President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, unity, and inclusivity across religious lines, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his dedication to national cohesion and equitable governance.
The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, as part of his visit to attend the funeral of the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu said, emphasizing that his government’s priority is to foster peace and development among all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
While paying tribute to the late Lydia Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83, the President described her as “a devoted mother and a humanitarian whose life reflected faith and compassion.”
Reflecting on his own family, President Tinubu highlighted his commitment to religious tolerance, stating, “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 the clergy to continue to support efforts toward national unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that both religious and political leaders share a responsibility to manage diversity for the common good.
At the funeral service, the chief mourner, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described his late mother as a hardworking and resilient woman who lived with a medical condition for 47 years yet remained dedicated to her family and community.
“My mother worked tirelessly despite her health challenges, always supporting others and offering humanitarian assistance,” he said, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and leadership.
In his remarks, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, commended the President for his inclusive leadership, particularly his appointment of Northern Christians to key national positions, such as Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman.
Mohzo also appreciated the President’s efforts toward restoring peace in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for continued support for victims of conflict and displaced Christian communities in Borno and Adamawa States.
He pledged the church’s support for the success of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and several APC governors and ministers.
