President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again declared his unwavering mission to unite Nigeria and foster inclusivity among all citizens, irrespective of religion, region, or ethnicity.
Speaking on Saturday at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, the President assured Christian communities across northern Nigeria that his administration remains dedicated to fairness, equity, and balanced representation for all faiths.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s policies were centered on national cohesion and shared prosperity.
“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu stated.
The President, who was in Jos for the funeral ceremony of the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the deceased as a virtuous woman and humanitarian who lived a life of service and faith.
Respect for All Faiths
Reflecting on his personal life, Tinubu used his family as an example of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
“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 said, drawing applause from the congregation.
He urged clergymen across the country to continue to support his administration’s efforts to strengthen national unity, emphasizing that both political and religious leaders share a responsibility to ensure peace and understanding among citizens.
Security and Economic Renewal
The President also assured Nigerians that his government would continue to confront insecurity and revitalize the economy.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and end the farmers-herders clashes,” he said, adding that his government’s economic reforms were designed to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
okay.ng reports that Tinubu’s remarks reflect his broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national healing, economic stability, and inclusive leadership.
Tributes and Memories
In his address, Tinubu reminisced about his political ties to Plateau State.
“When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me one of the bungalows — the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola. Today, I am grateful to be alive, and to God be the glory, to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to come here to bid farewell to a mother of the community,” he said.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who spoke as the chief mourner, described his late mother as a resilient and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others despite her long-term illness.
“I am here to thank God for her life. My mother worked for twenty-four hours despite her health condition, supporting us and providing humanitarian assistance,” Yilwatda stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for attending the funeral and for the confidence reposed in him as APC National Chairman.
Church Leaders Commend Tinubu
The President and Spiritual Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, who spoke on behalf of northern Christian leaders, thanked Tinubu for supporting Christians in the region, especially through key appointments like that of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda.
Mohzo also commended the President’s efforts in addressing insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for assistance to victims of communal conflicts across the North-Central.
He called on the Federal Government to facilitate the return of displaced Christians from Borno and Adamawa who are still taking refuge in Cameroon.
The COCIN President pledged the church’s continuous support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that the church stands with his vision for unity and progress.
High-Level Attendance
The funeral ceremony attracted top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several ministers.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, former governors, APC National Working Committee members, lawmakers, and church dignitaries.
Through his visit and message of unity, President Tinubu once again projected himself as a national leader determined to heal divisions and guide Nigeria toward enduring peace and prosperity.
