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Tag: Nentawe Yilwatda

  • New APC National Chairman charged to return aggrieved members from ADC

    New APC National Chairman charged to return aggrieved members from ADC

    A former presidential aspirant, Chief Stanley Osifo, has charged the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to do his best to unite and strengthen the party.

    Osifo, a chieftain of the party, who gave the charge in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Lagos, congratulated Yilwatda on his emergence as national chairman.

    This is while urging him to bring back all aggrieved APC members, who had left the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Usifo said Yilwatda’s strength and leadership capacity  would be put to test during the  the upcoming by-elections and off-cycle governorship elections  in some states.

    Osifo said: “Right now, before him (Yilwatda), are the coming elections, the by-elections taking place in different constituencies and senatorial districts.

    “We also have members of APC who have decided to join the coalition that later adopted  the African Democratic Congress because they are  aggrieved.

    “Yilwatda’s acumen is going to be put  to the test with these, to see how he can coordinate and interact with the different levels of the party to ensure victory for all the party candidates in the coming by-elections in August.

    “I think he should do his best to reach out to aggrieved APC members hibernating in ADC because the larger we are, the better for us. So, let us  reach out to those coalition members and bring them to back to ou fold.”

    He also urged the new chairman to take the party back to the  people at grassroots to get more support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “I strongly believe that he (Yilwatda) is going to put all in his arsenal  to work to  strengthen APC nationally, working with the states, the local governments, the wards, and then at the unit level.

    “I equally strongly believe that he will also work earnestly with diaspora members of APC. I believe he knows what it takes. His position now is like a national leader of our party.

    “As the chairman, he is the one leading the party, giving direction to the party, giving the party statements. His actions, to a large extent, will determine the party’s outlook , ” Osifo said.

    Urging Yilwatda to do his best to resolve all the leadership issues, Osifo said that the party must follow democratic principles in all decisions.

    “And it is very simple. The majority, not the few, should have the way. So in democratic governance, there is regular elections, there is freedom to contest for any position, there is also no disenfranchisement of members in any elections.

    “Everyone should be given equal opportunity to aspire and contest without intimidation. This is the only tenet that will make the APC stronger,” he said.

    According to him, party leaders must provide a level playing ground for aspirants for any political offices, without the influence of any godfather.

    Osifo, who expressed confidence in the capacity of Yilwatda, urged APC hierarchy to work with the new chairman to take the party to greater heights.

  • New APC National Chairman reacts as Tinubu sets fresh agenda for party

    New APC National Chairman reacts as Tinubu sets fresh agenda for party

    President Bola Tinubu has urged APC Governors and the new party National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to prioritise progressive reforms and development, especially at the grassroots.

    The President gave the charge on Thursday during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    He called on party leaders to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and reinforce internal party structures for broader political engagement and success.

    “With the space we’ve created for aspiring members to join us, our doors remain open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly,” Tinubu said.

    He proposed the formation of a national working committee to ensure seamless registration for new members across all states of the federation.

    “We may form a party of elders, as the new chairman suggested, to oversee nationwide registration and ensure a smooth onboarding process for all new members,” he said.

    The President expressed concern about slow governance at the local level and urged governors to deliver more democratic dividends to citizens.

    “I appreciate the confidence votes from the zones. We must meet regularly to boost grassroots mobilisation and promote party unity.

    “Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. Governors, you must water the grass more and lead in delivering progressive change to the people,” he said.

    He also stressed the need for a permanent APC national secretariat and tasked governors with leading the land acquisition process.

    “Let us leave a legacy of development. Progressive governors should work with the FCT Minister to find land for a befitting party secretariat,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to economic stability and ongoing reforms, assuring Nigerians of better prospects ahead.

    “I thank you all. It’s not easy navigating economic instability. But now, with stability, we face no fear — only upward growth,” he said.

    He pledged greater efforts toward food security, peace, and national stability, adding that the government remains focused on delivering key priorities.

    “We must invest more in our country’s future. Those working with me will ensure we secure a sovereign food guarantee for Nigeria.

    “We will keep working hard and listening to all of you to meet the nation’s goals and expectations,” he said.

    The NEC meeting was attended by APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, and senior party officials from across the country.

    Yilwatda assumes APC leadership, says 2027 secured

    Meanwhile, the newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to grow the party’s membership and secure a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.

    Yilwatda made the promise while addressing the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday in Abuja upon assuming office.

    Yilwatda emerged unopposed during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    While the APC’s NEC is its second-highest decision-making body, the NWC remains its top administrative organ.

    “I count it a rare privilege, and I must appreciate God, the leadership of our party, our governors, National Assembly members, and NWC members.

    “I also appreciate the teeming loyal supporters of the APC for placing this burden of trust on me. It is both a privilege and a weighty responsibility,” Yilwatda said.

    He vowed to unite and expand the party with the support of stakeholders.

    “I will work with everyone to build the party, deepen its structure, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    Yilwatda assured that under his leadership, the APC would become stronger and more attractive to Nigerians.

    “Our doors are open. We look forward to welcoming more governors, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and members of opposition parties,” he said, confidently declaring that “2027 is a done deal for the APC.”

