“The APC is a party that builds people, communities, and environments — and we’ll keep building,” says Yilwatda.
The political tempo in Plateau State has taken a new dimension as the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
The decision came amid cheers and renewed enthusiasm at a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting held at Crest Hotel, Jos, where the party’s National Chairman and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, unveiled another round of empowerment initiatives worth ₦200 million for Plateau youths engaged in small-scale and petty businesses.
Professor Yilwatda’s tone at the event was both confident and reassuring. He declared that the APC’s focus under his leadership was not about handouts but about transforming empowerment into a sustainable culture.
“Our empowerment programme is not a one-off initiative; it’s a continuous process,” he emphasized. “It’s the agenda of the APC — to build people, to create opportunities, and to ensure that every Plateau youth can stand tall and self-reliant. We want to show the difference between APC and other parties. We are not just talking politics; we are building futures.”
The ₦200 million scheme, which kicks off on Monday, October 20, 2025, comes barely a week after the APC Chairman provided ₦50 million as support to women whose market stalls were demolished during the implementation of the Jos Master Plan by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).
Building on a Legacy of Impact
Since assuming office, Professor Yilwatda has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of compassion and strategy. From the distribution of rice palliatives across the state during the 2024–2025 period to the provision of 10,000 cassava stems to farmers, the training of youths in solar energy, automobile mechanics, and greenhouse agriculture, and the organization of a month-long free medical outreach across the three senatorial zones — his humanitarian imprint has been both wide and deep.
“When we empower people, we create a ripple effect,” Yilwatda told the cheering audience. “A single youth who receives support today will empower another tomorrow. That’s how nations are built — from one productive citizen to a productive community.”
He further announced that the Federal Government had initiated a $600 million special loan to support small businesses and technology ventures, adding that Plateau State must not be left behind.
“At the national level,” he said, “we have also agreed to unveil what we proudly call the World’s Best Empowerment Programme for Nigerian youth. For us in Plateau, we’ve already set up a team to ensure our members benefit maximally. It’s your labour, your sweat, your vote — and we’ll make sure it works for you.
The Crest Hotel meeting was more than just a gathering — it was a celebration of unity and rebirth for the Plateau APC. With a broad smile, Yilwatda declared that the party had become “pathogen-free” following its recent reorganization and evaluation exercise in Kebbi State.
He revealed that plans were underway to receive a massive wave of defectors from the PDP, ADC, and PRP before the end of the year, signaling the APC’s growing dominance in the state.
“Our doors are open, but our standards remain,” Yilwatda said. “We will welcome all who share our vision for progress. Everyone returning or joining the APC will enjoy equal rights and privileges as enshrined in our constitution.”
The grand reception of defectors, according to him, has been slated for October 30, 2025, under the leadership of Arch. Pam Dung Gyang, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and several governors expected to grace the occasion.
Turning to national issues, Yilwatda praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as “visionary, bold, and result-oriented.” He commended the President for stabilizing the economy, increasing crude oil output, and achieving 4.3% GDP growth, which even the World Bank had described as unlikely.
“Mr. President has defied the odds,” Yilwatda stated. “He’s building roads across Nigeria, establishing cancer treatment centers — including the one soon to be completed at JUTH — and giving every part of the country a sense of belonging. Under his leadership, minorities now have a voice in national discourse.”
He added that the President’s generosity towards Plateau State had been exceptional, citing the appointment of Cyril Tsenyil as the pioneer Director-General of the North Central Development Commission, alongside his own elevation as APC National Chairman.
“These appointments are not mere titles,” he said. “They represent trust, recognition, and opportunity for Plateau people to contribute to national growth. That’s why we say, without hesitation — Plateau is APC, and in a more personal tone, Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to stakeholders who stood by him during his mother’s burial. He also conveyed President Tinubu’s gratitude for the unprecedented turnout of Plateau citizens during that visit.
“The President told me personally,” Yilwatda said with a smile, “that Plateau showed him love like no other state. That show of unity means so much to him and to me.”
Several stakeholders also took turns to speak, echoing their support for the empowerment initiatives and the second-term endorsement of President Tinubu.
One of the elders, Hon. Madaki, described Yilwatda’s leadership as “a breath of fresh air,” saying:
“This is the kind of politics we need — politics that puts people first, that measures success not by elections won but by lives touched.”
Another stakeholder, Mrs. Janet David, representing the women’s wing, added:
“We have seen what Yilwatda has done for us. He didn’t wait for elections; he came to our rescue when our shops were destroyed. That’s leadership with heart.
The meeting concluded with the formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office by all Plateau APC stakeholders. The gathering also unanimously rejected the rumored defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the APC, insisting that the party remains focused on integrity, discipline, and service.
As the sun set over Jos that evening, one message rang loud and clear:
The Plateau APC under Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is not just preparing for the next election — it is laying the foundation for the next generation.
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