The family of Tuiletufuga Siaosi Tuiletufuga celebrated his 70th birthday at Matautu last night.

Relatives, friends and colleagues of the birthday boy gather to celebrate another year added to the life of the mayor of Apia.

Referred to by his friends as “his Lordship,’ the special occasion started with a small invocation led by Reverend Elder Utufua Naseri of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Apia. 

He spoke about the importance of old age and reminded the guests that “just because someone is old doesn’t mean he is useless.”

“God called Abraham to do His will even when he was 99-years-old. This shows that God still uses us for His work even when we’re old.”

Old age is a blessing, Reverend Utufua added. 

“It is a blessing because not only do we get to live another blissful life, and we also get to spend it with the ones we love and do God’s will on earth.”

He congratulated Tuiletufuga and reminded him to keep doing God’s will.

It was then Tuiletufuga’s turn to speak. 

Going down memory lane, the birthday boy told the guests bits and pieces from his past and some of his greatest experiences in life. One of those best memories is him being the Mayor of Apia. 

“I’ve been the mayor of this village for 32 years now,” he said. “I think that this is for life, and I will always be Apia’s mayor until my last breath.”

Tuiletufuga said he had visited the Netherlands four times as the Lord-Mayor of Apia.

“I am the only mayor from Samoa who has visited Brussels as well,” he said.

“It’s been a fun and enjoyable experience, and I am very honoured to be Apia’s mayor.”

The guests were well-entertained with performances from “His Lordship” and his band and also his sisters. It was well-attended by Members of Parliament, his families, close friends and the villagers of Apia.