    He also promised to enhance the party’s use of technology and ensure transparency in its operations.

    Yilwatda noted that the APC enjoyed widespread support from Nigerians at home and abroad who were committed to the party’s success.

    His nomination as national chairman by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

    Yilwatda succeeds Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on June 27 due to health reasons. His resignation led to the short tenure of Ali Dalori as acting chairman.

    Before his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in 2024, Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections.

    Born on Aug. 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, he hails from a cleric’s family, the late Rev. and Mrs Toma.

    He brings a wealth of administrative and electoral experience, having served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benue State from 2017.

    Yilwatda is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

    He is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.

  • Yilwatda: What to know about new National Chairman

    Yilwatda: What to know about new National Chairman

    Humanitarian Minister, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has been elected as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He was elected unanimously by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on Thursday. Yilwatda replaces Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned for crucial private matters.

    Professor Yilwatda is a distinguished academic, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives.

    Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he hails from a lineage of service, being the son of the Late Rev. Toma Yilwatda.

    From an early age, Prof. Yilwatda demonstrated a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

    He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

    His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

    As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years.

    His expertise and leadership propelled him to the position of the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, a role in which he led transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes.

    His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

    Beyond academia, Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA.

    His ability to merge technology with governance has made him a sought-after expert in digital innovation and policy development.

    In 2017, his expertise and integrity led to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    During his tenure, he championed groundbreaking reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.

    In 2021, he courageously stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.

    These diverse experiences have equipped Prof. Yilwatda with an exceptional network spanning government, the private sector, and international development organizations. His ability to build strategic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing policies that drive sustainable development and social impact.

    Today, as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the table a wealth of experience, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility.

    His appointment is a testament to his lifelong commitment to service, his passion for leveraging technology for good governance, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.

    In addition to his ministerial role, he serves as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.

    Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is not just a leader, but he is a catalyst for change, a bridge between technology and governance, and a beacon of hope for millions striving for a better future.

  • You know circumstance of your predecessor’s removal – Ndume warns Yiltwada

    You know circumstance of your predecessor’s removal – Ndume warns Yiltwada

    The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has warned the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, to avoid pitfalls and a repeat of the circumstance leading to his predecessor, Betta Edu’s removal.

    The lawmaker stated this during the screening of the ministerial nominee from Plateau State.

    Quizzing the nominee, Ndume said the humanitarian ministry is the most important because about 60% of Nigerians are living in poverty and the nominee is coming at a time when the whole world is concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in the country.

    Ndume said, “You know the circumstance that led to the relief of your predecessor. My question now is that as the first man to be appointed as humanitarian minister. What would you do as a case of emergency to make sure that the humanitarian crisis that we are facing, and are likely to face more, will be addressed?”

    “Fortunately, you are an ICT person. How do you intend to do that? That will give us a lot of comfort.”

    Replying Ndume, and his colleagues who posed questions to him, the nominee said he would deploy technology and innovation to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the country.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently asked the nominee to take a bow.

    Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Yilwatda to replace Betta Edu who was suspended in January 2024.

    From Plateau State, Yilwatda is a registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a community developer and a lecturer with the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

    Yilwatda was appointed Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 and posted to Benue State as Resident Electoral Commissioner.

     

  • Tolu Bankole congratulates Yilwatda on his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs

    Tolu Bankole congratulates Yilwatda on his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs

    The APC National Leader for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Hon Tolu Bankole, has extended his warmest congratulations to Nentawe Yilwatda on his appointment as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    Bankole in a statement he personally signed said the selection demonstrates a dedication to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in the country.

    According to him, Nigerians are eagerly anticipating Yilwatda’s fresh perspective and proactive strategies to combat poverty and enhance humanitarian efforts.

    “The expectation is high, and the time for impactful change is now” .

    “We are confident that Dr. Yilwatda will bring vision, dedication, and compassion to his role, ensuring that the aspirations of all Nigerians, particularly persons with disabilities, are prioritized. We urge him to rise to the expectations placed upon him, and we look forward to seeing tangible improvements in the lives of PWDs across the nation.

    ” Under his leadership, we hope to experience a renewed sense of ease and accessibility that will empower us to fully participate in society.

    “We also wish to congratulate the other distinguished appointees: Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour & Employment; Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Suwaiba Said Ahmad, PhD, Minister of State for Education. We encourage all newly appointed ministers to adopt an inclusive approach in their respective ministries, ensuring that the voices of all citizens, including persons with disabilities, are heard and integrated into policy-making processes.”

    Tinubu had on Wednesday sacked five of his ministers.

    He also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.

     

  • Profile of APC guber candidate replacing Betta Edu as Humanitarian minister

    Profile of APC guber candidate replacing Betta Edu as Humanitarian minister

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Nentawe Yilwatda to replace the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Chimaobim Edu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Edu, a former Cross River State Commissioner of Health, was suspended following her involvement in corruption investigation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, a former gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Plateau State, was announced on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Below is profile of newly appointed Minister, Nentawe Yiltwatda culled from his website

    Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was born on the 8th of August, 1968 in Dungung, Kanke LG to the family of a clergy, Late Rev and Mrs Toma Yilwatda.

