Follow Us on Google
Following recent media reports alleging misconduct in the delivery of Global Talent Visa advisory services, Eyitayo Ogunmola, CEO of Utiva and its talent mobility arm, Techlocate has issued a formal clarification to address misinformation and reaffirm the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical client support.
A report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) claimed that Ogunmola collected funds from Nigerian clients with the promise of securing UK Global Talent Visas, which were allegedly not delivered. The article specifically cited a dispute with a client, Steve Adodo, regarding payment and service delays.
Refuting the allegations of fraud, Ogunmola said that Techlocate, Utiva’s talent mobility platform, provides strategic advisory and documentation mentorship.
“Neither Utiva nor Techlocate is a visa-issuing body. We do not provide immigration legal services, guarantee visa approvals, or collect government fees. Our role is strictly advisory—focused on supporting professionals through the endorsement phase of the UK Global Talent Visa,” he stated.
He further clarified that Techlocate does not engage in legal immigration consultancy, visa filing or submissions to UK immigration bodies, visa issuance or government fee collection.
In response to Adodo’s complaint, Ogunmola said that the engagement began on February 11, 2025, as part of a structured five-month advisory program.
While acknowledging internal delays in May and June due to official travel, he admitted the company should have reassigned the case earlier and called the oversight a “process lapse.”
He, however, said that a refund process was initiated before the FIJ article and was fully processed by July 21, 2025.
“We sincerely regret the delay and have apologised to Mr. Adodo. Our internal coordination has since been improved to avoid future lapses,” Ogunmola added.
Restating Utiva’s and Techlocate’s commitment to ethical standards, Ogunmola noted that both outfits remain committed to transparent communication of service scope, empowering African professionals through education and global opportunities and voiding any misrepresentation of services as immigration or legal.
“Utiva has trained over 45,000 youth across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa in digital skills and career development.
“Techlocate also exists to support professionals in navigating global talent systems, not to guarantee immigration outcomes,” he added.
