I’m now Tinubu’s son, APC national chairman declares at mother’s funeral

Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Saturday delivered a heartfelt speech at his mother’s funeral, celebrating her resilience and unwavering spirit.

In his speech, during the funeral service at COCIN church in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Yilwatda said, despite being diagnosed 47 years ago with a dire prognosis, his mother defied medical odds, surviving multiple surgeries and living decades longer than expected.

Yilwatda described his mother as a tireless worker who supported their family through selling akara, pap, and running a shop.

“Even while battling illness, she worked relentlessly and quietly held the family’s finances, handing every kobo to her missionary husband without complaint or fanfare’”.

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Yilwatda compared his mother’s strength to that of the late mother of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting her humble service and the profound impact she had on their community.

“She may not have been publicly known, but her faithful service touched countless lives,” he said.

Expressing deep gratitude to dignitaries, governors, and the people of Plateau State for their support during the funeral, Yilwatda thanked President Tinubu personally for believing in him despite his youth and non-governor background.

He recalled his mother’s final words, urging him to uphold the trust Tinubu placed in him.

In a moment of humour and political camaraderie, Yilwatda declared himself the president’s “son,” playfully asserting his veto over a similar claim by the Governor of Niger State, emphasising his loyalty and connection to the APC leadership.

Yilwatda pledged to honour his mother’s legacy by maintaining the trust bestowed upon him by President Tinubu, underscoring his commitment to serve with integrity and dedication.