BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, PORT HARCOURT
Youths of Rukpokwu in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, Rivers State, have been advised to shun cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
The Community Development Committee, CDC, Chairman of Elikpokwuodu community Prince Sunny Okpara, who gave the advice during the kick off of Rukpokwu 2021 Football Competition in Rukpokwu, stressed the need for the youths to continue to live in peace for the development of the area.
The CDC chairman said that efforts have been made to create enabling environment for business to thrive in the locality.
“Everybody should stay in peace, they should not involve themselves in criminal activities, I want Rukpokwu Youths to maintain peace in Rukpokwu. Let them stay calm.”
“It was about three years ago that we witnessed a lot of crimes here. but this period now, we don’t have any stealing in Rukpokwu.”
“That’s why people can come out here and watch the match without fear of any molestation.”
Similarly, the youth President of Rukpokwu, Comrade Lucky Ibemere stated that the competition was put up to create friendship among the youths as well as take their minds away from evil.
“Armed Robbery, social vices, drug Abuse and all that, they hinder development of any community.”
“As a youth, my advice is, we should remain focused. We should be positive, we should be progressive.”
“We should fish out the challenges and proffer proper solutions accordingly.”
The Youth President said the competition is open for all the residents of Rukpokwu.
At the kick off match, Rumuapu Team – One defeated Silver and Gold team with a lone gone.
The keenly contested match ended in a barren draw in the first half, with Rumuapu team having more of scoring chances, but failed to convert any of them.
When hostilities resumed in the second half, Rumuapu Team One were still in control of the game in the first few minutes.
However, along the line, Silver and Gold team upped their tactics and came into the game more than the first half giving the match a balance.
They consequently had some half scoring chances but the doggedness of the Rumuapu defence that stood as Gibraltar Rock resisted their incursions into the vital areas.
The match was very entertaining with fans of both teams, especially, Rumuapu team One that appeared to have more fans cheering and urging the players not to relent.
The match was becoming more entertaining amid the second half as both teams made efforts to outplay each other and carry the day before the final whistle.
Due to much anxiety, a midfielder from the Silver and Gold Team earned himself a red card due to deadly rough tackle on a player of Rumuapu Team one and got the resultant matching order (sent off).
Rumuapu Team One Striker Jeremiah Kimi, got the curtain raiser for the tournament when he latched on a through pass and slot the ball into the right Conner of the post, beating the keeper in the process.
The match was watched by fans of both teams, men, women, and youths of the community.
