President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday explained why despite being a devout Muslim, he has never forced his Christian wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to abandon her faith.
Speaking at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, during a condolence visit to the family of the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the President said his own household was a living testimony to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter,” Tinubu said.
“I have never forced her to change her religion. I believe in freedom of faith, and that is the foundation for unity.”
Tinubu, addressing Christian leaders, reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, saying his administration would continue to promote inclusion across religious and ethnic lines.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” he declared.
“Religious leaders have a duty to help manage our differences for the greater good.”
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The President’s visit was also an emotional return to Jos, where he recalled his early political days, linking the moment to Nigeria’s long democratic journey.
Security, Economy Top Priorities
Tinubu assured the congregation that his government was winning the war against insecurity, insisting that criminality would not derail Nigeria’s progress.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them completely. We will also combat the farmers-herders clashes and secure our communities,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu reiterated that reforms were underway to restructure and grow the economy in ways that would benefit all Nigerians.
“We are taking deliberate steps to stabilise the economy and put it on a sustainable growth path,” he added.
Paying tribute to Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu described her as a mother to all and a beacon of compassion.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith and tradition,” Tinubu said.
“I am grateful to be alive today to come here as President to bid farewell to the mother of the community and a humanitarian.”
APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, thanked Tinubu for his presence and leadership, describing his late mother as resilient and selfless. He pledged to uphold the President’s trust in him.
COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, lauded Tinubu for his interfaith appointments, including SGF Senator George Akume and Prof. Yilwatda, saying they reflect a new era of inclusion.
He also praised the President’s response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States, urging continued support for displaced Christian communities.
The funeral drew quality attendance, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, SGF George Akume, several ministers, APC governors, and former state executives.
