President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and religious harmony, pledging to unite Nigerians under a shared vision of peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, Tinubu assured Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria that his government would ensure justice and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of religion.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress.”
He urged religious leaders to sustain faith in his administration, emphasizing that national stability depends on mutual understanding among faiths. “As leaders, we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all,” he said.
Tinubu also reiterated his government’s determination to end insecurity and criminality nationwide. “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he declared, adding that ongoing economic reforms would benefit all Nigerians.
The President was in Jos for the funeral prayers of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who died at 83. He described the late matriarch as “a devoted mother and humanitarian.”
Highlighting religious tolerance in his own family, Tinubu said, “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.”
The President also reflected on his political journey through Jos during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, expressing gratitude for returning as President to honour the Yilwatda family.
In his remarks, Prof. Yilwatda described his late mother as a resilient woman who lived on medication for 47 years but remained steadfast in faith and service to others. He thanked Tinubu for attending the burial and for entrusting him with leadership as APC National Chairman.
COCIN President, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, praised Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Prof. Yilwatda. He commended the administration’s efforts to improve security in Plateau and Benue states and appealed for further support for displaced Christian communities.
Mohzo pledged the Church’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and peace-building initiatives.
Dignitaries present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; SGF, George Akume; and former SGF, Boss Mustapha. Others were ex-governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, alongside ministers, lawmakers, and APC National Working Committee members.
Meanwhile, Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and chairman of the Mobilisation Committee for the visit, lauded the massive turnout that received the President.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat Junction flyover, Hassan said the peaceful and enthusiastic welcome reflected Plateau’s admiration for Tinubu. “We are thrilled by the peaceful and orderly conduct of the people during the President’s visit. We also thank Mr. President for honouring our late mother with a befitting state burial,” he said.
He added that Plateau residents would reciprocate the President’s goodwill in the 2027 general elections.
