By ETOP EKANEM

In a bid to foster peace and unity among the youths of Okori community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, a renowned philanthropist and the Paramount Ruler of Okori, Eleme, Rivers State, Chief Appolus Chu, recently initiated a football competition in the community. The competition which is also aimed at discovering hidden talents, saw the winners carting away the sum of one million Naira.

The competition took place between January 1 and 13, at the Alesa Unity Stadium in Eleme

According to the image-maker for Okori community, Mr. Sunny Ogbu, the competition was aimed at bringing together the Okori youths and to make them engage in  gainful ventures.

He said the competition was also meant to encourage the youths to stayed away from violence and all other unholy undertakings.

He said: “Nine communities make up Okori in Eleme and as a philanthropist, the sole sponsor of the competition, HRH Appolus Chu decided to foster peace and unity among them, especially in these days of youth’s restiveness.”

The top three teams got cash rewards of N1 million, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

A representative of the Rivers State Football Association, Chief Jacob Npkaa, said:”I want to congratulate His Royal Highness, Chief Appolus Chu, who has put together this competition. Nkpaa, on behalf of the Eleme Football Council presented an award of honour to Chief Appolus Chu, for his contribution to the development of sports in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the HRH, Chu, who was absent at the event, Chief Sunday Goya, commended the entire community, particularly the competitors and organisers for a job well done.

“We are so happy for a successful competition without any strife amongst the participants. This is exactly the desire of Chief Appolus Chu – to ensure that our youths are united so that they would be able to progress in life and also bring about growth in our communities. A lot of talents have been displayed here today and I am sure the Eleme Football Council has been able to note these talents, which HRH Chu will be willing to sponsor”, Goya said.