President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, October 4, 2025, embark on an official visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to condole with the family of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nantewe Yilwatda Goshwe, following the passing of his mother, Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe.
A statement from the Presidency on Friday confirmed that President Tinubu will depart Lagos in the morning to attend the funeral prayers in honour of the late matriarch, who is being celebrated for her strong Christian faith, family values, and community service. The President is expected to join political leaders, religious figures, and well-wishers in Jos to pay his final respects.
“This visit is not only a mark of solidarity with the APC chairman and his family but also a demonstration of President Tinubu’s deep respect for the values of family and community which Mama Lydia embodied throughout her lifetime,” the statement read.
Beyond the funeral prayers, President Tinubu will also engage in a significant outreach effort by addressing church leaders from across Northern Nigeria at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos. The meeting, according to the Presidency, will focus on dialogue around unity, peace, and mutual cooperation between government and faith-based organizations.
The President is expected to use the platform to reiterate his administration’s commitment to fostering national cohesion, ensuring religious tolerance, and addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the northern region. Analysts view this engagement as a continuation of his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen government-religious relations at a time of heightened security and social concerns in many parts of the country.
“President Tinubu recognizes the critical role of faith leaders in promoting peace and stability. His meeting with church leaders in Jos is a deliberate step to build stronger ties, deepen trust, and explore how government and the church can work together for the good of the nation,” a senior official familiar with the itinerary disclosed.
The President is expected to return to Lagos later in the day after completing both engagements. This will mark his first official visit to Plateau State since assuming office on May 29, 2023, underscoring the political and symbolic weight attached to the trip.
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Political observers believe the visit carries dual significance: condolence and statesmanship. By attending the funeral prayers of the APC chairman’s mother, President Tinubu reinforces bonds of solidarity within the ruling party, while his address to church leaders demonstrates an inclusive approach to governance, especially in a region where religion plays a central role in community life.
The funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe is expected to draw dignitaries from across Nigeria, including governors, federal lawmakers, political allies, and community leaders. Security has also been heightened in Jos ahead of the President’s visit to ensure smooth proceedings.
President Tinubu’s return to Lagos on the same day highlights his administration’s commitment to balancing official duties with personal outreach, a quality he has repeatedly emphasized as part of his leadership style.