A bold and transformative chapter has begun for Bendel Insurance Football Club, one of Nigeria’s most storied football institutions. Emperor Jarret Tenebe was officially unveiled as the new Chairman of the club during a grand event held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
The unveiling was far more than a routine change in leadership. It marked the unveiling of a new vision to reshape Bendel Insurance into a financially independent, globally competitive brand. The ceremony was graced by top dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, and the APC State Secretary, Hon. Lawrence Okah.
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Tenebe was presented to the public by the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, who praised the appointment as a perfect match for the club’s ambitions.
“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,” said Enabulele in a statement released by his media aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko.
In his inaugural speech, Emperor Tenebe outlined an ambitious roadmap that could revolutionize Nigerian club football. At the centre of his vision is a drive to make Bendel Insurance self-sustaining by moving away from reliance on government funding.
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“Football is big business. We believe state governments should not be directly funding clubs. With the right strategy, football is more profitable than oil,” Tenebe said. “We want to list Bendel Insurance on the Capital Market and make it a club capable of buying international players and competing at the highest level.”
This move, if successful, would make Bendel Insurance one of the first Nigerian football clubs to explore the capital market as a source of sustainable funding.
The event was further enriched by the presence of club legend and veteran coach Alabi Aisien, who shared a compelling narrative about the club’s legacy, including their iconic 1973 Challenge Cup victory—just four years after their founding by General Samuel Ogbemudia.
Also acknowledged during the ceremony was former Chairman and ex-Edo State Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu, who now serves as the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS). His tenure was commended for laying the foundation of stability and growth in recent years.
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The unveiling concluded with a symbolic tour of key facilities at the stadium, including the dressing rooms and training areas, signaling the beginning of Tenebe’s active involvement in the club’s day-to-day operations.
As Emperor Jarret Tenebe begins his stewardship, expectations are high among fans, stakeholders, and industry observers. With a business-first approach, visionary plans, and strong community backing, the football world will be watching to see if Bendel Insurance FC is truly on the verge of a golden renaissance.
