October 04, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and religious tolerance, declaring that his administration will continue to promote fairness, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
Speaking during a meeting with Christian leaders at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, the President assured Northern Christians of inclusion and equal treatment under his leadership.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress”, the President declared.
Tinubu, who cited his own family as an example of religious tolerance, said: “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter. I have never forced her to change her religion.”
The President urged clergymen to keep faith in his administration and continue to support government efforts toward building a united Nigeria. He said religious leaders must help manage faith relations responsibly for the benefit of all citizens.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges in the country.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes”, he assured.
He further noted that his government is undertaking broad economic reforms aimed at restoring growth and improving the living standards of Nigerians.
Earlier, the President attended funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Tinubu described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life was rooted in faith and service.”
“Today, I am grateful to God to be alive and to come here as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to bid farewell to the mother of the community and a humanitarian”, he stated.
In his remarks, Professor Yilwatda said his mother lived an exemplary life of hard work and sacrifice despite her long-term health challenges.
“My mother lived on medication for 47 years and still worked tirelessly to support us and those in need”, he said, expressing gratitude to the President for his trust and support.
The President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo, thanked President Tinubu for demonstrating inclusivity through key appointments of Northern Christians in his administration, such as Senator George Akume (SGF) and Professor Nantawe Yilwatda (APC National Chairman).
He also appreciated the President’s interventions in restoring peace in Plateau and Benue States, urging further assistance for victims of violence and displaced Christian communities in the North-East.
“We appreciate your response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue. Please extend assistance to victims and ensure the return of displaced communities”, said Mohzo.
He assured the President of the Church’s unwavering support in his quest to realise the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The solemn event was attended by top dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, several APC Governors, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, SGF George Akume, and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha.
Others in attendance were former Governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as members of the APC National Working Committee, lawmakers, and senior federal officials.
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