Fiji’s newly inaugurated President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has urged the nation’s chiefs to take on more responsibility and lead by example. In his inaugural address at the State House, he emphasized the need for self-reliance among chiefs, speaking directly to a delegation from the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) who welcomed him.
Ratu Naiqama stressed that for a chief to embody strength and leadership, they must first be self-sufficient. “You need to be able to feed and fend for yourselves. Only then will your people be able to look up to you as a leader,” he stated. His message highlighted the expectation that leaders should be proactive and contribute significantly to their communities, particularly during fundraising initiatives.
In a strong call against what he termed a “free-rider” mentality, Ratu Naiqama reminded chiefs that genuine leadership requires hard work and dedication. He emphatically stated, “You can’t be free-riding around… You need to sweat for your own food and drink. You cannot expect others to do the hard work for you.”
Education also played a key role in his address, as Ratu Naiqama argued that effective leadership necessitates a strong foundation of knowledge. He encapsulated his vision for leadership by urging chiefs to align their actions with their words, reinforcing the idea that they should serve as role models in every respect.
As Fiji embarks on this new leadership journey, Ratu Naiqama’s vision instills hope for a proactive and responsible future among its chiefs, potentially leading to stronger communities that are more engaged and self-sufficient.
This message sets a positive tone toward fostering a culture of accountability and empowerment within the leadership, highlighting the importance of leading by example for the betterment of society as a whole.
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