Firm clarifies role in Global Talent Support

The Chief Executive Officer of Utiva, Eyitayo Ogunmola, has debunked allegations of fraud and misconduct levelled against him by a client, Steve Adodo, over a UK Global Talent Visa application, stating categorically that neither he nor his organisation issues or guarantees visas. Ogunmola described the story as misleading and damaging, saying it falsely portrayed Techlocate […]

The Chief Executive Officer of Utiva, Eyitayo Ogunmola, has debunked allegations of fraud and misconduct levelled against him by a client, Steve Adodo, over a UK Global Talent Visa application, stating categorically that neither he nor his organisation issues or guarantees visas.

Ogunmola described the story as misleading and damaging, saying it falsely portrayed Techlocate Utiva’s global talent support arm as a visa-issuing body, which it is not.

According to him, the firm only provides coaching, documentation guidance, and strategic advisory to African talents seeking endorsement under various international mobility pathways, including the UK’s Global Talent Visa programme.

“We are not a visa issuing company. We do not, and have never, claimed to issue visas,” Ogunmola said in a statement. “At Techlocate by Utiva, our role is to support talents by helping them prepare strong endorsement applications. We are not immigration consultants or agents, and we do not provide legal advice or visa guarantees.”

Adodo had alleged that Ogunmola reneged on an agreement to guide him through the Global Talent Visa process and failed to issue a refund after receiving 70 per cent of the agreed £4,500 service fee.

However, Ogunmola explained that Techlocate’s engagement with Adodo commenced on February 11, 2025, under a documented five-month advisory arrangement focused on the Tech Nation endorsement phase — a prerequisite for the UK Global Talent Visa.

He said the delays Adodo experienced were due to unforeseen disruptions in May and June, during which he was away on official assignments. He admitted that the company ought to have reassigned Adodo’s case to another consultant during that period, describing it as an internal process lapse.

“We sincerely regret that we were unable to reassign his case earlier. However, once he requested a refund, we committed to honouring it,” he said.

Ogunmola noted that the refund process required internal coordination, as multiple professionals had been involved in supporting Adodo’s application. He explained that all parties had to be informed and their inputs concluded before the refund could be finalised.

The Utiva CEO expressed disappointment that the matter was escalated to the press while the refund process was already underway.

According to him, a journalist from the publication reached out on Friday, July 19, and the company had intended to formally respond by Sunday, July 21. However, the article was published before they had the opportunity to clarify the facts.

“Despite that, we proceeded with urgency. The refund was finalised on Monday, July 21, and Mr Adodo would receive his full refund on Tuesday, July 22. Unfortunately, the article misrepresented our work and intentions,” he said.

Ogunmola emphasised that Techlocate operates with full transparency and does not present itself as a visa agency, nor does it provide legal immigration services.

“Our services are limited to advisory and support for the endorsement phase. Clients are clearly informed that visa decisions rest solely with the UK Government, and we encourage all clients to seek independent legal counsel if needed,” he said.

He stressed that Techlocate is not licensed to issue visas and does not make any such claim to its clients.

According to him, the parent company of Techlocate, is one of Africa’s most impactful digital education companies, maintaining that, over the past five years, it has trained more than 45,000 young people across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa in digital, data, and remote work skills.

“We understand that migration is a sensitive and emotional journey, and we treat it with seriousness. This experience has taught us where we need to improve, and we are already implementing better systems to ensure continuity of support in the future,” he said.

Reaffirming Techlocate’s values, Ogunmola stated that the company is not a law firm and does not provide immigration legal advice, adding that It does not also issue visas or make immigration decisions but rather its services are strictly limited to documentation coaching and advisory for the endorsement stage of the Global Talent Visa process.

“The company does not collect or process any government or legal fees on behalf of clients, and all applicants are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel for formal guidance on immigration matters,” he said.