From left: Apiame Mocetadra-Cegumalua, 71 and Marieta Wiliame Rigamoto, 82 during the 70th Platinum Celebration at Koronivia Campus.

Koronivia, Fiji – A poignant reunion took place at the Fiji College of Agriculture (FCA) as former staff and alumni gathered to celebrate the history and legacy of the institution, with two prominent figures at the heart of the ceremony.

Marieta Wiliame Rigamoto, 82, and Apiame Mocetadra-Cegumalua, 71, both former students and educators at the college, returned to the campus after decades away.

For both women, the visit was an emotional journey down memory lane.

“I left this place in 1989, and this is the first time I’ve come back,” Mrs Rigamoto shared.
“I’ve seen so many changes, especially the buildings and the grounds. Coming today is very emotional for me, especially realising that many of our former graduates have passed on.”

Originally known as Koronivia Farm Institute, the institution became the Fiji College of Agriculture in 1962 and is now known as the Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Mrs Rigamoto said the College has since been an educational pillar, producing numerous highly qualified professionals, many of whom have served in government and other sectors.

She served as Principal of the college and worked in the Ministry of Agriculture. She is also the former Assistant Minister of Agriculture, a significant milestone in her career.

While sharing her memories of the institution, Mrs Rigamoto remembered her late husband, Robert Rigamoto, who was also an alumnus and taught at the college alongside her.

Mrs Cegumalua, who now works as a consultant, reflected on the significant role Koronivia played in shaping her career. She began her journey at the college in 1963, when it was still a male-dominated institution.

“When I came here, there was little space for women,” she recalled.
“It was mainly boys. The biggest intake of girls was ours in 1971, there were seven of us.”

“It’s good to be back after so long. I told myself I had to be here because this is probably the first and last time we’ll have this opportunity, given our age.

“We thank FNU, and especially the Dean Dr Kali Ravuiwasa, for the great work he’s been doing in bringing the alumni together,” said Mrs Cegumalua.

She said the most beautiful moment of her time at the college, aside from her career, was meeting her beloved husband, Viliame Cegumalua.

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