A NEW Tui Ba will be installed this Friday at Sorokoba Village in Ba.
Ratu Filimoni Lagivola Nale will take up the revered position that looks after seven villages, including Natumuka Village, Sasa Village, Sorokoba Village, Natalacake Village, Vadravadra Village, Koronubu Village and Veisaru Village.
And the 71-year-old is looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
“I will do my best to make sure that our people stay united and work together,” Ratu Filimoni said.
“It is very important that our people know the importance of the vanua, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of the church and the Government. Once this is established, I believe we can move forward and be successful in whatever we put our minds to.
“This is not something that is chosen. Taking up this title is something you are born with and it’s one that I am very happy and glad to take up as it gives me the chance to serve my people.”
Ratu Filimoni said the Government was doing a great job and that he would encourage his people to support the work of the Government.
“I believe the path this Government is taking is the way forward. There are a lot of initiatives that they have come up with that is good for the people and for that, they have my backing 100 per cent.”
While uniting his people is his priority, the issues of violence against women and climate change is also of concern to him.
“These are two issues that I have always spoken about and I am very happy the Government has also made them their priority. I will make sure every villager in my jurisdiction knows the effects of climate change and what we can collectively do about it.
“Violence against women is also common in many places in Fiji. It’s not a secret so I plan to educate the people of Ba about this issue and stop it. There’s no place for the suffering of women and children in my plan for the future.”
The traditional installation of Ratu Filimoni was confirmed by the Roko Tui Ba Jese Volau.
