By Vitus Michael

Hardwork, no doubts, pays and this is the testament for the new Nigeria National League, NNL Champions, Bendel Insurance FC as the Edo State Government has promised the ream a new bus, welfare package and new camp facilities to facilitate their new campaign in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL next season.

The Governor who expressed joy over the successes the Benin Arsenals have recorded since his administration rebranded it about four years ago, also promised to amongst other things provide the club a new camp with standard hostel facilities and a brand new bus to ease their transportation logistics

The supporters Club of Bendel Insurance FC were not left out of the largese as the governor also promised to support them with a bus to aid their transportation as a way of encouraging the ever ready supporters’ club led by chief Osadolor Ogiefa.

Governor Obaseki ended his address at the brief ceremony with special appreciation to his Deputy Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who has been in charge, overseeing the management of the Club. He also commended the General Coordinator of Bendel Insurance FC Mrs Chikere Sabina, the new Executive chairman of Edo state sports Commission Yussuf Alli as well as the coaches and other officials for a Well done job.

The Governor however charged the club to redouble their efforts in their new environment the NPFL and excel there.

Earlier in an address,the Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who is also the chairman of Bendel Insurance FC told his boss that the club management under his watch has been consistent in terms of welfare, knitting and prompt payment of salaries for the club hence the progress so far.

According to Comrade Shaibu, “Bendel Insurance FC is now in NPFL where it belongs” adding that “Insurance has taken a new part of progress not for politics but as a club with solid foundation and as a breeding ground for talents and development of youths of the state and country.

“Mr Governor, we have been consistent with our plans to reposition Insurance. We are preparing the club for international level. We have feeders team as one of the best in the country where young players graduate to the senior team. They have been doing well, winning laurels consistently.

“As we are now in the NPFL, the target is to play good football that is actractive and consistent to attract investors. It is not only about winning but must play good football and consistent formidable Club to remain in the premier league and target CAF engagement. We are not yet there but work in progress.” He enthused.

The Deputy Governor with the Executive chairman Edo Sports Commission Yussuf Alli and Mrs Sabina Chikere the General Coordinator of Bendel Insurance FC along with
players and officials presented the 2022 NNL Trophy to the Governor amidst Pumps and celebration.

Bendel Insurance FC won the 2021/22 NNL Football season at the Super4 tournament which held in Bayelsa state between November 19 and 22 after beating host Bayelsa Utd 1-0; drawing 1-1 with Elkanelmi Warriors before going ahead to beat Doma Utd 2-1 to end the season as overall best.

Insurance finished the regular League in the southern conference group B1 with 49 points to gain promotion to the NPFL before the super four tournament in Yenagoa.