Paula Cirikiyasawa, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, emphasized the importance of home ownership as a strategy to retain young people in Fiji during the 2025 FNU Conference on Resetting TVET and Higher Education in Nadi last week. He highlighted the need for young Fijians to establish a sense of belonging and ownership within their country, encouraging them to “work, stay, and thrive” in Fiji.

Cirikiyasawa referenced insights shared by Anna Morris of Fiji Airways and FNU Vice Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba regarding youth retention. He mentioned that the concept of incentivizing youth to remain in the country aligns with historical figures like Lee Kuan Yew, who promoted homeownership as a means of fostering stability and connection to community.

Addressing concerns about land allocation, especially for the Vualiku project in Vanua Levu, Cirikiyasawa indicated that the ministry has developed a land use master plan to guide the process, which also considers native land allocations in conjunction with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).

Furthermore, parallels can be drawn from recent discussions surrounding the housing crisis in Fiji. With hundreds of individuals currently living in informal settlements, addressing homeownership and providing affordable accommodation have become paramount issues. Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa has outlined strategies for transitioning residents of these settlements into legal ownership to improve living standards.

The call to action for young people to purchase land and own homes reflects a broader strategy in various sectors to engage communities actively and foster sustainable livelihoods, thus contributing towards reducing poverty and retaining the youth population in Fiji.

This emphasis on home ownership can serve as a beacon of hope for the future, indicating a collective effort to create a more stable and prosperous environment for the younger generation. The government’s commitment to enhancing living conditions and fostering economic participation can pave the way for a brighter future for Fijian youth and families alike.