By DADA AYOKHAI
Bendel Insurance FC, the football club owned by Edo State, is now under new management.
Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, the chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, announced in a press statement signed by Mr. Wilson Edoko, the Commission’s Media Officer, that Emperor Jarret Tenebe has been appointed as the new chairman of the club.
The statement further explained that this appointment follows the recent dissolution of the former board by the state government and is aimed at repositioning the club for the upcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The club finished fifth in the recently concluded NPFL season.
Emperor Jarret Tenebe, who is also the chairman of the Edo State APC, is set to succeed Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who was recently named Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS) by President Tinubu.
Jarret, known to be a passionate football enthusiast, expressed his gratitude for the appointment and pledged to build on the club’s achievements.
In his acceptance, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said he is going to hit the ground running, adding that he is “well-versed in football administration and hopes to bring this to bear in repositioning the state for sporting excellence”
He also thanked the state governor as well as the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission for this opportunity to serve the state in a sporting capacity, stressing he intends to build on what he regarded as “Bendel Insurance FC’s recent successes.”
The statement also hinted that the official unveiling ceremony of Emperor Tenebe as Bendel Insurance FC chairman will take place next week, with more details to be provided in due time
The statement also stressed the state government’s utmost confidence in the ability of the new Bendel Insurance FC chairman to lead the club to new heights, given his extensive experience in football administration.
It also highlighted that Gov Okpevbolo is passionate about using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and development, noting this is just the first step in a comprehensive overhaul of the Edo Sports ecosystem.
