President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and religious inclusivity, pledging to unite Nigerians under peace and prosperity while strengthening the fight against insecurity
Tinubu Reassures Northern Christians of Fairness, Inclusivity: Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Harmony
Jos, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness, peace, and inclusivity among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, pledging to unite the country under a shared vision of national prosperity.
Speaking on Saturday at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, the President told Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria that his government remains devoted to justice and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of faith.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said:
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress.”
He urged clerics and community leaders to continue fostering faith and harmony, noting that peace among Nigeria’s faith communities is essential to national stability.
“As leaders, we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all,” he added.
The President also reaffirmed his determination to end insecurity and criminality across the nation.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he declared, emphasizing that ongoing economic reforms are designed to uplift every Nigerian.
President Tinubu was in Jos to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83.
Paying tribute to the late matriarch, the President described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian.”
“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,” Tinubu said, highlighting his belief in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He recalled his political journey through Jos during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return as President to honour Mrs. Yilwatda.
Professor Yilwatda described his late mother as a resilient woman who “lived on medication for 47 years yet worked tirelessly for her family and community.” He thanked the President for attending the funeral and for the confidence reposed in him as APC National Chairman.
In his remarks, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, commended Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and for appointing Northern Christians to key national positions — including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Professor Yilwatda.
He also lauded the administration’s attention to security challenges in Plateau and Benue States, urging further support for displaced Christian communities.
Mohzo pledged the Church’s continued support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and efforts toward national peace and development.
Among dignitaries at the event were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and SGF George Akume. Others included former SGF Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, alongside ministers, lawmakers, and members of the APC National Working Committee. Read More
