The Sa To'oala family in Malae, Faga in Savai'i celebrated a milestone on Saturday morning after welcoming three new chiefly title holders to its growing list of descendants.

The new title holders are descendants of To'oala Usuoali'i and To'oala Lila on the Mata'ulufotu side of the To'oala family from Malae. 

Among the new title holders conferred was the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Public Enterprise, To'oala Elita To'oala. 

The other two new title holders were To'oala Mata'ulufotu Fotu Lila and To'oala Talele Siaosi-Fepuleai. 

The church minister of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Lu'ua, Reverend Alofa Fruen officiated at the bestowal ceremony to bless the new title holders and wish them all the best as they take up such an important role. 

Reverend Alofa was also accompanied by members of the clergy from other denominations in the village in blessing the new matai of the To'oala family.

It is the first time in 12 years since the Mata'ulufotu side of the To'oala family has conducted a saofa'i for the title To'oala. 

The last time they held a ceremonial bestowal for the To'oala title was back in 2009 and the two title holders were Tooala Usoalii Samuelu and Tooala Tootoo Tooala.

The M.P.E. Chief, To'oala Elita To'oala – who recently got reappointed for a third term at the helm of Public Enterprise for another three years – credited the Lord for making such an important day possible. 

She also used the opportunity to acknowledge members of her extended family for the recognition and vowed that she will carry the title well to serve family, villages, Samoa and God. 

The new matai were joined by the matai from the village, and their family and friends who assembled to witness the occasion. 

For To'oala Elita, her father, sisters, brother, nieces and friends accompanied her to Savai'i to support and be there for her as she celebrated a new chapter of her life as a chief.