President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, assuring Northern Christians of inclusion and equity in governance.
Speaking at a meeting with Christian leaders at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, President Tinubu emphasized that his mission is to unite the country and ensure shared prosperity.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” the President said.
The President, who was in Jos to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, paid tribute to the late matriarch, describing her as a “devoted mother and humanitarian.”
Highlighting his own interfaith family background, 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 called on religious leaders to support national unity and maintain faith in his administration, noting that “leaders have a duty to manage religious issues for the benefit of all.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity, vowing that his government will defeat banditry, terrorism, and farmers-herders clashes, while also revitalizing the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he said.
COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, thanked the President for his inclusion of Northern Christians in key government positions including SGF Senator George Akume and APC Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda and urged continued support for conflict victims in Plateau and Benue States.
The funeral prayer drew several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, former governors, ministers, and members of the National Assembly.
Source: State House Press Release
Signed by: Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
Date: October 4, 2025