Obaseki Unveils Rebranded Bendel Insurance FC
Says reforms aimed at job creation and youth devt
One of Nigeria’s foremost football clubs, Bendel Insurance FC, was rebranded on Tuesday night at the Government House in Benin with most of the players and coaches that made the team household name in the country’s football present.
Legends like 86-year-old Alabi Aisien who won the 1978 Challenge Cup final as head coach of the Benin Arsenal and the first coach to win the FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China in 1985, Sebastine Brodericks-Imasuen, were present at the event along with several ex-players of the team.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.
The governor unveiled the new logo of the club which has the legendary Queen Idia mask as the main attraction. Also, Obaseki unveiled sets of brand new jerseys, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club. The new technical crew of the team is headed by Monday Odigie as Manager, while Baldwin Bazuaye, is the Head Coach with Greg Ikhenoba as his Assistant.
According to Obaseki, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.
“Edo people are sportsloving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.
“The Benin Arsenal I know will soon bounce back big and with what I have seen today, its obvious that a silent revolution on how club-sides should be properly managed outside government’s funding is happening,” he stressed further.
The governor added that the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”
Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.
Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing top stars for the national team. These include, George Omokaro, Peter Egharevba, Henry Ogboe, Agwo Naji, Austin Eguavoen, Wilson Oruma, Osaze Odemwingie, Julius Aghahowa, Elderson Echiejile, Baldwin Bazuaye, Pius Ikedia and several other ex-internationals. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”