In his inaugural address, Fiji’s newly appointed President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urged the nation’s chiefs to take on greater responsibility and demonstrate leadership by example. Speaking to a delegation from the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) at the State House, Ratu Naiqama emphasized the need for self-reliance among chiefs, suggesting that their strength is derived from being self-dependent.
He articulated that for chiefs to gain the respect and trust of their communities, they must first be willing to contribute actively to initiatives in their villages, especially during fundraising activities. “Leaders must lead from the front,” Ratu Naiqama remarked, underlining the importance of not adopting a “free-rider” mentality. Instead, he called for chiefs to engage in hard work and personal contribution, stating that leadership comes with communal responsibility.
Education was also highlighted as a crucial element for effective leadership. Ratu Naiqama insisted that chiefs should not only be well-educated but also exemplify the values they preach. “Your actions should reflect your words,” he stated, reinforcing the need for authenticity in leadership.
This call to action coincides with the two-day GCC meeting set to begin soon at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, which provides an apt platform for dialogue on revitalizing leadership standards among the nation’s chiefs.
The positive spin of this message is that it fosters a culture of active engagement and self-improvement within communities. By advocating for personal responsibility and leadership, Ratu Naiqama is inspiring a movement that encourages individuals to rise to the occasion and be the change they wish to see in their communities.
In summary, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s address seeks to inspire Fijian chiefs to embrace their roles as proactive leaders, encouraging them to foster self-reliance and educational advancement as foundations for their leadership.
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