By Israel Adamu, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were among several dignitaries who attended the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, held on Saturday at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.
Mama Lydia passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) at the age of 83.
President Tinubu described the late Mama Lydia as “a mother of the community, a mother of the state, and a humanitarian.” He commended Prof. Yilwatda as “a man of character and intellect,” noting that the large turnout of dignitaries reflected the high esteem in which the APC Chairman and his late mother are held.
“Let this day be one of joy and thanksgiving, even in mourning,” the President said. “The prayer of every mother is that her child succeeds, and you will. Live a dedicated life, serve humanity, and remain faithful to God Almighty.”
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity and love, adding, “Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we must continue to preach—love for one another.” He also reaffirmed his belief in religious tolerance, saying, “We may differ in faith, but we pray to the same Almighty God, to whom we are all answerable.”
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation for the President’s presence, describing it as a great honour to the Yilwatda family and the people of Plateau State. He thanked Tinubu for his continued support toward improving security in the state and for appointing Prof. Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, comparing the gesture to the recognition given to the late Chief Solomon Lar, a revered Plateau leader.
“Your presence means so much to us,” Mutfwang said. “We also look forward to welcoming you again soon, Mr. President, to see how Plateau has aligned with your Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio lauded COCIN’s contributions to education and healthcare development in the North Central region. He described the late Mama Lydia as “a perfect portrait of the virtuous African woman”* and praised President Tinubu as *“a unifier who bridges faiths, regions, and political divides.”
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda expressed deep gratitude to God for prolonging his mother’s life by 47 years beyond doctors’ expectations. He described her as a hardworking and selfless woman who supported her family through small-scale businesses such as selling akara, pap, and other goods.
“My mother was a woman of strength and resilience,” Yilwatda said. “To His Excellency and all dignitaries, thank you for giving me a shoulder to cry on.”
In a lighthearted moment, Yilwatda humorously referred to himself as President Tinubu’s “first son,” jokingly displacing the Niger State Governor, who had earlier made a similar claim.
The remains of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe were later taken to Kanke community in Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, for interment.
