President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang 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.
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.
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.
Senator Akpabio told President Tinubu that the large turn out of the people who lined up the streets from the airport to the church was a sign that the people of Plateau were happy with the President. “From the airport, I witnessed the youths, women and men line up the streets waving the APC flag to welcome you. This is to show you that they love you and even before the next general elections the entire Plateau is APC,” he said.
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.
“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.
