Not many people can celebrate their 97th birthday. Statistics show that only three in 1000 people can do that. Sapa'u Lilomaiava Lolesio Vitale is one such person.

He celebrated his 97th birthday at his home in Levi Saleimoa last weekend surrounded by family and friends.

Sapa'u dedicated close to 40 years of his life as a police officer. 

He is a father of 10 children and has over 65 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His hobbies are to clean and weed the grass around his late wife's grave who passed away in 2016.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Sapa'u said that while he has the strength and ability to give, his message to the youths of Samoa is to respect their elders.

He also thinks that while life in Samoa continues to change, especially for the youth, he urged them to respect their elders and obey their parents.

"I am grateful to God having been blessed with these 97 years to live and I'm grateful also to my family and children for being here, we had a toonai yesterday and I'm over the moon," he said.

"We used to respect our elders and parents and that's something I urge the youth of today to do as well.

"Respect your elders and obey your parents because whatever knowledge and abilities you have now, if you don't respect your elders then it's no use."

His birthday celebration was held on Saturday 8 June.

After he retired from the government, Sapa'u built a habit of going to the plantation and keeping business at home going by helping out with the family store they had back in the days to put food on the table.

Meanwhile, Sapa'u is also a former Member of Parliament.

He was amongst 15 Samoans who were awarded and honoured for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding service to the country in the Samoa Honours and Awards ceremony during the 2023 Independence celebration. 

Sapa'u was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Samoa.

This honour reflects the deep appreciation and high regard of Samoa’s society, acknowledging his life-long commitment. He was bestowed with this title by His Highness the Head of State of Samoa, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.

The Office of the Order of Samoa is a high honourable recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions and sacrifices for Samoa, whether through community service, philanthropy, or exceptional leadership in various fields within the country.

Sapa’u served as a Member of Parliament for the Sagaga le Falefa constituency from 1988 to 1991. He had actively participated in rugby, both as a player and as a representative of the Samoa Golden Oldies rugby team, as well as being a member of the Malisi Veterans Association.