My father was deeply connected to his people - Adi Litia Cakobau Nailatikau

It has been the honour of our lives to have had such a remarkable father.

These are the words of Adi Litia Cakobau Nailatikau, who delivered a heartfelt and deeply personal eulogy for her late father, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, capturing both the man known to the nation and the one cherished at home.

Delivering her eulogy this morning, Adi Litia reflected on the life, character and legacy of the former President, describing him as a proud son of Fiji who remained deeply connected to his people, his culture and his family throughout his 84 years.

She recounted a lifetime of service, spanning from his military career with the Royal Fiji Military Forces to his role as Head of State, and his advocacy work as a UNAIDS Pacific Regional Goodwill Ambassador, where he championed awareness on HIV and AIDS across the country.

Adi Litia highlighted her father’s unwavering belief in people, saying his life was guided by a simple but firm principle that leadership must always remain people-centred.

She described him as a man who valued connection, often spending his days walking through Suva, visiting hospitals, meeting friends and strangers alike, and checking in on communities he cared deeply about.

Adi Litia shared that even after retiring as President, Ratu Epeli continued his routine of visiting patients, offering comfort and conversation to those in hospital wards, particularly during Christmas mornings when he would greet patients, staff and even prisoners.

She also shared lighter, personal memories, including his love for rugby and football, his loyalty to the Wallabies, and his humour, particularly when it came to football losses or his own well-known social routines with lifelong friends.

She paid tribute to her mother, Adi Koila Nailatikau, acknowledging her strength, grace and unwavering support over their 45 years of marriage, noting that his ability to serve so many was anchored by a strong home.

The eulogy also touched on Ratu Epeli’s deep regional ties, particularly his connection to the Tongan royal family, and his respect for Pacific traditions and kinship networks, which he upheld throughout his life.

She then reflected on his final days, describing how he spent his last full day reconnecting with fellow servicemen and close friends, a day filled with stories, laughter and reflection.

She says her father passed peacefully in his sleep on March 26th, leaving behind not only a grieving family but a nation that shared in their loss.

Closing her tribute, Adi Litia thanked those who had shown support, offered prayers and travelled to pay their respects, saying their kindness had helped ease the family’s grief.