K100, 000 pledged for Ahi resource centre

The week-long Ahi Festival ended in style in Lae last Friday (Friday, Dec 17, 2010) with more than K100, 00 pledged to build an Ahi resource centre, an education facility which will have a library, computer laboratory and conference and work shop facilities.

Other expected support is expected to see more than K200, 000 raised for the resource centre.

The pledges were made by Lae business houses, groups and individuals during a function at the Lae International Hotel last Friday night which coincided with the crowning of Miss Ahi.

General manager of Riback Stevedores and major sponsor of the festival, Peter Boyd, was overwhelmed at the support from sponsors.

Riback Stevedores general manager Peter Boyd with Miss Ahi contestants during the crowning on Friday night

Ahi Festival ambassador John Wilshere (left) receives a pledge for K30,000 from Morobe administrator Kemas Tomala

The pledges included  K30,000 from Morobe provincial government, K25,000 from Lae Biscuit Company, K10,000 from lawyer Kelly Naru, K7,000 from Wanu family of Butibam village, K5,000 from In Touch Media, K2,000 from Bogan family of Butibam village, K10,000 from Nambawan Super, K5,000 from Aaron family of Yanga village, K10,000 from councilor Douglas Maliaki of Butibam village, K2,000 from PNG Steel and K10,000 from Deugro.

Lae Biscuit Company founder Sir Henry Chow said the company was indebted to the Ahi people as it had built its new factory on customary land at Kamkumung village.

Lae Biscuit Company founder Sir Henry Chow makes the company's pledge for K25,000 to the Ahi resource centre

Sir Henry announced that LBC would be rebuilding the sporting complex at Kamkumung into a homeground for the Lae inter-city rugby league team at a cost of K2 million.

He also revealed that LBG would be sponsoring the Lae inter-city rugby league team from next year onwards and would be looking at renaming the team to Snax Tigers.

The festival itself ended on a high note with closing remarks by In Touch Media managing director Sir Nagora Bogan

With the theme Promoting Education Through Sports and Culture – the festival was

aimed at raising funds for the establishment of the resource centre.

It brought together the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung, Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang to showcase their talent in sports and culture.

Some of the main objectives of the Ahi Festival included:

• Promoting community unity;

• Promoting and preserving Ahi culture;

• Creating awareness on social Issues and assistance available; and

• Showcasing local talents in culture, sports, music and business.