, with only two women represented. Akinrinmola, a chieftain of the PDP in Ekiti State, alleged that the party's national leadership failed to conduct proper research before selecting the committee members, resulting in a significant gender imbalance.  She questioned the decision to include only two women in the committee, particularly when women have been loyal supporters of the party. Akinrinmola urged the PDP national leadership to withdraw the list and make necessary amendments to ensure fair representation of women in the party.  She warned that the lack of representation could discourage women from participating in the party and lead to them quitting. ...

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that children between the ages of 0-5 years are the most affected by the Mpox disease outbreak in Nigeria.  Out of the 48 confirmed cases recorded this year, the majority of those affected fall within this age group. The NCDC stated that Mpox spreads easily through contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.  In the latest update, eight new confirmed cases were recorded across five states, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in 2024 to 48. Since September 2017, a total of 4,685 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,134 confirmed cases (24.2%) and 17 deaths. Males account for approximately 70% of those affected. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and asthenia, followed by a progressively developing rash. The NCDC urges citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia as the head coach of the Super Eagles.  The decision comes after Labbadia's insistence that the NFF pay the full tax amount on his salary, which would have added an extra 32% to 40% to his monthly wage. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated that the tax issue was not part of the initial discussions and that the federation cannot afford to shoulder the additional tax burden.  This marks the third time a foreign coach has failed to take charge of the Super Eagles after being announced by the NFF. Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen will now lead the team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.  Eguavoen has previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions. The NFF had announced Labbadia's appointment as head coach earlier in the week, but the deal has now been aborted due to the tax impasse.