President Tinubu Preaches Love and Religious Diversity at APC National Chairman Mother’s Burial in Jos
By Azi Peter – Jos
Jos, the Plateau State capital, was abuzz with dignitaries from all walks of life as they bid farewell to late Nana Lydia Yildawa, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman.
Among the attendees was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who arrived at the Church of Christ in Nations Headquarters in Jos at 2:06 pm with an entourage that included the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief of Staff to the President, governors, members of the National Assembly, ministers, deputy governors, former governors, and members of the National Assembly.
President Tinubu described Professor Nentawe as a good man, saying that’s why he was elected to lead their party.
He emphasized the importance of love and unity, stating, ‘We should love one another because we are serving one God. I inherited Islam, my wife is a pastor, and she always prays for me. I’ve never tried to convert her.’
Tinubu commended the clergy for promoting peace and stood in solidarity with the bereaved family during their moment of grief.
He also reflected on past gatherings in Jos, noting, ‘We used to meet here to decide the fate of late Moshood Abiola, and I’m glad to be alive as President of Nigeria to bid farewell to this humanitarian mother.'”
Governor Mutfwang of Plateau State thanked the President for visiting the state despite his busy schedule, saying the esteemed presence meant a lot to the people of Plateau State.
‘We have been enjoying the support of the First Family, particularly the First Lady,’ he added.
The Governor urged the President to visit Plateau State again to witness the progress being made under his Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting initiatives such as the Tin City buses as just the beginning.
He expressed frustration over the state’s insecurity challenges and sought the President’s continued support.
Governor Mutfwang also appreciated the President for appointing Plateau sons and daughters to positions, but ‘like Oliver Twist,’ he requested more appointments.
Speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the deceased as a devoted wife and lovely mother, and prayed for the repose of her soul.
Professor Nentawe said his mother would have died 47 years ago when she was diagnosed with an illness that required surgery with a 50-50 chance of survival, but she pulled through.
Eleven years later, she underwent another surgery and survived that too.
He described his late mother as a determined and strong woman who, despite her health challenges, sold pap and akara morning and evening to ensure they attended the best schools.
‘That’s the woman the whole nation is here to celebrate today,’ he added.
In his sermon, Reverend Mudimka Seri, Chairman of the Provincial Church Council Jos, read from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:11 and titled his message ‘Time and Season for Everything.’
He noted that there’s a time to plan and a time to harvest.
He asked rhetorically, ‘What does time mean to a politician? It’s a moment of election.
To the clergy, it’s for more congregation. To farmers, it’s for a bumper harvest. And for Jesus, time is eternal life.’
The clergy emphasized that God gives time to every human being to maximize, and humans should be stewards of time.
Her remains were finally transported to Dungum in Kanke Local Government Area for final interment.
