List Of Dignitaries That Stormed Plateau As Tinubu Pays Tribute To APC Chairman’s Late Mother

Sunnex Egbu

4 hours ago

A host of dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and several serving ministers, joined President Bola Tinubu in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday to pay tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Others at the funeral included the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former SGF Boss Mustapha; and ministers Ayodele Olawande (Youth Development), Heineken Lokpobiri (Petroleum Resources, State), Abubakar Momoh (Regional Development), and Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties).

Tinubu and Governor Muftwang

Also in attendance were several APC governors, former governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi), Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), and Rochas Okorocha (Imo), alongside members of the National Assembly, the APC National Working Committee, and former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

‘I Am On A Mission to Unite Nigeria’ – Tinubu

Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and national cohesion across religious lines.

“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” the President said.

The President, who paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commended her for her lifelong dedication to faith and service, describing her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life was rooted in compassion and community service.”

Recalling his own family’s religious diversity, Tinubu used his personal experience to advocate for harmony among Nigerians.

“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 urged Christian leaders to continue fostering interfaith cooperation, emphasising that leadership required collective responsibility in managing diversity.

Reassuring Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to restore peace and security, Tinubu said: “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and end the farmers-herders clashes.”

He added that his government’s economic reforms were targeted at improving citizens’ welfare, noting that progress was already being made despite initial challenges.

Tinubu, who has long-standing ties with Plateau State dating back to his days in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), shared a nostalgic memory during his visit.

“When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me one of the bungalows, the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola. Today, I am grateful to be alive and to God be the glory, to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to come here to bid farewell to a mother of the community,” he said.

Mohzo Hails Tinubu’s Inclusive Leadership

Speaking at the event, the President and Spiritual Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, lauded Tinubu for supporting northern Christians through key appointments such as those of SGF Senator George Akume and APC National Chairman, Yilwatda.

He also praised the government’s efforts in tackling insecurity in Plateau and Benue States, but urged further intervention to aid victims of violence in the North-Central region.

Mohzo appealed to the Federal Government to facilitate the safe return of displaced Christian communities from Borno and Adamawa who are currently seeking refuge in Cameroon.

He assured the President of COCIN’s unwavering support for his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.