Utiva CEO Responds to Claims Around UK Global Talent Visa Services

In response to a recent article published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Eyitayo Ogunmola, Founder and CEO of Utiva and its affiliate platform Techlocate, has issued a formal response clarifying the nature of services provided by his organisation and addressing concerns raised by a former client.

The FIJ story alleged that Ogunmola collected payments from Nigerians with the promise of assisting them in securing UK Global Talent Visas—services that reportedly fell short of expectations.

According to the report, an individual named Steve Adodo claimed that he was not refunded after making a partial payment and experiencing a lack of follow-up support.

Clarifying the Role of Techlocate, Ogunmola has made it clear that neither Utiva nor Techlocate operates as a visa processing or immigration firm.

“We do not issue visas, guarantee visa approvals, or offer immigration legal services. Techlocate is an advisory platform that supports talent with documentation and mentorship for international endorsement processes, particularly under the UK’s Global Talent Visa route,” he stated.

Hw noted that Techlocate’s key functions include strategic advisory on the endorsement stage, documentation review and mentorship, as well as non-legal support for international opportunities

Stressing that the company neither files visa applications nor handles legal immigration matters. Ogunmola acknowledged the specific dispute raised by Adodo.
“Adodo enrolled in a five-month advisory engagement beginning February 11, 2025. Project delays occurred in May and June due to some official travel. Yes, the team should have reassigned the case during this period, but there was a process lapse. However, a refund was initiated before the media report and was fully processed by July 21, 2025, with payment to the client expected by July 22.

“We take full responsibility for the delay and have reviewed our internal coordination procedures to ensure better service delivery moving forward,” Ogunmola added.

Restating Techlocate’s commitment to responsible service, Ogunmola said that the body explicitly informs its clients that it does not offer immigration or legal services.

“Over the past five years, Utiva has empowered more than 45,000 African youth in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa through digital skills training and career acceleration programs. The company remains committed to global talent development, not immigration processing.

“This incident has prompted us to implement stronger systems for client engagement, escalation, and accountability. We remain committed to ethical service and professional excellence,” he added.