Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio Attend Burial of APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda’s Mother
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were among several dignitaries who attended the funeral service of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, held on Saturday at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.
Mama Lydia passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) at the age of 83.
Tinubu: “A Mother of the Community”
President Tinubu, in his tribute, described the late Mama Lydia as “a mother of the community, a mother of the state, and a humanitarian.”
He praised Prof. Yilwatda as “a man of character and intellect” and said the large turnout of governors, public officials, and dignitaries at the funeral reflected the respect both mother and son commanded.
“Let this day be one of joy and thanksgiving, even in mourning,” Tinubu said. “The prayer of every mother is that her child succeeds—and you will. God will grant your prayers. Live a dedicated life, serve humanity, and remain faithful to God Almighty.”
Tinubu emphasized unity, love, and religious tolerance, urging Nigerians to rise above hate.
“Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we must continue to preach—love for one another,” he said.
“We may differ in faith, but we pray to the same Almighty God to whom we are all answerable.”
Mutfwang Thanks Tinubu for His Presence and Support
Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation for the President’s attendance, describing it as a great honour to both the Yilwatda family and the people of Plateau State.
“Your esteemed presence means so much to the family and the people of Plateau. We thank you for your continued support, particularly in addressing insecurity in our state,” Mutfwang said.
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He also commended the President for appointing Prof. Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, calling it a symbolic recognition of Plateau’s political heritage.
“We are grateful for this honour and look forward to welcoming you again soon to see how we are aligning with your Renewed Hope Agenda,” the governor added.
Akpabio Praises Late Mama Lydia as a “Virtuous African Woman”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the COCIN Church for its longstanding contributions to education and healthcare in the North Central region.
He described Mama Lydia as “a perfect portrait of the virtuous African woman—a true matriarch who embodied diligence, compassion, and faith.”
Akpabio also praised President Tinubu as “a unifier” who continues to bridge faiths, regions, and political divides, noting that the diverse attendance at the funeral reflected this unity.
Prof. Yilwatda: “My Mother Was a Symbol of Strength and Selflessness”
In an emotional tribute, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda thanked God for extending his mother’s life 47 years beyond doctors’ expectations.
He described her as a strong and industrious woman who sold akara and pap, ran a small shop, and contributed selflessly to her family despite health challenges.
“She was a resilient woman who gave everything she had to the family. She would hand over her earnings to my father, who shared them as though they were his own,” Yilwatda recounted.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and all dignitaries for their support, saying,
“Thank you for giving me a shoulder to cry on.”
In a lighter moment, the APC chairman jokingly referred to himself as President Tinubu’s “first son”, humorously threatening to revoke the party card of any rival for that title.
Following the church service, Mama Lydia’s remains were laid to rest in her hometown of Kanke, in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.