Benin Based Clubs Get N50 million Sponsorship Deal

Benin Based Clubs Get N50 million Sponsorship Deal Oluwaferanmi Omoniyi Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, on Tuesday 8th February unveiled both the sponsor and the new kits of the state clubs. The sponsorship deal worth 50million was from Sterling Bank PLC, valid for a year with both Benin Clubs being the beneficiary of the deal. The event which had the attendance of top officials from the Government, business experts and management from Sterling bank PLC, witnessed the event with styles. While addressing the public, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said the essence of sport development in the state is to curb social vices and unemployment. Obaseki made this known while unveiling Bendel Insurance kits alongside deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Philip Shaibu, Chairman Sterling Bank PLC and Bendel Insurance shirt sponsors, Mr. Asuen Ighodharo. He continued that; "We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country." Obaseki concluded that; "Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as a reference point to drive more reforms in the sector while appreciating the chairman of Sterling Bank Plc." The deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu in his words applauded the laudable achievements achieved in the State's Sporting sector. He said; "The decision to unveil the Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens new jerseys is to ensure that the club remains a force to contend with". Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sterling Bank PLC, Mr. Asuen Igbodaro expressed his optimism in the deal. He further appreciated the Edo State Government for changing the narrative of Sports in the state. "In partnership with Sterling Bank, Edo State Government has unveiled the Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance FC home kit for the season which challenges the orthodox surrounding the club's traditional style." The Edo State Sports coordinator, Mrs. Sabina Chikere also applauded the relationship between the Government and corporate body in fostering growth in the Sporting sector. Meanwhile, Her Excellency, wife of the Governor of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki alongside, Her Excellency, wife of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Maryann Philip-Shaibu unveiled the Edo Queens FC jersey which has the legendary Queen Idia mask as the main attraction. The manufacturer fourteen.com added that; "We give attention to the details by developing a new shape of colour and include in the pattern, the symbol of Edo State. We also created the leopard design on the Edo Queens jersey and camouflage on the Bendel Insurance's." The yellow body and sleeves with iconic green and red accents remain the club's home team shirts. The iconic green and red accents venture on the body of the kit, with Sterling Bank panels encasing the chest as the Insurance FC shirt sponsor. The shirt, which has a collegiate yellow body and red/green stripes on the shoulders and sleeves, capped off by its traditional yellow shorts and socks will be used for their home matches respectively, while the jersey with pepper red/green body with stripes yellow on the shoulder, capped off by red/green shorts and socks with yellow stripes will be for their away matches for the new season. Bendel Insurance will parade their ne jersey for the first time when they face Vandrezzer on Friday, 11th February during the NNL opening game.