Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has been unanimously elected as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was reached during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee on Thursday.
Yilwatda succeeds Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who recently stepped down to prioritise personal matters. His appointment represents a pivotal moment for the ruling party as it aims to strengthen its leadership ahead of upcoming political activities.
**Profile:**
Born on 8 August 1968 in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda comes from a lineage deeply rooted in public service, inspired by his late father, Reverend Toma Yilwatda, who instilled core values of dedication and excellence in him.
Yilwatda’s educational journey began at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, leading to a 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 26-year academic tenure at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, saw him become a pioneer in digital transformation as the first Director of ICT. His leadership resulted in the automation of critical university processes, earning him numerous accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
Beyond academia, Yilwatda has been instrumental in Nigeria’s technological progress, consulting for international organisations such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His expertise in integrating technology with governance has established him as a pivotal player in policy development and digital innovation.
In 2017, he served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he led essential electoral reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act, the establishment of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the incorporation of technology into Nigeria’s electoral processes.
After resigning from INEC in 2021, Yilwatda pursued active politics, contesting as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State, and later coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State during the 2023 elections.
As Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yilwatda has effectively utilised his extensive experience to tackle pressing social issues. He also serves on the Presidential Economic Management Team and chairs the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
Renowned for his strategic collaborations across government, private sectors, and international development, Yilwatda is seen as a vital link between technology, governance, and humanitarian efforts. His leadership is anticipated to inject fresh energy into the APC as it navigates Nigeria’s changing political landscape.
With his election, the APC demonstrates its commitment to a leader who blends intellectual depth, administrative skill, and a profound dedication to national advancement. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda’s journey from academia to politics epitomises a lifelong commitment to service, innovation, and the upliftment of society’s most vulnerable.
