Ratu Sukuna had a vision and became an inspiration for many - Vosarogo

Some leaders are gifted and some who are gifted become leaders and Ratu Sukuna is a great example of this statement.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo highlighted this during the public lecture held at Fiji National University on the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

Vosarogo says the opening of the Great Council of Chiefs will allow the upcoming leaders to improve their leadership qualities.

He says Ratu Sukuna had a vision that he never gave up on like the way he fought for his country's administration.

Vosarogo says Ratu Sukuna single-handedly ensured that the leaders will have some inspiration from him and will continue to develop qualities of leadership for each generation.

Former Ambassador Emitai Boladuadua says Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna was the most educated and influential man in Fiji at the time, who played a crucial role in establishing the iTaukei Land Trust Board.

Boladuadua says he had set up a path for future chiefs and leaders to follow after his passing away on 29th May 1958.

Principal of Pacific Theological College, Reverend Professor Upolu Luka Va'ai says regional leadership is collapsing.

He says there is a need to improve regional leadership and we need to learn from Ratu Sukuna's leadership qualities.

Professor Va'ai adds Ratu Sukuna had compassion for the nation and its people, something the new leaders need to adapt.

He says having back-to-back celebrations like Girmit and Ratu Sukuna Day is not a coincidence but a well-thought plan by the government with the vision to reconcile the people and the Vanua.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Training Dr Jimaima Lako says Ratu Sukuna preserved his cultural upbringing even with the western education.

School of Education lecturer, Sereima Baleisomi says there is a deterioration of our cultural values which needs to be improved.

Baleisomi also acknowledged the role women play and specifically Adi Litiana Maopa, the mother of the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, for playing a vital role in the upbringing of the children and their personal growth towards becoming a statesman.