President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, unity, and inclusivity across religious lines, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his dedication to national cohesion and equitable governance.
The President made this known during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State. The engagement formed part of his visit to attend the funeral of the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu stated, emphasizing that his government’s priority is to foster peace and development among all Nigerians, irrespective of faith.
Paying tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83, the President described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life reflected faith and compassion.”
Reflecting on his own family, the President underscored his personal commitment to religious tolerance. “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 said.
He called on religious leaders to continue supporting national efforts toward unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that both religious and political leaders share the responsibility of managing diversity for the common good.
On national security, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity in all its forms, including terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders clashes.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he assured.
The President also highlighted ongoing policies aimed at revitalizing the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians. Recalling his long-standing relationship with Plateau State, Tinubu reflected on his political engagements during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, noting that Jos holds a special place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
During the funeral service, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda described his late mother as a hardworking and resilient woman who lived with a medical condition for 47 years but remained steadfast in her commitment to her family and community.
“My mother worked tirelessly despite her health challenges, always supporting others and offering humanitarian assistance,” he said, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and leadership.
In his remarks, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, commended President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership, citing the appointment of Northern Christians to key national positions, such as Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman.
Dr. Mohzo also acknowledged the President’s efforts in restoring peace in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for continued support for victims of conflict and displaced Christian communities in Borno and Adamawa States. He pledged the church’s support for the successful implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; as well as several APC governors and ministers.