Sikeli Nailauota, a dedicated resident of Naqali in Naitasiri, exemplifies a life committed to his community and honoring ancestral traditions. As the matanivanua, or chiefly herald and spokesman, Sikeli’s devotion stems from a lineage deeply entwined with his identity and purpose.
In 1962, he returned to his village with his family after his father’s employment at the Vatukoula gold mines. Sikeli’s education began in Vatukoula and continued in Naqali before he furthered his studies at Sila Secondary School in Nausori. His professional journey began in 1998 when he joined the Fiji Police Force, where he dedicated six years before retiring in 2005. Following his retirement, he accepted the title of turaga ni koro, a role he embraced with humility as part of his commitment to village leadership.
During his tenure as turaga ni koro, Sikeli longed for deeper engagement beyond administrative duties. Motivated by a desire for more meaningful work, he pursued studies in welding and fabrication at the Fiji National University. This new path opened opportunities within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, where he joined the engineering corps.
Through his experience on various construction sites, Sikeli gained practical skills in carpentry, engineering, and architectural drafting despite lacking formal qualifications. These capabilities proved invaluable as he successfully designed house plans and completed numerous construction projects around Suva, including building his own home in Davuilevu and enhancing his parents’ residence in Naqali—a project he approaches with a deep sense of duty and love.
Sikeli passionately advocates for retired professionals to return to their villages and share their expertise, underscoring that every Fijian holds a critical role in preserving the structure of their village. “Every Fijian has a role in the village structure. It must be maintained,” he emphasizes, highlighting the importance of elders serving as role models to the youth. He believes that such guidance is essential for the preservation of solesolevaki, or communal cooperation.
With a strong conviction that everyone eventually finds their way home, Sikeli speaks to the importance of itavi vakavanua, or fulfilling traditional obligations, stressing the necessity for collective responsibility within the community. His journey stands as a powerful testament to the value of service, the transmission of knowledge, and the communal bonds that unite the people of Fiji.