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  • The man Yilwatda

    The man Yilwatda

    Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Prof. Yilwatda is an accomplished academic, technocrat, and politician. He hails from a Christian family, the son of the late Rev. Toma Yilwatda, and is widely regarded for his intellect, integrity, and community development efforts.

    He obtained his first degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1992), a master’s degree in Engineering from ATBU, Bauchi, and a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a registered engineer with COREN and a member of many engineering bodies, including the IEEE and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    Prof. Yilwatda began his academic career at Plateau State Polytechnic in 1995 before joining the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he spent over 26 years as a lecturer, department head, and pioneer Director of ICT. His innovations in digital reform earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

    In 2017, Prof. Yilwatda was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) by President Muhammadu Buhari, where he served in Benue State and later supervised elections in states like Rivers, Anambra, Osun, and Cross River. His tenure at INEC saw critical reforms, including voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

    In 2021, he resigned from INEC to contest the Plateau State governorship election on the platform of the APC during the last general election. Although unsuccessful, his campaign helped build a robust political network across the state. During the same election cycle, he also served as Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign in Plateau State.

    Read Also: Yilwatda pledges unity, expansion as new APC National Chairman

    In 2023, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, a role in which he has been widely praised for strategic reforms, innovation, and dedication to vulnerable populations.

    He was a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.

    Prof. Yilwatda’s appointment satisfies the APC’s internal zoning arrangement, which allocates the national chairmanship to the North-Central region, a zone comprising Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States. His Christian faith also brings religious balance to the party’s leadership.

    The announcement was met with jubilation, especially in the Plateau Central Senatorial District, his home base. The Plateau APC Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamayi, described his emergence as a “watershed moment” and a “milestone in the political history of Plateau State”, following in the legacy of Chief Solomon Lar.

    Lar was a pioneer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Second Republic governor of the state.

    Can he lead the APC to victory in 2027?

    Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership style, grounded in technocratic efficiency, intellectual discipline, and social empathy, positions him as a refreshing face for the APC. He is not a typical Nigerian politician, and that may be exactly what the APC needs as it recalibrates for 2027. His blend of academic intelligence, ethical leadership, policy depth, and grassroots outreach gives him a unique edge to revitalise the ruling party’s image.

    He is well-positioned to reorganise the APC, unite its factions, and reconnect with the electorate.

    If he can manage internal party cohesion, harness digital innovation for political mobilisation, and help President Tinubu deliver tangible results before 2027, then Prof. Yilwatda could indeed be the catalyst the APC needs to secure another term in office.

  • North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has described President Bola Tinubu as a listening and responsive leader, following the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.

    The Forum commended President Tinubu for demonstrating fairness, political will, and a deep sense of justice in resolving what he described as a long-standing leadership imbalance in the party.

    “We sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for listening to our calls. His decision has proven beyond any doubt that he is a listening President—one who respects party members and values equity.

    “He has again demonstrated sound political judgment,” the Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said.

    In a statement by Zazzaga on Thursday, shortly after the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified Yilwatda’s appointment at its meeting in Abuja, the Forum said the development was the result of over two years of sustained advocacy by stakeholders from the region.

    “This is a major milestone for the North-Central APC Forum and all stakeholders in the region. For more than two years, we consistently demanded that the position of National Chairman be returned to the North-Central in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.

    “Today, that demand has finally been met,” Zazzaga said.

    According to the Forum, the group’s agitation for fairness was rooted in principle and carried out with dignity and resolve. “Our struggle was guided by the ideals of equity and party cohesion

    “In the process, we went to court, organised protests, issued public statements, and wrote open letters. Despite the initial setbacks, we never wavered. We remained respectful of party structures while pushing for what was right,” Zazzaga noted.

    READ ALSO; ​FRSC Mobile App: How to apply for licence renewal, vehicle verification, others

    He further acknowledged the roles of the APC NEC and other party leaders in supporting the eventual resolution, saying, “We are grateful to all stakeholders, especially NEC members, for their understanding and commitment to fairness.

