By WALBE OGAK
The city of Jos stood still on Saturday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led an entourage of top government officials, governors, lawmakers, and political heavyweights from across the country to honor the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
From the bustling streets of Jos to the serene grounds of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, the atmosphere was solemn yet dignified as the nation gathered to pay final respects to a woman celebrated for her faith, humility, and service to humanity.
President Tinubu, who attended the funeral alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, and several serving ministers, described the late Mama Lydia as a “mother to the community and a symbol of Christian virtue.”
The President said his presence in Jos was not only to honor the late matriarch but also to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to unity, fairness, and national healing.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu declared.
President Tinubu gave the assurance during a meeting with Christian leaders at the COCIN Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, where he emphasized his resolve to ensure fairness among all religions in Nigeria.
“In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter. I have never forced her to change her religion,” he said.
He urged the clergy to keep faith with his administration, noting that leaders have a shared duty to manage religious diversity for the benefit of all citizens.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, especially terrorism and banditry, adding that the government was determined to end farmers-herders clashes that have long troubled communities.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them completely. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he said.
Tinubu also highlighted ongoing efforts to revamp the nation’s economy, assuring that his administration’s reforms would yield inclusive prosperity for all Nigerians.
Speaking emotionally at the funeral service, the President described the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda as a devoted mother and humanitarian.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith with deep acceptance in the Lord and tradition,” Tinubu recalled.
“When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me 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 come here as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to bid farewell to the mother of the community and a humanitarian.”
In a moving tribute, the chief mourner and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described his mother as a resilient and hardworking woman who lived on medication for 47 years but never lost her zeal for life.
“I am here to thank God for her life. My mother worked round the clock despite her health challenges, supporting us and providing humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Yilwatda expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his confidence in him and pledged to uphold the trust reposed in his leadership as APC National Chairman.
Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Head of COCIN, who spoke on behalf of the clergy, thanked President Tinubu for his support to Northern Christians and his inclusive appointments in government.
He cited the appointments of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman as examples of the President’s fairness.
Dr. Mohzo commended the President’s proactive response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States, urging further support for victims of conflict and the safe return of displaced Christian communities from Borno and Adamawa who fled insurgent attacks to Cameroon.
He assured the President of the Church’s unwavering prayers and support toward achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, in his heartfelt speech, described the late Mama Lydia as a woman of deep faith, courage, and virtue, whose life embodied compassion, wisdom, and tolerance.
He acknowledged the pain of her passing but urged the Yilwatda family to find solace in her remarkable legacy. The governor lauded her steadfast devotion to the Christian faith alongside her late husband, noting that their lives drew many to righteousness.
Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for attending the funeral, describing his presence as “an honor not only to the Yilwatda family but to the people of Plateau State.” He also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassion and solidarity.
The governor further thanked the President for appointing Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, calling it “a reaffirmation of Plateau’s enduring contribution to national leadership.”
He assured the Federal Government of Plateau State’s continued collaboration in peacebuilding and national development, pledging to sustain efforts that promote unity across the state
The funeral service was graced by an impressive array of dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and former SGF, Boss Mustapha.
Others included former governors Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, Adamu Mu’azu of Bauchi, Fidelis Tapgun of Plateau, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and Rochas Okorocha of Imo, as well as members of the APC National Working Committee, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and several federal directors.
As the sun set over Jos, the city bid farewell to a matriarch whose life of faith, love, and service left indelible footprints on the sands of time — a mother whose legacy continues through her children, community, and the nation she quietly blessed.
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