A new chapter in grassroots sports development and supporters’ mobilisation opened in Delta State on Thursday as the pioneer Executive Council of the De Legacy Sports Supporters Club, Delta State Chapter, was formally inaugurated at the Edjeba premises of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Warri.
The inauguration saw Chief Chuks Leon Anyiam sworn in as the pioneer Chairman of the state chapter alongside other executive members charged with advancing the ideals of the club across Delta State.
The National President of the club, Legacy Prince Happy Ehiedu, was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary General, Legacy Dr. Bimbola Olayaye, while the club’s Legal Adviser, Legacy Ikem Williams, administered the oath of office to the newly inaugurated executives.
Addressing members and guests, Dr. Olayaye described the inauguration as “the birth of another vibrant chapter” in the history of the organisation, saying Delta State’s admission into the national family marked another milestone in the club’s expansion.
She said the De Legacy Sports Supporters Club was founded on the principles of integrity, discipline, unity, patriotism and service, stressing that the organisation’s vision extends beyond cheering athletes during competitions.
“Our vision extends beyond cheering from the stands; we are building an institution that will stand the test of time, nurture responsible leadership, and positively impact our communities through sports,” she said.
Congratulating the newly inaugurated executive, Olayaye reminded them that leadership was a sacred trust requiring sacrifice, humility, teamwork and unwavering commitment.
“You have not been called to occupy positions but to render selfless service,” se said, assuring the Delta chapter of the National Executive Council’s support while urging strict adherence to the club’s constitution, transparency in administration and loyalty to its ideals.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Delta State Chapter, Chief Anyiam, expressed gratitude to God and members for the confidence reposed in him to serve as the pioneer chairman.
He described the inauguration as a defining moment for the chapter and thanked the national leadership for entrusting Delta State with the responsibility of strengthening the club’s presence in the South-South.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of our chapter. As this body is formally inaugurated and I am entrusted with the mantle of leadership, I am deeply honoured by your esteemed presence at this unique ceremony,” he said.
Chief Anyiam also appreciated the club’s patrons, members of the planning committee and sports enthusiasts who attended the event, describing their support as invaluable.
According to him, the Delta chapter would be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, discipline and collective progress.
“My administration will run an inclusive government that unites our members. No one will be left behind,” he pledged.
He further assured members that the chapter would actively mobilise support for the Super Eagles and other Nigerian teams at national and international sporting competitions.
“We will mobilise for the Super Eagles and for other sporting competitions at national and international levels,” he said, adding that the goal was to make Delta State “the heartbeat of supporters’ clubs in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Warri, Chief Elegbete Moses Odibo, described the establishment of the Delta State Chapter of the De Legacy Sports Supporters Club as a timely intervention aimed at redefining sports support and participation in the state.
Odibo, who is also one of the club’s patrons, said the emergence of the organisation was the culmination of sustained efforts to bring the national leadership to Delta State.
He noted that the club was founded to address long-standing concerns over the narrow perception of sports supporters’ organisations, which have often been associated almost exclusively with football.
“We are very happy that now we have De Legacy Sports Supporters Club that is for all sports. Football is just one sport from the foundation you have come to lay today,” he said, stressing that the club’s vision embraces athletics, handball, cricket, golf and other sporting disciplines.
The DBS Board Chairman assured the newly inaugurated executive of the unwavering support of the club’s patrons, expressing confidence in the calibre of those chosen to lead the Delta chapter.
“The men you see here are men of integrity, and I was very impressed with the selection,” he stated, adding that the patrons would provide both financial and moral support to ensure the club succeeds.
Odibo further pledged that the patrons would work to extend the club’s activities to communities across the state in order to encourage grassroots participation in sports.
“We shall not only support them financially and otherwise, but we shall also make sure that we replicate this level of participation to the grassroots so that our people will have a wider platform to express themselves in athletics, football, handball, cricket, golf—just name the sport, we shall be there to support them,” he said, expressing optimism that the inauguration marked “the beginning of better things to come in Delta State.”
The pioneer Executive Council of the De Legacy Sports Supporters Club, Delta State Chapter, is led by Chief Chuks Leon Anyiam as Chairman, with Ateyor Lucky serving as Vice Chairman. Other principal officers are Chief Lawrence J. Akpovesor as Secretary, Benjamin O. Taste as Assistant Secretary, Chief Erica O. Eyide as Treasurer, Emmanuel Okey as Financial Secretary, and Tseye Alele as Legal Adviser.
Also inaugurated were Prince Oforitse Fredrick Adolor as Public Relations Officer/Welfare Officer, Owomoyila Samson as Organiser/Assistant Welfare Officer, Chief Christian Bazunu as Chief Whip, Owen Popo as Assistant Chief Whip, while Victor Wilson, Vincent Ugbameta, and Edward Okwugbe will serve as Ex-Officio members of the pioneer executive.