    “This decision will further energise the North-Central to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our great party.”

    Reaffirming the Forum’s political commitment, Zazzaga said the North-Central would stand solidly behind the APC in future elections, including the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027.

    “We have made a promise and we intend to keep it. President Tinubu and the APC should have no worries about the North-Central. We are fully aligned and committed. Our earlier pledge to deliver six million votes in 2027 remains firmly on course,” he said.

    On Yilwatda’s appointment, the Forum expressed strong confidence in his leadership credentials.

    “Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a man of excellence, integrity, and competence. From his service in academia to his work with INEC and as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, he has shown the capacity to lead and transform institutions. We are confident that he will move the APC to greater heights,” Zazzaga assured.

    The Forum pledged full support to the new National Chairman and called on all party faithful to unite behind his leadership to ensure continued growth and stability within the APC.

  • UPDATED: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman, vows to deepen internal democracy

    UPDATED: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman, vows to deepen internal democracy

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the party’s new national chairman, in a consensus decision sealed during a high-level session at the State House, Abuja.

    The consensus motion for Yilwatda’s emergence was moved by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who is also chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

    Yilwatda, who until now served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, was immediately sworn in during the meeting.

    He took the oath of office, pledging to “discharge his duties to the best of his ability in accordance with the constitution of the party and the interest, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the party as contained in its manifesto.”

    Governor Uzodinma also announced that the remaining newly elected party officials would be sworn in later by the new chairman at the APC National Secretariat.

    In his acceptance remarks, Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, party leaders, and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.

    He promised to uphold internal democracy and foster unity within the ruling party.

    “We will work together with the NEC to build and expand our party. I will ensure healthy internal democracy prevails during my tenure. I will trust and look up to the leadership of the party and all of us to fulfill the dreams that Nigerians have in the APC”, Yilwatda said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman

    His emergence follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former national chairman, who stepped down last month citing health-related reasons.

    Yilwatda, a technocrat and respected party loyalist, was also the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections in Plateau State.

    His elevation to the chairmanship is expected to usher in a new era of reform and consolidation within the party as it gears up for future electoral contests.

    Thursday’s NEC meeting was presided over by President Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, several APC governors, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other senior party stakeholders.

  • BREAKING: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman

    BREAKING: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman

    The minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has been elected as the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Yilwatda’s emergence was formally announced on Thursday during the national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the APC in Abuja, where party leaders gathered to chart a new direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Details shortly…

  • Minister kicks-off empowerment training for youths in Lagos, others

    Minister kicks-off empowerment training for youths in Lagos, others

    Youths from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria have commenced Skills to Wealth (S2W) programme, a three-week intensive skills acquisition and empowerment camp organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    Speaking at the kick-off in Lagos, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasised that the initiative was in accordance with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said it aimed to empower youths in agriculture, automobiles, and renewable energy.

    According to him, the training, conducted in partnership with selected institutions, equips youths, educated or not, with theoretical and practical sessions and a follow-up internship to reinforce learning.

    He said: “It is a high-intensity programme that will last for three weeks. This is the first phase of the programme, and we will scale it up until the end of the year. We will camp the youths here for three weeks, providing accommodation and food for them. They will be training 8 hours from Monday to Saturdays.me

    “The aim is for them to have an all-round experience, they will do theory in the mornings and practicals in the afternoon to ensure that they have the experience and are ready for the market after these three weeks. They will do an internship after the training to practice what they have learnt,” he explained.

    “This programme in the next five years will help the penetration, maintenance and sustainability. That is why we are looking at high-impact areas. Renewable energy will provide rural areas with energy. Agriculture will aid food security. These trainings will produce candidates that can meet up with the high demand for skilled talents.”

    While disclosing that the programme will run until the end of the year, Yilwatda said the initiative’s projected target was to reach 10,000 Nigerian talents across the country.

