President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and national unity, assuring Christians in Northern Nigeria that his government will remain just to all faiths and regions.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Tinubu pledged to continue fostering religious harmony and peace across Nigeria. The President was in Jos to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who died at 83.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said:
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress. As leaders, we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all.”
Tinubu emphasized that his administration’s policies are anchored on equity and justice, noting that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
“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,” the President said, stressing his belief in mutual respect and coexistence.
The President also assured that his government remains resolute in tackling insecurity across the country.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he said, adding that ongoing economic reforms are designed to benefit all Nigerians.
In his tribute to the late Mrs. Yilwatda, Tinubu described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian” whose life exemplified resilience and service.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in his remarks, praised his late mother’s strength, revealing that she lived on medication for 47 years yet remained committed to her family and community. He thanked the President for honouring his family and for the confidence reposed in him as APC National Chairman.
Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, commended Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to key positions — including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Prof. Yilwatda — and for paying attention to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States. He pledged the Church’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his efforts toward peace and development.
Also present at the funeral were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman.
Others in attendance included former SGF Boss Mustapha; former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha; alongside ministers, lawmakers, and members of the APC National Working Committee.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, who chaired the event’s Mobilisation Committee, expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau for the warm reception accorded to the President.
“The massive turnout and enthusiasm that greeted President Tinubu’s visit show that he remains admired by the people,” he said, adding that Plateau State would reciprocate the President’s gesture in the 2027 general elections.