LEADERS IN SPORT: Philip Shaibu

 

 

 

 

 

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, will be the protagonist when the story of Bendel Insurance Football Club in this modern era is chronicled.

Since the administration of Godwin Obaseki came into office, it has demonstrated commitment to reviving the fortunes of the former West African as well as African champions and Shaibu has superintended this effortlessly.

Bendel Insurance, one of the teams that featured in the first organized league in the country back in 1972, has experienced the good, the bad and the ugly.

The good times are back for players and fans as the club is now under the perfect brand manager, who has made the club a model for others to emulate.

With a first degree in Accounting from the prestigious University of Jos, an MBA from the respected University of Benin and robust experience over the years in different capacities as a footballer, politician, accountant and activist, it is no surprise that Shaibu has performed incredible well.

Shaibu’s presence in the team has served as the tonic for the turnaround. It is no surprise that the team is back to Nigeria’s top flight league, the Nigeria Professional Football League.

 

 

 

For its achievement, history and heritage; Bendel Insurance truly belongs to the big league. Add Shooting Stars and Enugu Rangers, then you have a trio with passionate supporters from the 1970s.

Despite the relegation of the team after its initial return to the top flight, Shaibu wasn’t deterred. He reinvented the team, worked hard, but narrowly missed promotion in 2021.

Nothing went wrong in the just concluded season as he marshalled the team well to gain promotion in style.

With the return of the team to the top flight, Shaibu has decided to hang his boots and remains the only Deputy Governor, who played for a professional football team.

A feat that will last for a long time to come.

The last match day was marvelous as Shaibu played a starting role in the 1-0 victory over Vandrezzer to end the season in style.

On the field and off the field, his influence has helped instill discipline and confidence in the rest of the squad.

 

Record Sponsorship Deal

Earlier in the year, the club entered the history books with a record sponsorship deal worth N50,000,000. This feat is unprecedented in the history of club sponsorship in the country.

It must be noted that Shaibu’s magic wand is not limited to Bendel Insurance. Call him the Games Master of Edo State and you won’t be wrong.

 

Edo State as destination for sports events

With Shaibu’s masterstroke, Edo State has become a destination for sporting events.

Edo State’s impressive hosting of the last National Sports Festival despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic clearly had the touch of Shaibu. As Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Shaibu ensured the competition was top class.

To demonstrate his leadership qualities, Shaibu played a role as the Edo State team won gold in the football event. Again, he set a record as the first top ranking state executive to win a gold medal at the festivals.

All roads leads to the state capital for the elections of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in September, to further showcase the potentials of Benin-City.

The elections will be the gathering of the Who-Is-Who in Nigerian football.

 

Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

Interestingly, his commitment to facility development equally ensured the venue of the Festival, the Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium was in excellent condition for the festival.

According to sportbusinessbrand.com’s Stadium Rankings in Nigeria, the stadium is amongst the Top Four and remains a standard for others to emulate.

It is a wonderful atmosphere for sports and has hosted national and international events.

The Super Eagles and Nigeria Women’s Football League have experienced the Edo hospitality.

SUN Awards

Expectedly, Shaibu’s achievement was recognized in 2021 by organisers of the prestigious SUN Awards as SportsMan Of The Year.