Fiji’s newly inaugurated President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, urged the nation’s chiefs to take a more active role in leadership and responsibility during his inaugural address at the State House. He emphasized the necessity for chiefs to lead by example and not to expect others to shoulder their duties.
Addressing a delegation from the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Naiqama underscored the importance of self-reliance among leaders. He stated, “For a chief to be strong and mighty, they need to be self-dependent,” insisting that true leaders must be capable of providing for themselves and their communities. He advocated for proactive leadership, urging chiefs to be the first to contribute to community initiatives and to demonstrate a strong work ethic.
The President criticized the notion of a “free-rider” mentality among some chiefs, stating that leadership requires effort and responsibility. He encouraged leaders to take personal accountability and not depend on others to fulfill community needs. Additionally, Ratu Naiqama highlighted the importance of education for chiefs, asserting that effective leadership comes from not only speaking but also practicing what they preach.
This call to action comes just ahead of the two-day GCC meeting, further positioning Ratu Naiqama’s leadership as one that prioritizes strong, self-reliant governance.
Overall, Ratu Naiqama’s message is both hopeful and motivating, inspiring Fijian chiefs to reclaim their leadership roles and to better serve their communities. By fostering a culture of active participation and personal responsibility, the future of leadership in Fiji could see a significant and positive transformation.
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