No Place for Hate in Nigeria, Says Tinubu

President calls for peace and religious harmony during visit to Plateau State

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to reject hatred and embrace peace, describing unity and mutual respect as essential ingredients for national progress. The president made the call on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the burial of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said peace remains a cornerstone of nation-building and called on religious and community leaders to continue promoting understanding among Nigerians of different faiths and backgrounds. He noted that tolerance and compassion, rather than division and hate, would keep the country united.

The president, who attended the burial alongside top government officials, emphasized that hate has no place in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Drawing from his own experience, Tinubu said interfaith harmony should be seen as a strength, not a source of conflict, stressing that Nigerians must focus on building bridges rather than barriers.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Also present were APC governors, ministers, legislators, and former state executives, who gathered to honour the late matriarch’s life of service and faith.

Mission to Unite the Nation

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu met with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, where he reiterated his administration’s mission to unite Nigerians and ensure fairness for all religious groups. He assured Christian communities, especially in the North, that his government remains committed to equity, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

The president restated that faith differences should not divide citizens, emphasizing that his own household represents a model of religious coexistence. He noted that Nigeria’s diversity, if managed with fairness and respect, could become a powerful force for development and peace.

Tinubu also used the opportunity to highlight the federal government’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, pledging that his administration would remain resolute in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. According to him, the nation’s security forces are making significant progress in dismantling criminal networks across the country, while renewed strategies are being implemented to curb farmers-herders clashes in rural communities.

The president reaffirmed that national peace and security go hand in hand with economic recovery. He explained that current economic reforms, though challenging, are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term stability and improve living conditions for all citizens.

Celebrating a Life of Faith and Service

At the funeral service, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, describing her as a devout and selfless woman whose life reflected strong moral and spiritual values. He said her legacy would continue to inspire others to live with kindness and faith.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed gratitude to the president and other dignitaries for honouring his family. He described his late mother as a resilient woman who, despite long-term health challenges, dedicated her life to serving others and raising her children with discipline and love.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also commended President Tinubu for attending the ceremony, describing his presence as a gesture of unity and respect that would further strengthen the bond between the federal government and the people of the state.

The funeral drew a wide array of political and religious leaders, including members of the APC National Working Committee, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and former governors such as Yahaya Bello, Tanko Al-Makura, and Rochas Okorocha.

As the ceremony concluded, Tinubu’s message of peace and coexistence echoed across the gathering, a reminder that, amid Nigeria’s diversity, unity remains the surest path to progress.