PNG Youth Focus

11/02/2025

RIGO RICE CUP POSITIVELY IMPACTING UNFORTUNATE YOUTHS IN PORT MORESBY SOUTH

Media Director’s Desk

The inaugural edition of KCK Rigo Rice Cup has made tremendous positive impacts on youths in the Port Moresby South electorate in Port Moresby.

With the initial participation of Funeral Home Laumas in our first leg, the progress of Vadatau Brothers and SS Dolphins to this weekend’s major semi-final is a testament to our community engagement incentives and positive impact on young talents.

The Vadatau Brothers, comprising of young aspiring talents from Vadavada and Taurama has made exceptional progress, by securing a major semi-final spot on the second leg of this tourney.

Vadatau Brothers will be taking on SS Dolphins on the first fixture to fight for a grand final spot that has K10,000 first prize awaiting to compete for. SS Dolphins (South Side Dolphins) made consistent progress from regular rounds and were on by from the previous weekend.

Vadatau made an impressive triumph over the United Finance sponsored M3 Bulldogs on Sunday, and are now one game away from the grand finale.

Supporters and participating team players from Moresby South have reached out to Rigo Rice Cup organizers, stating the significance of the tournament’s positive impact on participating players, who are also playing in the JT Super Nines.

Community engagement and youth incentive program like rugby league is an avenue that helps youths to abstain drug, illicit substances and activities. They focus more on personal development and interpersonal growth when actively involved in sports and other social activities.

As such, the organisers look forward in hosting both games at Bava Park this weekend, and we expect a well-behaved turnout with less interruptions and disorders on game day.

07/02/2025

FOE ASSOCIATION MAKES PAYMENT OF K304,245 FOR DOUBLE CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION IN KUTUBU

Managing Director of Wame Blood Group of Companies and FOE Association Inc. Chairman, Johnny Yawari presented a K304,245 cheque to Atlas Steel PNG on Tuesday 04th February for the construction of a four in one (4 in 1) double classroom at Tanuga Primary School in Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province.

The presented Cheque was for the total cost of fabrication of material for the structure of the building and its interior fit out. The payment is exclusive of the cost of labour, security, transportation, and freighting, which was expected to inflate the total cost of the project to a K1 Million.

In presenting the cheque, Mr Yawari said he was focused on developing the education sector of Kutubu LLG in accordance with the association’s long-term development plans as education plays a vital role in the development of a society.

These substantial investments, marks another milestone achievement for Foe Association’s unrelenting efforts towards empowerment of human resource and infrastructure development in Kutubu Local Level Government.

Mr Yawari stressed that for Kutubu to realise any meaningful change and transformation, there must be collective efforts by all including the Provincial Government and the Districts in creating such educational pathways the for the betterment of its people, all stakeholders must heavily invest in human resource capacity building as this is the catalyst for change period.

Chairman Johnny Yawari also confirmed to fund the construction of Staff Houses for Tanuga Primary School, Gesege Primary School, one double classroom for Kikori High School, a low set dublex for K-Point Community School, and a low set double classroom for Kantobo.
Mr. Yawari highlighted that Foe Association’s consistent partnership with Atlas Steel over the past years, has resulted in the successful accomplishment of two similar school building projects, stating this as the third project so far.

Atlas steel PNG will be supplying bulk quantities of building and construction materials to assigned Contractor Foe Investment Corporation Limited, throughout the extent of this building project in Kutubu.
This educational infrastructure development scheme will be serving over 7,000 young students throughout this specific local level government who attends primary education (grades 3 – 8) at Tanuga Primary School.

The Chairman further clarified that the funds presented to Atlas Steel PNG was not from donor agencies or government institutions.

“This money was acquired from “Artists For A Cause” fundraising concert hosted at Hilton Hotel on the 10th November 2023, which featured thrilling performances from various local Papua New Guinea music artists in collaboration with Wame Blood band,” said Yawari.

