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| President Bola Tinubu speaking at the funeral ceremony for the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Photo: State House. |
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity across Nigeria, assuring Christian communities in the North of his administration’s dedication to fairness and equal representation.
According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President gave this assurance during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State.
“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity and we are making progress,” Tinubu declared.
The President paid tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83.
Speaking on religious tolerance, Tinubu reflected on his family’s diversity as an example of peaceful coexistence. “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian a pastor, for that matter and I have never forced her to change her religion,” he noted.
He urged Christian leaders to continue to support his administration’s vision, stressing that managing religious harmony is a shared responsibility among leaders.
On national security, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s determination to end insecurity and strengthen the economy. “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them completely. We will end the farmers-herders clashes,” he stated, adding that ongoing economic reforms aim to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Describing the late Lydia Goshwe as a compassionate and devoted mother, the President praised her for her faith and humanitarian service to her community.
Reflecting on his political journey, Tinubu recalled his longstanding ties with Plateau State. “When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me Ambassador Yahaya Kwande’s house. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola. Today, I thank God that I am alive to return as President to honour a mother of the community,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, described his late mother as a resilient and hardworking woman who lived on medication for 47 years. “Despite her health challenges, she worked tirelessly to support her family and extend help to others,” he said, while expressing gratitude to the President for his support and confidence in his leadership.
Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, the President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, thanked Tinubu for his inclusion of northern Christians in key government positions such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the APC National Chairman.
Mohzo commended the administration’s efforts to restore peace in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for assistance to victims of violent conflicts across the North-Central region. He also urged the government to help displaced Christians from Borno and Adamawa States who are currently taking refuge in Cameroon return safely.
He pledged the church’s full support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and national unity efforts.
The funeral prayer was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, APC governors, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several ministers.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, along with members of the APC National Working Committee, legislators, and senior officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
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