The Edo State government yesterday unveiled the state-sponsored clubs Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens in what can be termed a novel development in the Nigerian domestic league.

During a ceremony held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, restated the state’s commitment to fulfill promises made to turnaround the fortune of its clubs to the envy of others in the country.

At the event, Shaibu, who is now the chairman of the two clubs, said the clubs are special teams, adding that the government will continue to treat them specially.

“We have broken the barrier by making sure both Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens get equal pay. The quality of the two teams’ jerseys is the same. They are the clubs in Nigeria that give out jerseys to other players at the end of every league match. At both Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, they don’t wash jerseys to wear for another match.

“Another thing we do is that as the governor, deputy governor receive their salaries, the players too get their salaries. We don’t owe players their salaries. They also have the biggest match bonuses, which we pay immediately after every match,” he said.

He also disclosed that every year, there would be an Edo State Sports Festival to unearth more athletes for the state, while thanking the sponsors for believing in the state.

“The two coastal buses for Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens were bought through the sales of jerseys. The government is building a new stadium for Bendel Insurance, which will be a source of revenue for the club.”

Earlier, the Executive Director of Sterling Bank, Tunde Adeola, said the bank would continue to sponsor Bendel Insurance Football Club. “Sterling Bank will continue to sponsor Bendel Insurance because we believe so much in this club,”

Insurance gained promotion back to the NPFL by topping their group and went on to win the subsequent NNL Super 6 tournament at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. 

Also, the sponsor of Edo Queens and Chief Executive Officer of Peculiar Ultimate, Olarewanju Adeleke, stated that he would continue to give more financial support to the team.

In his speech, the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Yusuf Alli, said: “Last year, when I was giving my opening remark, Bendel Insurance was in the Nigerian National League (NNL). Today is my second opening remark, and Bendel Insurance is in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

“I am hopeful that by next year, when I’m giving my next opening remark, Bendel Insurance would have emerged champion of the NPFL,” he said.

At yesterday’s event were sports personalities that include former coach of Bendel Insurance, Alabi Assien; Super Eagles former coach, Augustine Eguavoen; IMC Interim chairman, Gbega Elegbeleye, among others.