nentawe yilwatda biography

Early Life & Education

• Born on 8 August 1968 in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, to the family of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda
• Attended LGED Primary School in Dungung, earning his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981; completed his GCE O‑Levels at the Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri in 1986 (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).
• Earned a B.Sc. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 1992; later obtained a Master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (Bauchi) and a Ph.D. in Digital Systems/Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).

🔧 Academic & Technical Career

• Began his professional journey in 1995 as an Assistant Lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin‑Ladi. He later joined the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over two decades as lecturer, Director of ICT, and Senate member (2006–2017) (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).
• As ICT Director, he developed a 10‑year digital infrastructure plan and spearheaded projects with international bodies—including EF MIS for finance ministries, NgREN via the World Bank STEP‑B project, and renewable energy initiatives with UNICEF and UNDP across multiple Nigerian states (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).
• Participated in energy technology transfer missions to the USA and Canada, and contributed to installing clean micro‑grid systems in rural communities (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).

 Electoral & Political Roles

• Served as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for INEC in Benue State from July 2017 to December 2021. He led reforms for internally displaced persons (IDP) voting rights and piloted electronic voting measures
• Became APC governorship candidate for Plateau State in 2023. Following a narrow defeat, he legally challenged the results up to the Supreme Court but accepted its judgement
• Coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima campaign efforts in Plateau; enjoyed close association with former Plateau governor Simon Lalong

 National Leadership

• In October 2024, he was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, now titled Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• In mid‑2025, he was elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), succeeding Abdullahi Ganduje. He has positioned APC to maintain power through 2027, citing the administration’s social investment plans and youth empowerment programs

 Community Engagement & Philanthropy

• Known for deep community investments in Plateau State, including scholarships and JAMB support for nearly 200 students yearly, livestock training for youth, laptop donations, and constructing educational facilities in underserved areas (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).
• Co-founded the Bikatki Cooperative to provide credit access to rural farmers and boost income and sustainability (Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub).

 Personal Life

• A committed Christian affiliated with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) (Johnson Okunde Afro-Cultural Hub).
• Married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe; they have one son, Beji. The family resides in Rayfield, Jos South, Plateau State

 Summary Table