Benin City, January 5, 2024: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has taken a proactive step to rally support for Bendel Insurance as they gear up to face Enugu Rangers in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) showdown this weekend. The Benin Arsenals are set to host the Flying Antelopes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, revealed that Governor Obaseki has approved the provision of free bus rides through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS). The initiative aims to ensure that fans turn out in large numbers to cheer on the home team in their quest for victory.
Nehikhare stated, “Our sports-loving governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has approved the provision of free bus rides through the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) to mobilize Edo people in their numbers to cheer the state’s football team, Bendel Insurance, to victory during their NPFL clash against Rangers on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.”
The free bus services will be available at various pickup points, facilitating convenient and accessible transportation for fans and supporters of Bendel Insurance, as well as other football enthusiasts, to and from the match venue.
Nehikhare outlined the route for the free bus service, encompassing key areas such as Ugbowo axis, Airport Road, Sokponba Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Eyean-Aduwawa axis, King Square axis, Ogida Siluko Road, New Benin, Sapele Road, and Ekenwan Road.
“While we are sure of victory after 90 minutes of exciting football, we are encouraging Edo people to come out en masse to cheer our darling team, Bendel Insurance, to victory. We want the stadium to be filled so that we can give them the moral support they require,” Nehikhare added.
The gesture by Governor Obaseki reflects a commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in Edo State and boosting community engagement through football. As fans eagerly anticipate the clash, the free bus rides aim to enhance accessibility for supporters and create an electric atmosphere at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
