President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday to attend the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
In a statement issued on Friday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s visit, noting that he will depart Lagos for Jos to attend the funeral prayers in honour of Mama Lydia before returning the same day.
During his visit, the President will also address Church leaders from across Northern Nigeria at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos.
Tinubu had earlier extended condolences to Professor Yilwatda, describing his late mother as “a woman of virtue who lived a life dedicated to faith, service, and community.” He urged the APC chairman to take solace in her legacy and the impact she left on her community.
Mama Lydia passed away at the age of 83. Her son, Nentawe Yilwatda, emerged as the APC National Chairman in July 2025.
Tinubu’s planned visit to Plateau comes months after he condemned the spate of killings in the state. In April, the President decried an attack in Bassa Local Government Area that left over 50 people dead, urging local and political leaders to strengthen peacebuilding efforts.
“Love and unity must rise above religious and ethnic divisions,” the President said, calling for an end to reprisal attacks that have long plagued Plateau communities.
What you should know
President Tinubu’s trip to Jos serves a dual purpose, to console APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda over his mother’s death and to engage Northern Church leaders on peace and unity.
The visit also reflects Tinubu’s continued effort to promote religious harmony and national cohesion amid lingering insecurity in Plateau State.