    Dr. Yilwatda’s educational career started with him passing the First School Leaving Certificate at LGED Primary School, Dungung in 1981 and GCE (O/Level) in 1986 from the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri.

    He got his First Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1992 from Federal University Agriculture, Makurdi and his Master of Engineering and PhD from ATBU Bauchi and University of Nigeria, Nsukka respectively where he specialized in Digital systems engineering.

    Nentawe is a registered Engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), member Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, member Nigeria Society of Engineers, member Solar Society of Nigeria and has enjoyed many awards and recognitions in the area of ICT and electronic engineering

    He was also trained by the United Nations University International Institute for Software Tech., Macau, China on Building Electronic Governance Structure.

    He is a community developer and a lecturer with Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi with over 29 years of experience working as a consultant with the international development partners, and the public and private sectors.

    Nentawe Yilwatda started his career as Assistant Lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic in 1995 and later joined Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi as Graduate Assistant in 1996.

    He served in various administrative positions including Head of Department, Director of Information Technology and member of Senate of the University.

    Dr Nentawe was appointed Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017. He was posted to Benue State as Resident Electoral Commissioner.

    While at INEC, he championed IDP voting by designing template to enable Internally Displaced Persons to exercise their civic right during elections. He also supervised difficult elections including Recall process of Senator Dino Melaye in 2018 and Rivers State Governorship and House of Assembly polls in 2019.

    He has served as project consultants on the first Integrated Financial Management Information System for the Ministry of Finance, CBN, FOS, OAGF, Debt Management Office, OAuGF, National Planning Commission and Budget Office. This gave him the opportunity to have a firm knowledge of revenue and financial framework of Nigeria, the regulations, policies and opportunities.

    He was also part of the team that worked on the grant by World Bank to implement a Unified Network and ICT Solution for Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN) through the World Bank STEP-B project.

    In the last 12 years, he has been providing scholarship and paying JAMB for 200 kids from Kanke and Pankshin annually in addition hiring teachers to train them. He supports those that pass JAMB to secure admission into higher institutions.

    In 2018, he trained 100 youths from Kanke and Pankshin in animal husbandry which was anchored by Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. All the trainees that participated in the 10 months internship were empowered to set up their piggeries.

    In 2019, he distributed 112 laptops to indigent students of higher institutions in Pankshin and Kanke.

    Nentawe is also the co-founder of Bikatki cooperative which supports rural poor farmers to access credit to expand their farms in order to reduce poverty and have sustainable income.

    He has spearheaded building of classrooms in primary schools for indigent and hard to reach communities, and also participated actively in the development of the community secondary school in his village.

  • Plateau APC Guber Candidate picks Butmang as running mate

    Plateau APC Guber Candidate picks Butmang as running mate

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate in Plateau, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, has chosen Mr Pam Butmang as his running mate for 2023.

    Butmang, the current  Plateau Commissioner for Works, is the son of former Gov. Joshua Dariye’s Deputy, late Micheal Butmang.

    Yilwatda said at the unveiling of Butmang on Wednesday in Jos, that he consulted widely before arriving at his choice of a running mate.

    “I consulted with party officials, the leader of the party in Plateau, Gov. Simon Lalong, and all the critical stakeholders.

    “We arrived at somebody we felt is energic, young, experienced and a party man, who can complement everything that I lack as a candidate.

    “In the course of the consultation, we also reconciled some aggrived members of the party to ensure that we emerge victorious in the election.

    “I am happy to tell you that one of those who contested for the ticket with me, Mr Bilshaka Fitka, has agreed to work for the success of the party.

    “Together we will give you a secure, united and prosperous Plateau, if elected,” the governorship hopeful said.

    He said that he would take responsibility for the choice of Butmang and also stick out his neck to ensure that both of them served the people to the best of their ability.

    He appealed to those that sought to be selected from the northern zone, where the slot was zoned to, to understand that only one person was needed for the position.

    According to him, they were eminently qualified but for the want of space.

    He promised to carry them along, when elected, saying that “the table of the governor is wide enough to accommodate everyone”.

    Yilwatda also called on all the party faithful to join hands with him “to ensure that APC wins the election free and square” in 2023.

    In a remark, Butmang said that he accepted his nomination as the running mate to Yilwatda.

    He, however, said that he is “not a co-pilot of the plane but a supporter” to the candidate.

    “I guarantee 180 per cent of my loyalty to you and the party.

    “I want to tell our great party faithful that I have been asked to support the candidate to win the election.

    “My principal was my senior in the secondary school.

    “I served him and I will not be afraid or ashamed of serving him again.

    “This is the man to take us to the top.

    “I implore you to support the Generation Next Movement. You will not be disappointed,” Butmang said.

    The state Chairman of the party, Mr Rufus Bature, said that the delay in picking the running mate was to ensure that they did not make mistake.

    Bature said that at the appropriate time, their campaign would be issue-based and not campaign of calumny.

    He further said that the campaign would be done at the polling units rather than cities.