Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has been sworn in as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was made during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee on Thursday.
Yilwatda who is a closed political ally to Vice President Kashim Shettima, takes over from Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down in June to focus on pressing private matters. His appointment marks a significant moment for the ruling party as it seeks to consolidate its leadership ahead of future political engagements.
Profile:
Born on 8 August 1968 in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda comes from a family with a strong tradition of service. His father, the late Reverend Toma Yilwatda, instilled in him values of dedication and excellence from an early age.
Educated at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, Yilwatda pursued higher education with distinction. He earned his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and a doctorate in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
His academic career spanned over 26 years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he became a pioneer in digital transformation as the institution’s first Director of ICT. Under his leadership, key university processes were automated, earning him multiple awards, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
Beyond academia, Yilwatda has been a driving force in Nigeria’s technological advancement, consulting for multinational organisations and global bodies such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His expertise in merging technology with governance has made him a key figure in policy development and digital innovation.
In 2017, he was appointed as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he spearheaded critical electoral reforms. These included policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the creation of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the integration of technology into Nigeria’s electoral processes.
After resigning from INEC in 2021, Yilwatda entered active politics, contesting as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. He later served as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections.
As Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yilwatda has leveraged his vast experience to address critical social challenges. His role extends to membership in the Presidential Economic Management Team and chairmanship of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
Known for his strategic collaborations across government, private sector, and international development circles, Yilwatda is widely regarded as a bridge between technology, governance, and humanitarian service. His leadership is expected to bring renewed energy to the APC as the party navigates Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
With his election, the APC signals a commitment to a leader who combines intellectual rigour, administrative acumen, and a deep commitment to national progress. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda’s journey—from academia to politics—reflects a lifetime of service, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
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