The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Saturday welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Jos for the funeral service of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The service was held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, Jos. In his address, President Tinubu underscored the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. Citing his own home as an example where he is Muslim and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is Christian he noted that faith differences have never been a source of division between them.
President Tinubu described the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda as “a virtuous woman whose life was defined by integrity, discipline, and devotion to family and faith.” He encouraged Nigerians to emulate her values of love, unity, and compassion.
“Let us learn from the exemplary life of Mama Lydia. Our progress as a nation depends on how well we live together in peace and understanding,” he said.
Expressing his delight at returning to Plateau State, the President commended the government and people for their warmth, resilience, and commitment to peace. He urged Christian leaders to use the pulpit to promote unity and harmony, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to religious freedom.
“My government will always protect the right of every Nigerian to worship freely without fear or discrimination,” he assured.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his welcome remarks, thanked the President for standing with the Yilwatda family and the people of Plateau in their moment of grief. He also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent show of compassion toward the state.
“On behalf of the peace-loving people of Plateau, I warmly welcome you, Mr. President. Your presence today is a great honour not only to the Yilwatda family but to all of us on the Plateau,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The Governor extended an invitation to the President for an official state visit to witness the developmental strides under his administration. He highlighted ongoing investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and urban renewal aligned with the President’s vision for national prosperity.
“Mr. President, the Tin City Metro Buses you saw are just a glimpse of our broader transformation efforts. We are working to reposition Plateau as a key contributor to your vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang also thanked President Tinubu for appointing Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, describing the appointment as a reaffirmation of Plateau’s longstanding contribution to national leadership.
“By appointing one of our own to this exalted office, you have rekindled the pride and legacy once held by Chief Solomon Lar, the great emancipator. Plateau remains grateful and committed to supporting your administration for the good of our people,” he affirmed.
He further appreciated the Federal Government’s continued collaboration in tackling insecurity and assured that his administration would sustain efforts to promote peace and unity across the state.
Also present were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who represented the Progressive Governors’ Forum. Both leaders praised the late matriarch’s virtues, describing her as a beacon of motherhood and service to humanity.
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, paid glowing tribute to his late mother, describing her as “a disciplined, industrious, and compassionate woman who instilled in her children the values of hard work, faith, and integrity.”
He expressed profound gratitude to the President, Progressive Governors, the National Assembly, and the Government and people of Plateau State under Governor Mutfwang for their solidarity and support during the mourning period.
