On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a delegation of close maternal relatives of the First Lady from Cakaudrove visited the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and the First Lady, Her Excellency Emily Lalabalavu, at State House.
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This marked their inaugural official visit to the Head of State, during which they presented a *sevusevu*, complete with mats and *magiti*. The delegation included the First Lady's immediate family members from various Tikina (Districts) within Cakaudrove, including Tikina Nasavusavu (Koro Savudrodro, Yavusa Solovetini), Tikina Navatu (Yavusa Korolevu, Mataqali Nalovomoli, and Mataqali Nacubu), Mataqali Valelevu Naweni (Burenicagi), and members of Yavusa Muanivatu (Koro o' Urata, Tikina o Wailevu West).
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The visit held profound cultural significance, reaffirming the enduring bonds between the members of the respective Yavusa and their paramount chief, as well as honoring the Radini Vanua. It symbolized respect, loyalty, and unity, while reinforcing traditional protocols and acknowledging the President's dual responsibilities as both Head of State and Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau. In welcoming the delegation, President Lalabalavu expressed his gratitude for their visit, underscoring the importance of maintaining traditional ties and unity within the vanua. He stated, "I am humbled by your presence here today. Let us continue to uphold the customs that unite us as people and as members of a Vanua.
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Your visit serves as a reminder of our collective identity, founded on respect, culture, and service." This meeting also offered a platform to explore opportunities for future collaboration, specifically in rural development, education, and cultural preservation. Both the delegation and the President voiced their mutual commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of communities in the province. #FijiNews #CoalitionGovernment #FijiGovernment
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