The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele Amadin, has assured Bendel Insurance Football Club of improved welfare and standards.
He also encouraged the team to adopt a winning mentality, urging them to welcome his administration and new board members with a resounding victory over Lobi Stars in Saturday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash in Benin.
Hon. Enabulele made these remarks during a familiarization visit to the “Benin Arsenals” on Thursday evening at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The visit came as the team finalized preparations for their Match Day 18 fixture. During the interaction, he promised that players’ welfare and team development would remain top priorities under his leadership.
The Chairman highlighted the directive from the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, to revitalize Edo State’s sports industry.
“Our mandate is to make Edo State sports more productive and viable. We are committed to elevating Edo State sports to enviable heights,” he stated.
Acknowledging challenges faced by the team, including unpaid bonuses, Hon. Enabulele reassured the players that these issues would soon be resolved. “I am aware of your unpaid bonuses and allowances, including the Federation Cup winnings from 2023.
These will be settled in full once the accounts are unfrozen. The delay, as you know, is due to the ongoing political transition, but the funds are intact, and we expect the Governor to lift the embargo shortly,” he assured.
Hon. Enabulele also emphasized collaboration and teamwork, urging the players to begin their winning streak with the upcoming match against Lobi Stars. “I grew up watching Bendel Insurance, and I believe in the greatness of this team.
Deliver this Saturday, and I promise something good will come your way,” he added.
Other board members, including Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Barrister Anthony Odianosen Ikuenobe, and Baldwin Bazuaye, MON, echoed similar sentiments, urging the team to see their roles as opportunities to grow and excel in football.
On behalf of the club, Captain Efe Enabulele, Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba, and Club Secretary Charles Ihimekpen expressed gratitude to the Chairman for his commitment.
They assured him that the team would not disappoint and would strive to make the state proud.
