Ratu Iloilo to be accorded state farewell

Outgoing President Ratu Josefa Iloilo will be accorded a state farewell at a ceremony this afternoon at the coronation grounds at Government House.

There will be formal traditional presentations from the provinces of Ba, Rewa and Macuata to thank Ratu Josefa Iloilo for his guidance and leadership during his tenure as president.

Ratu Iloilo was appointed to the post of president by the Great Council of Chiefs in March 2001.

The Tui Vuda is also expected to address those in attendance at the farewell ceremony as his final words as the outgoing President of Fiji before he returns to his home in Vuda.

The official ceremony starts at 3:30 this afternoon and Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other invited guests are expected to attend this historic occasion.