Jos, Plateau State – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has adopted the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as his son following the passing of Yilwatda’s mother, Late Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
The President made this declaration on Saturday at the funeral service held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, Fidelis Tapgun Road, Jos.
In his tribute, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda had described himself as “officially an orphan,” noting that with the passing of his mother, he had lost both parents. He then appealed to President Tinubu to take him as a father.
Responding, President Tinubu assured him of a new bond, saying: “I don’t run an orphanage, but I have adopted Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as my son. Professor Nentawe, you’re a good man, a great thinker, a progressive thinker, and that’s why we decided you should lead us as our Chairman.”
The solemn service, which celebrated the life and ministry of Late Mama Lydia Yilwatda—who, alongside her husband, served meritoriously as a pastor in COCIN—drew an unprecedented gathering of Nigeria’s political and religious leaders.
In attendance were all APC State Governors, the Senate President and his principal officers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and his team, serving ministers, leading business figures, and members of the clergy.
The event underscored not only the profound respect for the late matriarch but also the deep ties of faith and politics that continue to shape the nation’s leadership.
Late Mama Lydia Yilwatda shall be fondly remembered as a devout Christian, a compassionate mother, and a pillar of faith whose legacy of service remains etched in the church and community