President Major General Retired Jioji Konrote paid tribute to Speaker of Parliament, late Dr. Jiko Luveni while addressing the nation on Christmas Day.

Konrote says late Dr. Luveni will be remembered for the tremendous contribution she has made to our Nation not only in managing the affairs of our Parliament as Fiji’s first female Speaker, but also in reaching out to the communities.

The President says Fijians now have a deeper understanding of the functions of Parliament and this is one initiative that late Dr. Luveni undertook with unprecedented success.

He says more than a speaker, she broke barriers; inspired bright young women, and empowered a generation.

When we, across political parties, praised her for her rise to the speakership just a couple of weeks ago, we saw beyond politics. We saw beyond gender. We saw a woman — a powerful woman — who has helped redefine our blessed Fiji. As your President, I am humbled to ask that all Fijian girls and boys follow in the Honourable Dr. Luveni’s footsteps. You — you are strong. You are able. You — you are the most educated children in our history. And you — you are the future of Fiji.

Konrote says the number of female parliamentarians in Fiji is greater than ever; a clear shadow of her image.