Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has appealed to youths in the region to avoid indulging in illicit drugs and other vices.
According to him, such practices will negatively impact their future and disrupt peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
Apostle Nkono, who made the plea on Sunday at the Independence High School, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area in Southern Nigeria, during the grand finale of the Ukana Unity Football Tournament, identified social vices as an evil threatening to wipe out the youths.
“The youths are the future of our nation. The onus is on you to copy only those good things that the elders are doing. Shun drugs and other negative vices; remain a responsible youth, and your future shall be better.”
“We can see the kind of talent that is being displayed here. Whatever we can find in America, can be found here. Let all the youth latch onto this great initiative. Tomorrow, the sky will be your beginning,” he advised.
Nkono also implored the youths to always take advantage of programmes and initiatives of the NDDC.
He lauded the facilitator of the tournament, Envoy Nsentip Akpabio, for being consistent in using the tournament as a tool of youth empowerment and unity. Nkono envisaged a much bigger tournament next year.
The NDDC Rep also made a handsome donation in support of the tournament.
In the keenly contested final match, Pepper Babes FC of Ukana Ikot Ntuen defeated ONIFA FC of Ukana Ikot Ngwoh to secure the two million Naira prize money.
An early goal was all the Pepper Babes needed to defeat their neighbors. It was, however, an end-to-end encounter that thrilled football lovers.
The runners-up and the third-placed team bagged 1.5 million Naira and 1 million Naira, respectively.
President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is the Grand Patron of the yearly-held tournament.