A coalition of chief executive officers of community-based newspapers across Plateau State on Tuesday declared their firm support for the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commending his leadership style and numerous contributions to governance, empowerment, and development on the Plateau and beyond.
The declaration was made during a press conference in Jos, led by Mr. Shabul Mazadu,the CEO of The Beacon Newspaper, who read the statement on behalf of the group.
Addressing journalists, the media executives said their decision to publicly align with Prof. Yilwatda was borne out of their conviction that his leadership has brought a new direction to Plateau politics, which for years had been plagued by self-centeredness and division.
“As stakeholders,”we can no longer remain onlookers. We have chosen to stand with Prof. Yilwatda for the sake of Plateau’s peace, unity, and progress,” Mazadu declared.
The group condemned what they described as “purported plans of protest” being orchestrated against the APC National Chairman by individuals “whose perceived successes are threatened,” adding that such actions were counterproductive to the state’s collective development.
The executives highlighted Prof. Yilwatda’s growing reputation as a “Good Ambassador of Plateau” at the national level, noting that his loyalty, integrity, and visible impact have restored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in Plateau politicians.
“Yilwatda’s political sagacity, ingenuity, charisma, and benevolence have projected Plateau in a positive light , something vital for our survival and relevance in national politics,” the statement read.
The group also listed several empowerment and humanitarian initiatives spearheaded by Yilwatda in less than a year in office as APC Chairman and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
They said so far over 50 million naira was donation to women traders affected by the Jos Master Plan demolition, with ₦20 million disbursed and ₦30 million used to start a cooperative society.
₦100 million empowerment fund for youth in small, medium, and micro enterprises, with an online portal opened for applications.
Vocational and technical training for over 6,000 youths in automobile mechanics, renewable energy, and agriculture/greenhouse farming, each equipped with starter packs.
Medical outreach across the three senatorial zones of Plateau State, providing free treatment for various ailments and saving lives of indigent patients.
Palliative distribution including 10,800 bags of rice during Christmas 2024, 5,000 bags during Sallah 2025, and other donations to widows, retirees, and sweepers.
The statement described Yilwatda’s leadership as “a paradigm shift” from the old order of personal enrichment to a people-centered model of governance that emphasizes service, inclusivity, and youth empowerment.
“For too long, Plateau politics was reduced to a feeding trough for the privileged few. But Yilwatda has redefined politics as a platform for service and humanity, just as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe envisioned,” they added.
In conclusion, the publishers called on detractors to set aside vendetta and selfishness and instead support the APC National Chairman’s developmental vision.
“We stand solidly behind Prof. Yilwatda and will resist any attempt to truncate his people-oriented leadership. For those who will not support him, we urge them not to be dogs in the manger,” the group stated.
They reaffirmed their collective commitment as media stakeholders to promote unity, development, and credible governance on the Plateau.
“We express our God-given liberty to support all who genuinely seek to move Plateau forward, and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stands tall among them,” Mazadu concluded.