    Read Also: EFCC hands over 753 housing units seized from ex-CBN Gov to ministry

    The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakub Kofarmata, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the skills they learnt for self-reliance and long-term growth.

    “I urge you to see this opportunity as the beginning of your journey towards economic independence. Take the teachings, utilise it and I assure you that you will prosper. Let us all commit ourselves towards building a better Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of background, has a fair shot at prosperity,” he admonished.

    Beneficiaries at the event commended the ministry for the opportunity, pledging to maximise the values gained from the training and use them to build a better Nigeria.

  • FG, UN strengthen ties to tackle humanitarian crisis

    FG, UN strengthen ties to tackle humanitarian crisis

    …ministry targets 2million jobs this year

    The federal government of Nigeria and the United Nations have disclosed the need to strengthen their collaboration to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the country.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the partnership would ensure that both parties provide durable solutions to Nigerians, move people out of poverty, reduce youth unemployment, and ensure safer communities.

    As part of measures to move people out of poverty, the minister said his target is to create 2 million jobs this year through various programmes of the federal government.

    The Minister also said plans are ongoing to provide durable solutions to those displaced by climate-related challenges and humanitarian crises.

    He said the ministry is in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to provide lands, fertilizers and other inputs to those in IDP camps.

    Prof. Yilwatda also said there was need to review and extend humanitarian assistance to some states in the northwest and northcentral.

    He revealed that Katsina currently has more displaced persons compared to Borno and Yobe states.

    Read Also: Borno attack: IGP orders manhunt for attackers of police station, officers 

    He disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed.

    On the humanitarian challenges faced by the country, the minister said: “We’re concerned about the humanitarian challenges that we have across the country, most especially in the northwest. The northwest now is an emerging area of concern for Nigeria and the government.

    “The humanitarian response plan, for now, is focused on Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, but our concern is that we have more humanitarian activities in other parts of the country, and giving it a global and national outlook will be of interest to the nation and us.

    “Katsina right now has more displaced people than Borno and Yobe state put together. And if you look at what’s happening in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue and Plateau, it disappoints us that we need to give attention to those locations.

    “We have areas like the banks of river Niger where people were affected by flood, almost all the communities around those banks and Bayelsa state are affected. So, these are humanitarian crises, and there is a need to respond.”

    On the plans of the ministry for IDPs, he said: “We are working to provide durable solutions to all the humanitarian challenges across the country, especially for the IDPs. We have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agric and NALDA for land and fertilizer to be provided to the IDPs.

    “We will be cultivating 10,000 hectares this year. We will make 10,000 hectares of land available to the IDPs, and we will be providing all the inputs to support them.

    “We are providing two people per hectare, which means that for 10,000 hectares, we will support over 20,000 households with it. With an average of five people per household, we are supporting roughly about 100,000 people in the IDP camps to ensure that they come out of poverty and have a means of livelihood. So, we take 70 per cent of what they are going to harvest as cash component for them and we will give them the cash, and 30 per cent as food component.”

    On the importance of the partnership, he said: “This partnership would ensure that we give durable solutions to our people, move as many people as possible out of poverty, reduce youth unemployment, and ensure safer communities. We want to ensure that all vulnerable groups are not left behind because of what we’re doing, and the UN has assured us of the support and the partnership.

    On the number of jobs the ministry hopes to create, Prof. Yilwatda said: “The target for this year varies because as a ministry, I have a target of creating 2 million jobs this year. And beyond my ministry, there are other ministries also that have been given targets. So I’m working on creating 2 million jobs”.

    The Deputy Secretary General of the UN said there was a need to address the growing humanitarian crisis, which is not peculiar to Nigeria.

    She commended the federal government for taking the lead in addressing the challenges in the face of lean resources from donors.

    She said: “Nigeria has many challenges when it comes to humanitarian crisis. Climate is new to the challenges that we face. It needs huge investments in the country so that we can have those transitions that will make us more resilient. We are having more intense climate crises these days with flooding and heat. So, we are working to do foresight analysis, prevent more crises and bring other sectors of the economy to make sure that it is holistic”.

