FROM a young age, Eka Boila knew exactly what she wanted to be — an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officer.
Today, the 32-year-old mother of two daughters is among the longest-serving employees at Rentokil Initial Fiji, where she has worked since 2017.
Originally from Buretu, Nakelo, in Tailevu, Ms Boila holds the title of senior hygiene technician, earned through years of dedication, resilience and hard work.
She is one of five siblings, three brothers and two sisters and was raised in a close-knit Christian family that always supported her dreams.
Her passion for workplace safety sparked while watching Suva City Council workers in action during evangelist Benny Hinn’s visit to Fiji in 2006.
“Seeing the SCC workers in action made me curious and passionate about wanting to follow in their footsteps,” Ms Boila told The Fiji Times.
“When I got home, I expressed my wish to become an OHS officer to my parents. They completely supported my decision and encouraged me to pray about it.”
Before finding her place at Rentokil, Ms Boila started out as a housekeeper at Raffles Gateway Hotel in Nadi. She later moved to Suva, where she worked as a waitress.
A former Gospel High School student, she vividly remembers the moment her path to Rentokil began.
“A woman inspired me to apply. After two months, Rentokil contacted me to join their team, and I couldn’t have been happier. I’ve been with this company ever since.”
Ms Boila says she genuinely loves her job, colleagues and work environment.
“Whatever you do, you should do it with passion. If it’s not done from the heart, it’s pointless.
“The management and the work environment are fantastic. It feels like a second home here.”
Describing herself as chatty, kind-hearted and open-minded, Ms Boila is always ready to meet the needs of her clients and take on new challenges.
Looking ahead, she hopes to remain with Rentokil in the next decade, growing professionally and personally.
Her advice to those looking for a job and an inspiration, is to believe in themselves.
“Have faith in yourself and, most importantly, pray for your aspirations if you wish to see it come to fruition.”
Eka Boila is a senior hygiene technician at the Rentokil Initial Fiji based in Laucala Beach, outside Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
