President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to national unity and religious harmony, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s dedication to fairness and inclusivity.
Speaking during a visit to the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, the President emphasized his mission to foster unity and drive national prosperity.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu stated during a meeting with Christian leaders.
While paying tribute to Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83, the President highlighted his own experience with religious diversity.
“In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, yet I married a Christian, a pastor, and I have never compelled her to change her faith,” he said, encouraging the clergy to trust in his leadership. “As leaders, we must manage religious matters with wisdom and for the benefit of all.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, particularly terrorism and banditry.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and address the farmers-herders clashes,” he said.
At the funeral prayer for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the President described her as a devoted mother and community figure. “I am grateful to be alive, to serve as President, and to be here to bid farewell to a mother and humanitarian,” he said.
Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, in his tribute, described his mother as a tireless and resilient woman who lived with a health condition for 47 years yet remained dedicated to her family and humanitarian service.
“I thank God for her life. Despite her health, she worked around the clock to support us and help others,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to lead the APC.
Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, thanked President Tinubu for his support of Northern Christians, particularly through key appointments such as Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Professor Yilwatda as APC National Chairman.
He commended the President’s efforts to address insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for further assistance to displaced communities, especially Christians who fled insurgency in Borno and Adamawa to neighboring Cameroon.
Dr. Mohzo assured the President of the Church’s unwavering support in the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The funeral prayer was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; APC governors; National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande; Minister of State for Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh; and Special Duties Minister Zephaniah Jisalo.
Also present were SGF George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, and former governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi), Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).
Other attendees included members of the APC National Working Committee, senators, members of the House of Representatives, former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