In addition to the presentation, Mr. Yawari has confirmed that two staff-house for Kutubu Secondary School will be simultaneously constructed by Foe Investment Corporation, with counter funding support from Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority (NKDDA).

“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Minister for Defence Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph for the appropriate intervention in supporting Foe Association and the people of Lake Kutubu through this timely support.”

Yawari is confident that Foe Investment Corporation will deliver for its people and aspires to witness Kutubu’s transformation into a developed vicinity in the next decade.

“Foe association thankfully recognizes the support given by every individual who turned up at the fundraising concert to purchase a table and support a worthy cause.”
Chairman Johnny Yawari concluded by relaying heartfelt acknowledgement to their development partners who were consistently supportive over the years towards Foe Association’s development aspirations.

“I’d like to appreciate our continued partnership with Santos PNG Leon Baskens, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano, CEO for NGCB Ms. Emelda Agon, KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk, Member for Nipa Kutubu and Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, Governor for Hela Province Hon. Philip Undialu, Minister for Bouganville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba, and Hilton Hotel Port Moresby for giving the venue free.”

28/01/2025

DANIEL BILIP MAKES URGENT MEDICAL APPEAL

Reports: Joel K. Andrew

Renowned local music artist from Enga Province Daniel Bilip has made an urgent medical appeal to the general public for further treatment overseas.

Bilip, an award winning Artist at YUMIFM PNG Music Awards made this call yesterday, following a difficult health condition that he is currently undergoing.

Bilip's immediate family members made this call on his behalf, and has advised that all contributions, whether big or small counts in this dire time of need.

Bilip will be seeking further medical assistance on Chemotherapy and Surgery with medical consultation and reviews.

Therefore, the donations will go towards his medical expanses, accommodation and travel abroad.

Donations can be made to the following bank account details provided.

Account Name: Daniel Bilip
Account #: 21103512
Bank: Kina Bank Limited

28/01/2025

Let's help make donations and help out brother and prominent music sensation Daniel Bilip get further medical treatments overseas.

Our brother is in critical condition and our help to save a life matters more in this time of need.

Refer to the Bank Account Details below to Donate any amount, because every toea we assist counts.

Wishing him a speedy recovery and good health Kaim ❤️🙏

16/01/2025

INTRODUCING A MOBILE LOCK, SWEDEN ITAKI

(PLAYER SPOTLIGHT with JOEL K. ANDREW)

The KCK RIGO RICE CUP in collaboration with PNG Youth Focus presents a young Promising lock that is mobile, yet attacks with his physical penetrative bone crushing tackles.

Sweden Itaki was consistently a standout player all throughout the tournament's first leg challenge and was outstanding in discipline while exhibiting standard football everytime on gameday.

His hits, brutal attacks, speed and defense were the foundation of his team's progress throughout the first leg of Rigo Rice Cup.

Itaki's strategic moves and effective communication with the halves on field has earned the Mono Mutrus Brothers a spot in the Rigo Rice Cup Leg One Grand Final.

Sweden Itaki is definitely an asset to any franchise in the Digicel Cup.

Sweden will be playing for the Mono Mutrus Brothers against the D8 Mosquitos on Sunday
19th January, 2024.

We invite the entire rugby league community in Port Moresby to come along at Bava Park and witness the games.

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15/01/2025

📣Record-Breaking News! 🏃‍♂️

Rising sprint star Pais Wisil has shattered Peter Pulu's 30-year-old national record for the 60m with an incredible timing of 6.76 seconds in Brisbane yesterday (Sunday)!

Pulu had set the previous record of 6.79 seconds at the 1993 World Indoor Championships in Barcelona and went on to break the 100m national record that same year in Germany. He matched his 60m record timing of 6.79 seconds again at the 2003 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

Wisil has been on fire lately, setting personal bests in the 100m, including an impressive 10.49 at the PNG Air National Championships last month.

