Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Fijian statesman Josefa Iloilo.
Last updated on April 14, 2025.
Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ was a Fijian politician who served as the 3rd President of Fiji from 2000 until 2009, excluding a brief period from 5 December 2006 to 4 January 2007. He held the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji's northwest coast. Like many Fijian people, he rarely used his surname and was known simply as Josefa Iloilo. He announced on 28 July 2009 that he would be leaving office on 30 July. At the age of 88, he was the world's oldest head of state.
Give me your trust and confidence, knowing that what I seek is for the good of Fiji, for the good of us all.
We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration.
Let us make a pledge now to help Fiji through this very important next stage of its journey. We can do this by promising to be patient, calm and tolerant and by respecting the views of others, even if we disagree with them.
I will, from this day strive to forge togetherness out of our differences.