By Palang Paul
Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday led dignitaries to pay their final respects to Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
The funeral service took place at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.
Mama Lydia, aged 83, passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described the late Mama Lydia as “a mother of the community, a mother of the state, and a humanitarian.” He commended her legacy of faith and service, noting his long-standing relationship with the Yilwatda family dating back to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era.
The President praised Prof. Yilwatda as “a man of character and intellect,” adding that the massive turnout of mourners reflected the respect he and his family command.
“Let this day be one of thanksgiving, even in mourning,” Tinubu said. “Every mother prays that her child succeeds—and you will. Live a dedicated life, serve humanity, and remain faithful to God. Hate is not an option for us; love is what we must continue to preach.”
He also emphasized the importance of unity and religious tolerance, saying, “We may differ in faith, but we all pray to the same Almighty God.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the President’s visit — his first to Plateau State since assuming office. He noted that the President’s presence was deeply significant to both the bereaved family and the people of Plateau.
Mutfwang also thanked Tinubu for his continued support in addressing insecurity across the state, pointing to visible improvements in peace and stability.
Your decision to appoint Prof. Yilwatda as APC National Chairman is not only an honour to him but to Plateau State, the Governor said. “We look forward to welcoming you again soon to see firsthand how we are implementing your Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also paid tribute to the late Mama Lydia, describing her as “a perfect portrait of the virtuous African woman a true matriarch whose values of diligence, compassion, and faith shaped her son’s leadership.”
Akpabio commended the COCIN Church for its contributions to education and healthcare development in the North Central region.
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda expressed gratitude to God and to all who supported the family, noting that his mother lived 47 years longer than doctors had once predicted.
He fondly recalled her as a hardworking woman who, despite health challenges, sold akara, pap, and other goods to support the family — often handing her earnings to his father without hesitation.
“To His Excellency and all dignitaries, thank you for giving me a shoulder to cry on,” Yilwatda said, lightening the mood with humour as he jokingly referred to himself as President Tinubu’s “first son,” teasingly claiming to outrank other politicians who had made similar declarations.
The late Mama Lydia’s remains were later taken to Kanke, her hometown in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, for interment.
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