"Coach Tony Fairweather believes Wisil can improve even more in the 60m," said Athletics PNG President Tony Green, noting that Wisil stumbled slightly on his third stride during the record-breaking run.

Wisil is aiming to compete in at least two more 60m races to boost his chances of qualifying for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21 to 23.

Picture courtesy: Casey Sims

Athletics PNG INC.

13/01/2025

RE-INTRODUCING ANGELES ALUA (THE BEAST)

(PLAYER SPOTLIGHT with JOELK. ANDREW)

Angeles Alua Yamo was dominant with his speed, mobility, defense and attacks during the semi final match between Kagua Woodmen and D8 Mosquitos on Saturday 11th January, 2025.

Yamo, a former PRK Mendi Muruks star is hoping a possible return to the intercity after being named for the Governor's Cup select side to take on Port Moresby Vipers on a trial match.

Click this link and follow the official page of this grassroots rugby league tournament for more updates: KCK RIGO RICE CUP

09/01/2025

MOTU KOITA COWBOYS EYES TOP SPOT IN RIGO RICE CUP LEG ONE

By JOEL K. ANDREW

COMPETING in the inaugural edition of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup, Motu Koita Cowboys have displayed exceptional performance since the resumption of the tournament’s first leg in December 2024.

As the tournament’s first leg heads into semi-finals Tomorrow (Friday 10th January), the Motu Koita boys are on bye for preliminary finals on Sunday 12th January with four consecutive wins.

With just one game away from the leg one’s ending, Koita Cowboys are keen with confidence to secure a spot in the grand final.

Five-eight Haro Suve displayed an outstanding performance with successful 6/6 conversion kicks during their quarter final match with Kagua Woodmen last weekend, where Koita Cowboys trashed Woodmen 24 points to 10.

Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin, Suve expressed pure confidence and trust for his team, despite the team being the youngest side competing in the tournament.

“I have faith in the boys and believe that we will fight hard to secure a spot in the grand final with mentoring from Kumul debutant Morea Morea.”

The Motu Koita talents now look forward to take on tomorrow’s semi-final winners on the preliminary final on Sunday 12th January.

04/01/2025

KCK RIGO RICE CUP FIRST LEG HEADS INTO QUARTER FINALS

The inaugural edition of KCK Rigo Rice Cup heads into quarter finals for the first leg today at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Top eight teams are currently on a contest to secure their spots in the major semi final for leg one which will be happenning next week.

Tournament Director/CEO Mcsteve Polly told Sunday Bulletin Online today that games are progressing well with well behaved crowd, sponsors and players.

"The games are progressing well and we have another group of teams, preparing to be scheduled for resumption after January 30th for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th leg of the tournament."

Polly further highlighted that losers of the low four will be eliminated, as winners will advance to meet losers of the high four in which the winners will advance to grand final for leg one.

"Semi finals will be happenning next week and we expect a huge crowd to attend, but their security is my technical team's top priority."

The first leg of Rigo Rice Cup ends in two weeks time as other three legs will resume thereafter, with a 12 team play-off for K300,000 Grand prize in March.

03/01/2025

The Contract Termination on one of Papua New Guinea's international, Kevin Apo was immediate as Bredford Bulls are currently in search of a replacement.

Read full story here : https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24830861.bradford-bulls-terminate-keven-appo-deal-rape-charge/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR06zdrJN4aEVG3MYixmkT2qHapI6Hki6i8DhTX903GHh0Wi0SRJuG9xVfM_aem_qfYyCGXtd3zNTb3o7J6NbA

03/01/2025

GRADE TEN DROP OUT TO A DEGREE HOLDER

Written By: EMETE ENARE

When I asked her hand in marriage, she was a Grade 10 dropout attending vocational school.

I promised her parents that I would ensure she pursued her education someday.

Three years later, we had two sons, and they held it against me for “spoiling” her education and demanded I settle with a high bride price. I accepted and settled without negotiation.

Marriage is not always smooth sailing. Many thought I had settled for someone less. My side of the family thought she would add no value to our family.

