Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, has formally introduced Emperor Jarret Tenebe as the new Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Friday at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, attracted players, supporters, and other key stakeholders which includes the Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu and Edo APC Secretary, Hon. Lawrence Okah, eager to witness the dawn of a new era for the historic club.
In a statement by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described Tenebe as the right man for the job, expressing confidence that his leadership would reposition Bendel Insurance FC for greater success both locally and across the continent.
“Tenebe is a round peg in a round hole. We are confident that with him in charge, Bendel Insurance will soar to new heights and even dominate African football,” Enabulele said.
He also commended the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, now Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), for his steadfast commitment during his tenure as Chairman of the club.
In his remarks, Tenebe laid out an ambitious vision to transform Bendel Insurance FC into a financially independent powerhouse by taking the club to the Capital Market.
“Football is big business. We believe state governments should not be directly funding football clubs. With the right strategy, football is more profitable than oil,” Tenebe declared.
“We plan to list Bendel Insurance on the Capital Market. We know what to do to fix the gaps. We want to make this club competitive enough to buy players internationally and run as a profitable enterprise.”
Veteran coach and club legend, Alabi Aisien, who was also present, took the audience down memory lane, recalling how the club was founded in 1969 by the then Governor of the old Bendel State, General Samuel Ogbemudia, and how just four years later, in 1973, the club won the prestigious Challenge Cup.
He expressed confidence in Tenebe’s capacity to restore Bendel Insurance FC to its glorious past.
With high expectations and bold promises, supporters and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Tenebe’s leadership and vision unfold in the coming seasons.
The Sports Commission boss, later took the newly unveiled Chairman on a facility tour at the stadium which includes dressing rooms and others.
