Shaibu: Bendel Insurance to get new home outside Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
By George Aluo
Edo State government is planning big for the Arsenal of Nigerian football, Bendel Insurance and this was confirmed by state Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu Wednesday night in Benin when a new set of jerseys were unveiled for the team alongside Edo Queens.
Shaibu while unveiling the jerseys disclosed that the state government plans to build a brand new stadium for Insurance.
The Deputy Governor who is now the Chairman of both Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, said both clubs were special teams, and Edo State would continue to treat them specially.
In his words…”We have broken the barrier by making sure both Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens get equal pay. The quality of the jerseys for both teams is the same. Another thing we have done is that as the governor, deputy governor receives their salaries, the players get their salaries. We don’t owe players. They also have the biggest match bonuses, which we pay immediately after every match.”
Shaibu who commended the corporate bodies supporting both Insurance and Edo Queens further disclosed that the two coaster buses bought for the teams did not cost the state a dime as the money was raised from the sale of their jerseys.
“The two coaster buses for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens were bought through the sales of their jerseys. The government is building a new stadium for Bendel Insurance, which will be a huge source of revenue for the club,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Sterling Bank, Tunde Adeola, said the bank would continue to sponsor Bendel Insurance FC.
The Chief Executive officer of Peculiar Ultimate, sponsor of Edo Queens, Olarewanju Adeleke, on his part, said he would continue to give more financial support to the team.
Sports personalities present at the jersey unveiling ceremony included the Chairman of League Interim Management Committee (IMC) Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, former coach of Bendel Insurance, Alabi Aisien, former Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, NFF member Aisa Falode and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, David Aigbovo.