    On the empowerment of IDPs in camps and host communities, she said: “The federal government is commended for collaborating to clearing lands and making it safe and available for people to farm and this means value chain of food supply that goes from production to the market. These are the programs I think that one ought to monitor, learn from and see how we can scale up.

    “The humanitarian challenges are growing faster than the investments are coming in, its not just in Nigeria, it is everywhere. We are short of the resources that are coming from donors into crises today. The crises are many. And so, we have to work in parallel to look for how to prevent them to begin with.

    “So economic programs are important. Just note that in Africa, we have many burdens that are external to what a government can handle. A lot of this has got to do with debt and with access to markets for us to grow our economies at the rate at which we can bring returns to ministries like Humanitarian Affairs to invest in”.

  • Nigeria gets it right with Yilwatda as Humanitarian Affairs Minister – Group

    Nigeria gets it right with Yilwatda as Humanitarian Affairs Minister – Group

    Professor Nentawe Yilwatda’s appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been hailed as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges. 

    The Coalition of Lawyers for Truth and Justice (CLTJ) hailed President Bola Tinubu for Yilwatda’s nomination as strategic to uplift Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

    In a statement by Barrister Moses Okino, the group said Yilwatda’s impressive credentials, including a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering, make him an outstanding fit for the role. 

    Okino added that his passion for humanitarian work is evident in his previous projects such as Nigeria’s first Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and the World Bank-funded STEP-B project.

    According to Okino, his penchant for uplifting marginalised communities, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), is evident in his previous projects, including setting up schools for IDP children and empowering IDP women through skill acquisition programs.

    “Unlike his predecessors, Betta Edu and Sadiya Farouq, who faced numerous controversies during their tenures, Yilwatda’s appointment brings a sense of hope and renewal,” he said. 

    “Edu and Farouq were embroiled in scandals, including allegations of mismanagement and corruption, which hindered the ministry’s effectiveness. 

    “In contrast, Yilwatda’s track record of transparency and accountability, demonstrated during his time as Resident Electoral Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), inspires confidence in his ability to lead the ministry with integrity. 

    “As Nigeria faces numerous humanitarian challenges, including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and displacement, Yilwatda’s expertise and commitment to humanitarian work are crucial in addressing these pressing issues.

    “The CLTJ believes that Prof. Yilwatda’s appointment will bring significant positive change to Nigeria’s humanitarian landscape. His expertise in digital systems engineering and electronic governance will undoubtedly enhance the Ministry’s impact. 

    “We commend President Tinubu for this thoughtful appointment and pledge our support for Prof. Yilwatda as he embarks on this critical mission.

    Read Also: Senate screens Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, five other ministerial nominees on Tuesday

    “Prof. Yilwatda’s achievements are a shining example of dedication to public service. His commitment to humanitarian work, support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), development of voting frameworks for People Living with Disabilities (PWD), and engagement with the Nigerian Diaspora demonstrate his unwavering resolve to uplift the vulnerable.

    “As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yilwatda will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens. 

    “We urge him to continue his exemplary work, leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful change. The CLTJ are confident that Prof. Yilwatda’s expertise, passion, and leadership will usher in a new era of hope and progress for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

    “We urge all Nigerians to join us in congratulating Prof. Yilwatda on this well-deserved appointment.

    Together, we can build a Nigeria where everyone has access to opportunities and a better life,” the ground added. 

  • Tinubu writes Senate to confirm Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, five others as Ministers

    Tinubu writes Senate to confirm Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, five others as Ministers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to consider and confirm seven nominees for appointment as Ministers.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Tinubu’s letter of request during plenary.

    The ministerial nominees for Senate’s consideration and approval are Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment); Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State Foreign Affairs) and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

    Others are Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development); Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development) and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (State Education).

