Olo Fiti takes on another chiefly title

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 03 January 2019, 12:00AM

Leadership is all about service to the people and this has defined the tenure of Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai since he became a Member of Parliament. 

The outspoken politician recently took on another chiefly title Fonoti in the village of Fogasavai’i, Salega. 

During the week of Christmas, he was given the high honours of taking on the Fonoti title within the Vaai family. 

Serving in his third term as a Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti — who is a civil engineer by profession — entered the political arena to carry on the legacy of the Vaai family, who have been in politics for decades.  

The Member of Parliament is the grandson of the late Mata’utia Sionimo Saleimoa Vaai and the son of the late Mata’utia Afoa Faasootauloa Naoai Vaai and Mareta Loli Togafau Fiti. 

The ceremony was held at the Maota-o-Tumua with the service led by Reverend Mataio Fepulea’i with Chiefs of Falelua and Salega present to witness the event. 

A strong advocate for the voiceless against the Government, Olo said he is thankful to his family for giving him the honours to carry on the family name. 

The politician represents the constituencies at Salega East, which consist of Sagone, Fogasavai’i and Vaipu’a. 

Fonoti Olo, says the way to lead is through service. 

“We serve our church, our village and our families that is the nature of our way of life and service we shall give,” he said. 

A former Assistant CEO with the Samoa Airport Authority, Fonoti Olo was a graduate of Avele and Samoa College prior to attending the Auckland University of Technology, where he received his bachelor’s degree in telecommunications engineering. He became specialised in the navigation airport systems and worked for Samoa Airport Authority 16 years, where he headed the technical division. 

Besides his background in aviation, he also had business interests and before he entered politics.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 03 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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