President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday led a host of dignitaries to Jos, Plateau State, for the burial of Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former SGF Boss Mustapha, as well as several serving ministers, governors, and former governors.

Also present were members of the National Assembly, the APC National Working Committee, and former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Tinubu: “I Am On a Mission to Unite Nigeria”

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

“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” Tinubu said, as he paid glowing tribute to the late Mama Lydia, 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 said:
“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 urged Christian leaders to foster interfaith cooperation, stressing that leadership required collective responsibility in managing diversity.

On national security, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government was determined to restore peace.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and end the farmers-herders clashes,” he declared.

He also highlighted ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, noting that progress was being made despite initial challenges.

Nostalgic Reflection

Tinubu, who has long-standing ties with Plateau State, recalled his political history in the state during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era.
“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, 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.

COCIN Leader Hails Tinubu’s Inclusivity

In his remarks, the President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, commended Tinubu for supporting northern Christians through key appointments, including those of SGF George Akume and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.

He also praised government efforts in tackling insecurity in Plateau and Benue States but urged further intervention to support 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 taking refuge in Cameroon.