Students urged to follow Ratu Sukuna's example of leadership

Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna's vision, discipline and commitment to service helped lay the foundation for modern governance in Fiji, Labasa Town Council Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi said.

Mr Ligairi made the remarks while addressing students and staff of the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Labasa during a Ratu Sukuna Day commemoration today.

“Ratu Sukuna's legacy reminds us that true leadership is not defined by authority alone, but by the ability to bring people together, respect diversity and guide a nation forward with foresight and responsibility,” Mr Ligairi said.

“He was a man who embodied leadership through humility, wisdom and a deep commitment to unity.”

Mr Ligairi said Ratu Sukuna's contributions continued to inspire leaders at all levels of society to serve with integrity and purpose.

He encouraged students to become visionary leaders and to draw inspiration from Ratu Sukuna's example.

USP Students Association Labasa president Ratu Alivereti Rokoyaluma also paid tribute to the late statesman.

“Let us not forget that Ratu Sukuna was also a distinguished Fijian chief, scholar, soldier and statesman, widely regarded as the precursor to Fiji's post-independence leadership,” he said.

May 30 marks the anniversary of the death of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna in 1958.

Following Fiji's independence in 1970, the date became a public holiday to honour his pioneering contributions to land management and national development.