More than 10 women and over 30 men who are descendants of the Sa Tuiono family in Magiagi celebrated the bestowment of their chiefly titles as another bloodline will now carry on the responsibilities and commitments of the family.

The titleholders are more than 40 descendants of the Sa Tuiono family in Magiagi and one of the new titleholders is from overseas.

One of the new high chief titleholders is Manuanua Tapuni Elu Sanerivi who told this newspaper that the ceremony was in response to the fact the family is growing and more chiefs are needed. 

"I feel blessed, privileged, and humbled, we know how important this is especially coming from outside, these are our family's treasures which are not given out easily and this a family-oriented family," she said.

"So Dad has now done these bestowments for our succession lines but he instructed us that we get bestowed with being humbled, having a heartfelt family,  our village and doing everything we do for God so we're blessed."

Manuanua currently works in Samoa but is based overseas so she travels back and forth between the two countries.

"It's a big occasion, a milestone and our dad is getting old. They've taught us how to do it and we followed them all our lives."

Another high chief title holder, Sinaleimoa Imoasina Elu based in New Zealand said coming back to be honoured with the significant title meant a lot to her.

"I feel very blessed, humbled and above all grateful to God for this opportunity and we're grateful to our village also for recognising the youths today," she said.

"All we can do is try and serve and follow them in their footsteps."

The bestowment was held at the Sa Tuiono's residence in Magiagi which was packed with village chiefs and members of the extended family.

The new titleholders were bestowed three high chief titles, Tautu'uga, Manuanua, and Sinaleimoa, and nine oratory titles, Malopito, Togia, Fuataetasi, Faimalolelei, Moanafanatau, Olainuu, Mamani, Filimalae, and Moasili.