Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio ,several other dignitaries honour APC  National chairman’s mother at funeral

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos 






President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday joined numerous dignitaries to pay their last respects to Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at her funeral service held at the Church of Christ in Nations headquarters in Jos, the Plateau state capital.


Yilwatda’s mother died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, in August 2025   at the age of 83


President Tinubu, in his remarks, described the late Mama Lydia as “a mother of the community, a mother of the state, and a humanitarian.”


Tinubu praised the APC National chairman as “a man of character and intellect” and commended the large turnout of governors, public officials, and dignitaries as a testament to the high regard for both the APC National Chairman and his mother.


“Let this day be one of joy and thanksgiving, even in mourning. 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 said.


The President further emphasized values of unity, contentment, and productive leadership, stating, “Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we must continue to preach,love for one another.”


Tinubu also highlighted his belief in religious freedom, saying, “We may differ in faith, but we pray to the same Almighty God, to whom we are all answerable.”


Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s presence, stating, “Your esteemed presence means so much to the immediate Yilwatda family and to the people of Plateau State in general.”


He thanked the President for his support in addressing insecurity in Plateau State, noting improvements in security conditions.


Mutfwang also appreciated Tinubu for appointing Prof. Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, likening it to an honor for Plateau State, reminiscent of former leaders like Chief Solomon Daushep Lar.


“While we are grateful for the honour of your presence at this solemn occasion, we also look forward to welcoming you again soon, Mr. President. We would be delighted if you could visit Plateau State again in the near future to see for yourself the extent to which we have keyed into your Renewed Hope Agenda with the resources available to us”, Mutfwang said


On his part, Senate President Akpabio praised COCIN’s contributions to the North Central region through schools, clinics, and health centers.


He referenced Prof. Yilwatda’s tribute to his mother, describing her as “a perfect portrait of the virtuous African woman, a true matriarch” who instilled values of humanity, diligence, compassion, and faith. Akpabio commended President Tinubu as “a unifier” who bridges faiths, regions, and political divides, evident from the diverse attendance at the funeral.


In his speech, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda expressed gratitude to God for extending his mother’s life beyond initial medical predictions by 47 years.


He portrayed his mother as a resilient and determined woman who worked tirelessly, selling akara and pap, running a shop, and managing market sales despite her health challenges.


Yilwatda highlighted her mother’s selflessness, noting she handed over her earnings to his father, who then distributed them as if they were his own.


“To His Excellency and all dignitaries, thank you for giving me a shoulder to cry on,” Prof. Yilwatda said.


He humorously declared himself President Tinubu’s “first son,” jokingly displacing the Governor of Niger State, who had earlier offered himself as the President’s son, asserting his veto power as APC Chairman to “collect his party card” if he doesn’t submit.


Our Correspondent reports that the remains of late Mama Lydia were later conveyed to the Kanke community, Kanke Local Government Area, for internment.