We all recognize that here indeed stands a man like no other.

Those are the words of Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in his farewell to the outgoing President Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who is currently being accorded a state farewell at the Government House.

Commodore Bainimarama said Ratu Josefa is a man whose shoulders have been burdened with the cries of a young nation seeking to forge a better future for its people, a man who never shirked the challenges that confronted the nation even when these shook the status quo.

He said many would articulate that the most challenging times for Ratu Iloilo's career began when he was appointed President following the heinous coup in 2000 and it took a leader of great character with an abundance of self sacrifice to fulfill the expectations of the nation during this period of turmoil.

He said Ratu Iloilo never failed to rise to the challenge and his versatile leadership again endured when he as Commander of the RFMF established an interim government in December 2006.

Bainimarama said despite his advanced age, Ratu Iloilo made a conscious decision to remain as Fiji's head of state, providing the chiefly influence and steady guidance that the government and the people of Fiji needed.

The Prime Minister said Ratu Iloilo's firm resolve was evident when he chose the path he took on April 10th of this year.

The farewell ceremony continues at Government House.