Her side of the family thought I had spoilt her education, but I made this decision - a lifelong decision that one day she would get a degree.

I encouraged her that if she is determined, she can get there with commitment and persistence. She took that advice and never looked back.

She attended two matriculation study centers in Port Moresby to do Grades 11 and 12 but did not complete them.

She attended Mapex Training Institute to get her Certificate in Accounting and Diploma in Accounting!

Given that she managed to do well, she pursued further at POM Business College. She applied for a Diploma in Accounting.

However, they didn’t recognize the diploma from Mapex and asked her to do a Technical Training Certificate (TTC), given that her highest qualification was a Grade 10 Certificate.
She was downhearted at first but then decided to take it.

Within the first semester, she did well, and with her transcript, she applied to Pacific Adventist University (PAU) and was accepted to start her first year in 2021.

She couldn’t believe it, but it was true! We prayed and thanked God for rewarding her persistence.
Her 4 years were a roller coaster. She would smile, laugh, and cry when things didn’t work out well.

It’s a journey she will remember to tell her children later on in life. My only encouragement to her was, “I wrote my own story; it's your turn to write yours to inspire and be an inspiration – if not to the others, to your children.”

She beat her expectations when she completed her studies in 4 years. Its like a dream come true.

What I learned from supporting her in obtaining her degree is this: I supported many people who will share their lives with someone else, but supporting her is 100% ROI to our home.

To those young ones who are supporting their girlfriends, this is a different story. I’m not encouraging that unless you know you will share your life one day. Otherwise, she will complete her studies and share her life with someone else.

I hope you are encouraged. For men, let's see the value of our wives and sisters and support them even if they are married or have dropped out of school. They should not depend on us or someone else to support them; they can be independent and contribute meaningfully to the family and the country.

For women and girls, getting married or dropping out of school should not crush our dreams. We should continue to pursue them. Our persistence will be rewarded.

30/12/2024

Congratulations to Papua New Guinea's NELSON Samson, who defeated his Malaysian opponent and claimed the World Kick Boxing Federation Intercontinental Title in the 80kg Division at the Taurama Aquatic Sports Complex in Port Moresby.

Picture: Nelson Samson and his Malaysian opponent captured during their official Weigh in at City Boutique Hotel, before their showdown on Saturday.

30/12/2024

Seasonal Greetings to you all

The Management, online administration team and contributors of the PNG Youth Focus Magazine would like to send out our seasonal greetings to all our readers and partners nationwide.

2024 has been a really challenging year for us but we believe that 2025 will arrive with blessings, breakthroughs and open doors.

God Bless,

06/11/2024

Augustine Emil hits back at UMI FM following their "Pay-To-Play Scandal".

By Augustine Emil: Wed. November 6, 2024.

This is total blesphemy, disgrace, and a total shame to one of our pioneer radio stations in the country (YUMI FM).

Radio Stations and Music corelates in all forms and complements each other in all aspects and fronts of existence to survive. Without music, the radio station may not survive. Without radio stations, musicians can't survive either. Their existence goes in parallel for each other.

Taking bribes and engaging in such illicit activities by announcers reveals unfairness to us the musicians and a complete betrayal to your establishment and employee - PNG FM.

This also earmarks total incompetency and blatant corruption in public eyes as what is revealed here may be the tip of an iceberge within a reputable establishment in the media fraternity.

Radio stations should be promoting genuine musical genres, creativity and artistry that promotes songs of inspirations of peace, love, unity, environment and more educational instead of promoting craps and rubbish that is contrary to the sensorship board and the public ears.

The Annual YUMI FM PNG AWARDS is also seen as anothor herenious and an unscrupulous SCAM to use musician's Music, songs, titles and reputation to lure massive amount of money from Sponsors around the country to host this event.

On behalf of fellow musicians around the country, I wanna make it clear that this Music Awards must now be runned by a reputable Event Company or radio station to maintain consistency in fairness to promote the real PNG Music that is blended with our original diversified culture and tradition.