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former ambassador to Spain, is a prominent member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    If cleared, the former beauty queen and wife of the late Dim Emeka Chukemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will increase the number of opposition party members in FEC to two.

    Akpabio referred the nominees to the Committee of Whole for further legislative work as soon as possible. 

    Our reporter however learnt that the nominees may be screened during plenary on Wednesday next week. 

    Tinubu on Wednesday sacked five ministers, nominated seven, scrapped two ministries and merged others. 

    The President announced eight far-reaching actions to reinvigorate the administration’s capacity for optimal efficiency. 

    The Ministry of Nigeria Delta Development was renamed the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the regional development commissions.

    Read Also: Tinubu not party to University of Nigerian Languages bill – Deputy Speaker

    These are Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, the South West Development Commission and the North West Development Commission.

    Ministry of Sports Development was wound up, with its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission.

    The Federal Ministry of Tourism was merged with the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

    President Tinubu re-assigned the portfolios of 10 Ministers.

  • FULL LIST: Tinubu appoints Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, six others as new Ministers

    FULL LIST: Tinubu appoints Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, six others as new Ministers

    President Bola Tinubu has nominated seven new Ministers in a major restructuring aimed at improving government operations.

    One of the new Ministers is the widow of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. She was appointed as Minister of State Foreign Affairs.

    Here are the seven newly appointed Ministers and their portfolios:

    1. Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction)

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu nominates seven new Ministers

    2. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour & Employment)

    3. Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu (State for Foreign Affairs).

    4. Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

    5. Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development). 

    6. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development

    7. Suwaiba Said Ahmad PhD – Minister of State Education

  • Appeal Court verdict: Desist from heating the polity – APC’s Yilwatda begs politicians

    Appeal Court verdict: Desist from heating the polity – APC’s Yilwatda begs politicians

    The governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) for the March 18, 2023 in Plateau state, Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on political actors in the state to desist from overheating the political atmosphere and make the interest of the people paramount.

    Yilwatda, the recipient of the Appeal Court’s ruling that nullified Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed gratitude to the multitude of APC supporters gathered at the secretariat junction on Monday, November 20.

    He declared his victory as a manifestation of God’s will.

    He said: “It is with profound joy and gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome my victory at the Court of Appeal, which declared me as the rightful winner of the March 18th gubernatorial election in Plateau State, having scored the highest lawful votes as thoroughly examined and confirmed by law.

    “You will recall that immediately the election umpire erred by announcing my opponent in the PDP as winner, I admonished you all to remain calm as I will explore every legal means to retrieve back your lawful mandate.

    “Today, I stand tall to say the outcome of these long months of legal battle from the Tribunal to the Appeal Court has vindicated my inherent belief that I, and indeed Plateau people, have been shortchanged of the opportunity to witness the implementation of our ACEES agenda, which by now, would have started yielding positive results. However, it is better late than never!”

    Yilwatda added: “As a principle of personal conviction, I don’t gloat in moments such as this. Instead, I wish to, in all humility, accept this victory as the will of God Almighty for Plateau State.

    “I also warmly welcome my opponent’s decision to Appeal this victory at the Supreme Court. My indefatigable legal team are more than ready to defend this emphatic victory at the apex court of the land.”

    He explained that it is also my view that this case, which is novel according to the Appeal Court, will set a precedent and add value to our legal jurisprudence.

    He further stated: “Expectedly, as we journey through the final leg of this legal battle, I appeal to all political actors across party lines to consider the peace of the land and behave with the utmost sense of patriotism. The vitriolic attacks are unnecessary. Let us put Plateau first and stop heating the polity.

    “Let me add that as we celebrate this judgment, I wish to call on all my supporters and APC members, in general, to be magnanimous in victory and celebrate victory with modesty and decorum and utmost respect to the sensibilities of our opponents. 

    “However, I admonish us all to be practitioners of the decency and decorum we are known for. Noting that, this victory is not for Nentawe, this victory is for all Plateau people and lovers of democracy and the rule of law.”