Emperor Jarret Tenebe has been officially unveiled as the new Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, with a pledge to transform the club into an internationally recognised brand.

Tenebe, who was introduced at a brief ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday, expressed his commitment to repositioning the club to global standards, stressing that football, if properly managed, is as lucrative as the oil business.

“Football is a serious business. It is more lucrative than oil. We have the connections and business ideas to explore opportunities to the advantage of Bendel Insurance,” Tenebe said.

He emphasised his ambition to list Bendel Insurance on the capital market under his leadership.

“We will take Bendel Insurance to the capital market. We know what to do and how to fix a lot of things. Bendel Insurance can buy players from outside the country. Football is money-making,” he declared.

Speaking at the event, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described Tenebe as a “round peg in a round hole”, expressing confidence that his leadership would propel the club to dominate the Nigerian league and beyond.

“With his wealth of experience, the club will reach new heights and ultimately dominate Africa,” Enabulele said.

He also commended the former Deputy Governor of Edo State and current Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, for his commitment to the club during his tenure as Chairman.

Veteran Coach Alabi Aisien, who was present at the unveiling, recalled that Bendel Insurance was founded in 1969 by the then Military Governor of old Bendel State, General Samuel Ogbemudia, and lifted the prestigious Challenge Cup in 1973, just four years after its establishment.

Aisien described Tenebe as a visionary leader capable of steering the club to greater heights.