Music should be judged on its originality with no issues of duplication or copycats that resemble few international genres where the market is out there already.

I want to reiterate here that YUMI FM and other radio stations must appreciate the tireless efforts of all musicians around the country for producing music music and giving it FREE OF CHARGE to you for Air plays, advertisments, commercial jingles etc for you to make money to survive on air.

I don't care if I am coming hard here, but I want YUMI FM to take this as a corrective measure and be honest and fair in what ever you do to us and move ahead with heads high.

For my stand on this, it's all up to you whether to BAN all my music to be braodcasted or being airplayed in your system too.

Thank you.
Augustine Emil

04/11/2024

MORE THAN 30 REFEREES TO OFFICIATE KCK RIGO RICE CUP

PRESS RELEASE: MONDAY 04TH NOVEMBER

More than thirty (30) professional referees gathered today at the Rigo Rice Cup Office in Port Moresby, pledging their support for the inaugural edition of the grassroots rugby league competition this year.

The referees had a brief session with the tournament CEO Mcsteve Polly, and deliberated significant points, guidelines and inhouse discussions leading up to the tournament.

These referees were formally signed up by the KCK Rigo Rice Cup host organizing committees, and are ready to officiate matches in the four different pools throughout Port Moresby.

Rigo Rice Cup CEO Mcsteve Polly, during the meeting discussed the importance of fair play and integrity when officiating matches, especially in major competitions that involves more than 10 teams participating.

A female touch judge was also present among the referees. She voiced her concerns about the need for more women in the field, expressing her hope to see more female touch judges working alongside male counterparts which was taken note of by the RRC Team.

Meanwhile, the KCK Rigo Rice Cup will be launched on Saturday the 09th of November, where total number of participating teams will be announced together with their names.

Picture: Few of the signed referees having a photo session with the Rigo Rice Cup Host Organising Committee team in Port Moresby today. Picture by KCK RRC Media

31/10/2024

BILLY AKI TO SUPERVISE RIGO RICE CUP IN POM NORTH WEST

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY 31st OCTOBER

We are delighted to announce NCD Suburban Sports Foundation Chairman and President for Moresby North West Rugby League’s inclusion into the KCK Rigo Rice Cup team.

Mr. Billy Aki has been appointment as the tournament coordinator for Rigo Rice Cup in the Port Moresby North West suburb.

This appointment was formalised by the KCK Rigo Rice Cup CEO Mcsteve Polly today in Port Moresby, following a formal meeting with Mr. Aki and the Rigo Rice Cup Team.

Billy Aki has immense experience from various top tier rugby league competitions in the country like the NCD Governor’s Cup, and we are glad that he will be sharing it to our younger generation of rugby league players in his pool of coordination throughout the tournament.

Following this appointment, Billy Aki expressed his full support towards this local tournament and permitted the KCK Rigo Rice Cup to be played at the Kone Tigers Oval for Port Moresby North West pool.

The inaugural Rigo Rice Cup Championship will be played in four different pools in Port Moresby, and will resume after the official launching on November 09th, 2024.

We have more exciting news to share with you all, watch this space.

30/10/2024

Visit Papua New Guinea - Tourism Promotion Authority

30/10/2024

💯✍️

REGISTRATION NOTICE
Wednesday 30th October, 2024

The tournament organisers would like to announce that registrations are closing fast and so, interested teams are encouraged to call into our office at CopyTech Place, Opposite Jupiter Night Club for registration, or WhatsApp us now on +675 71561688.

Registration fee per participating team is K2000 and it must be paid before the registration deadline today into the following bank account details;

Account Name: RMP Limited
Account Number: 7015995934
Bank South Pacific

Further notice on the registration extension will be formally announced by the tournament organisers on Thursday 31st October.

“We are the biggest grassroots rugby league competition in Papua New Guinea”