President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has 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 on Saturday during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, Plateau State, held 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 and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu said, emphasizing that his administration’s priority remains fostering peace and development among all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Paying tribute to the late Lydia Yilwatda, who passed away at 83, the President described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life reflected faith and compassion.”
Reflecting on his personal life, Tinubu underscored his belief in religious tolerance. “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 stated.
He urged the clergy to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that both political and religious leaders have a shared duty to manage the nation’s diversity for collective progress.
Speaking on national security, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity in all forms, including terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders clashes.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and end the farmers-herders clashes,” he assured.
The President also reaffirmed that his government is implementing economic reforms designed to improve living standards and foster inclusive growth.
Recalling his long-standing ties with Plateau State, Tinubu reminisced about his political engagements during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, noting that Jos holds a special place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
At the funeral service, the chief mourner, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described his late mother as a resilient and compassionate woman who lived with a medical condition for 47 years yet remained committed to her family and community.
“My mother worked tirelessly despite her health challenges, always offering humanitarian assistance and support to others,” he said, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for his solidarity and leadership.
In his remarks, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, commended President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership style, 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.
He also lauded the President’s efforts to restore peace in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for continued intervention to support victims of violence and displaced Christian communities in Borno and Adamawa States.
Rev. Mohzo 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 Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, as well as APC governors and ministers.
