GOVERNOR MUTFWANG RECEIVES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU IN JOS FOR THE BURIAL OF MOTHER OF APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT CALLS FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND NATIONAL COHESION

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Saturday, received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Jos for the funeral service of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. Speaking at the service held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, Jos, President Tinubu emphasized the need for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. He noted that although he was is a Muslim and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a Christian, faith differences have never been an issue in their home. In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda as “a virtuous woman whose life was defined by integrity, discipline, and devotion to family and faith.” He urged Nigerians to emulate her values of love, unity, and compassion. “Let us learn from the exemplary life of Mama Lydia. Our progress as a nation depends on how well we live together in peace and understanding,” the President added. President Tinubu expressed delight at returning to Plateau State and commended the government and people for their warmth, resilience, and commitment to peace. He urged Christian leaders to use the pulpit to promote unity and harmony, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to religious freedom. “My government will always protect the right of every Nigerian to worship freely without fear or discrimination,” he assured. Welcoming the President, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang thanked him for identifying with the Yilwatda family and the people of Plateau during their moment of grief. He also appreciated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent show of compassion toward the State. “On behalf of the peace-loving people of Plateau, I warmly welcome you, Mr. President. Your presence today is a great honour not only to the Yilwatda family but to all of us on the Plateau,” the Governor stated. Governor Mutfwang extended an invitation to the President for an official state visit to witness the developmental strides recorded under his administration. He highlighted ongoing investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and urban renewal in alignment with his vision for the country. “Mr. President, the Tin City Metro Buses you saw are just a glimpse of our broader transformation efforts. We are working to reposition Plateau as a key contributor to your vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” he added. The Governor also thanked President Tinubu for appointing Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, describing the gesture as a reaffirmation of Plateau’s long-standing contribution to national leadership. “By appointing one of our own to this exalted office, you have rekindled the pride and legacy once held by the Chief Solomon Lar, the great emancipator. Plateau remains grateful and committed to supporting your administration for the good of our people,” Governor Mutfwang affirmed. He further expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s continued collaboration in addressing insecurity, assuring that his administration would sustain efforts to promote peace and unity across the State. The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who represented the Progressive Governors’ Forum, both extolled the late matriarch’s virtues, describing her as a beacon of motherhood and service to humanity. In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, paid glowing tribute to his late mother, describing her as “a disciplined, industrious, and compassionate woman who instilled in her children the values of hard work, faith, and integrity.” He expressed gratitude to the President, Progressive Governors, the National Assembly, and the Government and people of Plateau State under Governor Mutfwang for their solidarity and support during the period of mourning. Gyang Bere Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State October 4, 2025

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