By Yakubu Pam Gam Sakondong
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe emerged as the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Nigeria’s ruling Party on Thursday 24th July, 2025.
Nentawe is an Ngas name of Plateau State, Nigeria, meaning ‘GOD DOES NOT REJECT ANYBODY or WHO DOES GOD REJECT?’ This name is given to a male child in the family born after only female children were born or there was no child born or the family was facing ugly challenges of pre miscarriages. A new born male named Nentawe is a child that brings succour to the family. Name as the belief goes in Nigeria from some religious angles that, ‘name follows the one given’. Prof Nentawe’s name and his emergence as National Chairman of a ruling party in Africa’s most populated nation seems to confirm that general belief. His nomination, the wide acceptance and the subsequent emergence is a testament to the fact that God does not reject anyone, considering his humble beginning.
Prof Nentawe is an indigene of Plateau State from Kanke Local Government Area, specifically from Dungung village of Ampang East District. Kanke LGA is the Local Government of origin of the God fearing and highly respected former Nigeria Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon GCFR. Nentawe was born on Thursday 8th August, 1968 into the family of seven siblings, four boys and three girls. Nentawe is the first boy and second born of Reverend Toma (father’s Christian baptismal name) and Mrs. Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe all of blessed memory, a Pastor then with Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) now Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). Nentawe, a trained Electronics/Electrical Engineer at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and University of Nigeria Nsukka specializing in Digital Systems with over three decades of experience in his field of study, many years experience in government service and party politics. He came prepared for the leadership of the present Nigeria’s ruling party – APC.
Prof Nentawe’s emergence as National Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party is a testament to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s desire to put things right from his government’s foundation – the party that brought him (Tinubu) to power. It will be interesting to be reminded that President Tinubu is working hard to right some wrongs or errors of the past in his quest to move Nigeria forward despite daunting challenges. This may be disputed by doubting ‘Thomases’ among us. It is not yet uhuru with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two years in office. Rational Nigerians can testify to the genuine desire and effort of his administration towards progress. Policies of His Excellency, President Tinubu’s executive arm and the diligent law making especially the ongoing constitutional amendment effort by the legislative arm (10th NASS) testify to conscientious plans and workings to bring about the needed solutions to the myriad challenges facing Nigeria, and the developmental trajectory strategy required by our country for a wholesome growth.
President Tinubu is working hard and harder progressively consistent to answer the Nigerian question and dilemma, justice for all Nigerians? The Nigerian question and dilemma have generated many cries for equity and justice which is encapsulated in the rule of law and equality under the law for all Nigerians.
The Nigerian question has raised many agitations for belonging from different segments of the country. This can be seen by the dusts arising from regional agitations, on the foundation of the Nigerian constitution, foundational basis of the existence of Nigeria, desire for justice and equality for all Nigerians under the law, liberalising the Nigerian economy and ease of doing business, retuning positively our acceptance of one another as brothers/sisters irrespective of tribe/religion/status (social system), enhancing security of lives and properties, appropriate reward for hard work/enhancing renumeration accordingly, restructuring governance for better service delivery including creation of new States and Local Governments/Area Councils to close gap between government/grassroots and many more. These tasks, call for a more concerted effort from President Tinubu and his government to work on for a quantum leap forward for Nigerians to appreciate breakthroughs and give credit to him and his government. From the effort of President Tinubu’s government so far, there is light at the end of the tunnel on overcoming these challenges and more, God’s willing.
Prof Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, National Chairman of APC has made history in Nigeria of being the second person from Plateau State to be a National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party after Chief Dr Solomon Daushep Lar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 to 2000AD.
Prof Nentawe’s quest to deliver President Tinubu’s second term and Governorship victories to his home State and more States in Nigeria to APC party should commence now earnestly due to time constraints. On his home front in Plateau State, he should build on the conviviality between President Tinubu and Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, also on his brotherly relationship with Governor Mutfwang to get him (Mutfwang) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) party from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This will lessen pressure from the home front for Prof Nentawe to concentrate on other States before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
On the other side, His Excellency Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State can also approach Prof Nentawe to work on his possible defection to APC as a result of his good friendship now with President Tinubu and Prof Nentawe. Political party is a vehicle only to democratic governance in Nigeria. The envisaged struggle for the control of Plateau State governance in 2027 would have been settled internally in APC now as a result of defection and the general election will be less tense for Prof Nentawe and Governor Mutfwang. Every leadership progression in a democracy wittingly or unwittingly loses and recruits new supporters, that is, the dynamism of the human society especially in party politics. This pro bono advisory of mine may not go down well with present/potential beneficiaries on both sides (APC and PDP) in Plateau State that may be individually somewhat affected negatively with the defection. His Excellency, Governor Mutfwang’s defection to APC is necessary now in the spirit of Plateau brotherhood. This will save Plateau people of foreseen tense struggle in 2027 as we reach that time, God’s willing.
Prof Nentawe’s emergence is a good omen to the APC as one whose pedigree has prepared him to be just, fair, forward looking, with wisdom, strength and above all love/fear of God. Party faithful, leaders and members are enjoined to work with their new National Chairman cooperatively for the strengthening of the party in preparation for off season and 2027 general elections.
My condolences to Prof Nentawe/immediate family and the extended Goshwe family over the home call to glory of Nana Lydia Toma Yilwatda, Mother, Grand Mother, in-law and her paternal/maternal relations on Sunday 17th August 2025. As she will be laid to rest on Saturday 4th October 2025 in Dungung village of Ampang East District, Kanke LGA, Plateau State Nigeria, may her soul rest in the bossom of God Almighty.
Nana Lydia served along with her husband Rev Toma of blessed memory in many locations pastoring under the then Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) now Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). Nana Lydia and her husband brought many to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ which gave them meaning to positive life on earth and hope of salvation hereafter. Nana Lydia supporting her husband Rev Toma raised a disciplined family of which one of the products is Prof Nentawe who is proffering quality service to Nigeria and beyond. May God’s comfort to the Goshwe’s suffices in this difficult period. Adieu Nana Lydia.
Hon Yakubu Pam Gam Sakondong JP writes in from Abuja and can be reached at yakubupgsrdk@gmail.com or 08037048450 (text or WhatsApp only).
