Odemwengie doles out N1m to Bendel Insurance FC

The Nigeria international and former Bendel insurance FC player, Osaze Odemwengie, yesterday donated N1million cash to the club.

Presenting the money on behalf of Odemwengie, Mr Austin Uwagboe, said the donation was part of Osazee’s appreciation to the club that made him who he is today.

Receiving the donation, the sole administrator of the club, Austin Eguavoen, commended the footballer for his contribution to the growth of the club.

Eguavoen called on well-meaning Edo people and former Insurance players to emulate Odemwingie in coming to the assistance of the club.

It would be recalled that Odemwingie had earlier in the month donated sets of jerseys and other training kits to Bendel insurance.

Meanwhile, a sport enthusiast and former international boxing champion, Mr Wellington Okoh, has renewed his plea to individuals and corporate bodies to invest in the development of sports.

He particularly called for investment in boxing and other sports, outside football.

Okoh, who is a Commissioner with the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), said that sports development was no longer in the exclusive list of government.

He said that it was not possible for government alone to develop sports in the country, in view of its other financial commitments.

Okoh, therefore, urged corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to assist in building gyms and other sporting facilities for government, schools and sports clubs.

The one-time Golden Globe boxing champion attributed youth restiveness to the dearth of sporting facilities.

Okoh said that the availability of sporting facilities would satisfy the passion and zeal of the youth in more positive ways.

He reiterated his commitment toward the revival of amateur boxing in Edo.

Okoh assured that young boxers would be encouraged to excel in both national and international tournaments, as well as the sponsorship of the Edo Amateur Boxing Championship, which he began last year.