President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity among Nigerians, emphasizing that despite being a Muslim, he has never compelled his wife, who is a Christian and a pastor, to convert to Islam.

Tinubu made the statement on Saturday during a meeting with Christian leaders at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President said: “I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress.”

While paying tribute to Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu reflected on his own family’s interfaith background.

“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,” he stated.

The President urged clergymen to have faith in his leadership, stressing that religious leaders must help in managing diversity for the common good.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” Tinubu assured.

On the economy, the President said his government is taking deliberate steps to restructure and grow it for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Speaking at the funeral service of Mama Yilwatda, Tinubu described her as a devoted mother and humanitarian.

“The history behind this church is rooted in faith with deep acceptance in the Lord and tradition. I have been to Jos before. When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Muftwang showed me one of the bungalows, the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola.

“Today, I am grateful that I am alive and to God be the glory to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to come here to bid farewell to the mother of the community and a humanitarian.”

In his remarks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman and chief mourner, described his late mother as a resilient and selfless woman.

“I am here to thank God for her life. My mother worked for twenty-four hours despite her health condition, supporting us and providing humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Yilwatda also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting his emergence as APC chairman, pledging to uphold the confidence reposed in him.

Speaking on behalf of the church, COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, commended the President for appointing Northern Christians to strategic positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Prof. Yilwatda.

Mohzo also praised Tinubu’s response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and urged him to extend assistance to displaced victims.

He appealed to the President to ensure the safe return of Christian communities who fled to Cameroon due to violence.

“We thank you for your inclusive approach and for recognizing Northern Christians in governance. We will continue to support your Renewed Hope Agenda,” Mohzo said.

The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, APC governors, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, ministers, SGF George Akume, former SGF Boss Mustapha, as well as former governors, lawmakers, and other APC leaders.

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