TINUBU, MUTFWANG, AKPABIO HONOUR APC CHAIRMAN’S MOTHER AT FUNERAL

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By: Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Tinubu, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were among the dignitaries who gathered on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, to pay their last respects to Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The funeral service took place at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters.

Mama Lydia passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital at the age of 83.

In his tribute, President Tinubu described the deceased as “a mother of the community, a mother of the state, and a humanitarian.” He recalled his past interactions with the Yilwatda family, including his meetings with Ambassador Goshwe during the Social Democratic Party days.

Tinubu hailed the APC National Chairman as “a man of character and intellect,” commending the presence of governors, public officials, and dignitaries as a reflection of the esteem held for both Yilwatda and his late 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 also emphasized the importance of love and tolerance, stating, “Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we must continue to preach—love for one another.” He reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom, adding, “We may differ in faith, but we pray to the same Almighty God, to whom we are all answerable.”

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

He acknowledged Tinubu’s role in improving security in the state and thanked him for appointing Prof. Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, describing it as a great honor for Plateau.

“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 added.

Senate President Akpabio praised COCIN’s contributions to the region through education and healthcare, and referenced Prof. Yilwatda’s tribute to his mother, describing her as “a perfect portrait of the virtuous African woman, a true matriarch.” He lauded President Tinubu as “a unifier” who bridges faiths, regions, and political divides, citing the diverse turnout at the event as proof.

Prof. Yilwatda, in his emotional tribute, thanked God for prolonging his mother’s life by 47 years beyond medical expectations. He described her as a hardworking and selfless woman who sold akara and pap, managed a shop, and ran market sales despite her health challenges.

He recounted that his mother always handed her earnings to his father, who distributed them as though they were his own, demonstrating her humility and devotion.

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

In a lighthearted moment, he jokingly declared himself President Tinubu’s “first son,” teasing the Niger State Governor, who had earlier made the same claim, saying he would “collect his party card” if he refused to submit.

The remains of Mama Lydia were later taken to her hometown in Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, for internment.